Kruse was sent early to the box in the second period for Slashing the Giants killed the penalty before Rod Stevens put them 3-1 ahead after good work from Thornton and McDonald. It was soon back to 3-2 though when Sessa scored his second of the game after some sloppy Giants defending. Bach then pulled of a good save from Dutiame to his side ahead but Sheffield will start the third period on the powerplay with Kruse in the box for the thrid time in the game for Highsticking.

Sheffield done all the early pressing in the third and it was only a matter of time before they could find the equaliser. That arrived on 48.36 when Rick Brebant playing through the pain barrier found away past Bach after some neat play from Dion Darling and Scott Levins.

That goal was enough to take the game into overtime for the second night in a row the extra point either way was going to prove cruial in the race for the title and thankfully it fell to the Giants as Kevin Riehl scored a minute into overtime to hand the Giants the win and keep slim hopes alive for the title.

Man-of-the-Match for Belfast Giants: Doug MACDONALD
Man-of-the-Match for Sheffield Steelers: Jason SESSA

The Steelers gained an early powerplay when Kruse was sent to the box for Elbowing and it resulted in the opening goal of the game as Dion Darling shot home past Ryan Bach on the powerplay. The Giants then equalised on a 5 on 3 powerplay 5 minutes later. With Mark Dutiame and Jeff Brown in the box Kevin Riehl hammered the puck home from the point after good work from Doug McDonald.

The start of the second period saw the giants do all the early pressing but Joel Laing showed why he is the leagues number one netminder at present with top class saves from Colin Ward and Doug McDonald. Rod Stevens and Rick Brebent both then missed a good chances to put their teams in front before the giants finally got their noses in front with 38.29 on the clock. Rob Sandrock hit a blasting shot from the blueline which Laing could not hold unto, he dropped the puck in front of goal and McDonald was there to hammer home the rebound. But with two seconds to go in the period back came the Steelers. A Giants defenceman cut his clearence short the puck landed at the stick of Scott Levins and he made no mistake to give the game a 2-2 scoreline at the end of the second.

Both teams had a few powerplay chances in the final period but neither team could find the go ahead goal so the game went into overtime. The Giants done all the pressing in overtime but Laing stood firm on many occasions his best save came from Dave Matos. So 2-2 and i guess a fair result it makes tomorrow nights game a must win for the Giants if they want to keep their hopes of retaining the title alive.

Man-of-the-Match for Belfast Giants: Robby SANDROCK
Man-of-the-Match for Sheffield Steelers: Mark DUTIAUME

As a result of that test a positive finding was issued by UK Sport. The player declared taking Sudafed and Adderall which both contain banned substances. Also a Class 'A' substance, Benzoylecgonine, a diagnostic metabolite of Cocaine, was shown to be present. Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine were also found as a result of the Sudafed in the sample tested.

As the above result breached IHUK doping control rules and regulations, a disciplinary hearing was arranged and took place on 16th January 2003. A panel made up of Dr Rod Bexton, Chief Medical Officer of IHUK, Frank Dempster, Hockey Manager ISL and Andy French, Officials Manager, ISL with Rodney Bull, Doping Control Officer IHUK as Observer. Looking at the evidence before them and the number of offences and the serious nature of the Class 'A' drug in question, the panel decided the following:

Jason Rushton would be ineligible to play ice hockey under any league or competition with the United Kingdom until 1st January 2005. His ineligibility would take effect from 26th January 2003. His suspension would be reviewed on 1st January 2004. He would also have to agree to undertake regular drug tests during any season that he returns to play in the United Kingdom under Ice Hockey UK rules.

Jason Rushton has the opportunity to appeal against this decision if he so wishes. The panel were in complete agreement that Ice Hockey UK operates a nil tolerance where drug taking is concerned and confirms that the highest standards of detection and the lowest tolerance of cheats is the policy in place.

The ISL Disciplinary Committee having studied the Match Video andthe Match Officials Reports, have decided that no further action will be taken against Levins and that the Penalties awarded at the time were correct. Levins who received a 5 minute Fighting penalty and a 10 Minute Misconduct penalty during the altercation is automatically fined �250 under the ISL Totting Up Procedure.

