Sheffield Steelkings win playoff title for the fourth year in a row
This victory is the fifth ever playoff title for the Kings, and their fourth consecutive playoff title.
On 12 and 13 September both Sheffield Steelkings Para Ice Hockey teams headed to London to take part in the British Para Ice Hockey Playoffs.
The Steelkings-A squad, the Kings, went into the weekend as the reigning playoff champions, having won back-to-back-to-back titles in 2023, 2024, and 2025. The Steelkings-B squad, the Stings, were making their first appearance at the playoffs since 2023, having achieved their best ever league finish with second place behind their rink mates the Kings.
Game 1: Kings vs Huskies
The first semi-final saw the Kings take on the Cardiff Huskies. The Kings came away the victors in both of their league games against the Huskies, but they couldn't take anything for granted if they wanted to secure their place in the final.
The Kings started the game strong and took the lead just twenty-four seconds into the match, when a shot from the blue line soared past the Huskies netminder. The Welsh side didn't take this lying down though, and a few minutes later the score was level again. One more goal came for the Kings late in the period, giving them a narrow lead going into the first break.
While the first period was a close affair, the second was anything but. Five unanswered goals came for the Kings in the middle period, giving them a six goal lead heading into the final period. Despite their large lead, they knew complacency could be their undoing, and they had to keep focused to see out their win.
The Huskies opened the final period well, scoring in less than two minutes of play. The Kings answered quickly with a goal of their own, showing that they weren't content to simply sit back and defend. Three more goals in the third period brought the Kings' total to eleven, but in the last few seconds of play a final chance for the Huskies saw them score one last consolation goal.
Final Score: Kings 11-3 Huskies
Game 2: Stings vs Mayhem
The second semi-final was the Stings against the Manchester Mayhem. Each team took one win in their two league games against each other, so it was all to play for to secure the final place in the final.
A tough start for the Stings saw them fall behind after less than a minute of play. Two more quick goals for the Mayhem in the third and sixth minute took their lead up to three, and forced the Stings to call a time-out. After some stern words and encouragement from the coaches, the Stings went back out ready to get back into the game. A strong defensive effort from the Stings prevented the Mayhem extending their lead further in the opening period, but at the other end of the ice they struggled to convert their chances.
The second period was scoreless, with both teams having good chances but the netminders coming out on top.
With just one period left to play the Stings knew they had to throw everything they had at the game to keep their hopes of making the final alive. It wasn't to be for the Stings though, and a fourth goal for the Mayhem cemented the result.
Final Score: Stings 0-4 Mayhem
Game 3: Stings vs Huskies (bronze)
The first of the Sunday's games saw the Stings take on the Cardiff Huskies for the bronze medal. Despite missing out on the final, the Stings still had a chance to take home their first playoff medal. Like against the Mayhem, each team took one win in the league.
Another tough start for the Stings saw them fall behind again early in the game. They didn't let their heads drop though, and looked much improved compared to their semi-final game.
Chasing a three goal lead in the final period the Stings dug deep, and came up with two goals of their own to take the Huskies lead down to just a single goal. It wasn't enough though, and the Huskies came away with the bronze medal.
Despite not winning any silverware, the Stings can hold their heads high following a fantastic league campaign and a valiant playoff effort.
Final Score: Stings 2-3 Huskies
Game 4: Kings vs Mayhem (gold)
The grand final pitted the Kings against the Manchester Mayhem. Two shutout wins in the league for the Kings against the Cheshire based side gave them lots of confidence coming into the final, but hockey is won on the ice and not on paper.
The Kings pressed hard in the opening period, looking to take an early lead and set the tone for the rest of the match. An impressive display from the Mayhem netminder meant that despite having lots of chances, the Kings were kept to only one goal at the end of the first period.
The second period went much like the first, with the Kings having the lions share of the attacking chances, but again only managing to convert one of them into a goal. This gave the Kings a two goal lead at the end of the second period, often called the worst lead in hockey.
In the third period, the speed and physicality of the Kings had worn down the Mayhem. Desperate to get themselves a goal and even up the scoreline, the Mayhem left themselves vulnerable at the back. The Kings took full advantage and scored three more goals in the final period, confirming their playoff victory in style.
This victory is the fifth ever playoff title for the Kings, and their fourth consecutive playoff title.
Final Score: Kings 5-0 Mayhem