With the EPL and EIHL both finishing in early April there was still plenty of action to keep the fans interested in ice hockey for a little longer before the summer takes over.
Last weekend saw the semi-finals of the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) South 1 play-offs. With the Chelmsford Chieftains already crowned league champions they would be looking to do the double in the play-offs.
As expected the semi-finals featured the top four from the league and two epic battles were drawn. Chelmsford would face Invicta whilst the two Raiders were locked in battle.
Invicta went into their semi-final the under-dogs knowing they had only beaten Chelmsford once in six attempts this season. Thanks to goals from Ross Brears, Julius Sinkovic and player/coach Gary Clarke the Chieftains took a 3-2 lead into the second leg on home ice.
On Sunday the Dynamos gave everything they could to get back in the game and a 13 goal thriller was decided in favour of the Chieftains after the two legs were completed; to progress to the play-off finals.
On Saturday the Wightlink Raiders were at home and knew they need a comfortable cushion to take into the second leg in Romford; which would be the last ever game to be played at the Rom Valley Way Ice Rink and home to the Raiders for the past 20+ years.
The Raiders put in a spectacular performance on home ice to take a two goal lead into the second leg in Romford. However the tables were turned the following night as Romford clawed back the two goal deficit, scoring with just 10 seconds remaining to force overtime.
However the game would be decided on the dreaded penalty shoot-out. The first two attempts were missed by both clubs, but Richard Facey stepped up for Wightlink and calmly slotted his shot home to put them ahead. Romford’s Danny Marshall was up next but he could not match Facey and his shot missed giving the victory to Wightlink and sending them to the play-off finals to face Chelmsford.
In the NIHL the play-off final is a two game contest with a home and away fixture to decide the winner; unlike the EPL/EIHL which is decided in one game at the finals weekend.
The Raiders will play at home on Saturday 20th April before heading back to Essex on Sunday for the final showdown of the season.
Play-Off Semi Finals
Saturday 13 April 2013 – Leg 1
Wightlink Raiders 4-2 Romford Raiders
Invicta Dynamos 2-3 Chelmsford Chieftains
Sunday 14 April 2013 – Leg 2
Chelmsford Chieftains 7-6 Invicta Dynamos
Romford Raiders 4-2 Wightlink Raiders
Through the Plexi 