A perfect four-point weekend saw Leeds Knights return to the top of the Planet Ice NIHL National Division standings in Gameweek 8.

The Knights entered the weekend a point behind MK Lightning but earned themselves back-to-back wins over Telford Tigers.

Previous leaders Milton Keynes opened up the weekend on Friday night, falling to a 6-5 defeat to another of Gameweek 8’s four-point teams in Romford Raiders.

However, Lightning bounced back well on Saturday by thrashing Berkshire Bees 6-1 at Planet Ice MK.

Elsewhere, Sheffield Steeldogs’ fine start to the season continued as they climbed a place to third, courtesy of a shootout win over Bristol Pitbulls on Saturday then a slender one-goal victory against the same opponents on Sunday.

The Steeldogs climbed above Hull Seahawks, who were forced to share the spoils with Peterborough Phantoms after their Gameweek 8 double-header.

There was also a win apiece for Solway Sharks and Swindon Wildcats, who faced off twice in Dumfries over the weekend.

Solway move up a place to eighth thanks to their win, with Swindon staying seventh.

Berkshire and Telford, the sides currently occupying the bottom two rungs on the National Division ladder, remain in their respective positions.

The Pitbulls picked up one point in Gameweek 8 and the Tigers were unable to build on their midweek victory over Peterborough Phantoms, after their successive defeats to the league leaders.

Results – NIHL National Division

Fri 1st Nov Romford Raiders 6-5 Milton Keynes Lightning L
Saturday 2nd Nov Hull Seahawks 1-0 Peterborough Phantoms L/C
Saturday 2nd Nov Bristol Pitbulls 4-5 (SO) Sheffield Steeldogs L
Saturday 2nd Nov Milton Keynes Lightning 6-1 Berkshire Bees L
Saturday 2nd Nov Solway Sharks 3-2 Swindon Wildcats L/C
Saturday 2nd Nov Telford Tigers 3-5 Leeds Knights L
Sunday 3rd Nov Sheffield Steeldogs 4-3 Bristol Pitbulls L
Sunday 3rd Nov Solway Sharks 3-5 Swindon Wildcats L
Sunday 3rd Nov Leeds Knights 3-2 Telford Tigers L/C
Sunday 3rd Nov Peterborough Phantoms 5-3 Hull Seahawks L
Sunday 3rd Nov Berkshire Bees 4-5 (OT) Romford Raiders L

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

Photo credit: Kenzie Sage