The Christmas gameweek didn’t disappoint in the Planet Ice NIHL National Division, as sides looked to build momentum over the festive period.
MK Lightning head into 2025 atop the division after picking up four points in their double-header against Peterborough Phantoms.
A routine home win on Saturday was followed by a tense shootout win on Sunday in Peterborough.
Hot on their heels are Leeds Knights, who also secured a four-point weekend, overcoming Solway Sharks home and away.
As well as a successful weekend in the league, the Knights were also victorious in the second leg of their NIHL Cup semi-final against Sheffield Steeldogs, booking themselves a meeting with Romford Raiders in the final.
Swindon Wildcats put distance between themselves and fourth place, solidifying their claims for top spot with three wins over the festive period.
Three dominant victories – twice against Bristol Pitbulls, combined with an 8-3 win against Telford Tigers – means the Wildcats are four points off top spot and three behind second-placed Leed.
Elsewhere, two 5-4 victories for Hull Seahawks over Sheffield Steeldogs across the weekend lifted Hull into fourth place.
Romford Raiders climbed up to fifth after two wins against basement club Berkshire Bees over the weekend.
And the other game of the weekend saw Bristol Pitbulls gain ground in the race for playoff hockey as they beat Telford Tigers 5-3 away from home.
Friday 27th December Bristol Pitbulls 0-5 Swindon Wildcats
Saturday 28th December Berkshire Bees 3-6 Romford Raiders
Saturday 28th December Swindon Wildcats 8-3 Telford Tigers
Saturday 28th December Milton Keynes Lightning 5-2 Peterborough Phantoms
Saturday 28th December Sheffield Steeldogs 4-5 Hull Seahawks
Saturday 28th December Solway Sharks 3-5 Leeds Knights
Sunday 29th December Leeds Knights 5-1 Solway Sharks
Sunday 29th December Romford Raiders 5-3 Berkshire Bees
Sunday 29th December Hull Seahawks 5-4 Sheffield Steeldogs
Sunday 29th December Peterborough Phantoms 3-4 (SO) Milton Keynes Lightning
Sunday 29th December Telford Tigers 3-5 Bristol Pitbulls
Wednesday 1st January Swindon Wildcats 8-1 Bristol Pitbulls
Tuesday 30th December Sheffield Steeldogs 2-5 Leeds Knights (4-7 on aggregate)
Stay updated on all the latest fixtures and results from across the NIHL regional divisions, WNIHL and junior leagues.
Featured photo credit: Tony Sargent
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