Sheffield Steelers 4-3 Hull Stingrays
In complete contrast to their visit to Ice Sheffield almost exactly a year ago when they shocked the Sheffield Steelers to qualify for the EIHL Playoff Semi-Finals for the first time, the Hull Stingrays traveled to South Yorkshire tonight already officially eliminated from playoff contention but put in a spirited display in a 4-3 defeat.
The Braehead Clan's victory over the Dundee Stars last night confirmed that the Hull Stingrays would not be extending their campaign beyond the regular season for the first time in three years, nevertheless, Sylvain Cloutier's side put up a good fight in defeat tonight despite falling behind early.
The Rays - who were without suspended enforcer Ryan Hand - found themselves behind after just 47 seconds thanks to a Jeff Legue marker. They responded almost immediately however Jereme Tendler netting a 42nd goal of the season 33 seconds later.
Matty Davies then gave the Stingrays a seventh minute lead in front of a sold out away following before Sheffield hit back later in the first to regain the lead through defenceman Danny Meyers and import forward Simon Ferguson.
What turned out to be the game winning goal from Shawn Limpwright followed four minutes into the second extending the Steelers lead to 4-2 before Stingrays captain Kurtis Dulle reduced the deficit to one goal with a powerplay goal on 36.16.
The Rays were unable to force an equaliser in the final twenty minutes giving the Steelers a 4-3 victory and completing a 6-0 season whitewash over the Stingrays in the process.
Elsewhere in the Gardiner Conference this evening, the Braehead Clan were confirmed as inaugural Gardiner Conference champions despite a heavy defeat to the Fife Flyers.
The Kirkcaldy side's win sealed their first ever EIHL playoff berth and they join the Edinburgh Capitals in the playoffs after their 3-2 win over the Dundee Stars confirmed that they, and not the Stars, would be progressing to the post-season.
The Stingrays end a disappointing but, at the same time, encouraging 12/13 Elite League campaign with a home fixture to the Coventry Blaze tomorrow evening.
In complete contrast to their visit to Ice Sheffield almost exactly a year ago when they shocked the Sheffield Steelers to qualify for the EIHL Playoff Semi-Finals for the first time, the Hull Stingrays traveled to South Yorkshire tonight already officially eliminated from playoff contention but put in a spirited display in a 4-3 defeat.
The Braehead Clan's victory over the Dundee Stars last night confirmed that the Hull Stingrays would not be extending their campaign beyond the regular season for the first time in three years, nevertheless, Sylvain Cloutier's side put up a good fight in defeat tonight despite falling behind early.
The Rays - who were without suspended enforcer Ryan Hand - found themselves behind after just 47 seconds thanks to a Jeff Legue marker. They responded almost immediately however Jereme Tendler netting a 42nd goal of the season 33 seconds later.
Matty Davies then gave the Stingrays a seventh minute lead in front of a sold out away following before Sheffield hit back later in the first to regain the lead through defenceman Danny Meyers and import forward Simon Ferguson.
What turned out to be the game winning goal from Shawn Limpwright followed four minutes into the second extending the Steelers lead to 4-2 before Stingrays captain Kurtis Dulle reduced the deficit to one goal with a powerplay goal on 36.16.
The Rays were unable to force an equaliser in the final twenty minutes giving the Steelers a 4-3 victory and completing a 6-0 season whitewash over the Stingrays in the process.
Elsewhere in the Gardiner Conference this evening, the Braehead Clan were confirmed as inaugural Gardiner Conference champions despite a heavy defeat to the Fife Flyers.
The Kirkcaldy side's win sealed their first ever EIHL playoff berth and they join the Edinburgh Capitals in the playoffs after their 3-2 win over the Dundee Stars confirmed that they, and not the Stars, would be progressing to the post-season.
The Stingrays end a disappointing but, at the same time, encouraging 12/13 Elite League campaign with a home fixture to the Coventry Blaze tomorrow evening.
