There are three weekends left to go and the Spring Cup has become something of a two-horse in the last couple of weeks as Telford Tigers and Sheffield Steeldogs break away from the rest.
This weekend, we should be a step closer to knowing who will win the tournament as both sides go head to head in a double header where something has to give.
The two teams have been imperious in the competition so far, winning all their games and if one of them can do the double and take all four points, it would be hard to see past them winning the Spring Cup.
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Tickets for this weekendโs big fixture against Sheffield Steeldogs are now on sale! ๐ฅ
Youโll be needing your popcorn for this one ๐๐ฟ
Buy your streaming ticket here! ๐๐๐ผ https://t.co/gQuMqfqYqg pic.twitter.com/07iBRaeTOL
โ Telford Tigers (@Telford_Tigers) March 9, 2021
Sheffield Steeldogs have been strong in the offensive lines, putting away 40 goals in their six games so far, which is an impressive stat, made even more stunning with an average of 6.67 goals per game.
The goals have been shared between 10 players, which shows the depth coach Greg Wood has at his disposal and itโs hard to ignore Liam Kirkโs contribution with 12, something that should excite the Steelers fans when the NHL drafted star returns for the Elite Series.
The manner of their victories are hard to ignore as they racked up victory after victory.ย Bear in mind, the Steeldogs were the unofficial Streaming Series winners back in November with three wins from four games.
The goals are flying in and Telford will have to be at their best to stop them if they are to go on and win the competition as well.
Let your weekend end with a BANG!
The top 2 in the Spring Cup clash ๐๐ป๐ Sunday March 14th ๐ฅ @BradfieldBrew Steeldogs
vs@Telford_Tigers
Stream live at 4:30, faceoff at 5pm
๐ https://t.co/tgj1trpLlb pic.twitter.com/o1LKo4jM3dโ Sheffield Steeldogs (@SteeldogsIHC) March 10, 2021
Tom Watkinsโ side have also been impressive in picking up maximum points from all their games and it looks like a continuation of the team that won the NIHL National Cup and League prior to lockdown.
The players theyโve brought in have integrated well into the team and thereโs no doubt having Robert Lachowicz, Ross Venus and Kieran Brown have been a huge plus.
We canโt not mention the contributions of experienced campaigners Scott McKenzie and Jason Silverthorn, still racking up the points, with McKenzie in particular nabbing 3+2 in the games with Raiders last week.
It has the makings of a fascinating weekend for both teams.ย One victor in the two games could make it difficult for the other, a points split over the meetings keeps the interest going a bit longer.
We have just a single game this weekend which is Friday. We hope you'll be there joining us on the stream but what, therefore, do you have planned for Saturday and Sunday this weekend? https://t.co/G5VQx1wSi5
โ Bees Ice Hockey Club (@BeesIceHockey) March 9, 2021
ELSEWHERE
Bees and Raiders meet again a week after coming together in Romford and this time, itโs the Bees who have the one night, while Raiders go on for a full three in three weekend.
Ivan Antonovโs hat-trick in the 5-4 last Friday was the latest impressive display for Doug Sheppardโs side that perhaps helped Danny Stewart select him for Coventry Blaze in the Elite Series.
Raiders, however, are keen to get a win on the board and may have revenge on their mind when they head to Slough for this one.
๐ถ๐ทSUNDAY GAME INFO๐ถ๐ท
After away games Friday & Saturday we head home Sunday
๐ Sunday 14th March
๐ @SwinWildcats
โฐ 3pm Face Off, stream starts 2:30pm
๐Sapphire Ice, Romford
๐ฅ https://t.co/k0nzIlFztk
๐ซ https://t.co/VpMPEg9AvY
๐ https://t.co/CYg1iC61UO โ @ZachSully11โ Raiders IHC (@Raiders_IHC) March 9, 2021
Theyโve added Ed Knaggs to the side to shore up their defence and no doubt, Sean Easton will be keen to lean on his experience as they look to keep things tight against an offensively dangerous team against Swindon Wildcats, who they play on Saturday and Sunday.
For Aaron Nellโs side, it gives them a much needed chance to move past the two heavy losses inflicted on them by Telford Tigers last week.
Wildcatsโ hopes of being in the conversation for the Spring Cup took a considerable dent, but wins over Raiders and one loss each between the top two when they meet could get them back in, but it would look a tall order.
Thereโs still a lot to play for, but as the games start to run out, the picture starts to become clearer and clearer.ย This weekend could very well answer those questions.
Check out this cool head-to-head graphic between the Wildcats & Raiders over the years. ๐
Don't forget that this Saturday's faceoff is at 6:30pm.โ๏ธ
Get your tickets ready โฌ๏ธ
๐ @Raiders_IHC
๐ 13/03/2021
โฐ F/O 6:30pm
๐ https://t.co/RSpW5EF8as
๐ฐ๐ https://t.co/hFNX9agjg0 pic.twitter.com/Qzvww6j6Avโ The Bespoke Guardians Swindon Wildcats (@SwinWildcats) March 11, 2021
FIXTURES (Click on the link for streaming details)
FRIDAY:
SATURDAY:
Telford Tigers vs Sheffield Steeldogs (3pm)
Swindon Wildcats vs Raiders (6.30pm)