GB Netminder Stevie Lyle was the next to leave as he returns to the Cardiff Devils following the sacking of American netminder Brian Leitza. Lyle who made his senior ice hockey debut for the Devils at the age of 14, is likely to play in their match on Sunday against Basingstoke Bison. The Cardiff Devils are also rumoured to be interested in signing former players Ivan Matulik and Dwight Parrish but nothing has yet been confirmed.

Also leaving the Storm is forward Mark Bultje who has signed for FBNL side Hull Thunder but only on a temporary basis and will return to Manchester if the club manage to turn things round and continue for the rest of the season. Defenceman Rob Wilson has also left, joining Dave Longstaff at the Newcastle Vipers.

Aronson played for the Jackson Bandits and the Cleveland Lumberjacks in the ECHL and IHL respectively in the 2000�01 season, before joining the IceGators in 2001�02 where he amounted 33 goals and 17 Assists in 46 games.

The second period belonged to the Eagles and it was only a matter of time until they extended their lead and that goal arrived on 24.19 as Jeff Williams scored after good work from Eagles new boy Jason Rushton put him one on one with Bach. Cavallin then pulled off three good saves with Giants on the powerplay before Sean Selmer broke away to hammer home Eagles third goal. Cavallin then continued to break the hearts of his former team mates by standing firm on many occasions as the giants tried everything to get back into the game.

Any hope the giants had of a comeback were dashed when Rushton playing his first game at the Odyssey as an Eagle scored from a Bauba and Williams assist. With Cavallin in top form throughout it was going to take something special to beat him and that moment finally arrived when Rod Stevens tapped home. The Giants then got another back a minute later when Dave Matos scored his first goal of the season but it was to little to late for the Giants as the Eagles earned a deserved win.

Man of the Match for Belfast : David MATSOS
Man of the Match for Scottish Eagles : Mark CAVALLIN
Shots - Belfast 41, Scottish Eagles 23
PIM's - Belfast 14, Scottish Eagles 12
Referee : Moray Hanson
Attendance: 4079

�I was also offered a contract with Bracknell, but chose the Eagles because I really like Glasgow, the guys are great, and I think we have a really good shot at going all the way,� said Rushton.

Fixtures are as follows:-
Friday 22nd November 2002
Scottish Eagles vs. EHC Linz (3.30pm)
Belfast Giants vs. Valerenga IF (7.00pm)

Saturday 23rd November 2002
EHC Linz vs. Valerenga IF (3.30pm)
Scottish Eagles vs. Belfast Giants (7.00pm)

Sunday 24th November 2002
Valerenga IF vs. Scottish Eagles (3.30pm)
Belfast Giants vs. EHC Linz (7.00pm)

1st November 2002 - Sheffield v Manchester - Postponed

3rd November 2002 - London v Manchester - Postponed
This fixture will be replaced by London v Sheffield (which was previously set for 26th January 2002)

The match will be treated as completed in relation to regulation time and both team awarded 1 point;

On 10th November 2002, Bracknell v Sheffield (the designated game), the teams will complete the required period of 5 minutes (4 on 4) sudden death overtime in an effort to win an extra point.

* All player stats from the original game will stand and the goalkeepers times recorded as playing 60 minutes;

* All players eligible to play at the time of the future designated match and who did not play in the original match shall be added to the game record sheet as if they did play in the whole game.

The overtime period shall be played immediately after the warm up period of the designated match has concluded. After the conclusion of the overtime period, both teams shall leave the ice for 20 minutes and the ice cut. The designated game shall then commence after that 20 minute break.

The Second was dominated by the Bees and with some great team play. Making the Knights work for the puck and the Bees doubled their lead at 25.10 when O'Rourke went coast to coast found Peddle and he hammered the puck home. The Knights then pressured the Bees but they had other idea's when the Bees Broke and O'Rourke shot twice and the puck rebounded to Ceman who put it home. The Knights tried to pressure but the Bees broke them down.

The third was a quiet affair with the Knights throwing everything forward. The Bees scored their fourth goal seven minutes into the final session after another great move started by O'Rourke and finished in the back of the net by Delisle. The Knights had a goal dissallowed at 55.46. But just under two minutes later they worked and dug deep and scored when Adams slotted home. A well deserved Man of the match for O'Rourke who assisted on every goal.

Man of the Match for Bracknell : Steve O'ROURKE
Man of the Match for London : Nathan LESLIE
Shots - Bracknell 32, London 33
PIM's - Bracknell 46, London 46
Referee : Andy Carson
Attendance: 1914

Well how wrong can you be, after 40 minutes this game has still to liven up. The home side had the better of the period as they outshot the visitors 9-4. But only have the one goal to show for their efforts and that came late in the period Selmser found himself out in front and his shot trickled through the legs of Prior. Well here's hoping the last twenty livens up.

The final period was by far the best period of the game, with Bergkvist in the box for tripping, Selmser broke away and beat Prior to tie the game up at 46.48. Both teams exchanged penalties but, neither could take any advantage. The visitors were under penalty at 55.13 as Brown went for holding, but ex Eagles Rhett Gordon sealed the win as he scored shorthanded. With 1.23 to go Eagles called a time out and pulled Cavallin, despite applying the pressure they could find the leveller.

