EIHL Play Off Weekend - Day 2

Another early breakfast run and then it was back to the National Ice Centre for the second day of the Play Off Weekend.

BRONZE MEDAL: Devils v Blaze
Same regs as yesterday, flag girls:

Welsh anthem

British anthem

This match was truly dire. Neither team seemed to want to play it. There were NO penalties called at all and it was a really soft hitting game. I guess the views of the teams became very clear after the first period when they played the remainder of the game with their back up netminders. It was an interesting game to watch but was a VERY poor show for a play off game but fair play to both teams for giving the back ups some decent ice time. The Blaze walked away with an 11 - 5 win which is NOT the sort of score you would expect to see!

It's not often you get to catch a puck going in the net so I was VERY pleased that I managed to capture this!

PLAY OFF FINAL: Nottingham Panthers 3 Belfast Giants 2 (after overtime)

Flag girls:

Anthem:

Now this was Play Off hockey! It was a close fought and very hard hitting match. It was seat of your pants stuff. Panthers moved ahead and it looked like they were then when the Giants fought back to leave the game tied 2 - 2 at the end of the third period. My heart was in my throat during sudden death overtime with both teams pulling out all the stops to try and claim a win. Thankfully the Panthers managed to get the job done and emerged 2013 Play Off Champions.

Stephen Murphy (Belfast Giants) receives a much deserved Man Of The Match award:

Craig Kowalski (Nottingham Panthers) also receives a well earned Man Of The Match award:

Young mascots parading flags from all the Elite League teams

Belfast Giants receive their medals:


Nottingham Panthers receive their medals and trophy:


We Are #1:



It was fantastic to be back at the NIC for the Elite League Play Off Finals Weekend. We haven't been for a while but I don't think we'll be missing any more! We are currently planning our hockey fix for the 2013/14 season come September. Panthers and Blaze had our support this weekend but next year I am hoping that the Edinburgh Capitals will finally be there and then I will be firmly behind them!

After all the excitement we went out for one last meal before driving back to Stratford-upon-Avon and spent the night at mum's.