State of the Nation - Ice hockey: Increased quality of domestic league needs to be replicated on wider stage

As was the case the previous year, Sheffield Steelers prevailed – denying Cardiff Devils for a second year running. While this year may see a reversal of that outcome – the Devils currently sit 10 points ahead of Paul Thompson’s team – it promises to be another nerve-wracking run-in, with second-placed Belfast Giants and Nottingham Panthers also in the picture.

Some will argue that the increased quality and competitiveness across the EIHL has come at a price, particularly for the national programme with an increase in import numbers for the clubs meaning less roster room and ice time for British players.

Of course, whoever does win the league title will then represent the UK in the Champions Hockey League.

At the sixth attempt and in their second successive campaign, the Steelers broke their duck by beating Red Bull Salzubrg 5-2. Once again, though, the competition highlighted that there is a gap that still needs to be bridged between the top British sides and their leading European counterparts. But it is closing.

In the English Premier League, the sport in Hull ended the year on a more positive note than the previous year.

Having been hastily formed to replace the city’s previous franchise Hull Stingrays, who had gone bust in the summer, the Hull Pirates not surprisingly struggled in their first season of competition, missing out on the play-offs.

But, entering 2017, the Pirates sit fourth in the standings, with a play-off spot virtually secured. Hopefully, a struggling Sheffield Steeldogs will join them.

Internationally, the Great Britain men’s team had yet another near miss when a final-day defeat to Ukraine saw them miss out on gold and promotion to the second tier of the World Championships.

This year sees Belfast host GB’s Division 1B campaign – the first time the UK has staged a senior tournament in 25 years.

Fingers crossed for positive ticket sales.