The Sheffield Steelkings won the inaugural Northwest Europe Para Ice Hockey League after dominant performances.
The Steelkings fought their way to victory over four games across the weekend, shutting out every team they played.
Between the pipes
This was thanks to great goalie performances from Matt Davis and Gary Whiteley, who both logged 100% save percentages.
The two shared out goalie responsibilities across the four games.
A 4-0 result over the Rouen Dragons sealed the title for the side who showed their quality across all four games.
Two 5-0 wins and another 3-0 win over the Dragons rounded out their group stage on day one.
Farmer grabs four
In their first game against the Dordrecht Polar Bears Gary Farmer grabbed a hattrick and Russ Clarke scored his first competitive goal.
Player/Coach Jake Oakley opened their account in that match.
Farmer continued his fantastic form scoring four of his sides five goals against the Antwerp Phantoms.
Wayne Plummer finished the 5-0 score line adding one for himself in that game.
Their final group stage match came against the Dragon’s with Farmer grabbing two more goals.
Rebecca Moore added one for herself in that game too.
This took the side to the final where they faced the Dragons again resulting in a 4-0 victory.
You guessed it Gary Farmer struck three more times this game with Barry Grayson the sides’ captain adding the fourth.
Four thoroughly dominant games for a side who a few years ago numbered just five players.
Farmer is worth noting after scoring 12 of his sides’ 17 goals.
Coaches view
Oakley spoke about his sides’ performances, saying:
“We’re delighted to take home the first ever Northwest Europe Para Ice Hockey League trophy, it feels so good to have this reward for all the hard work everyone on the team has put in.”
He continued:
“It’s been a fantastic experience on and off the ice and we’re all really proud to be going home with the trophy but also the knowledge this event will help grow the sport across North Europe and hopefully encourage even more people to get involved in para ice hockey.”
