Blazing glory for Coventry

Calder: Hat-trick hero - pic Rik Rayner

Coventry Blaze have been crowned Elite League champions for the fourth time after a dramatic overtime win in Edinburgh on Saturday night.

Adam Calder was the Coventry hero as his hat-trick inspired the visitors to a 4-3 triumph which wraps up the title with one game to spare.

The EIHL all-time leading scorer tied the game with 28 seconds remaining then fired home the game winner in overtime.

It had looked for long periods as if the title would be decided on the final night of the regular season, with Capitals leading 3-2 in the final minute, but Calder had other ideas.

Earlier, Blaze had looked well in control as they opened up a two-goal lead after the opening period. Brad Cruikshank sent them on their way with a goal at 12.06 and at 17.58 Calder fired home his first of the night.

The Capitals comeback started in the second period through ex-Blaze star Dan Welch, and the same man brought the scores level early in the third period.

Memorable

Then, with just over three minutes remaining, Michael Beynon edged the hosts ahead to complete a remarkable turnaround.

But Calder, as he so often does, popped up in the right place at the right time on the powerplay at 59.32, before clinching a dramatic victory for his side at 63.28.

Second-placed Belfast Giants went their game with Newcastle Vipers knowing that they must win to keep any title hopes alive.

In the end though, their 6-1 rout proved in vain following Coventry's triumph north of the border.

Jeff Szwez (3), George Awada, Craig Peacock and Evan Cheverie notched for the hosts, Ben Campbell responding for lowly Newcastle.

Elsewhere on Saturday night, a record crowd of 8,643 saw Sheffield Steelers thump fierce rivals Nottingham Panthers 6-2 on a memorable evening in Sheffield.

Steelers legend Ron Shudra saw his shirt being raised to the roof and the current team capped the evening with a classy display.

The other match saw Cardiff Devils pick up a 3-2 victory at basement club Hull Stingrays.