A one-sided game as at times Sheffield laid siege to the visitors net. The first shot on target during the opening powerplay saw Blanchard netting high from 12 feet. Late in the period Slater fired in from the left point then Kolesar broke away down the right for the visitor's other chances. Those apart, Sheffield subjected Trofimenkof to a severe examination of his abilities. He held firm including a tremendous double save and was aided by a couple of terrible misses from the home forwards.

Sheffield found their scoring boots in the second as Knights were restricted to a handful of breakaways. At the other end Sheffield put most chances wide but Laniel & Brown scored 3 from the left wing whilst Gordon slotted the puck between Trofinmenkof's legs after a quick pass from behind the goal. Laing made a point blank stop at his right post. 2 minutes later he thwrated Aronson on the doorstep and cleared the loose puck. Bronilla eventually scored finishing a breakaway. But hen Sheffield took control.

The final period began with free-flowing hockey but became increasingly niggly after Simpson charged down a pass at his own end and broke away to score going left on the goalie. Norris almost added a sixth 7 mins later with Gordon netting the loose puck, but ref Hanson ruled it had been kicked in with a man (Norris) in the crease.

Attendance: 4257
Man-of-the-Match for Sheffield Steelers: Kent SIMPSON
Man-of-the-Match for London Knights: Steve ARONSON
Referee: M Hanson, Linesmen: M Coenen & P Staniforth

The second period was once again totally dominated by the giants and it was only a matter of time before they extended their lead. That didn't come untill 36.52 when Sandrock scored yet another goal of the season contender as he blasted home from the blueline after a McDonald pass. It then became 4-0 a minute later when Matos took an assist from Kruse to find the bottom corner of the net. The same player then made it 5-0 with a powerplay goal in the final seconds of the period as he took a pass from Karlander and Riehl into his stride before finding the top corner of the net with Hurley in the box for Bees for tripping.

The Bees changed their netminder at the start of the third with Brian Greer replacing Watkins and he helped the Bees store some pride from the game as Joe Ciccarello scored two quick goals at the start of the third to make it 5-2. It was to little to late though as the night belonged to the giants. Next up for them tomorrow night is the hard hitting Nottingham Panthers, everyone i'm sure remembers their last visit to the Odyssey, will there be more fireworks? watch this space to find out.

Attendance: 6425
Man-of-the-Match for Belfast Giants: Dave MATSOS
Man-of-the-Match for Bracknell Bees: Joe CICCARELLO
Referee: S Kirkham, Linesmen: M Folka & G Pirry

The Bees took an early lead at 3.01 through Tero Arkiomaa who fired the visitors ahead on the powerplay, after Sean Blanchard had been drawn into a roughing penalty. London supporters didn't have to wait long for the equaliser though as, with London on the powerplay, Richie Bronilla skated from the blue line to wrist the shot past Watkins after good work from Vezio Sacratini and Kim Ahlroos in a combined feed. Again on the powerplay, London's Ian McIntyre and Sean Blanchard combined to feed the puck to Kolesar, who one-timed the puck �rocket-like� into the top right hand corner of the net to take the lead 2 �1.

Sixteens seconds after the start of the second period, a goal mouth scramble produced the equaliser at 20.16, after the Bees Man-of-the-Match Dan Ceman persevered with the puck to poke it past Dave Trofimenkoff (2 � 2). At 36.00 Ritchie Bronilla scored his second of the night as he moved into a wing position and walked the puck closer and closer to the Bees net before letting rip a well placed wrist shot over the right shoulder of Watkins to regain the lead for London (3 � 2). Bracknell's pressue on London resulted in what they thought was a goal following a goalmouth scramble only for it to be overruled by a high sticking call from the referee. The Knights then extended their lead with when Jeff Hoad and Kim Ahlroos fed Sean Blanchard, who drove a top shelf slapshot from just inside the Bees blueline past Watkins at 39.30 (4 � 2). Vezio Sacratinin was unlucky not to build further on London's lead when he slotted the puck between the pipes, only to have it overruled by the Referee as being played after the end of period buzzer had sounded.

