Leeds Knights were crowned NIHL Cup winners for the first time, while MK Lightning extended their advantage at the top of the Planet Ice NIHL National Division during another pulsating weekend of action. 

Never before had the Knights won the NIHL Cup, and it looked like that run may continue after they lost the first leg of the final 5-4 in Romford.

But the Raiders couldn’t complete the job in West Yorkshire, a 4-1 victory on Sunday evening helping Leeds mount a fine comeback to clinch silverware by an 8-6 aggregate scoreline.

With the Knights preoccupied by their cup endeavours, MK Lightning had the opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of the league standings.

Despite falling to an overtime defeat against Swindon Wildcats on Saturday, a 5-1 victory in the return fixture on home ice saw Milton Keynes pick up three points from a possible four and move four points clear at the division’s summit.

Saturday’s victory also helped Swindon move to within one point of Leeds, and they are now five points behind the league leaders.

Elsewhere, two closely-fought victories saw Hull Seahawks record their second successive perfect weekend.

One of the Seahawks’ victories came against Sheffield Steeldogs, who couldn’t make it two wins from two during Gameweek 23 after starting their weekend with a 5-3 win over Berkshire Bees on home ice.

Below the Steeldogs, the sixth-placed Peterborough Phantoms only played once but they came up with a performance to remember, racking up nine goals in an emphatic victory over Bristol Pitbulls.

Meanwhile, Telford Tigers strengthened their grip on the eighth and final playoff spot after winning 12-6 at home to Bristol, in what was Telford’s only game of the weekend.

Solway Sharks had the opportunity to apply further pressure on the Tigers but were beaten twice during the latest gameweek, both by a 6-5 margin.

Results – NIHL National Division

Sat 15th Feb Bristol Pitbulls 2-9 Peterborough Phantoms L
Sat 15th Feb Romford Raiders 5-4 Leeds Knights C F
Sat 15th Feb Sheffield Steeldogs 5-3 Berkshire Bees L
Sat 15th Feb Solway Sharks 5-6 Hull Seahawks L
Sat 15th Feb Swindon Wildcats 4-3 (OT) Milton Keynes Lightning L
Sun 16th Feb Berkshire Bees 6-5 Solway Sharks L
Sun 16th Feb Hull Seahawks 5-4 Sheffield Steeldogs L
Sun 16th Feb Leeds Knights 4-1 Romford Raiders C F
Sun 16th Feb Milton Keynes Lightning 5-1 Swindon Wildcats L
Sun 16th Feb Telford Tigers 12-6 Bristol Pitbulls L

Stay updated on all the latest fixtures and results from across the NIHL regional divisions, WNIHL and junior leagues.

Photo credit: Tony Sargent

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