With this result the Semi finals of the Challenge cup will be Eagles v Panthers and Steeleers v Knights.

Man of the Match for Scottish Eagles : Sean SELMSER
Man of the Match for Sheffield : Trevor PRIOR
Shots - Scottish Eagles 31, Sheffield 21
PIM's - Scottish Eagles 16, Sheffield 18
Referee : Moray Hanson
Attendance: 2429

2.30pm Nottingham Panthers v Scottish Eagles
6.30pm Sheffield Steelers v London Knights

Tickets are only available from the participating club representatives until late November 2002, when any left unsold will go on general sale. No tickets will be sold by Sheffield Arena Box Office until then. Watch out for any further announcements.

Ticket Prices are:-
�15 per adult
�10 concession (Under 16 yrs, OAP, Disabled)
One ticket will give entry to both games.

Bracknell Bees v Manchester Storm 18.00hrs 27.10.02 is now postponed. The visitors to Bracknell on that date will now be London Knights with the fixture brought forward from 21st November 2002.

Nottingham Panthers v Manchester Storm 19.30hrs 29.10.02. is now postponed. Both these fixtures will be re-arranged to a later date.

The fixture Manchester Storm v Bracknell 19.30hrs 31.10.02. will be re-assessed on Tuesday 29.10.02. but there is a likelihood that will have to be postponed also. ISL wishes to apologise for these changes to the fixture schedule.

Both teams had many chances at the start of the second before Joe Cardarello brought Manchester back into the game on 30.17 when he took an assist from Mark Butje to fire past Ryder to make the score 3-2. Back came the giants though 30 seconds later when Rod Stevens scored after good work from paxton Schulte and Dave Matos put him one on one with Lyle.

The third period belonged to the giants and mostly to former storm man Bowen who played a big part in Giants fifth goal of the game as he set up Doug McDonald he made no mistake. Bowen then scored his second goal of the game from a Kuwabara and Korlander assist to make it 6-2 before the same player turned provider once again to set up Kuwabara for the seventh and final goal.

Man of the Match for Belfast : Curtis BOWEN
Man of the Match for Manchester : Stevie LYLE
Shots - Belfast 47, Manchester 24
PIM's - Belfast 0, Manchester 2
Referee : Nigel Boniface
Attendance: 3918

No Further Details at present.

Shots - Sheffield 26, London 43
PIM's - Sheffield 46, London 50
Referee : Andy Carson
Attendance: 3536

The second was an end to end with action at both ends of the ice. The Eagles struck first in the period when Selmser scored at 20.46. The Bees really started playing and then score their first of the evening when Gosselin scored from close range at 24.19. The Eagles then scored again when Rushton restored the two goal lead. This seemed to wake up the Bees scoring two more goal and tying the game with markers from Peddle at 35.28. Then a lucky bounce off the netminder at 37.24 when Hurley scored. The Bees start the 3rd with 1.10 left on the powerplay.

The Bees dominated the Third and final period with some excellent sweeping play with the Bees scoring three unanswered goals. Hurley at 40.25. Strutch on the breakaway at 50.55. the 6th was an excellent passing move which resulted in a beautiful goal at 53.15 from the captain McBain. The Beesworked hard and deserved the win.

Man of the Match for Bracknell : Darren HURLEY
Man of the Match for Scottish Eagles : Jason BOWEN
Shots - Bracknell 35, Scottish Eagles 27
PIM's - Bracknell 12, Scottish Eagles 12
Referee : Dave Cloutman
Attendance: 1212

ISL appreciates that there is commitment by the operators to maintain and continue ice hockey as a core tenant and it was agreed that both parties would work together to secure the future of the sport in the city.

Although it was acknowledged that some issues would remain unresolved in the short term, the long-term view was that it was feasible for the club to complete the remainder of its fixtures during the rest of the season. Some matches may have to be postponed to allow for key components to be put in place and further talks resulting in an agreement.

Following an Investigation, the ISL Disciplinary have upgraded the minor penalty to a 5 minute plus Game Misconduct penalty and warned MacDonald as to his future conduct.

The referees will be Sven Bergman from the Netherlands, Nadir Mandioni from Switzerland and Simon Kirkham from Great Britain. Officiating on the lines are Marco Coenen from the Netherlands (Marco officiates in this country), Matt Folka, Michael Hicks and Paul Staniforth all from Great Britain.

Group F
HC Rouen, FRA
Scottish Eagles, GBR
Storhamar Dragons, NOR
Riga 2000, LAT

Results (all games at Patinoire Ile Lacroix, Rouen)
18 October: Scottish Eagles - Storhamar 2 - 1, HC Rouen - Riga 2000 5 - 1.
19 October: Storhamar - Riga 2000 2 - 1, Scottish Eagles - HC Rouen 6 - 2.
20 October: Riga 2000 - Scottish Eagles , HC Rouen - Storhamar, both games cancelled.
Final standing: 1. Scottish Eagles (GBR) 4 points, 2. Rouen (FRA) 2 points, 3. Storhamar (NOR) 2 points, 4. Riga 2000 (LAT) 0 points.

