French talks Playoffs

Elite League Director of Hockey Andy French has told skysports.com that the playoff finals are the spectacle of European ice hockey.

Tickets have gone on sale for the final four weekend, which takes place in Nottingham on April 4th and 5th.

The Nottingham Arena will again host two semi-finals on the Saturday before a junior international between England and Scotland and the playoff final on the Sunday afternoon.

The Elite League have announced that ticket prices will remain the same as last season and French said that he expected another great weekend.

“The playoff finals at Nottingham get huge crowds and always have,” French told skysports.com.

“It’s a big success. It’s very difficult to get tickets for it year in, year out and it’s very successful. It’s hard work but it is good. I enjoy it after doing a few playoff final weekends behind the scenes.”

Previously the road to the final four weekend involved two groups of four with the top two in each group qualifying. However, in recent years that has been replaced by a knockout format with quarter finals ties contested over two legs.

“I think we went to this new format and it’s created, in my opinion, a situation that’s way better than when we used to have the groups,” French added.

“I think it creates more interest for the fans and each club should get full houses (for the home playoff quarter final) especially if the first game is close.

“The next week (in Nottingham) you’re at what’s become the spectacle of Europe.”

The winning team last year was the Sheffield Steelers, who defeated Cardiff and Coventry en route to collecting their second playoff championship of the Elite League era.

The Steelers are the only team to win the trophy twice since the formation of the EIHL with Nottingham, Newcastle and Coventry also tasting victory.