In a deafening atmosphere at the National Ice Centre, Nottingham, the scene for the drama was set when, having laid siege to Manchester for almost the entire final period, Steelers finally got the goal which tied the game. Sneaking in at the back post to receive a 58th minute Jason Mansoff rebound, Chris Lipsett flipped the puck goalwards from where it snuck between the outstanding Mike Torchia and his post.

With overtime failing to separate the sides, penalty shots were required, Bach saving all five Manchester shots whilst Lauer's backhand effort - Steelers second penalty - deflected in off the underside of Mike Torchia's glove.

That opener came in just 71 seconds when skipper Paul Kruse got his first of the play-offs but Storm recovered with close-in efforts from Trevor Gallant and Mike Morin to rattle Steelers and take a 17th minute lead. Storm doubled their advantage in the 23rdminute when Paul Ferone dispossessed Steelers defence in the corner to Ryan Bach's left. Ferone then skated in on the net, rounded the defensive cover and slipped a backhand effort past Bach.

Steeelers fought hard to get back now it was Storm who were getting those vital touches. It looked odds on that Manchester would hit the locker room with that two goal lead intact until the last minute when Kruse intercepted a lofted defensive clearance, no offside was called and Steelers captain rifled in a shot to Mike Torchia's left.

In what became an epic third period contest, Steelers greater physical strength pummelled Storms defences with Mike Torchia in the Manchester net performing heroics. With the clock counting down Storm's plucky resilience and Torchia's excellence looked as if it would win the day. Then Chris Lipsett popped up at the Manchester backpost to completely change the game and put Steelers once more into the record books.

Twenty-eight year-old Joaquin came to these shores this season having iced in the NHL only last year with the Edmonton Oilers. Joaquin recorded four shut-outs during his first season, including 25 saves when he backstopped Eagles 5-0 whitewashing of League Champions, the Belfast Giants, in the Challenge Cup Final.

Joaquin closed the league second in the goaltender standings with a 92.0 save percentage and a goals against average of 2.54 from 41 games. In the Play-offs, in helping Eagles reach the Final Four, he was ranked second in the standings, with a save percentage of 93.0 and goals against average of 2.17.

Joaquin�s Superlague Stats:
2001/02: (Read Stats as Follows)GPI - Mins - SOG - GA - SVS% - GAv
Sekonda Superleague                41 - 2459 - 1140 - 104 - 90.9 - 2.54
Superleague Play-offs                 6 - 360 - 187 - 13 - 93.0 - 2.17

The selection panel also wanted to give special mention to Rick Brebant, who was also a strong contender for Player of the Year. Rick is a consummate professional who gives 100% in every game, and despite injury of his own, came through for Steelers at a time when they were going through a serious injury crisis.

Following this afternoon's hugely entertaining first semi-final, a packed and noisy National Ice Centre in Nottingham watched London come out flying in a frantic, robust start to tonights second semi-final. However their early passion which produced two goals was matched and subsequently overhauled by a resilient and determined Sheffield side, keen to be come the first side to retain the play-off crown in the Superleague era.

Gerad Adams was first to pounce in a feisty opening when he took a 3rd minute Paul Rushforth pass in his stride before coolly slotting to the right of Ryan Bach in Steelers net. Steelers then took two quick penalties allowing London to take advantage of their superior manpower, Rushforth again supplying the pass - this time in the 5th minute - from which Kim Ahlroos lifted home a neat finish.

Steelers responded to the onslaught and began to mount some pressure of their own. Marc Laniel went close on a pass from Rick Brebant during an 11th minute powerplay and in the follow up action, Brebant again laid the pass from which Scott Allison fired one which proved too hot for Dave Trofimenkoff to hold, the puck squirming loose and rolling over the line to cut Sheffield's first session deficit.

The second session belonged to Sheffield who pounded the Knights rearguard and restricted their opponents to little more than a handful of threats. Trofimenkoff in London's net threatened to keep Sheffield at bay but in the 34th minute Steelers finally wiped out that early London lead, Ron Shudra rifling home from a central position after Brad Lauer's pass.

Steelers then sensed the chance to strike, taking the lead for the first time when superb and characteristically gritty work by Rick Brebant forced the puck out from behind Knights net and Chris Lipsett was on hand to whip home his 4th goal of the playoffs. London increased the tempo as the final period wore on and in the latter stages laid siege to the Steelers net. Bach however remained impassable despite twice needing treatment on his back and Steelers, despite beingheavily outshot overall, held on to book that final spot tomorrow.

