Saturday: First full schedule of 2024/25
Photo: Panthers Images
It’s Saturday night in Week 4 of the 2024/25 Elite Ice Hockey League season, and it’s our first five-game slate of the new season!
All 10 teams are in action this evening, starting at 6pm in Guildford where the Flames host Coventry Blaze in Cup action. The Flames need to start winning fast if they’re to stand any chance of repeating last season’s run to the final, while the Blaze currently prop up Group A but have played few games than the sides around them. New Flames signing Jack Jacome, added as injury reserve cover for Brett Welyckha, has cleared the ITC system in time to be eligible for this weekend’s games.
At 7pm, Glasgow Clan finally play on home ice for the first time this season when they welcome Cardiff Devils to Braehead Arena. The Clan have spent three weeks playing on the road to date, with just the one win in five games in return, but will now get to make their home debut in front of their own fans. The arena in Glasgow has also had a new jumbotron installed, adding to the game night experience in Braehead. Cardiff had made a perfect start with four wins from as many games until Friday night’s OT loss to Manchester, but did come out 3-1 winners when they faced Clan in Wales in Week 2.
Manchester Storm will be hoping to turn their home form around when they entertain Belfast Giants in Altrincham at 7pm. Storm have lost their last two home games, but then went on to win on the road the following night. This week they return home having picked up an OT win in Cardiff on Friday evening. Belfast have not dropped a point in their five opening games so far this season.
The first Panthers vs. Steelers derby of the season takes place in Nottingham at 7pm featuring two teams who have yet to drop a point so far. Nottingham Panthers have four wins from four to start their season, while Sheffield only entered domestic competition last weekend and came away with a regulation and a shootout win. Both teams find themselves in excellent positions in Group A of the Cup, from which only two teams progress directly to the Semi-Finals.
Finally, at 7.15pm, Fife Flyers host local rivals Dundee Stars for the first time in competitive action this season. It’s a Cup fixture in Kirkcaldy, with Dundee having won the previous meeting between the teams on home ice 3-2 after a shootout. The Stars were beaten twice last weekend on their own ice, while Fife since opening night on 7 September.