Third Round - Semi-Finals
November 22 - 24
Group J
Valerenga IF, NOR
Belfast Giants, GBR
Scottish Eagles, GBR
Black Wings Linz, AUT
Belfast Giants appointed organiser

A decision is expected later this week as to whether the result as it stood when the match was abandoned will stand or whether the game will be replayed.

For Eagles it will be the first step on the road to retaining the magnificent Challenge Cup which they claimed back in March, the first time in their history, by beating Belfast 5-0 at Giants� Odyssey home. The Steelers will be looking to reclaim the Cup they made virtually their own after winning it three times in a row from 98/99 to their Grand Slam season of 2000/01. Meanwhile, the name of London Knights and Nottingham Panthers has yet to adorn the antique trophy, something both will be eager to rectify this time round.

The format for the Semi-Finals will be top of Group A plays runner-up in Group B and vice versa. The final standings for the group rounds of the competition will be known after Eagles match against Steelers is played on 26th October. The Challenge Cup Semi-Finals will be held on Sunday 8th December 2002.

The venue was able to get the last game underway though, to give the home team something to shout about.

The Semi-Final stage will take place in Belfast on November 22-24th.

The giants started the second period on the powerplay with Jeff Brown in the box for holding, that soon became a five on three in favour of the giants as Dion Darling joined his team-mate in the box but the giants still could not find a way past the impressive Joel Laing as Steelers killed the powerplay before taking the lead with their first second period attack. Mark Dauiaume won the puck at the blueline he found Boe Leslie, who put Jason Sessa through one on one with Bach and he shot home. The Steelers then increased their lead on 35.24 when Dutiaume once again put Darling and he made no mistake.

At the start of the third Laing once again broke the hearts of the 5324 giants fans as he saved well from Ward, Kuwabara and McDonald as the giants tried in vain to find a way back into the match. The goal finallly came though as stand in captain Colin Ward found away past Laing with an unstoppable shot from the point. After the goal the giants tired everything to find an equaliser but it wasn't to be their night once again as Laing who saved 42 shots on the night, and the steelers grab their place in the last four of the Challenge cup .

Man of the Match for Giants : Rob STEWART
Man of the Match for Steelers : Joel LAING
Shots - Giants 42, Steelers 19
PIM's - Giants 12, Steelers 14
Referee : Nigel Boniface
Attendance: 5324

Eagles 6- 2 Rouen
Attendance 2522
Period scores 2-1,2-1,2-0
Penalty minutes: Eagles 66 Rouen 36

1:33 1-0 Rouen Doucet-Besse
6:48 1-1 Eagles Astrom
18:52 2-1 Eagles Johnstone-Majic-Selmsar
25:11 2-2 Rouen Carlsson-Doucet
28:08 3-2 Eagles Johnstone-marble
35:26 4-2 Eagles Johnstone-Astrom
44:38 5-2 Eagles Johnstone-Marble
52:10 6-2 Eagles Majic-Astrom

The Giants got the goal they deserved as they finally found away past Watkins on 25.26 as Curt Bowen took a pass from Ryan Kuwabara to fire home. The Giants then doubled their lead a minute later with a powerplay goal through Kevin Riehl who scored unassisted with Bees Joe Ciccarello in the box serving a team face off penalty. Back came the Bees though on 28.23 when Ciccarello hammered home a great pass from Scott Kirton to make the score 2-1 going into the final 20 minutes.

The Bees then squared the game at the start of the third when Dan Ceman took an assist from Gregg Owen and Mike McBain to hammer an unstoppable shot past Bach. The Bees then had chances to win as Bach saved from Ciccarello and McBain but it was to be giants night as Kuwabara got the go ahead goal from a Rod Stevens assist to end the giants losing streak.

Man of the Match for Giants : Shane JOHNSON
Man of the Match for Bees : Joe CICCARELLO
Shots - Giants 36, Bees 22
PIM's - Giants 6, Bees 8
Referee : Nigel Boniface
Attendance: 3485

Period Scores: 0-0; 1-0; 1-1.
Goal Scorers:
32.24 Majic,Williams,Bowen EH
42.34 Quinnel EH
54.55 Live,Olsen,Dahlstrom

Penalties: Storhamar 4 mins
Eagles 26 mins

MOM Paddy Ward; Dahlstrom
1,000 spectators

Richard Caborn MP, was interested in ways to foster an improvement in funding at development stages, which may well help to reduce the �100 billion health budget and to attract more kids off of the street into a sporting environment that may also help to sustain some of the spend on young persons in secure administration.

It was accepted at the meeting with the Sports Minister that the IIHF have recognised the UK has one of the best junior programmes in the world with over 10,000 children playing throughout the country, problems such as ice time allocation and funding need to be addressed.

Brian Storey ISL Chief Administration Officer said, "This was a positive meeting and the opening of what will be a continuing dialogue, particularly with UK Sport, Sport England and Sport Scotland, through the concerted efforts of all involved we can show the positive benefits of Lottery Grant Aid and Exchequer funding to these core projects."

