The Belfast Giants are on the verge of securing the Elite League title, with only an extraordinary downturn preventing them from claiming the championship. Despite a slow start to the season (3-3-1 in the first month), Adam Keefe’s team has been unstoppable since then. The Giants are close to their fifth regular-season title in six years, needing just one more victory from their last six matches.
Further down the standings, intense competition continues: the Cardiff Devils, Nottingham Panthers, and Sheffield Steelers are battling for the remaining top-four playoff spots, while the Glasgow Clan, Guildford Flames, and Coventry Blaze are striving to avoid a quarter-final showdown with Belfast. Meanwhile, the Manchester Storm have solidified their hold on fifth place, having earned a flawless four points during Round 28.
Now, let’s reveal our latest Team of the Week selections, highlighted by the Nottingham Panthers’ victory in the midweek Challenge Cup final.
Player Selections for Round 28
Mat Robson, Coventry Blaze
Mat Robson’s outstanding performance in the Challenge Cup final earned him a place in the Team of the Week, despite the Coventry Blaze losing in overtime to Nottingham. Robson, a Canadian, was exceptional, making 39 saves from 42 shots. His first-period heroics were particularly crucial, as his interventions prevented Kevin Moore’s team from being significantly behind. While the Panthers ultimately deserved their trophy, Robson’s incredible effort as Coventry’s netminder makes him an undeniable choice for this week’s lineup.
Chase Harrison, Manchester Storm
Chase Harrison of the Manchester Storm is a deserving, if understated, addition to the Team of the Week. In Round 28, he contributed an assist in Manchester’s 4-2 victory against the Guildford Flames, along with two crucial blocks. His consistent, all-around play has been vital. The 29-year-old Canadian has been a reliable presence on the second defensive pairing throughout the season, helping the Storm solidify their status as the top team outside the leading contenders. Harrison’s consistently strong performances often go unnoticed, but this week, his efforts are rightfully acknowledged.
Karl Boudrais, Belfast Giants
While Mike Lee and Gabe Bast often receive more attention on the Belfast Giants’ blueline, Karl Boudrais is a vital, though less flashy, component of their success, which stems from their impressive depth. In Sunday’s 4-1 triumph over the Clan, Boudrais, a Canadian, recorded three blocks and a plus-three rating. This victory brings the Giants tantalizingly close to clinching the Elite League title.
Kristoff Kontos, Cardiff Devils
Kristoff Kontos capitalized fully on the struggling Dundee Stars, who appear eager for the season to conclude. The 32-year-old delivered a dominant performance over two games against Dundee, amassing six points (three goals, three assists), including a hat-trick on Sunday. This impressive weekend brings Kontos close to a point-per-game average for the season, with 46 points (15 goals, 31 assists) in 47 games.
Josh Waller, Guildford Flames
Josh Waller is making the most of his prime years, showing strong form as the playoffs and Team Great Britain’s World Championship return approach. The 26-year-old is on track for another career-best season. In a standout 21-minute performance on Sunday, Waller scored twice and registered ten shots on goal as Guildford halted the Blaze. With his increasing ice time, this 1999-born forward is definitely a player to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
Bryan Lemos, Nottingham Panthers
Bryan Lemos has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, cementing his status as a “clutch” player. This Canadian’s knack for excelling in significant games has made him a favorite among fans and coaches in Nottingham. This week, Lemos contributed two assists in the Challenge Cup final and later scored in the Panthers’ 4-2 victory against the Steelers. This follows his critical role in January, where he secured three points in three games to help Nottingham win the IIHF Continental Cup. Despite being technically a third-line player for Danny Stewart, Lemos’s performance and output are undeniably star-caliber. The Panthers would be wise to retain him for the upcoming season.
