Sunday 4th October: Hocktoberfest @ Sheffield Arena, 11am-8pmSchedule
11am: Sheffield Steelers v Excel Hull Stingrays
12pm: Belfast Giants v Cardiff Devils
1pm: Edinburgh Capitals v Newcastle Vipers
2pm: Coventry Blaze v Nottingham Panthers
4pm: Semi-Final 1
5pm: Semi Final 2
7pm: Final
Players to Watch
Belfast: Pierre-Luc Faubert (8GP 5+0) Faubert, thought to be a candidate for league MVP during pre-season, has netted an impressive five goals so far this season but, despite his dynamic play, has yet to grab the headlines as expected. As one of the faster players in the league, Hocktoberfest is a chance for the French-Canadian to grab those very headlines.
Cardiff: Jay Latulippe (8GP 2+5) The nippy setup man has had a decent start to the season with a free-scoring Devils side. After bagging 26 goals last year, he will be expected to produce more in a much improved side in the Welsh capital this season. Spearheaded by the Saratoga, New York native, the Devils have a real chance of winning this trophy and getting their season off to a trophy winning start.
Coventry: Adam Calder (7GP 2+7) As one of the league's highest all-time scorers, Calder has got off to a slow start this season, scoring just two goals. Their under reliance on the Canadian is both good and bad. Good in that they have a side deep in scoring talent, that has managed to get it done, bad in the fact they will need him to score, and score plenty, if they are to match Nottingham for the title. In this offence friendly format, Calder will be called upon to make an impact.
Edinburgh: Simon Lambert (3GP 3+4) Thought to be one of the fastest players in the CHL last season, this tournament should suit Lambert down to the ground. Speed aside, he has scored an almighty seven points in the Caps opening three games, two of which have been losses, and his partnership with Owen Fussey will be key if the Caps are to progress in this tournament.
Stingrays: Konstantin Kalmikov (8GP 7+0) One of the purest, most skilled forwards in the league, Kalmikov should shine in this form of the game. In a, so far, poor Stingrays side, the Ukrainian has notched a joint league-leading seven goals in eight games so far this season. With the extra space, and with the Rays back to full strength against a Sheffield side in a certain state of disrepair, he should thrive during Hocktoberfest.
Newcastle: Jason Tejchma (7GP 3+4) Not much has been said of the American away from Tyneside, after the Vipers impressive start to the season. In a real team effort, he and his teammates have spread the point scoring in getting Newcastle into second place in league play, meaning none of them have particularly stood out, instead the team has shone. Following the guide of speed plus skill equals Hocktoberfest success, Tejchma and the disciplined Vipers should excel on Sunday.
Nottingham: Marty Gascon (8GP 0+9) Another speedy player from the CHL, Gascon seems to have more than adequately replaced Dan Tessier at the NIC. Linking up with pure finishers Cameron Mann and Sean McAslan, Gascon has recorded nine assists but has yet to bag his first goal. Don't bet on him going scoreless through Sunday though, this format is ideal for the quick centre.
Sheffield: Jeff Legue (7GP 6+5) Legue is now a known quantity in the Elite League after being part of the Steelers championship winning sides of the past two seasons. This season, however, he has been leading Sheffield almost entirely on his own. In poor form but at home, with the pace and finishing quality of Legue, the Steelers could, for once, be dark horses as opposed to favourites, something which will suit them down to the ground.Predicted Champions
Nottingham Panthers
