Six binned after brawl

Ice hockey

Six players from the Sheffield Steelers match against Basingstoke Bison could be finding plenty of time for pre-Christmas shopping, writes Steve Pinder.

With Steelers leading 3-2 just past the half-way stage, a brawl broke out, and after the officials had intervened, three players from either side - including the two netminders, James Hibbert and Richard Gallace - were thrown out of the game for fighting.

After the penalties, the game produced some of the best play of the weekend, with Steelers winning 7-4.

Cardiff Devils remained top of the league thanks to some adept goal-tending. At Basingstoke, Frank Caprice fended off 33 shots without conceding a goal in a 4-0 win and, the following day, Stephen Lyle faced 27 shots without letting the puck past while his team-mates scored eight against Bracknell.