EIHL top 6 of the season

By Euan Smith

Here’s the top team from this season Elite Ice Hockey League

Netminder: Evan Weninger, Manchester Storm

Weninger had a standout year in a mid-table Storm team as he put up and .929 save percentage in 47 games in the elite league. Many had the Storm finishing bottom of the league in pre-season predictions, but they were given a chance with their outstanding goaltending as they were given a chance to win every night knowing they had solid goaltending behind them.

 

Defenceman: Kevin Tansey, Sheffield Steelers

Tansey came to the Steelers as they looked to win a long-awaited league trophy and he helped them achieve their goals. The 6’4 defence man brought a lot to the team where he used his size and skating ability to his advantage and asserted himself as one of the best and most assured defencemen in the league.

 

Defenceman: Marcus Crawford, Cardiff Devils

Crawford returned to the Devils for a second year after being a standout in the 2022/23 season. He would finish the season as the seventh-highest points scorer in the league and the highest points-scoring D-man,  putting up 54 points as he got 50 assists on the season in a second-place finish for the Devils.

 

Forward: Mitchell Balmas, Sheffield Steelers

Balmas was one of the standout players in the league this season with his speed and ability on the puck he would use these to his strengths and help the Steelers lift the league title. Balmas finished the season top points scorer in the league with 64 points which included 22 goals and 42 assists.

 

Forward: Spencer Naas, Dundee Stars

Naas arrived in Dundee and hit the ground running, creating a great partnership with linemates Ryan Valentini and Brendan Harms as they would be the go-to force for the Stars. Naas finished the season as the top scorer in the league with 32 goals he would also pick up 24 assists as well for the Stars as they made the push for the playoffs.

 

 

Forward: Troy Lajeunesse, Fife Flyers

Lajeunesse was the Flyers' go-to man as they looked to progress in their new era under Tom Coolen. He finished second top points scorer in the league with 58 points, scoring 28 goals and getting 30 assists. He would be one that many teams would look at to add to their firepower in the forward lines.

 

Honourable mentions:

Netminder: Matt Greenfield, Sheffield Steelers

Greenfield returned to the Steelers for a second year after a standout first year in orange. He would put up a .930 save percentage leading the Steelers to the league and also the Challenge Cup title.

 

Defenceman: Colton Saucerman, Sheffield Steelers

Saucerman didn’t only just bring his great beard to the league, he has brought a lot of defensive talent. He has put up 39 points this season scoring seven goals and picking up 32 assists.

 

Forward: Cole Sanford, Cardiff Devils

Sanford came back for his third season in Cardiff. He ended up scoring 30 goals and getting 23 assists throughout the season as Cardiff finished second in the elite league season.

SportEuan Smith