In an open, hugely entertaining contest, Storm deservedly moved ahead in the early stages before Eagles bigger squad found their feet and exerted their physical presence forcing Manchester into an increasingly frantic, but ultimately successful rearguard action.

Netminder Mike Torchia, who last season backed Sheffield Steelers to Grand Slam success, was outstanding but he received tremendous defensiove support notably from Dan Preston and Kayle Short - another member of last season's Steelers squad. Storm's early play wasfull of invention and intensity and they thoroughly deserved their one goal, first interval lead. It was their skipper, Ivan Matulik, who provided that opener following a period of frantic activity around Eagles net. Joe Cardarelli created the panic firing a sneaky shot goalwards and through a crowd of players. Keeper Joaquin Gage did well to foil Cardarelli's effort and the follow up from Joe Busillo but with the keeper grounded, Matulik latched onto the loose puck and fired home his 4th goal of the playoffs just before the 11 minute mark.

Eagles enjoyed the greater bulk of the play in the second session, forcing Storm deep into their own zone. Against the run of play however it was Storm who struck first in the session when an Eagles defensive error set up a three player attack, Paul Ferone playing in Pierre Allard. Taking Eagles keeper Gage out of the play, Allard slipped a sweet pass to Mike Morin who capped his 350th game in the Superleague era - all in Manchester colours - by duly turning the puck into the unguarded net in the 33rd minute.

Eagles continued topress but it was a stroke of luck that gifted them a goal and allowed them right back into contention. Cam Bristow's shot from the right was hard and true but Torchia seemed to have it covered only tomistime his save and have the puck fly into the goal just two minutes from the break. They maintained the pressure during the final session but found Torchia keen to make amends for his earlier error. With Torchia in such fine form, and his defence giving him excellent cover, Eagles couldn't find a way through putting Manchester into their first play off final tomorrow afternoon.

The deal came about when Longstaff�s Swedish side Djurgardens were eliminated from the playoffs, while Geneva have progressed through to the Swiss promotion playoffs allowing them to sign another �import� player.

Geneva plays Chur in a best of seven series for promotion to the Swiss A League, with game seven (if needed) scheduled for the day before Britain�s first match of the World Championships.

The ISL Disciplinary Committee has increased the automatic 2 game suspension and �250 fine to a 12 game suspension and �500 fine. The Committee considered that his actions had an element of intent that caused a facial injury to Bracknell player Mark Matier through a high stick.

Paxton Schulte (Belfast Giants)
An automatic review has taken place into the gross misconduct penalty given to Paxton Schulte at the end of the London Knights vs Belfast Giants Play-Off game, on Sunday 24th March 2002.

The automatic 1 game suspension and �250 fine has been increased to a 2 game suspension, for continuing his threatening behaviour off the ice towards the match referee. Suspension to commence at the start of the 2002/2003 season in the first ISL sanctioned competition.

Dave Whistle (Coach - Belfast Giants)
An automatic review into the gross misconduct penalty awarded to Belfast Giants Coach Dave Whistle, at the end of the London Knights vs Belfast Giants Play-Off game on Sunday 24th March, has taken place.

The automatic 1 game suspension and �250 fine has been increased to a 2 game suspension and a �500 fine. In addition Mr Whistle has been warned as to his future conduct. Suspension to commence at the start of the 2002/2003 season in the first ISL sanctioned competition.

Each year, one player who has been named as the "Sekdona Face to Watch" is given the "Sekonda Player of the Year" award. In the past the award has been won by Frank Pietrangelo, Ed Courtenay and last year by David Longstaff.

This years contenders are:-
Ed Courtenay - Ayr Scotish Eagles
Mark Cadotte - Bracknell Bees
Colin Ward - Belfast Giants
Scott Allison - Sheffield Steelers
Mike Bales - Belfast Giants
Rick Brebant - Sheffield Steelers
Joaquin Gage - Ayr Scotish Eagles

The annoucment of the award winner will happen after the second semi final on Saturday 30th March.

Twenty-eight year-old Joaquin, from Vancouver, British Columbia, has enjoyed a highly successful first season in the UK, with Eagles finishing runners-up in the Sekonda Superleague and laying claim to the Challenge Cup. Joaquin recorded four shut-outs during his first term, including 25 saves in Eagles 5-0 whitewashing of League Champions, the Belfast Giants, in the Challenge Cup Final on 3rd March. He also closed the league campaign second in the standings with a 92.0 save percentage and a goals against average of 2.54 from 41 games.

