Not only did Coventry Plumbing and Heating Blaze beat Hull Stingrays 4-1 (6-2 on aggregate) at the Skydome tonight to qualify for next weekend's play off finals in Nottingham, but I caught the puck as it came off the ice pad in the third period.
The evening started with the hoisting of the Championship banner. His Worship the Lord Mayor of Coventry announced a special celebratory reception at the historic St.Mary's Guildhall. His Worship dealt effectively with hecklers from the Stingrays, two of whom were dressed as Suomo wrestlers. However, their disco dancing queen was less ebullient than usual.
Blaze went ahead 3-0 in the first period. The second goal, an upward flick from Greg Owen, was especially good. Stingrays got one back in the second period, but Blaze's fourth in the third put the match beyond doubt. Office manager James Pease was allowed on the ice and got a big cheer when he advanced with the puck. Then in the last minute he nearly scored!
There had been a number of fights during the match but Hull charm merchant Adam Knight started one after the match. He had to be restrained by a fellow Stingray and for a moment it looked as if he was going to start a fight with him.
There was a special farewell for captain Adam Calder who is going to be player-coach of rookie team Braehead Clan next season. Despite their evocative name they are located in a shopping mall in suburban Glasgow.
It's been a great season's ice hockey but with Leamington and Charlton both in 5th position in their leagues there is still everything to play for in football.
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