from Connor Gordon of Vavel,

April 5th 2015- a date of no regular significance to the average person but to the Sheffield Steelers, this was a day of great importance. The league leaders took on the Coventry Blaze in a close contest which partly determined the destination of this year's title. The event sold 50 short of 7,000 seats. What's so significant about a city the size of Sheffield packing out an arena for a sporting event? Well, Sheffield Steelers aren't a household name football team- they actually play in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).

Ice Hockey is the sleeping giant in Britain and Ireland with arenas in the largest cities of the country close to sell outs. A sport boasting a massive following in other populous countries such as Canada, USA, Sweden, there is a lot to ponder why the UK hasn't taken to it. Ice Hockey has many elements, which is similar to the most popular sport, football.

The Elite Ice Hockey League spans the entire United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The latter has one representation in the EIHL, Belfast Giants- one of the strongest teams in the league.

England is represented by Coventry Blaze, Hull Stingrays, Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers- joint most successful team. Wales, like Northern Ireland, is represented by one team- Cardiff Devils.

Meanwhile in Scotland there are many more: Dundee Stars, Edinburgh Capitals, Fife Flyers and finally, Braehead Clan- one of the newest franchise teams in the EIHL.

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