Week 28: It's Cup Final Week!

Photo: David Williams

It's Week 28 of 31 in the Elite Ice Hockey League this season, but it will be a quieter one for most. That said, those who are playing know how crucial their games will be.

Friday night has a double offering. In Belfast, the Giants welcome Fife to the SSE Arena for a game that the Flyers losing could all-but end their chances of making the playoffs this season. In Cardiff, the Devils welcome Sheffield - the team just one point ahead of them at the top of the league. A precursor to what may come on Sunday, the night will end with either a new league leader, or the Steelers extending their advantage at the top.

Saturday sees a huge game in Dundee with the visit of Glasgow. Clan occupy the final playoff place and lead the Stars by a point having played a game more and the outcome of this one could go a long way to determining who makes the post-season this year. Over in Manchester, Storm host Coventry who could theoretically end up third in the table after this weekend's games. Storm meanwhile are trying to pull themselves clear of the teams chasing a playoff space, but could easily be pulled back down into things.

Sunday is Premier Sports Challenge Cup Final day at the Viola Arena in Cardiff. Sheffield Steelers face Cardiff Devils for the league's first silverware of the season, and the game will be shown exclusively live on Premier Sports. With both teams also involved in a league title dogfight, momentum-building could be a huge factor. Elsewhere, Coventry host Dundee in the day's only other game.