Into the third and the Bees hit back when the Corey Spring took advantage of a bad London line change, and walked in and shot past Trofimenkoff to bring the score back to within one at 46.13 (4 � 3). The hockey continued from end-to-end and London's final goal of the night was an amazing shot from Mark Kolesar who broke up a Bees attack in his defensive zone and fired a slapshot from his own blueline, straight past an unsuspecting Joe Watkins at 47.15 (5-3). The Bees then threw everything forward, and managed to pull a goal back through Trevor Burgess at 49.59 (5 � 4) but they couldn�t find a way past a closed Knights defence to take the game into overtime.

Attendance : 3236
Man-of-the-Match for London: Mark Kolesar
Man-of-the-Match for Bracknell: Dan Ceman
Referee : Dave Cloutman

The ISL average is better than the 2002 County Cricket average of 3,400 and their One Day average of 2,470. The figure also would place ISL as half way up the Nationwide Football League Division Three in average attendances. The next target is the Rugby Union Premiership average attendance at 6,192 which is achievable in the medium term.

The Second was all Bracknell with them making some great passing moves. Both teams still run penalty problems but the Bees got some luck at 24.01 when two Steelers pick up tripping penalties, giving the Bees a 5 on 3 powerplay and the Bees put the puck home when Kirton poked the puck into the net after a goal mouth scramble. The Bees doubled their tally when Struch scored. Prior in the Steelers net escaped a penalty when he went mad at the referee. The Bees thought they scored again at 35.19 but it was washed out due to a high stick.

The Bees had to get a quick goal at the begining of the third and thats just what they did, Dan Ceman overturned a Steelers play and made it count at 40.13.The Bees battoned down the hatches and made the Steelers work for the puck and they missed some easy chances to tie or even win the game,but Joe Watkins was on top of his game.

Attendance: 2009
Man-of-the-Match for Bracknell Bees: David STRUCH
Man-of-the-Match for Sheffield Steelers: Rhett GORDON
Referee: Simon Kirkham, Linesmen: Lee Young & Joy Tottman

The 'Big Match' - between former Eagles favourites, coached by Paul Heavey, and a UK All-Star squad with former GB coach Alex Dampier in charge is the major event in the calendar of FOEH, who were set up to try and help the players and officials of the former Scottish Eagles ice hockey team, who were forced to quit the Ice Hockey Superleague due to financial problems.

Although the 'Big Match' is being staged primarily to financially assist the players and officials left unpaid for many weeks, FOEH also hope it will be a celebration of all things good about the sport of ice hockey and will reinforce what a great family night out is on offer with entertainment available right from when the doors open at 5.30pm, leading up to the face-off of the 'Big Match' at 7.30pm and continuing afterwards.

Tickets are available either in person or by telephoning the Centrum Box Office on 01292 671600. Payment by major Credit or Debit cards is welcomed.

Prices for any seat in the building are �8.00 (adults) and �5.00 (concessions)*. * Concessions are OAP's, students (upon production of their student card) and children 16 or under.

FOEH are expecting confirmation on players very shortly, with many familiar faces and fans favourites on the wanted list. FOEH will continue to keep everyone informed as players agree to travel to Scotland's finest ice facility on Tuesday February 4th 2003 for what is certain to be a great night and hopefully will be the first of many great nights at Centrum as efforts to see the return of 'top league' ice hockey to Ayrshire in time for the 2003/2004 season.

The Steelers and Panthers were due to contest the Challenge Cup Final on Sunday 26 January 2003 at the London Docklands Arena, home of the London Knights.

