The regular Planet Ice NIHL National Division season came to an end over the weekend, with Leeds Knights getting their hands on the trophy. 

The Knights, who wrapped up the title last weekend, lifted the trophy in front of their home supporters on Saturday night.

On the ice, Gameweek 28 proved to be a difficult one for the league champions, who were beaten 2-1 by Peterborough Phantoms on Saturday before going down to Yorkshire rivals Hull Seahawks in a penalty shootout on Sunday.

Their results meant MK Lightning ended the season within a point of top spot after convincing wins against Romford Raiders and Solway Sharks.

The pair finished well clear of the chasing pack and will hope to take their league form into the playoffs, which start next weekend.

Outside of the top two, Swindon Wildcats secured three points from a possible four to finish third, while Hull fended off the challenge of Peterborough to secure fourth place and top-seed status heading into the playoffs.

The Phantoms were one of only two teams to earn maximum points during Gameweek 28, alongside Milton Keynes.

Telford Tigers mathematically secured the final playoff spot with an overtime victory away at Swindon on Saturday.

That was enough to keep out Solway Sharks, who finished ninth for the second season in a row.

At the foot of the table, Bristol Pitbulls earned an impressive 6-3 win at home to Hull, but it wasn’t enough to stop them from finishing bottom for the second season in a row.

Results – NIHL National Division

Fri 21st Mar Milton Keynes Lightning 7-1 Romford Raiders L
Sat 22nd Mar Berkshire Bees 4-5 (OT) Sheffield Steeldogs L
Sat 22nd Mar Bristol Pitbulls 6-3 Hull Seahawks L
Sat 22nd Mar Leeds Knights 1-2 Peterborough Phantoms L
Sat 22nd Mar Solway Sharks 1-5 Milton Keynes Lightning L
Sat 22nd Mar Swindon Wildcats 4-5 (OT) Telford Tigers L
Sun 23rd Mar Hull Seahawks 4-3 (SO) Leeds Knights L
Sun 23rd Mar Peterborough Phantoms 12-7 Berkshire Bees L
Sun 23rd Mar Romford Raiders 15-8 Bristol Pitbulls L
Sun 23rd Mar Sheffield Steeldogs 4-8 Swindon Wildcats L
Sun 23rd Mar Telford Tigers 3-6 Solway Sharks L

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

Photo credit: Robert Halls

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