2024 EIHL POFW (& Partial Season) Review

Disappointment and elation in equal measure as another EIHL season comes to a close and a long off-season begins.

Celebrations are in order to Grand Slam Champions, Sheffield Steelers, who made no mistake in taking advantage of a shocking major penalty call, that ultimately decided the outcome of a show piece event, the final game on the elite stage of the UK hockey season.

More so, it is heavily rumoured this was the season EIHL Chairman, Tony Smith resigned from the position, so bowing out with your own clubs Grand Slam haul and an exceptional PIM/Game record, is hard to miss.

Ultimately, it was thoroughly deserved, against some incredible odds and adversity due to tragic circumstances, with the team steam rolling through the campaign to mop up the honours and claim bragging rights over the summer and the following season.

They bagged an empty netter to complete the sweep of silverware to finish the final 3:1, leaving no doubt that the game will be split on how it was won between both fanbases. On the night though, you take your chances and make them count. Steelers did.

The previous game was the atypical lamp lighter fest, with the game finishing 7:5 to Devils, a little consolation to the end of season signature event, especially for their travelling fans who shell out a lot of their disposable income to make the weekend matter.

For the Steelers, they will celebrate, in their wake, they leave their nearest competition not only licking their wounds, but having to do some deep soul searching and nuanced planning in order to take on the challenge in the next slate of EIHL action, with the Devils once again having to chase against the expectations of matching a grand slam winner.

It won’t be just improving in European competition, as the loss for Belfast allowed the 2nd place Devils to qualify for the IIHF Continental Cup for the third straight year, it would be to win that and at least two of three domestic titles. A complete haul would just about satisfy the hunger and desire for some as well.

For third place and playoff runners up, Giants have already been looking to the next one, as their squad fell woefully short of expectations

Their coach, Adam Keefe was notably non-fussed with their efforts throughout the season and looked bored of the outcomes per week. Of course, that is his job to turn the squad into contenders, not just let the quality of the roster to skate into wins.

On the other hand, it exposed his lack of nuance as a coach to turn it around with a group of players that were hit and miss for him.

Devils however, had a lot more on their plate to steady and build with. A new coach, lots of new players, additional games, a lot more travel. These aren’t excuses. These are learning points to reflect on. Much was said about taking on the IIHF competition, with a lot of disgruntled fans seething at the eventual Grand Slam winners.

Devils ended up near enough in the same position as their previous seasons effort. You can feel the smug gloating and arrogance waft from the National Ice Rink across the small UK hockey pond. You also can’t blame them. It worked.

Both of these teams had similar menus to eat from, with very similar outcomes. Challenge Cup quarter final exits, European hockey, underwhelming results. Devils managed their regular season campaign better and came up short in the semi final against eventual runners up, Giants.

Flames however, were forgetful. They gave it a good game on Saturday, however eventually taking their eyes off the prize and allowing Steelers to turn the screw and up the gears. This was Guildford hockey in its finest across this season. Here or there, but nowhere.

A frustrating season for their coach, who arguably is one coach who deserves silverware. A cup final, chance at another and not being able to take on IIHF competition, squad utilisation issues, subpar performances, major injuries to key players. From the highs of the previous campaign, sport being the cruel mistress that it is, flipped the script on them big time.

These clubs aren’t alone, as Glasgow Clan ended their season with massive disappointment and Blaze fizzled out into obscurity.

The biggest upsides to look into were Fife Flyers and Manchester Storm, both surpassing the expectations of basement dwellers and each carving out memorable seasons for themselves and their fans. This summer will be exciting for a lot of clubs, who will be looking to add, build or even rebuild.

For the Panthers, the reign of Paredes came to a respectful end, after signing with Angers of France’s Ligue Magnus, a season that won’t be forgotten but his stoic leadership was heavily regarded by the entire league, as the club, against the worst of odds, just came up short in trying to qualify for the playoffs.

What could have been.

They have already announced an important piece returning to their line up, which is a brilliant ray of light for the club. Dark horses next season for sure.

Already, it was confirmed a lot of the current Steelers roster will return, with CHL in the mix as well, it will be an interesting summer for their recruitment.

On top of this, weeks before the regular season ended, rumours were abound with a whole cohort of former Giants apparently returning to help Keefe return to the summit of the EIHL, however, who knows what will take place over the course of the next few months.

The biggest stories to analyse would be who leaves and ultimately, who retires, both players and coaches. I feel there will be a raft of announcements like this, as each club gears up to exponentially improve their rosters to be more competitive in the next campaign.

We have witnessed back to back Grand Slams from two different teams. A Grand Slam is rare, two teams completing this feat in a row highlights significant failings in quality of recruitment across the league. With further rumours of at least one more team joining the EIHL in the near future, it is massively expected to increase in quality overall.

Furthermore, the Challenge Cup is set to be redrawn to welcome better scheduling for the domestic season, a much needed change on top of the previously mentioned leadership movement. So, we should expect a lot of announcements and changes to the upcoming 24-25 season.

The end of season will not stop the content or insights, to come are Series Breakdowns, Season Overview, ScoutDeck Series, build up to Stampede, player write ups, EIHL Face-Off updates, reaction to any movement in the EIHL sphere, collaboration announcements and much more.

No offseason here, so make sure you subscribe, follow and set for updates when each article is posted.

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