Blackburn Hawks began the defence of their NIHL North Moralee D1 title with a 4-0 win at Billingham Stars – RJay Berra (2) led the scoring.

David Longstaff hit a hat-trick for Whitley Warriors as they triumphed 7-4 at home to Solway Sharks.

Blackburn Eagles made an impressive start to their Laidler D2 campaign, winning 8-1 at Bradford Bulldogs – Chris Jones &Tomas Mitrik both scored twice on their debuts for the club.

Kieran Beach (above) scored early in the final period to seal a 2-2 draw for Hull Jets at home to Nottingham Lions. Widnes Wild won 6-0 at Coventry Blaze.

Solent Devils got the NIHL1 South season underway with a 3-1 home victory against Bracknell Hornets.

In the Elite League, Manchester Storm’s Luke Salazar grabbed a hat-trick in their 8-1 success at home to Edinburgh Capitals.

Fife Flyers won 6-0 on home ice against Coventry Blaze, but fell 4-1 in the reverse fixture. Stephen Schultz hit the decider for Nottingham Panthers as they secured a 3-2 shoot-out victory at home to Dundee Stars.

Belfast Giants slipped to a 3-0 loss at Dundee in the Elite Challenge Cup, but bounced back to win 5-3 at Edinburgh. Cardiff Devils picked up a pair of victories on home ice, defeating Manchester 5-1 and Sheffield Steelers 5-3.

Braehead Clan produced a stunning performance to win their final group game in the prestigious Champions Hockey League. Clan beat German side ERC Ingolstadt 6-4, with Matt Keith leading the scoring with a couple of goals. Steelers lost 4-1 at home to Frölunda Gothenburg.

(Image permission: Arthur Foster)