March was another difficult month for the selection panel. Amongst the nominations were Steelers' goalie, Ryan Bach, Nottingham's Lee Jinman, Manchester's Joe Cardarelli, and Sean Berens, who was the leading scorer in March with 9 goals and 4 assists from 7 games.

Chief Executive of the Superleague, Ian Taylor, said. �The Board of Directors are pleased to announce that Superleague ice hockey will be coming to Dublin. It�s very important for all who love this exciting sport, that Ireland's capital city will soon be playing host to teams from big UK cities, and they will likewise be competing in their venues. We know there is a loyal base of enthusiastic support for ice hockey in the Republic of Ireland, and that Dublin will provide a sound base for showcasing one of the world's fastest and most skilful games in the capital and throughout Ireland. Ice Hockey Superleague firmly believes that ice hockey will become part of Ireland's great sporting tradition and will serve as a great source of affordable family entertainment."

Taylor added. �The Board of Directors are currently considering a number of applications for various franchises around the UK and Ireland. Dublin is the first of a number of announcements that will demonstrate the continued advancement of Ice Hockey Superleague, and the planned expansion with the introduction of new strong businesses into Superleague,�

Full details of the new owners and team details will be announced at a Press Conference, which will be arranged at a later date. Until that time, all other details will remain confidential.

The Belfast Giants were favourites to make the final four, and still looked like they would make it, despite losing 4-2 at the London Knights. As the Manchester Storm still needed to beat the Bracknell Bees by five clear goals to pip the Giants to the final place. However, the Manchester Storm had other ideas as they well and truly swatted Bees by 8 goals to 2.

Playoff Semi-Final Line Up - Saturday 30th March 2002
Ayr Scottish Eagles v Manchester Storm - face-off at 2.30pm
Sheffield Steelers v London Knights - face-off at 6.30pm

There are doubts about a Newcastle franchise competing next season, while the planned Dublin franchise will not be ready until 2003/04. The new plan from the Superleague includes a South Wales franchise that could be based in the Neath/Port Talbot area, while teams from Coventry and Dundee might be competing in the league.

The Superleague claim there will be an official announcement regarding the Dublin franchise in the next couple of months, while their will be announcement about Newcastle after the deadline of April 4th for all interested parties. They also expect to make an announcement regarding a South West Wales franchise in around 8 weeks.

Barrie is automatically suspended for Knights play-off game against Belfast Giants on Sunday 24th March, and also their Play-off Semi-Final match during the Championship weekend.

His case will be automatically reviewed by the ISL Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday 26th March, which could result in further action being taken.

BIHWA Awards and Hall of Fame Inductees � The British Ice Hockey Writers Association has anounced its Superleague and British National League All Star Selections for the 2001/2002 season. Special congratulations go out to London�s Mo Mansi who has been included in Superleague Team 2.

ISL Awards :
Superleague 1st Team
Mike Bales (Belfast) � Netminder
John Silfwerplatz (Ayr) � Defence
Rob Stewart (Belfast) � Defence
Kevin Riehl (Belfast) � Forward
Sean Berens (Belfast) � Forward
Jason Ruff (Belfast) � Forward

Superleague 2nd Team
Joaquin Gage (Ayr) � Netminder
Alan Schuler (Ayr) � Defence
Maurizio Mansi (London) � Defence
P C Drouin (Nottingham) � Forward
Ed Courtenay (Ayr) � Forward
Scott Allison (Sheffield) � Forward

ISL Coach of the Year - Dave Whistle (Belfast)
ISL Player of the Year - Kevin Riehl (Belfast)

BNL Awards :
British National League 1st Team
Stephen Murphy (Dundee) � Netminder
Scott Young (Dundee) � Defence
Neil Liddiard (Basingstoke) � Defence
Tony Hand (Dundee) � Forward
Domenic Parlatore (Paisley) � Forward
Teeder Wynne (Dundee) � Forward

British National League 2nd Team
Shawn Silver (Fife) � Netminder
Karry Biette (Fife) � Defence
Jan Mikel (Dundee) � Defence
Jason Lafreniere (Edinburgh) � Forward
Claude Dumas (Coventry) � Forward
Russell Monteith (Fife) � Forward

BNL Coach of the Year � Tony Hand (Dundee)
BNL Player of the Year � Tony Hand (Dundee)

There are three awards for which British born players from both ISL and BNL are eligible �
Best British Defenceman (The Alan Weeks Trophy)
Neil Liddiard (Basingstoke � BNL)

Top British Scorer (Ice Hockey Annual Trophy)
Jonathan Weaver (Ayr Scottish Eagles � ISL)

Top British Netminder (BIHWA Trophy)
Stephen Murphy (Dundee � BNL)

Ex-Panther Chris Kelland, Ian Cooper and Norman de Mesquita are also to be congratulated who all find themselves inducted into the BIHWA�s Hall of Fame this week.
[NB : A full list of British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame members can be found at the BIHWA website http://www.bihwa.co.uk/.]

