The 2025–26 season is up and running, and the Challenge Cup delivered a high-scoring start.
All ten clubs hit the ice for their opening fixtures, with a mix of blowouts, nail-biters, and eye-catching debuts.
Here are the six standouts who earned a spot in the first Team of the Week.
Jarrett Fiske | Goaltender | Dundee Stars
Jarrett Fiske picked up where he left off.
The second-year Star stopped 74 of 80 shots across two games, backstopping the Stars to wins over Glasgow and Belfast with a commanding .925 save percentage.
Confident, composed, and unflappable under pressure — Fiske’s opening weekend couldn’t have gone much better.
Dominic Cormier | Defenceman | Sheffield Steelers
Dominic Cormier wasted no time making an impact.
Dominic Cormier, Sheffield Steelers (Image: Hayley Roberts)
The Steelers defenceman opened his account with a powerplay goal and added a slick primary assist in a crucial win over the Guildford Flames.
Crisp in possession and dangerous at the blue line, Cormier brings another layer to Sheffield’s already loaded back end.
Brandon Estes | Defenceman | Cardiff Devils
Brandon Estes arrived in Cardiff with a reputation for clean exits and quick decision-making — but it was his finishing touch that stole the show.
The American blueliner chipped in a goal and an assist in a 6–3 win over Nottingham, then clinched a thriller with an overtime winner against Sheffield.
Two-way value, big minutes, and early heroics. The Devils have a player.
Ben Almquist | Forward | Dundee Stars
Speed, skill, and end product — Ben Almquist brought it all.
The American picked up a goal in a comfortable win over the Glasgow Clan, then notched another goal and helper against Belfast in a much scrappier contest.
Playing alongside Hampus Olsson and Matt Berry, Almquist’s pace on the rush gave defenders fits all weekend. Early signs point to a big season in Tayside.
Josh Waller | Forward | Guildford Flames
Josh Waller looks ready to take another step.
Josh Waller, Team GB (Image: Dean Woolley)
The Guildford Flames winger grabbed a goal and assist in a tidy win over the Nottingham Panthers, buzzing around the offensive zone with his trademark blend of speed and control.
Sharp on the puck and confident in the zone, Waller looked every bit a top-line forward.
Cole Sanford | Forward | Cardiff Devils
The Devils can always count on Cole Sanford to deliver.
The veteran forward tallied a goal and assist in both of Cardiff’s Challenge Cup victories, combining seamlessly with linemates Brett Perlini and Josh MacDonald.
It was vintage Sanford — always in the right spots, always finding the net.
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