Steelers claim Elite league title

SHEFFIELD Steelers have been crowned Elite League champions, courtesy of their 4-1 win over Newcastle and Coventry's shock defeat to Hull.

It's the second time the Yorkshire outfit have captured the title since its inauguration in 2003, but they were forced to come from behind to claim victory in the north east.

Derek Campbell put the Vipers ahead in the fourth minute, only for the Steelers to roar back through goals from Robert Dowd, Joey Talbot - who notched his 34^th of the season - and two late goals from Ashley Tait and Jeff Legue.  

"I am absolutely over the moon and hugely proud of the boys," said Steelers general manager Mike O'Connor.

 "Next weekend we are at home Saturday and Sunday and although we have serious business to attend to on the ice, there will inevitably be a carnival atmosphere.

"Superb stuff - I know the fans and the players will have a ball tonight."

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After the first leg of the Challenge Cup final there is still all to play for as Manchester Phoenix will head to Northern Ireland with a slender 4-3 advantage.

Luke Fulghum put the Phoenix ahead with his 29^th strike of the season and a quick-fire double from Bruce Mulherin and Brett Clouthier put the hosts three to the good.

David Beauregard extended the lead to four before George Awada, Colin Shields and Andrew Martin kept the tie alive with three goals for the Giants.

Back in the league and the Coventry Blaze slumped to a 4-1 defeat against Hull - handing the Steelers the title.

Sylvain Deschatelets gave Coventry the lead early on but the Stingrays fought back through Lee Esders before Jeff Glowa, Pavel Gomenyuk and Jason Konstadine all found the net to reignite Hull's play-off hopes.

Elsewhere, a late goal by Sean Perkins earned Edinburgh Capitals a 4-3 over Cardiff and ensured the Scottish outfit's race with Hull for the play-offs will go down to the wire.

And Nottingham Panthers thumped Basingstoke Bison 7-2 as the Hampshire side have now made history by becoming the first team to lose 23 games in a row.