Bracknell�s loss threw them out of the Finals, cutting the race for the final berth down to three contenders with Belfast Giants, Manchester Storm and Nottingham Panthers all mathematically able to clinch the remaining spot.

For Nottingham, only a win by a massive margin against Ayr tonight would be enough to see them through, and even then, Belfast would have to lose their final game against London on Sunday evening. A loss will see them eliminated.

For Manchester to qualify they would need to win against Bracknell on Sunday by four goals, and Belfast to lose by three goals in London .If Nottingham and Manchester lose their games, Belfast don�t even need to win their last match to qualify for the Final Four!.

A seasoned professional who gives 100% in every game, the 38 year-old GB International is now enjoying his 15th season in the UK and shows no signs of slowing down! Rick came to these shores in 87/88 and iced with Durham, Nottingham, Cardiff, Newcastle, Manchester and London before joining Steelers last term. Rick closed this season�s league campaign as Steelers second highest points scorer with 13 goals, 30 assists from 42 games, 11th overall in the league.

Choosing just one player to receive February�s award was again a difficult task for the selectors, and special mention should be given to Rick�s teammate Chris Lipsett, Nottingham�s Lee Jinman, Manchester�s Joe Cardarelli and Belfast�s Paxton Schulte who were amongst the nominations.

8 till 10 every Sunday is your chance to catch up with everything Ice Hockey, Says Steh, �with a bit of Basketball and baseball thrown in. We review Sunday nights� fixtures in the ISL also talk about the main topics from the NHL with big Guests like Mike Gartner, David Longstaff, Owen Nolan, Eddie O.

The station will also take a regular look at life in the NHL with Phoenix Coyote Todd Simpson, brother of Kent Simpson who formerly played for the Steelers. The station will also carry reaction from the ISL games with the players and coaches.

We will also take your calls and emails to discuss whatever is on the minds of British Hockey fans. Adds Seth. Having already basketball committed ourselves we are trying to see if there is a market for live ISL coverage on a Sunday night. If people want it then email the address below and I can take it to my boss and the ISL.

To show your support for hockey on the radio email the station at [email protected] or phone 08701 250 252.

The future of the Arena was thrown into doubt earlier this year when it was revealed that its co-owner and London Knights owners Anschutz is part of the �200 million consortium which will take over the Millennium Dome. Anschutz plan to create an Olympic standard 20,000-seat arena inside the Dome.

The London Arena has taken bookings until May 2003 suggesting that an agreement has been reached with the Government, who are expected to make an official announcement over the future of the Dome on May 1.

As expected Giants came out for the second period with all guns blazing and reeled off a number of shots but Riehl, Sean Berens and Rod Stevens could only force orthodox saves from Gage. Eagles responded and Mike Jickling fed Courtenay on the left but he missed the puck and the chance went begging. Eagles were presented with a powerplay with Jason Bowen in the box and Gordon forced Bales into a neat saved before Ayr grabbed a third. Good work from Gordon behind the net found Weaver and the Great Britain international tucked the puck past Bales from the slot at 27:54. Giants just could not find a way past a resilient Ayr defence with Gage saving from Riehl and Byram firing over on the breakaway. Ayr, though, stunned the home crowd again at 36:49 when Gordon netted a fourth in a role reversal of the third goal, with Weaver assisting this time.

Any chance Belfast had of mounting a miracle comeback were extinguished three minutes into the final period when Dody Wood added a fifth to put Ayr firmly in dreamland. Giants tried in vain to break the shut-out but Gage stood firm to blank the ISL champions and cap an excellent all-round performance by the flying Eagles.

The win for Ayr came courtesy of goals from Johan Molin (2), Ed Courtenay (2) and Dino Bauba, The win for the Eagles means the Panthers have to beat the League Champions Belfast Giants by four clear goals to finish in there higest league position since the Superleague started. If the Panthers do manage to beat the Giants by four goals they would finish second due to the fact they have scored more goals than the Ayr Scottish Eagles.

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