Now that we've moved past the storm in a teacup that was the state of the EIHL, for the time being at least, isn't it great to throw around some rumours and eyeball AHL journeymen that you wouldn't mind seeing on your team next season?Normal service resumed, eh?Still, playoff weekend was anything but normal thanks to the intense speculation in the week leading up to it. It started in controversy, and thanks to the celebrations of the Steelers it ended that way too.That said, it's refreshing to know that the British game was still able to do what it does best - make you recognise just how great this sport is.
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 However, in recent years that has been replaced by a knockout format with quarter finals ties contested over two legs.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.