They have alleged that during the Sheffield Steelers v Bracknell Bees game played on Saturday the 25th of January, Levins Butt Ended Mark Matier twice on the face.They feel that the Referee should have taken stronger action against Levins who received a 5 Minute Penalty for Fighting and a 10 Minute Misconduct Penalty at the time of the Incident.

The ISL Disciplinary Commitee under the ISL Playing Rules will conduct a full investigation into the incident.

Ice Hockey have today announced the squad that Chris McSorley has put together for the Austrian leg of the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge. Although McSorley has put together a team which should be competitive and gives some of the flavour of the team which will travel to Croatia for the World Championships in April there is still room for a couple of new caps. The team is made up of 14 Findus British National League, 5 Superleague and 3 English Premier League players.

Travelling to Austria will be:

FORWARD
Paul Berrington Basingstoke
David Clarke Guildford
Mark Galazzi Guildford
Jeff Hoad London
Dominic Hopkins Dundee
Darren Hurley Bracknell
Rob Lamey Isle of Wight
Danny Meyers Solihull
Greg Owen Milton Keynes
Jon Phillips Cardiff
Steve Thornton Belfast
Jonathon Weaver Fife

DEFENCE
Chris Bailey Cardiff
Scott Campbell Newcastle
Neil Liddiard Basingstoke
Scott Moody Slough
James Morgan Nottingham
James Pease Coventry
Brent Pope Solihull
Rob Wilson Newcastle

GOALTENDERS
Joe Watkins Bracknell
Ryan Ford Edinburgh

COACH Chris McSorley
ASST COACH Gary Stefan
EQUIPMENT Stuart Robertson
PHYSIO Bruce Smart
MANAGER Gill Short

This is a huge blow to the Bees who are yet to get defenceman Christian Gosselin back on the ice after over 10 weeks on the injured list, however, a team spokesman said, 'We fully understand his reasons for going and are hoping that everything turns out well for him and his family.'

Coach Enio Sacilotto is now looking for a replacement but with the transfer deadline in five days it is going to be difficult. ISL have refused Bracknell's request to extend the deadline because of a precedent set previously.

Knights opened the scoring as a turnover started the play. A square pass from Mansi set up Aronson whose shot from a narrow angle beat the keeper who was diving the opposite direction. Shots from Slater and Patterson were thwarted by Bach in the seventh minute. Giants drew level as Matsos shot was foiled by Bach only for Thornton to pick up the rebound on a power play.

The period ended with Ward receiving a ten minute misconduct for unsportsmanlike conduct. The second period was only 41 seconds old and just 13 seconds into a powerplay as Stewart slotted the puck home. A 3 on 1 breakaway saw Belfast easily score their first even strength goal of the game with Thornton hitting his second of the night.

The third period saw Knights have a 5 on 3 advantage for 1 minute 56 seconds but failed to have a shot on goal. Giants reply their first shot on goal at even strength was a goal from Stewart . They scored again with a great slap shot from Karlander whilst shorthanded.

Man-of-the-Match for London Knights: Rich BRONILLA
Man-of-the-Match for Belfast Giants: Rob STEWART
Referee: Dave Cloutman

Sheffield beat Bracknell without needing overtime for the first time this season. Sheffield re-discovered the value of team defence tonight to cut out Bees trademark odd man rushes. Sheffield took the game to their visitors throughout the first, but then opening goal arrived on a break out of their own end. Mark Dutiaume forced Greer to stack his pads at Greer's right post and Simpson arrived to put the loose puck away. Laing produced two good stops at point blank range on Bees second powerplay. Laniel extended Sheffield's lead from the right after Sessa's shot from the left was saved. A more even game after the first interval. Morin and Dorey made a left wing break. Norris arrived at the back post but was unable to connect. Again Morin and Dorey made a left wing break and this time Norris netted high from left of centre, 10 feet out. Delisle forced the puck home in a scramble but Bees never managed to exert serious pressure, despite 77 seconds of 2 man advantage.

Attendance: 4238
Man-of-the-Match for Sheffield Steelers: Rick BREBANT
Man-of-the-Match for Bracknell Bees: Jonathan DELISLE
Referee: Moray Hanson

Tickets for the Play-Off Finals, which are being held at the National Ice Centre, will be going on sale in just two weeks. Contested over two action packed days, the event, which has become an end of season spectacular, will take place on April 5th and 6th 2003.