Gary Stefan, General Manager of the FBNL said, "Although the senior leagues were represented at this meeting and wanted to help, it was appreciated that direct funding would not be available, but as the general perception from funding agencies was that the sport is fragmented we all attended to provide a united front. The outcome of the meeting for us will be to actively take part in the UK Sports governing body modernisation programme and support IHUK as being the lead agency in dealing with UK Sport and the regional bodies".

It is believed that a further meeting is to be arranged with Richard Caborn MP and funding agencies. The fundamental question being how facilities are funded bearing in mind their impact on health and �sport for good�.

Sheffield got the early chances. However Schulte was gifted the puck behind Sheffield's right post, Korlander fired the simple pass across the goalie for a surprise lead. Dutiaume jumped onto a loose puck in front of his own team bench, racing away to just over the blue line and scoring top right of Bach. Korlander's diving penalty was punished when sweet passing around the zone ended with Brown firing home across Bach from the top of the left circle, despite Bach getting a piece. Brent Bobyck caught a Johnson in the face for his double minor. Laing had a lucky escape before the buzzer when a shot ballooned onto the top of the net.

Giants took the game to Sheffield at the start of the second but Simpson's left wing shot went through Bach's pads. Sandrock tested Laing before Norris blazed wide halfway through the period when it seemed easier to score. Johnson returned with a half visor at 30 minutes. Sandrock took his penalty for continuing to play without a helmet. Giants exerted serious pressure during Willman's penalty, Laing saving 3 times. The period ended with a scuffle at Steelers left post.

Giants created the better chances throughout the final session but Laing and his defence kept the visitors from getting the rebounds, until MacDonald at the left post reached one after Sandrock's shot was parried. A frenetic finale in the Sheffield zone came to naught as Laing shut the door.

The 30-year-old blueliner stands 6ft 1in and weighs in a 14st. He's no stranger to the British game having spent the last two seasons with the Guildford Flames in the British National League (BNL). Before that he iced for four Superleague clubs: Sheffield Steelers, Bracknell Bees, London Knights and Manchester Storm.

The ISL Disciplinary Committee have amended the Match Penalty to a Game Misconduct penalty.

Paxton Schulte - Supplementary Discipline
A request by the Scottish Eagles for Supplementary Discipline to be taken against Paxton Schulte has been investigated. Schulte was involved in two incidents with two Eagles players during Eagles Challenge cup game against Belfast Giants on Saturday 5th October.

No action will be taken for the incident with Xavier Majic, but Schulte will receive a Match Penalty for his actions against Bob Quinnell, and fined �250 with a warning as to his future conduct. Schulte has already served his 1 game suspension and is therefore eligible to play in tonight�s game at Sheffield.

Pasi Nielikainen - Match Penalty
An automatic review has taken place into the Match Penalty Nielikainen received during the Manchester Storm versus Scottish Eagles game on 9th October.

Nielikainen has been suspended for two games, fined �250 and warned as to his future conduct. He has already served 1 game of his suspension and will miss Storm�s home game against London Knights on Thursday 17th October.

Doug McDonald - Belfast Giants
Manchester Storm have requested that Supplementary Disciplinary action be taken against Belfast Giants player Doug McDonald. They allege that McDonalds action during the Manchester Storm versus Belfast Giants game played on Sunday 13th October was reckless and has caused an injury to their player, Dan Preston.

Manchester investigation
An investigation took place following incidents involving the scoreboard and the match announcer during the Manchester Storm versus Sheffield Steelers game played on Sunday 22nd September.

The Manchester club have conducted a full enquiry into the events and advised the ISL Disciplinary Committee that they have taken internal disciplinary action. The ISL Disciplinary Committee are satisfied with the action that has been taken.

The winner of Eagles� group will move forward into Semi-Final Group J, being hosted this season by the Superleague�s Belfast Giants at their Odyssey Arena home in Belfast from 22nd to 24th November 2002. Joining Giants in that semi-final group will be Valerenga IF of Norway, and the winner of second round group G, which is also being contested this weekend between Poland�s GKS Katowice, EHC Linz of Austria, GMH 38 Grenoble of France and Kazakhstan�s Kazzinc Torpedo.

The full schedule for Eagles group round this weekend is:
Friday 18th October:
Scottish Eagles vs. Storhamar Dragons - 16.30hrs
HC Rouen vs. Riga 2000 - 20.00hrs

Saturday 19th October:
Storhamar Dragons vs. Riga 2000 - 16.30hrs
Scottish Eagles vs. HC Rouen - 20.00hrs

Sunday 20th October:
Riga 2000 vs. Scottish Eagles - 16.00hrs
HC Rouen vs. Storhamar Dragons - 19.30hrs
(All games are being held at Patinoire Ile Lacroix, Rouen).