However, in order to make it easier for both Sheffield and Nottingham fans to travel to Superleague's first showpiece event of the season, the game has now been switched to the M.E.N. Arena, home of the Manchester Storm, who pulled out of Superleague earlier this season due to financial difficulties. Face Off remains at 2.30pm

As a gesture from the ISL to the season tickets holders of both the Storm and the Scottish Eagles, who ceased trading earlier this season, they will be given free tickets to the final, as Superleague looks to bring the big times back to the 'Storm Shelter' for it's first cup final of the 2002-2003 season. Storm and Eagles season ticket holders need only show proof of their season ticket holder status to receive their ticket for the finals.

To ensure the Knights fans and others who are only able to attend London Arena on the 26th don't lose out, they will now face the Belfast Giants on the same day - Sunday 26 January 2003 - a date brought forward from Thursday 13 February, a move designed to give the Knights the opportunity to attract a bigger Sunday evening crowd.

All those persons who have already purchased tickets for the Final at London Arena will have their ticket costs fully re-imbursed by contacting London Arena Box Office on 0207 538 8880

Steve has been sidelined with a knee injury for over a year and was looking to return to the London line up. With the recent injury crisis London have had, they had problems with getting insurance for Steve, and he has been offered a contract with the Giants.

Steelers skate to a big win thanks to their patience and powerplay units. Giants took the game to Sheffeld early on but all the pressure brought few shots. Instead Sheffield made Bach work. Brebant thought he'd scored at 6.34 but the ref waived it off as another forward was stood in the goal crease. Willman fired home from the blue line on the right. Levins almost powered through close in then Sessa low on the left rang the pipework. Levins was not to be denied however skating in from the right to outwit Bach close-in. With Belfast breaking up the ice Sorochan cross-checked Rick Brebant to the head behind the play but not out of sight of ref Carson who had no hesitation ejecting Sorochan from the game.

Twice Steelers found Levins at the back post, twice he scored and it could have been more as Bach stoned Sessa at his left post halfway through the second. Johnson had his shot dropped in a scramble but a quick whistle put paid to Giants efforts. MacDonald got away down the left but Laing gloved the chance. Giants are struggling to create chances as Sheffield apply all the pressure.

Giants threw everything at Sheffield in the third. Ward converted the rebound from Sandrock's right wing shot but the home side didn't panic. Belfast gambled challenging th elegality of Willman's stick but it was ruled legal to Giants took the delay of game penalty. Gordon broke away, went right but Bach canme up with the stop. Alas fro him Simpson buried the rebound. Steelers ended the game on another 5 minute powerplay and Szysky netted in a scramble. Another scramble saw Johnson and Gordon clash for their penalties.

Attendance: 3612
Man-of-the-Match for Sheffield Steelers: Scott LEVINS
Man-of-the-Match for Belfast Giants: Doug MACDONALD
Referee: Andy Carson, Linesmen: Paul Staniforth & Marco Coenen

The opening goal for Knights heralded the annual teddy bear toss for charity. Gerad Adams taking the puck down the left wing fired in on Watkins, the rebound was picked up by Ahlroos. Knights second was set up by Kolessar, his backhander rebounded off Watkins pads only to find McIntyre with an open net to score. The closing minutes saw an entertaining session of end to end hockey with both sides having chances.

Knights hit five in the second period which commenced with Maxwell picking the puck up on the centre line, skating down the ice and scoring a brillient solo effort whilst Knights were short handed. Sacratini marked his return to the knights lineup with his sides fourth goal. He set up Knights fifth with a pass to Burke whose shot went high to the keepers stick side. Bracknell finally scored whilst short handed through Arkiomaa at 31.50. London's captain Ian McIntyre shot, picked up his rebound and scored Knights sixth. Kolessar with a terrific slap shot from the top of the face off circle made it seven.

A quiet final period saw just one goal from Sacratini who followed up on his own shot to score.

