Elite League Regular Season Finale: Coach Reactions & Game Highlights

The Elite League's regular season concluded with an action-packed finale on Sunday, April 5th, witnessing a total of 25 goals scored across the competition. Here's a summary of the post-game reactions and key insights from coaches and players:

Sunday, April 5th Round-up:

Glasgow Clan 3-2 Sheffield Steelers (Overtime)

Mike Sirant, Glasgow Clan: Head coach Sirant expressed immense pride in his team's performance, highlighting their strong will to win and the satisfying overtime victory. He noted the tremendous pride shown by the players for themselves and the organization.

Aaron Fox, Sheffield Steelers: Steelers coach Fox acknowledged his team's strong start but admitted the second period slipped away due to poor puck management, allowing Glasgow to take a two-goal lead in the third. He lauded his team's character and mental resilience for fighting back to tie the game, especially after a recent period of mental weakness. Fox emphasized the numerous positives from the weekend, indicating a good momentum shift heading into the crucial playoff weekend.

Nottingham Panthers 1-4 Cardiff Devils

Danny Stewart, Nottingham Panthers: Stewart described the game as a contest between two tired teams. He noted the Panthers' struggle, starting the game with a short bench and losing two more players, reducing them to nine forwards and five defensemen. While acknowledging potential improvements in puck exits and passing execution, he attributed much of the struggle to exhaustion and lack of movement off the puck. Despite the loss, he highlighted finishing third as a good season achievement and praised his team's effort over the 54-game season, admitting they "ran out of gas" in the final match.

Paul Thompson, Cardiff Devils: Thompson, having been tough on his team recently, praised their control against a strong Panthers side, despite Nottingham missing key players. He liked how the Devils played and finished the season, securing seven wins out of their last eight games. Thompson noted significant progression from the previous year, including wins in Sheffield, Belfast, and Nottingham, and a higher standing. He emphasized the need to focus on the upcoming playoff challenge against Coventry.

Dundee Stars 1-2 Fife Flyers (Overtime)

Marc LeFebvre, Dundee Stars: LeFebvre highlighted the outstanding performances of both goalies, noting his team's 53 shots but only one goal. He stated this reflected their season-long issue of creating chances but failing to capitalize. He expressed regret at not securing the overtime win.

Mike Courts, Fife Flyers: Courts praised his team's heart and character. He felt that either team could have taken the win in a closely contested match and was glad it was his team that emerged victorious.

Coventry Blaze 4-5 Belfast Giants

Kevin Moore, Coventry Blaze: Moore characterized the game as "sloppy." He appreciated his team's pushback in the third period but felt they were playing from behind too much. He acknowledged the fans' great turnout for the final home game and expressed disappointment at not being able to send the game to overtime as a thank you.

Adam Keefe, Belfast Giants: Keefe commended his team's performance, especially given the circumstances of having secured the league title five games prior. He felt they showcased why they are champions, even with several players missing and younger players stepping up effectively. He particularly praised their excellent management of the situation in the third period, proud to finish the season with a win in such a manner.

Guildford Flames 2-1 Manchester Storm

Paul Dixon, Guildford Flames: Dixon described a tough first period for the Flames, with Manchester starting very strong. He emphasized the importance of momentum and winning games for his team, expressing delight with securing four points over the weekend and ending the regular season positively.

Cam Critchlow, Manchester Storm: Critchlow noted the evenly matched nature of the game and praised both goalies. He felt the Storm created many Grade-A scoring chances but couldn't convert. He acknowledged the feeling of it being the "last game of the year" and highlighted that with the regular season concluded, it's now time for the "important hockey" of the playoffs.