From clutch goaltending to timely goals and tireless work on the backend, British Ice Hockey’s Elite League Team of the Week spotlights the players who tilted games in their team’s favour.
With that said, let’s dive into Luke James’ starting six…
Elite League Team of the Week:
Lucas Brine, Glasgow Clan
Lucas Brine, Glasgow Clan (Image: Al Goold)
Sami Aittokallio’s injury forced the Glasgow Clan’s hand.
Lucas Brine received the nod to start against the Sheffield Steelers — and he delivered a mighty performance.
The 23-year-old made 27 saves on 30 shots to backstop Glasgow to a 5-3 upset of the Steelers, denying all four high-danger scoring chances he faced.
The Team Great Britain hopeful doubled down with a similarly commanding display a night later, making 43 saves on 44 shots in a 1-0 loss to the Cardiff Devils.
Brine’s season save percentage ticked up to .891 as a result of his fine performances in round 18.
Reid Irwin, Belfast Giants
The Belfast Giants played thrice and won thrice.
And Reid Irwin was instrumental on the backend, producing four points (one goal, three assists) and finishing the weekend plus-seven.
The Canadian’s most impactful performance came on Saturday against the Nottingham Panthers, scoring the game-winner and providing an empty net, primary assist.
Irwin is up to 19 points (four goals, 15 assists) in 39 appearances for the Giants, further consolidating his role in Adam Keefe’s top-four.
Mark Richardson, Cardiff Devils
Mark Richardson was at his shot-blocking best in Cardiff’s shutout win over the Clan.
The Team GB stalwart made five blocks and finished the night plus-one.
Richardson, just nine games shy of his 1000th Elite League appearance, still has it at age-39.
Ryan Smith, Belfast Giants
Before round 17, Ryan Smith was in a mini slump.
The 28-year-old had two points in his previous five games — and was a frigid minus-two through that spell.
But he was back to his best last weekend, powering the Giants to back-to-back-to-back wins over the Dundee Stars (4-7), Panthers (4-1), and Manchester Storm (4-1).
Smith peaked against Nottingham, scoring the opener and adding a secondary assist, before icing the game by scoring into an empty net.
Smith’s 23-point haul (in 39 games) isn’t to be sniffed at.
David Booth, Fife Flyers
David Booth might actually be an ageless wonder.
The former NHL’er continues to look the part, returning from a fortnight in the treatment room with a goal and two assists to lead the Fife Flyers t0 a 7-4 win over Sheffield.
Booth suffered a 7-3 reverse to the Panthers on Sunday… and, despite going pointless, still ended up plus-one.
That’s six goals and three assists in six Flyers appearances for the American.
Grayson Constable, Coventry Blaze
Grayson Constable was the difference-maker as the Coventry Blaze edged the Guildford Flames 3-2 in overtime.
The forward opened his account on the powerplay, finishing confidently to keep the Blaze within touching distance during a tightly contested affair.
But it was his second of the night that truly stood out.
In overtime, Constable showcased sheer tenacity, stealing possession from Flames netminder Taz Burman before burying the game-winner.
The two-goal showing underlined Constable’s knack for delivering in big moments — and ensured Coventry walked away with a hard-earned extra point.
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