Tickets will be available from each ISL club or Supporters club from Saturday February 8th and will remain on sale to them on an exclusive basis until Monday 3rd March 2003. This will ensure that the dedicated fans that continue to support their club week in week out will have the opportunity to secure their tickets early! As always, the Play-Off Final tickets are hot property as the weekend promises once again to be an explosive end to the season. Prices are as follows:

Semi Finals Saturday 5th April
Adults �25 Concessions �12.50 Students �20

The Final Sunday 6th April
Adults �27.50 Concessions �13.50 Students �20

Value Weekend Passes valid for 5th & 6th April
Adults �47.50 Concessions �21.00 Students �35.00

Family Weekend Pass
For 2 adults and 2 concessions/students �130

For tickets in the blocks allocated to Bracknell Bees, London Knights, Nottingham Panthers or Sheffield Steelers, please contact their Supporters Clubs on game nights. For tickets in the Belfast Giants block, please contact the Giant's office.

Tickets have also been allocated to the Ayr Scottish Eagles and Manchester Storm supporters, please log onto www.fomik.co.uk for details of Manchester's tickets. Details for the Ayr Scottish Eagles will be announced shortly. All remaining tickets will go on general sale via the National Ice Centre Box Office on Saturday 8th March 2003. Please call 0115 853 3000 for details.

Modo-Hockey are known for their dedication to developing youngsters into becoming world-class ice hockey players and over the years their rosters have included such players as Markus Naslund, Peter Forsberg the Sedin brothers and Niklas Sundstrom.

Prior to his time at Modo-Hockey, Jim spent 5 years as the National Head Coach of the Danish Ice Hockey Federation, where he led the team to a pool B Gold in 98/99 (receiving the Danish Coach of the Year Award) and to Bronze in 2000/01, qualifying the team for the Olympics and receiving the Golden Puck award from the Danish media for his efforts.

Jim has also received acclaim for his coaching with Linkopings HC, Rogle BK, IFK Osteraker and Helsingborgs HC, where he has consistently taken teams through to the play-offs on the back of league winning seasons.

"Jim is known for his hard nosed approach to coaching and has vast international experience that should prove invaluable to the Knights at this important stage of the season. We�re looking for a solid finish to the regular season and a disciplined run throughout the play-offs We�re confident that Jim is the right man for this job and that he�s got what it takes to drive the team through to a successful play-off campaign."

Sheffield Steelers take on Nottingham Panthers at the MEN Arena on Sunday 26.1.03 Face Off 2.30pm, a game in which there will be no quarter given. Manchester Storm and Scottish Eagles season ticket holders have been made especially welcome with free tickets for them upon production of proof of entitlement.

Tickets are on sale from the MEN Arena Box Office or from this web site. Follow the link from Main Events/Challenge Cup to ticketmaster.com, Prices are �12 per adults or �7 for U16, OAP's and disabled.

Sheffield snatch a win thanks to a wonder strike from Warren Norris but have still to beat Bracknell without overtime in 6 meetings this season. Chastised last week for not getting behind their team, the Sheffield fans turned up with drums and trumpets to produce a deafening atmosphere throughout the first period. Steelers dominate and laid siege to the Bracknell net. Eventually Norris put away the rebound from Brown's right wing (point) shot. Half of Bracknell's shots arrived on their second powerplay with Peddle firing in two of them.

The second period began in same vein. Gordon had a 'goal' disallowed early on. Gradually Bees began to assert themselves. Arkiomaa fired narrowly direct from a face-off then Laing pulled off 3 stops. Steelers finished strongly with Greer producing a triple save from Levins on 35 minutes. Both Peddle and Spring took penalties as Sheffield pinned Bees in their end. Gordon putt away a rebound close in and McBain took a misconduct straight after.

Sheffield caught out when a long pass released Ciccarello down the right and his shot across Laing got Bees in the game. Kirton's shot was padded away straight to Ceman and Bees were level. Both sides chased a winning goal throughout the third period to no avail. In overtime Bees survived another scramble then McBain and Peddle both pulled good saves from Laing. Laing dived onto the rebound and released Norris away down the right and he unleashed a bullet from the right wing to win the game.