Attendance: 3822
Man-of-the-Match for London Knights: Dennis MAXWELL
Man-of-the-Match for Bracknell Bees: Tero ARKIOMAA
Referee: Simon Kirkham, Linesmen: Joy Tottman & Lee Young

Ukraine continue to pile on the pressure in the second period, they hit there 4th goal at 22 minutes and within a minute were 5-0 ahead. The Ukraine team are a much bigger squad, more physical and alot quicker to the puck. GB did not disgrace themselves by any means, they played well. At 35 minutes Ukraine make it 6-0 and four minutes later scored their seventh of the evening.

The third period saw a player from each team ejected from the game for fighting. Ukraine continued where they had left off in the second period by adding 4 more goals. GB stuck to their task well, but could not contain the Ukraine team. The game was very competitive throughout with GB just being outplayed by a stronger team. Despite the 11-0 defeat, GB netminder Moffat was outstanding making some tremendous save throughout the entire game.

The third period saw Belarus score another 4 goals, GB grabbed a third at 49 minutes through Russell Cowley who received a long pass at the blue line to go in one on one to score. Belarus iced a strong team and the outcome of this game was predictable although the GB team performed well and gained alot of experience from this.

�If Steve�s knee is 100% in shape, then I don�t see any reason why we can�t proceed with contractual negotiations. He�s a very talented player and he commands a lot of respect for his work ethic and leadership qualities both on and off the ice, by players and fans alike. He would be a great asset to this team and the experience that he has would be invaluable�

London have also announced that netminder Trevor Robins has returned to Canada, to seek further medical consultation for an ongoing knee injury. Trevor returned to the Knights this season in great physical shape, however an injury that kept him sidelined from the starting line-up for the majority of the 2001/2002 season flared-up once again at the beginning of this season.

Trevor, widely regarded as the best Goalkeeper to have ever played in the ISL, will be in Canada for at least a month, where he will be looking to determine whether or not further surgery can be performed on the knee.

The 6-0 and 205-pound Cardarelli opened the 2002-03 season with Manchester before joining the Cincinnati Cyclones on November 17. In 10 games with Cincinnati, Cardarelli has 15 points and ranks second on the team with 10 goals. Also nominated for the award was former Bracknell Bees forward Sam Ftorek (Greensboro).

What drama ! Sheffield squeak through by the narrowest of margins as Warren Norris bagged the final penalty shot after overtime failed to separate these sides.

Sheffield started fast and furious. Levins powered through down the right cut inside and deked the goalie on the backhand. Gordon, Levins and Brebant all had chances before Carlsson netted at the far post from a pass from the right wing.

Knights failed to capitalise on 109 seconds of 2 man advantage as Laing made the saves and his defence cleared any loose pucks. Kolesar twice made Laing stretch with shots from the right wing.

Bob Leslie's team talk worked wonders as Aronson skated across the front from right to left and buried a backhand shot low past Laing. Simpson stepped off the bench to bury a bullet from the left wing. Then with the game getting fractious Knights special teams came into their own. Seconds after Sheffield returned to full strength and onto the powerplay, Hoad buried a shot between Laing's legs. Then Kolesar waited for Laing to commit himself before skating beyond the goalie to score. Laing made a double stop at his right post as Knights pressed hard.

Sessa fired a bullet from the blue line but knights kept pressing and Kolesar tied the game. Knights looked likliest to score in overtime but Laing had other ideas.

The first period was one of many chances for both sides but neither team could find the net as Ryder, for the Giants and Watkins, for Bracknell showed good early form.

The first goal finally arrived 11 minutes into the second period when Colin Ward finally found away past Watkins on the powerplay after good work from Rob Sandrock and Curt Bowen found him free in front of net. That goal then sparked the Bees into action as with in a minute the scores were back on level terms when Dan Ceman fired past Ryder from close range. Both teams then had chances to take the lead before the end of the second but Watkins and Ryder both pulled off great saves, Watkins from Paul Kruse and Ryder from Joe Ciccarello, to keep the scores even going into the third.

