Ice Hockey: Ruggles humbles Giants

The elite League leaders Belfast Giants saw their nine-game unbeaten run ended in a 7-3 defeat at Coventry Blaze on Sunday night.

Blaze survived having netminder Jody Lehman ejected midway through the second period when the game was evenly balanced at 3-2. A Hilton Ruggles hat-trick and two goals from Steve Chartrand put Blaze in control against the Giants, for whom Paul Sample (2) and Brad Kenny scored.

Sheffield Steelers remain unbeaten after a home 3-2 overtime win over Manchester Phoenix. Kirk DeWaele hit the winner 87 seconds into the added session after goals from Steelers' Joel Irving and Mark Dutiaume were cancelled out by George Awada and Petteri Lotila.

Cardiff Devils and Basingstoke Bison drew 1-1, while Nottingham Panthers fended off a late rally from the still winless London Racers to win 3-2 at Alexandra Palace.