Attendance: 3873
Man-of-the-Match for Sheffield Steelers: Warren NORRIS
Man-of-the-Match for Bracknell Bees: Brian GREER
Referee: Andy Carson

The Knights got themselves back into the game at the start of the second period when captain Ian McIntyre found the bottom corner of the net on 22.10 after good work from Vazio Sacratini and A.J.Kelham. It wasn't long though until the giants were back in front as Kevin Riehl livened up the large Belfast crowd once again after good work from former Knight Steve Thornton put him free on goal. The Giants then killed a 5 on 3 powerplay with Kelman and Stewart in the box on 30.03 and 31.12 to keep their 2-1 intact going into the third.

Both teams pressed in the final period in search of the two important points on offer. London found their second equaliser of the match on 53.49 when Gerad Adams took the game into overtime after good work from Former Giant Jeff Hoad. There was no further goals in overtime, neither team derserved to lose so a point apiece was a fair result.

Attendance: 4514
Man-of-the-Match for Belfast Giants: Dave MATSOS
Man-of-the-Match for London Knights: Gerad ADAMS
Referee: M Hanson

In 2001/2002 Ed played for Eisbaeren Berlin in Germany�s DEL, where he played 57 games and accumulated 24 points, with 10 goals and 14 assists. Ed is expected to ice his first game for the Knights on Saturday January 25th when they travel to Nottingham.

Both teams started brightly but the Bees struck first after the Steelers failed to keep the puck on the powerplay, Spring wriggled his way through and found Delisle on the left hand post and he sent the puck home at 06.31.The Bees doubled the score at 08.44 when Delisle, looked like he miss hit the puck and found the back of the net, Hurley hit the post 12.25 then the Bees went on the powerplay and tried everything then Delisle hit the post towards the end of the powerplay.

The second period was evenly matched with neither team getting any real clear cut chance to score.Both teams having each others powerplay cancelled out the Steelers thought they had scored at 25.16, but it was washed out for high sticks but other than an end to end flowing game that is all that really happened.

The Bees worked hard and matched the Steelers in every play,The Bees thought they had scored a third at 47.46, but it was disallowed due to player being in the crease. The Steelers threw everything forward but could not get passed Greer, then it came the Bees 3rd at 51.18. Steelers got a chance at 52.15 when Matier was sent to the box, but the Bees killed this one off.

Attendance: 936
Man-of-the-Match for Bracknell Bees: Brian GREER
Man-of-the-Match for Sheffield Steelers: Marc LANIEL
Referee: Dave Cloutman

After studying all the relevant Documentation and Game Video Tape they have increased the minor penalty given at the time to a Match Penalty.

Laing has been Suspended for 1 Game and will miss the Steelers away match against Bracknell Bees on Thursday the 16th of January and has been fined �250.

The London Knights organisation has already come up with a short list of candidates and will make an announcement as soon as a new coach has been appointed. In the meantime, Assistant Coach Paul Rushforth will take over on an interim basis.

Steven Wallace took the individual GB honours of scoring 12 goals and collecting a total of 18 points. Stewart Rugg posted the second best Goalkeeping stats of the tournament with 88.37% saves.

The key to the overall result probably lies in the Fair Play Award won by Estonia who also topped the final table.

In a physical first period Knights had to thank netminder Lilljeborn who was in inspired form as Steelers failed to convert three early powerplay opportunities during the first 8.40 of the game. Once these were killed the Knights slowly opended up creating a couple of half chances but nothing to extend Laing.

Knights took the lead with their first powerplay opportunity at 12.17 with Timo Willman sitting a tripping minor. Sean Blanchard scored with a shot that looped over the prone Laing, after being set up by Bronilla and Sacratini. They extended their lead at 16.37 when Maxwell converted from the slot following a backhanded pass from behind the net by Kolesar.

Steelers started the second period as the meant to go on eventually outshooting Knights 13-3. Lilljeborn was becoming inspired between the pipes for the Knights producing a string of good saves, particularly from Norris at 27.24 and a close range effort by Dutiaume at 28.40. Sheffield were further denied by a resolute Knights defence on a 5 on 3 powerplay late in the second period.

