This Weekend's UK Ice Hockey Fixtures: Challenge Cup, NIHL & SNL Preview

Big matchups, local derbies, and plenty of action on the ice!

Ice hockey fans have plenty to look forward to this weekend, as the rinks across the UK play host to a packed schedule featuring the Challenge Cup, NIHL, and Scottish National League. Whether you’re following your home team or just looking for some thrilling sporting entertainment, there’s no shortage of must-see encounters coming up. Here’s a rundown of all the fixtures you won’t want to miss.

Challenge Cup Highlights

Saturday evening promises drama and excitement, with five simultaneous face-offs at 19:00. The Glasgow Clan take on the Fife Flyers in what’s always a fierce Scottish rivalry, while Sheffield Steelers battle Guildford Flames and Nottingham Panthers face Cardiff Devils. Manchester Storm host Coventry Blaze, and Belfast Giants clash with Dundee Stars.

With so many games kicking off at once, fans have plenty of choices and can expect a night packed with fast-paced action.

The excitement continues into Sunday, with Cardiff Devils squaring off against Sheffield Steelers at 17:00, Dundee Stars playing host to Glasgow Clan at the same time, and Fife Flyers welcoming Belfast Giants. At 17:30, Coventry Blaze and Manchester Storm renew their rivalry, and the evening wraps up at 18:00 with Guildford Flames against Nottingham Panthers. Midweek hockey returns on Tuesday night when Dundee Stars and Fife Flyers take to the ice for a late fixture.

NIHL Fixtures

NIHL fans have a full slate of games beginning Friday, as Sheffield Steeldogs meet Leeds Knights under the lights, while Invicta Dynamos host Streatham RedHawks. Saturday brings hockey right across the country: Romford Raiders and Peterborough Phantoms face off in a classic matchup, Hull Seahawks battle Solway Sharks, and Leeds Knights duel with Sheffield Steeldogs. Swindon Wildcats take on Telford Tigers, and Bristol Pitbulls clash with

Basingstoke Bison. Elsewhere, Telford Tigers 2 challenge Widnes Wild, Solihull Barons go up against Nottingham Lions 1, and Sheffield Scimitars face Deeside Dragons. Coventry NIHL Blaze welcome Sheffield Titans, Solent Junior Devils NIHL 2 match up with Chelmsford Warriors, Haringey Huskies play Oxford Rising Stars NIHL 2, Peterborough Phantoms 2 meet Cardiff Canucks, and MK Thunder take on Invicta Mustangs.

Sunday’s schedule builds on the momentum, beginning with Basingstoke Bison versus Bristol Pitbulls, Hull Seahawks against Solway Sharks, and Peterborough Phantoms battling Romford Raiders. Telford Tigers and Swindon Wildcats race for supremacy, while Deeside Dragons play Sheffield Scimitars. Solihull Barons and Widnes Wild meet again, Blackburn Hawks take on Hull Jets, and Leeds Knights 2 face Nottingham Lions 1. Fans can also catch Invicta Mustangs against Haringey Huskies, Lee Valley Lions NIHL2 versus Peterborough Phantoms 2, plus Bristol Pitbulls 2 v Cardiff Canucks (postponed), Sheffield Titans v Altrincham Aces, and Chelmsford Chieftains v Solent Devils.

Scottish National League (SNL) Fixtures

Up in Scotland, the SNL schedule adds further excitement. Saturday’s games include Caps against Sharks at 18:30, Rockets versus Thunder at 19:00, and Lynx v Wild at 19:15. These matchups promise the fierce, high-tempo hockey typical of the Scottish league, with teams eager to make their mark early in the season.

Whether you’re a seasoned supporter or new to the sport, the upcoming weekend delivers a fantastic opportunity to catch some of the best ice hockey the UK has to offer. With so many teams in action and a variety of league and cup ties on display, now is the time to pick your matches, make your plans, and support your favourite club. Get ready for a thrilling few days as the puck drops and the chase for victory begin! Stay tuned for match recaps with Over The Bench Sports Blog.