Week 9 in the Elite Ice Hockey League season is a significant one in the Challenge Cup, with the group stage set to conclude and the qualifying teams confirmed.
On Saturday night, Dundee Stars host Glasgow Clan at the DIA in what is effectively a knockout game. The maths is simple: the winner will keep their Cup hopes alive, while the loser will be eliminated. If the Stars win in overtime or a shootout, final positions in Group B will be decided on Sunday when Dundee travel to Belfast. That game could either decide top spot and a place in the Semi-Finals or see the Giants needing a win to secure first place in the group.
In league play, Coventry Blaze host Guildford Flames in midweek action on Wednesday. Friday brings two major fixtures: Cardiff Devils host Belfast Giants in a reverse of their recent meeting in Northern Ireland, while Nottingham Panthers and Manchester Storm – separated by just two points inside the top four – meet at the Motorpoint Arena.
Saturday’s league schedule has the Panthers heading north to Fife, while Manchester return to home ice to face Coventry.
On Sunday, league leaders Sheffield Steelers welcome Cardiff Devils in their only game of the weekend. Fife travel south to face Coventry, and Guildford – who will be hoping to have some players back from injury – are at home against Glasgow Clan.
Photo: Al Goold
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