Lilljeborn again denied Norris at his near post with a pad save at 46.55. Steelers broke their duck and Lilljeborn's shutout hopes when Dutiaume netted from an accute angle from rightwind when the pick trickled in off of the keepers skates. This was the first time that Knights have ever recorded back to back wins against Sheffield and throws the title wide open with Nottinghams win against Bracknell tonight.

Attendance: 2941
Man-of-the-Match for London Knights: Ake LILLJEBJORN
Man-of-the-Match for Sheffield Steelers: Rick BREBANT
Referee: Nigel Boniface

Another fine display of finishing with 64 shots on goal guaranteed the Silver Medal. It all depends now on the last game of the tournament tomorrow (12.1.03) against closest rivals Estonia in what may turn out to be a battle of the defences.

No matter what happens now, the team and coaching staff have shown what can be achieved with grit and determination.

On target for the Giants were Robby Sandrock, Dave Matsos and Curt Bowen.

The Belfast fans were ecstatic and cheered their heroes for several minutes after the game was over. The Giants will play Slovan Bratislava for fifth place on Sunday. Belfast looked determined to give their travelling fans some value for the money they spent getting to Lugano. After controlling the play for several minutes inside the Davos zone, Curt Bowen scored with a low shot from the slot at 10.19 of the first period. Davos' seldom used backup goalie Jonas Hiller made several good stops, as did Giants' Ryan Bach. Josef Marha, who scored Davos' only goal on Friday vs Lokomotiv, got the equalizer on a breakaway just 49 seconds into the middle stanza, but Kory Karlander gave the Giants their lead back when he put it through the five-hole of Jonas Hiller late in the second.

Selected Best Players from each team, Davos: Reto von Arx, Belfast: Colin Ward.

Fast, furious and fiesty as Trofimenkof shut the door and london's fast counter-attacks brought the goals. McIntyre bagged the rebound from London's first shot on goalie Laing as the sides struggled to creat chances for the first ten minutes. Sheffield then began to work Trofimenkof but most of the shooting was from distance.

Sessa tore down the right but his shot was saved. Shortly after Norris tipped a lob from Brown and Sheffiele were level at last. Not for long, though, as London broke away down the left and Bronilla arrived down the blind side for an easy goal. Rushforth and Willman clashed after Laing had made a save. At the other end Levins lost his footing driving the net and talked his way to his misconduct. Norris joined him after a challenge from behind in front of his own team bench.

Sheffield lay siege to Trofimenkof's net early in the third. A counter-attack ended with a London player lying crumpled and scuffles broke out mid-ice with Levins and Rushforth clashing and heading for early baths. Rushforth was assisted off by the home team doctor. Slater appeared to be ejected for his antics in front of the home supporters. London somehow survived an almighty scramble with 10 minutes left, then killed off 93 seconds of 3-on-5 with relative ease as Sheffield were fast running out of bodies to ice. Knights sealed the win with a 3-on-1 break after Sacratini had missed a similar chance seonds earlier. These sides meet again tomorow in London.

Attendance: 4111
Man-of-the-Match for Sheffield Steelers: Marc LANIEL
Man-of-the-Match for London Knights: Dave TROFIMENKOFF
Referee: Moray Hanson

The crowd at the Resega Stadium in Lugano has probably never heard of goaltender Ryan Bach. Now they do. Bach made several sensational saves, several from close range, to keep the Belfast Giants alive against the heavily favoured Lugano team. Bach held the Swiss scoreless for half a game and it was a bad mistake on a Giants power-play which paved the way for a Mike Maneluk breakaway. One of the best snipers of the Swiss league put it through the five-hole for a 1-0 Lugano lead. Veteran J-J Aeschlimann put the game out of the reach of the Giants when he deflected Mark Astley's power-play shot in the fifth minute of the third period.

A very brave effort by the Giants, who created several scoring chances, but Lugano's depth and higher skill level were the deciding factors. Also Lugano's goalie, Ronnie Rueger, had an excellent game. Lugano plays Lokomotiv in the semi-final on Saturday at 20.30 at Resega Stadium.

