EIHL Game Notes; Challenge Cup Semi Final Preview

Game One; Blaze vs Giants

The first semi-final leg of the 2026 Challenge Cup begins at the Skydome, where Coventry Blaze face off against Belfast Giants, just days after a bonkers clash in the same arena, where the home team let a 4 goal lead slip, allowing Giants to claim max league points in OT.

It does need to be clear that this isn’t a knockout game, however, it is the marker for the series of a two-legged tie that will conclude in Belfast the following week.

Blaze will begin their immense challenge against the current holders and league leaders Giants, being the most in-form team in the league, going without a regulation loss in 2026, their last vs Devils at Christmas.

Giants are the only other team that have a record to rival their hosts, so after just beating them in a comeback thriller only days ago, this should be one of the highlight games of the season.

Ironically, their (Giants) last regulation defeat came at the hands of Blaze.

This is poised.

To add spice to the cup games, the EIHL have also granted additional opportunities for coaches to challenge calls during these games, found here; https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/5195-additional-coach-s-challenges-in-cup-semis

All plays are challengeable, as well as an active ‘situation room’ as long as calls are made by on-ice officials.

The last time these teams met in a knockout scenario in the CC was in the 2023/24 season, where Blaze eliminated Giants 6:5 after two legs.

How They Stack Up

As per the fantastic pre-game build ups via social media, the EIHL Face-Off Podcast have highlighted this as one of the games to watch this week, here is a visual break down of how the teams look currently;

Ones to Watch as chosen by the hosts of EIHL Face-Off Podcast;