For further details of all other games taking place in the competition, visit www.iihf.com

Forwards
Gary Wishart Dundee
Mark Florence Hull
David Clarke Guildford
Rob Lamey Swindon
Paul Berrington Basingstoke
Tom Watkins Coventry
Nicky Cross Basingstoke
Greg Owen Milton Keynes
Ricky Plant Guildford
Warren Tait Cardiff
Stephen Lynch Edinburgh
Paul Moran Solihull

Defence
James Pease Coventry
Kyle Horne Fife
Karl Hopper Hull
Scott Moody Slough
Richie Thornton Newcastle
Chris Bailey Cardiff
Brent Pope Solihull
Ian Defty Newcastle

Goal
Joe Watkins Bracknell
Mark Cavallin Scottish Eagles
Barry Hollyhead Milton Keynes

The Bees were playing more of a unit in the second, but this was a see saw battle Arkiomaa scored for the Bees at 21.04, but nineteen seconds later the Blaze scored through Tait rifleling the shot into the net. the Bees were back infront at 25.01 when Kirton Scored, The Blaze tied it up at 26.41 whilst on the Poweplay. Forty five second later the Bees scored again through Ceman from close range, then the Bees were caught napping at 27.51, when Ruggles scored for the Blaze. The Bees had a goal disallowed at 39.37 as it was scored by the high stick whilst on the powerplay.

The third was all Bracknell, they seemed to wake up and start playing as unit. At 43.18 it all kicks off on the ice when Irvine of the Blaze butt ends Matier and Matier starts fighting. Blaze players jump off the bench the Bees keep there cool and end up with a powerplay coming out of it. The Bees worked the puck and scored the go ahead goal at 46.13. The Bees continued to pressure the Blaze and opened up a two goal lead when Peddle scored at 50.40. Then both teams exchanged penalties and the Blaze threw everything forward with Shudra hitting the post at 59.30. The Bees held on for the win.

Attendance: 1524
Man-of-the-Match for Bracknell Bees: Tero ARKIOMAA
Man-of-the-Match for Coventry Blaze: Ashley TAIT

The second period exploded after Storm had taken the lead through a Dan Hodge bullet. As penalties flowed freely both coaches were ejected in seperate incidents for abuse of official. Storm doubled thier lead on a 36th minute powerplay goal from Pierre Allard. Giants had defenseman Sandrock ejected on a game misconduct 7 seconds after the Storms 2nd goal - end of the second Storm lead 2-0.

The third period was dominated by the netminders on both teams - no more goals but plenty of action but both Mike Torchia and Colin Ryder were on superb form and deservedly picked up the Man of the Match Award at the end of the game.

Attendance: 3278
Man-of-the-Match for Manchester Storm: Mike TORCHIA
Man-of-the-Match for Belfast Giants: Colin RYDER

The home side tied it up at 23.52 as Williams from inside the circle fired through Trofimenkoff. We then had a feast of goals as 4 were scored in 5 minutes, Eagles regained the lead at 27.49 as Astrom picked up a lose puck to slide home. Bowen then made it 4-2 with a backhand effort, Then Selmser made it 5-2 at 31.01, at this point Knights pulled Trofimenkoff who was physically shaken with Lilljebjorn. The visitors pulled one back at 32.55 as Adams found himself out in front to fire past Cavallin.

Eagles were under penalty at 43.56 as Bowen went for high sticks, but it was the home side who came closest to scoring. A shot by Majic was padded out and Selmser with the rebound saw his shot slip just past. Marble saw Lilljebjorn save both his efforts on the 49 minute mark. With 3 minute to go Cavallin denied Sacratini and also the rebound that fell to McIntyre. In the last minute Kolesar scrambled home inside a crowded goal area. With 30 seconds on the clock Knights pulled the goaltender, Eagles broke up the ice and Weaver Sealed the win with an empty netter. A tremendous performance from the home side as they make it 3 out 3 and pick up their first league points.

Attendance: 2051
Man-of-the-Match for Scottish Eagles: Xavier MAJIC
Man-of-the-Match for London Knights: Gerard ADAMS

The Knights then started the Second Period as they started the first with a quick goal as Sacratini found Kim Ahlroos and he scored on the powerplay, with Rob Stewart in the box for holding, to give the knights a 2-1 lead. It wasn't long until it was 3-1 to the team from England's capital city as Moe Mansi took an assist from Greg Burke to hammer home. Back came the Giants though on 28.09 when Schutle scored an unassisted goal to make the score 2-3 going into the third period.

Hoad then once again broke the hearts of his former teammates and Giants fans as he put the Knights 4-2 after 43.57 after good work by Nate Leslie put him free on goal. The game then turned soar after 47.12 when Schulte and McIntyre dropped the gloves both received 5 minute fighting penaltys with Schulte gaining a further two for Slashing. Schulte then again dropped the gloves with 1 ssecond left on the clock as he went fist to fist with Paul Rushforth that penalty resulted in him gaining a game misconduct and match penalty, but he still ended up gaining the Giants man of the match.

Attendance: 4632
Man-of-the-Match for Belfast Giants: Paxton SCHULTE
Man-of-the-Match for London Knights: Sean BLANCHARD

The IIHF advised national associations to use the guidelines the same way they do at international tournaments and events, giving more skilled players the chance to show their abilities and bring some flow to the game. The IIHF however does not advice referees to call less penalties to stimulate the flow of the game, but give players more of a chance to complete their actions and thrives to the net rather than them being illegally stopped by opponents using their sticks and hands. It is not the referees that stop a play, but the less skilled players who can only keep up with their opponents by holding, hooking and interfering them.