Selected Best Players from each team, Lugano: Ronnie Rueger (G), Belfast: Ryan Bach (G).

The second period was another even period with both teams having their fair share of chances in front of the net. Knights opened the scoring with a goal from Dennis Maxwell at 31.34. The bees then equalised with a goal from David Struch at 35.49. Lots of penalties in this period that saw both Darren Hurley and Chris Slater recieving game penalties for a fight that carried on in the penalty boxes.

The third period was a quiet period from both teams both having chances that they couldn't capitalise on. The match after overtime finishes a draw.

Man-of-the-Match for Bracknell Bees: Mike McBAIN
Man-of-the-Match for London Knights: Ake LILLJEBJORN
Referee: Nigel Boniface

Scott Young has headed north to re-join Dundee Stars whom he played for last season before deciding to join Hull in the summer.

Paul Ferone has signed with the Newcastle Vipers, who also announced today that British forward David Longstaff is leaving the club to play in Switzerland for Sierre.

Fife Flyers have signed Jonathan Weaver making the Scottish club his third team this season after playing for the Scottish Eagles and Hull Thunder.

At the first 'Rest Day' the Great Britain Under 20 team top the table only allowing one goal against whilst scoring 28 for!

On the first day of the tournament the team put on a goal scoring show,beating Bulgaria 19 - 0 (0-6,0-5,0-8) and followed that victory with another, almost as impressive, beating the home country Romania 9 -1 (4,0,2-0,3-1)

Remaining Schedule:
09.01.03 15:30 GB v South Africa
10.01.03 REST DAY
11.01.03 19:30 Lithuania v GB
12.01.03 19:30 GB v Estonia

More details on www.iihf.com

Their place has been taken by IHK Sparta Sarpsborg (Sparta Bears)who will fulfil their fixtures in Nottingham and Sheffield.

London were put under considerable pressure as Trofimenkoff was forced to pulled off a number of spectacular saves. A power play yield Giants first goal as Schulte shot went through Trofimenkoff's legs. MacDonald tipped in Giants second from the edge of the crease to goalies glove side. It was nearly three as Belfast hit the post at 11.00. Knights had a two on one breakaway foiled by Bach at 17.59. The ensuing play saw a Bronilla shot go under Bach's glove and across the line. The goal judges light did not go on but Referee Andy Carson deemed it a goal much to the annoyance of Belfast.

The second period saw Knights level the game as Ahlroos worked wonders to set up Sacratini who slotted the puck home. Trofimenkoff was left unsighted as a Giants player flew across infrount of him as MacDonald's shot hit the back of the net.

With Sacratini in the bin Knights scored with a short handed effort from the stick of Maxwell which went through the legs of Bach.With the clock winding down a Maxwell effort was foiled. Belfast called a timeout with 5.6 seconds remaining but were unable to produce a winner in regulation.

Overtime failed to seperate the sides who both had good chances but it ended a point apiece.

It then nearly became a good night for former Knight and giants recent signing Steve Thornton when he did find away past the London netminder but the goal was ruled out by referee Mike Rowe who judged that the puck had been knocked in by the Giants number 19 hand. The Giants dominated once again in the second and this time the floodgates opened. Doug McDonald made it 2-0 on 23.40 when he picked up a pass from Rob Sandorck. Five minutes later it was 3-0 when Kruse picked up a pass from Matos and Karlander to find the top corner. The same three players were then involved in the Giants forth goal in the final minute of the period this time Karlander was the scorer, his second of the game, after good work from Matos and Kruse.

The Knights started the second with more spirit and scored to quick goals. Firstly Mark Kolessar shot home after Leslie and McIntyre put him free on Bach. That goal was followed a minute later when Richie Bronella made it 4-2. Any hope the Knights had of a comeback was dashed when Sandrock put the Giants 5-2 ahead, Ward then made it 6-2 before Kruse scored his second of the game to make it 7-2 with a powerplay goal with Maxwell in the box for hooking. This win should set the Giants up well for their trip to London on Sunday night were hopefully the same performance can be produced by the Superleague Champions.

Attendance: 5830
Man-of-the-Match for Belfast Giants: Kory KARLANDER
Man-of-the-Match for London Knights: Dennis MAXWELL
Referee: M Rowe

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