Bracknell came out into the third period all fired up and they shocked the near compicity Odyssey Area by scoring two goals in the space of a minute to take a 3-1 lead. Firstly Mike McBain took an assist from Kirton and man of the match Ceman to shoot past Ryder before Burgess and Delisle set up Tero Arkiomam to hammer home the third. It was going to take something special for the giants then to get anything from the match and that arrived when they bshowed all their fighting qualities to come back for a point. Curt Bowen brought the champions back into the match from a Sandrock assist before Sandrock turned scorer to make it 3-3.

With no further goals in overime both teams what i guessed deserved a well earned point.

Attendance: 5366
Man-of-the-Match for Belfast Giants: Robby SANDROCK
Man-of-the-Match for Bracknell Bees: Dan CEMAN
Referee: A Carson, Linesmen: G Pirry & A Craig

Chief Administration Officer for the Ice Hockey Superleague, Brian Story said �I am really pleased to be able to make this announcement. The National Ice Centre has been a superb host for this top class event over the past two years, and I have no doubt that this season will be no exception. We very much look forward to welcoming fans back to Nottingham in April.�

Over the past two years, more than 13,000 fans have flocked to the NIC from across the UK and enjoyed this feast of ice hockey! And with an extensive collection of pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels all within a stone�s throw of the venue, once again, the city of Nottingham will be able to cater for all tastes and budgets.

�The Play-Off Finals Weekend has always been one of my favorite events to organise!� Said Hannah Skinner, Special Events Manager for the National Ice Centre. �The atmosphere is electric, the hockey is first class and fans come together to have a really fun weekend and close the season in style. The Play-Off Village will of course be back, bigger and better than ever, and the extra entertainment and activities around the arena should guarantee everyone has a brilliant two days of entertainment. I�m really excited that we are able to host the event again and work alongside the Superleague on their season�s Grande Finale!�

Ticket prices and details will be announced in the very near future, so keep your eyes on www.ICEweb.co.uk and www.nottingham-arena.com for further information.

London Knights v Sheffield Steelers was 20th December will now be played on the 12th January 5.00pm

Bracknell Bees v Nottingham Panthers was 22nd December will now be played on the 5th January 6.00pm

Bracknell Bees v Sheffield Steelers was 5th January will now be played 22nd December 6.00pm

London Knights v Nottingham Panthers was 5th January will now be played 20th December 7.00pm

London Knights v Belfast Giants was 12th January will now be played 5th January 5.00pm

Belfast Giants v Sheffield Steelers was 10th January will now be played 2nd January 7.00pm

Please note that all fixtures are subject to change.

Joining in the Competition, at the request of ISL, is Coventry Blaze of the Findus British National League who will play Trondheim Black Panthers.

Brian Storey, ISL Chief Administration Officer commented, "The inclusion of the Norwegian Clubs is especially welcome given the close ties between our countries and we are sure to see some very competitive games for this beautiful trophy. I would also like to thank Coventry Blaze for their involvement, I am sure they will enjoy this too".

Named after the legendary past President of the International Ice Hockey Federation, the trophy is currently held by the German Ice Hockey League, who narrowly defeated Ice Hockey Superleague clubs in February this year.

The schedule is as follows:-

1.2.03 19.00hrs Nottingham v Lillehammer IK

2.2.03 18.30hrs Sheffield v Lillehammer IK

5.2.03 19.30hrs Coventry v Trondheim Black Panthers

7.2.03 19.00hrs Belfast v Trondheim Black Panthers

7.2.03 19.00hrs London v Storhamar Dragons

8.2.03 19.00hrs Sheffield v Storhamer Dragons

8.2.03 19.00hrs Belfast v Frisk/Asker Tigers

8.2.03 18.00hrs Bracknell v Valerengen Vikings

9.2.03 18.00hrs Bracknell v Frisk/Asker Tigers

9.2.03 19.00hrs London v Valerengen Vikings (Trophy will be presented here)

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