The National Hockey League (NHL) is also going to clamp down on the holding, hooking and interference penalties that prevent more skilled players from entertaining the fans and taking the game to the ice they get paid for. Implemented after consulting with general managers, coaches and on-ice officials, the plan in the NHL is to reduce interference and penalize players who forecheck without the puck. "It's not a cross check to the back, it's not a hook or a trip of a player who is about to get a chance to score. It's a penalty away from the play", said NHL executive vice president and director of hockey operations Colin Campbell. "Those are the things we have identified, and we have said to our officials - Look, you have to call these."

NHL officials believe the new enforcement policy opens the ice and leads to increased scoring. They are not hoping it leads to endless power plays and penalty boxes that look like a subway platform at rush hour. After the initial crackdown on obstruction fouls in the pre-season the NHL revealed to stick with the standard set and the on-ice officials are not to take it too lightly. "Our officiating department will be held accountable for upholding the standard we set. We are off to a good start, but now is not the time to celebrate", said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after the pre-season games in the show. "We want to make sure it stays firmly established for the season. We are committed to making it work through the season, the play-offs and through the Stanley Cup finals", Bettman added.

Last night was opening night of the 86th NHL season and three games were played in which players racked up a total of 122 penalty minutes which averages 40.66 minutes per game. Take away the four fighting majors and the ten minute misconduct penalty in the New York Rangers game, there is still a total of 92 minutes in minor penalties left. 41.5 % of those are obstruction penalties with 18 hooking calls, 12 interference penalties and 8 for holding or holding the stick called by experience referees such as Kerry Fraser, Steven Walkom and Brad Meier.

There were indeed more penalty minutes in the first three games of the Ice Hockey Superleague Challenge Cup, but it is not the hooking, holding and interference that racked up the minutes in the ISL. The first three games of the season saw 166 minutes including a game misconduct, a misconduct and four fighting majors for a total of 50 minutes. Only 22 % of the remaining penalty minutes were obstruction calls. Other European top leagues averaged only half of the penalty minutes that were racked up in the first three NHL games of the 2002/03 season. The German DEL totaled 68 minutes in their first three games and the Swedish Eliteserien, home of skating and passing, still had 72 minutes of penalties to show for in their three opening games.

The Eagles will travel to Fife on Tuesday 15th October to take on the Flyers (face-off TBC); to Edinburgh on Tuesday 5th November to face the Capitals (face-off TBC); and to Dundee on Tuesday 7th January to play the Stars (face-off TBC). Home dates, face-off times and even venue have yet to be decided.

The competition will be based on BNL rules, the most important, as far as the Eagles are concerned, is the eight-import rule, which means Paul Heavey will have to draft in local talent as half of his foreign squad will have to sit out each game. The only players exempt from this rule would be Sunderland's Jonathan Weaver and Kirkcaldy's Paddy Ward, although one or two others may be eligible for British passports. "It will certainly be a test finding enough local players not already signed up with Scottish and English clubs to fill the bench," said Coach Paul Heavey: "I'll have to rest more or less half of my squad each game, but by the same token it will give the guys carrying injuries an opportunity to get over them. It will also give me the chance to run the rule over the guys the other three teams have, you never know I might spot one or two who could do a job for us on a regular basis! In a way we're on a hiding to nothing because despite the eight-import rule we'll be expected to win it, if we don't we'll be seen as being disappointing, if we do everyone will say it was what was expected. So all we can do is approach it as professionally as possible and see what happens."

The Eagles hope to announce home dates and details soon, although they have already said that season ticket holders will get their seats free.

In other action, the New York Rangers beat Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 thanks to goals from Eric Messier (2) and Petr Nedved (2). While in the West Colorado Avalanche and the Dallas Stars fought out a 1-1 tie with the hero being Dallas netminder Marty Turco who stopped 40 shots.

"I've given him a two week trial," said Heavey: "He's a third line winger but he's very gritty, he's a decent skater and he has good hands. "He's with us for two reasons. First I wanted to shake the team up. I've told every player what I expect from them and that no one's job is safe."

"Secondly, I want to have a good look at him. I want to see if he can bring anything extra to the team. If he can then I'll make some changes. He'll be in the team against Manchester and London and he'll go with us to Rouen for the Continental Cup, by then I'll know if he has what I'm looking for."

Both teams had chances early in the second but could not make them count. Dwight Parrish and Jason Rushton exchanged blows at 26:12 and got 5 minutes each for Fighting. Eoin McInerney made a superb glove save from Mike Perna then Eagles went down the other end and Torchia made equally dramatic saves after a 2 on 1 breakaway. Torchia again saved from Marble but could not prevent Astrom scoring at 29:18. Eagles have been made to work hard with Storm having powerplay after powerplay - they got their chance when Nielikainen was sent to the box for Holding it took them only 11 seconds to score via Bauba , 1-3 end of the second.

Disappointing third period as Storm could not make any impression on the scoreline - the only impression that was made was by Pasi Nielikainen who was given a match penalty following an altercation with Eagles Sean Selmser - Selmser was then awarded a minor + a 10 minute misconduct himself.

