Fri 18 Sep 2026 - 12:00PM
WEEKEND LOWDOWN: SHEFFIELD AND GUILDFORD IN CUP
Our Challenge Cup defence continues this weekend with two more Group A fixtures, starting with our first meeting of the with against arch-rivals Sheffield Steelers in the Utilita Arena (19:00 face-off).
On Sunday, Panthers return to the Motorpoint Arena for Country Night to take on Guildford Flames (16:00).
Starting with the Saturday clash, both teams are currently perfect in Group A. Steelers won both their games last weekend, while Panthers beat Manchester Storm in their only game of the weekend last Saturday.
Steelers skated to a comfortable 6-0 home victory against Coventry Blaze and then travelled to Guildford, taking a 5-4 penalty shoot-ut win after recovering from 3-0 down in the first period.
Saturday’s game will be the 319th competitive meeting between Panthers and Steelers and the 68th meeting in the Challenge Cup.
Captain Robert Dowd led the scoring for Steelers last weekend with six points (2+4), a haul which saw him overtake Ron Shudra as the clubs all-time leading points-scorer with 794 points.
New signing from Ducs D’Angers Oliver Archambault put up four points (2+2), while returning forward Evan Jasper (1+2) and defenceman Brien Diffley (0+3) contributed three points each.
Last season's EIHL top points and goalscorer Mitchell Balmas found the net twice against Guildford, including the winning penalty shot.
Panthers forward Tim Doherty continued his good form from pre-season by taking three points against Manchester (1+2), scoring the only successful penalty shot in the shootout.
Ben Corbeil also got his Panthers career off to a great start by hitting the net twice against the Storm, with his second goal on the powerplay being selected by the Motorpoint Elite League as one of the goals of the week.
Sunday will be the 67th competitive meeting between Panthers and Flames, which is also their 11th overall game in the Challenge Cup.
Guildford face Cardiff Devils at home on Saturday night, looking for their first win in this seasons Challenge Cup after a 3-1 defeat in Cardiff and then the shootout loss to Steelers last weekend.
New defenceman Jake Willets top scored for the Flames over the weekend with 3threepoints (1+2), while defensive partner Jonathan Racine scored two goals against the Steelers in his only game of the weekend.
Netminder Justin Fazio played both games, facing 91 shots for a save percentage of 92.3%.
If you are not going to Sheffield, you can watch the game on Steelers TV.
Tickets are selling fast for Sunday’s game against Guildford, so be sure to grab yours by clicking here now.