Man of the Match for Manchester : Pasi NIELIK�INEN
Man of the Match for Scottish Eagles : Xaviver MAJIC
Attendance:5459

London out shot the Steelers in the opening period, but fell behind to a close range effort from Jason Sessa on the power play. Knights leveled the score with a blue line slap shot from Mo Mansi that beat an apparently unsighted Steelers goalie Laing high to his stick side. Sheffield forced a great save from Trofimenkoff at 29.32. Kolesar thought he had scored at 33.15 but with an almost open goal managed to hit the netminders pad.

The third period saw plenty of chances but neither side could score. A late penalty on Mansi for hooking with 51 seconds remaining saw Steelers call a timeout. A man down Knights held firm as the game entered overtime, the first in League play this season. Steelers had the better of the early exchanges in OT with Knights having a couple of good chances in the final two minutes. A deserved point for both sides.

Man of the Match for London : Dave TROFIMENKOFF
Man of the Match for Sheffield : Joel LAING
Attendance:2150

They allege that during the Challenge Cup game Scottish Eagles versus Belfast Giants played on Saturday 5th October, Schulte was involved in two separate incidents where Eagles players Bob Quinnell and Xavier Majic could have sustained serious facial/head injuries.

The ISL Disciplinary Committee will conduct a full investigation into the alleged incidents.

They are: referee Nigel Boniface who has been appointed to the World Under 20s Division 2, Group B championship to be held in Yugoslavia; linesman Simon Norcott appointed to World Under 20's Division 2, Group A to be held in Romania and linesman, Michael Hicks has been appointed to World Under 18's Division 2, Group B to be held in Yugoslavia.

First period saw few decent chances to either side. Storm opened the scoring with a power play effort from Pierre Allard, his shot going under Lilljebjorn. Knights now scoreless in seven successive periods.

Manchester made it 2-0 when a Peters pass infront of the net found an unmarked Cardarelli for an easy tap in. An unmarked Maxwell in the centre circle picked up the puck taking it down the ice and scoring past Torchia for a shorthanded strike. A fight between Maxwell and Nielikainen behind the Storm goal yielded fighting majors for both and an addition roughing for Maxwell.

The third period saw Manchester increase their lead through Longstaff. Knights Sacratini made it a one goal game finishing off a play set up by Mansi. Parrish and Rushforth both received ten minute misconducts for unsportsmanlike conduct. London withdrew their goalie with 79 seconds remaining and valliantly as they tried could not score.

Man of the Match for London : Dennis MAXWELL
Man of the Match for Manchester : Mike TORCHIA
Attendance: 3112

Ex-Steeler Ryan Bach looked unbeatable at times but in the end could only watch as his replacement Joel Laing posted his FOURTH shut-out from just 9 games. A fast and robust game as both sides gave everything to make and deny chances in an end-to-end game. Goal-mouth scrambles galore ! Sheffield always had the edge playing a slightly faster game than Giants. Bach had the pick of the saves in the first period, stopping Sessa shott before his left post just before the first penalty of the game. Later a pass across the zone found Gordon but his first-time effort hit Bach's chest.

The deadlock was broken when Carlsson chased the puck down the right, checked inside and his pass to the far side was first-timed home by Sessa from close-in. Giants then upped their game and just before the second Riehl backhanded a shot at Laing's right post but Laing came up big.

Twice Bach denied breakways in the final session. Willman had the first attempt then a 3-on-1 breakout agin saw Gordon shooting first-time as Bach did the splits to save. In between MacDonald and Bowen both missed good chances from the right as Giants swarmed all over the Sheffield net.

Man of the Match for Sheffield : Joel LAING
Man of the Match for Belfast : Ryan BACH
Attendance: 3964

End to end game of hockey, with Eagles performance much better than the game in midweek against Panthers. With 2.30, on the clock a shot from Karlander was saved by Cavillan and he failed to control the rebound and shot wide with an open net at his mercy. Just over 4 minutes later Majic failed to find Weaver in the Giants zone, as play went down the other end Riehl and Sandrock set up MacDonald to fire past Cavillan on his stick side. At 9.43 Eagles had on 4 on 3 this was then a 5 0n 3 for 10 seconds and with a second left, Williams fired in from the right circle. Less than a minute later Giants regained the lead as Kelman beat Cavillan from the left circle. But, Eagles fought back for the second time and 62 seconds later Bauba tied the score up at 2 apiece as he netted from close in.

With 14 seconds gone in the second period Giants were in penalty trouble as Kelman went for hooking. Eagles took advantage of the extra man as Ratushny fired in from the left wing, to put the home side in front for the first time in the game. Eagles then had to kill a 4 minute powerplay as Vauhkonen went for holding and roughing. Eagles contained the visitors and not letting them get many shots on goal.

On the 43rd minute Stewart was binned for holding and it was the visitors who came closest to scoring Kuwabara went in 1 on 1 but shot wide. After the penalty expired Giants started to apply the pressure in search of the game tying goal. Eagles soaked up the pressure until Quinnell went for hooking at 49.07. and on the powerplay Kuwabara shot high past Cavillan after good build play by Sandrock and Sorochan. This was how it finished after 60 minutes.

Two minutes into the overtime period Riehl went for hooking. The shots rained in on Bach and at 63.36, Williams fired in the winner. This result keeps alive Eagles hopes of making the semi-final stages of the competition.

Man of the Match for Scottish Eagles : Jeff WILLIAMS
Man of the Match for Belfast : Ryan KUWABARA
Attendance: 1381

Sheffield looking the more dangerous throughout the first period when they were even-handed but 5 penalties gave Storm plenty of opportunities to test Laing. (Bobyck took his illegal equipment penalty for continuing to play after his helmet came off.) Brown fired through a crowd to open the scoring. Hodge buried the puck high to level the scores.

Great work from Mike Perna cut out the pass to Sessa after Dutiaume broke away down the left. Soon after Steelers got their third powerplay and Dutiaume's right wing shot rebounded for Bobyck to net close in. Sheffield captain talked his way to an additional misconduct penalty. Wilson, Neilikainen and Cardarelli all had chances. Perna took his roughing penalty after a coming together of players in the Manchester zone.

Geoff Peters almost danced through at the start of the third. Wilson levellled from a face-off on the left shooting through a crowd, but Norris netted at Lyle's right post to deflate Storm. Despite 9 goals from his first 6 games Gordon was allowed acres of space to skate across the front and beat Lyle with a shot the goalie never saw. Then Norris broke away down the right short-handed and the pass to the far post was buried under Lyle by Gordon.

Man of the Match for Sheffield : Mark DUTIAUME
Man of the Match for Manchester : Colin PEPPERALL
Attendance: 4504

Sheffield player Chris Szysky was given a 5 minute fighting penalty plus a game misconduct for illegal use of equipment under the IIHF playing rule 555, following an altercation with Manchester player Mike Perna, who received a 5 minute fighting penalty.

During the altercation Szysky removed his helmet and used it to strike Perna on the head area at least three times before throwing it down on the ice. Following an investigation by the ISL Disciplinary Committee, the game misconduct penalty has been amended to a match penalty under IIHF Playing Rule 527, excessive roughness.

Szysky will receive a 1 game suspension under the ISL Playing Rules and is fined �250 for his actions.

JOEL LAING, SHEFFIELD STEELERS
Nottingham Panthers requested that ISL Supplementary Disciplinary action be taken against Sheffield netminder Joel Laing for an incident that occurred during the Sheffield Steelers versus Nottingham Panthers game played on Saturday 21st September 2002.

They alleged that Laing was reckless with his stick and could have caused an injury to Nottingham player Jason Clarke during an incident in Laing's goal area. Following an investigation into the alleged incident by the ISL Disciplinary Committee, no further action will be taken against Laing.

DODY WOOD, NOTTINGHAM PANTHERS
Sheffield Steelers requested that ISL Supplementary Disciplinary Action be taken against Nottingham player Dody Wood for an incident during the Sheffield Steelers versus Nottingham Panthers game played on Saturday 21st September 2002.

They alleged that Wood was reckless with his stick and caused a facial injury to Sheffield player Chris Szysky, and only received a minor penalty. Following a review of the match video and the match official�s reports, no further action will be taken against wood.

Simon Kirkham, one of the top referees in the country, has agreed to take on the task of overseeing all officiating matters for the National Governing Body. This will involve working with the International Ice Hockey Federation and with Andy French and Bob Bramah who look after officiating matters for the two top leagues.

Brian Storey, ISL�s Chief Administration Officer, commented on Simon�s new position. �The appointment of Simon Kirkham as IHUK Director of Officiating is an important step in the development of, not only officiating in the UK, but of the sport as a whole in this country. We look forward to working closely with him on a wide range of officiating issues to the betterment of all. ISL, in conjunction with BNL, have given complete and widespread support to Simon in the difficult and onerous task that faces him."

Andy French, ISL's Hockey Manager, added. "It is good to have the appointment of Simon Kirkham as the Director of Officiating for IHUK. His vast experience at all levels of the sport can only encourage those who may just be stepping on the ladder of officiating in this country. I have known Simon for what seems like a life time now, from both sides of the fence. I am looking forward to working with him on a wide range of officiating issues all over the UK. We can only strive forward in conjunction with the BNL and other leagues to give Simon widespread support in the difficult tasks ahead."

Brian Storey, the ISL�s Chief Administration Officer, said. �ISL owes a great deal to Alyson for her work and commitment over the last few years. It has not been an easy task, but she gave everyone 100% support and we will miss her greatly. However nothing ever stays the same and we can only wish her well for the future"

Alyson will leave the ISL on Thursday 31st October and takes up a new position in Marketing & Hospitality in her hometown of Kingston-upon-Hull in December.

The 6�1� Canadian has played in the Superleague before, for Ayr Scottish Eagles in 98/99, where he scored 1 goal and 11 assists in 42 games. The rest of his career has been pretty evenly divided in recent seasons between North American and European leagues, with stints in Austria and the DEL and the past two seasons with Lubbock Cotton Kings in the WPHL and Elmira Jackals in the UHL.

The 5 match suspension and �250 fine was considered to be the appropriate punishment in all the circumstances of the case.

Brebant has already served four games and will sit out Sheffield's next game against Manchester Storm on Saturday 5th October at Sheffield, face-off 19.00hrs.

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