Blaze make vital point for Cup semi-final spot

ICE HOCKE

- By CRAIG SUMMERTON

Action from Blaze's clash with Panthers

GENTING Casino Coventry Blaze secured a priceless point to confirm their automatic place in the semifinals of the Challenge Cup.

Despite losing 3-2 via a shootout, the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Panthers was enough to confirm their last-four spot.

Blaze travelled to Nottingham for their final game of the Challenge Cup group stage knowing that a single point would send them automatically through to the semis and they got the perfect start when defenceman Connor Russell opened his account for the club, firing past Panthers goalie Kevin Carr with Matthew Gleason providing a strong screen.

Nottingham found themselves in penalty trouble just after the five-minute mark, but Blaze weren't able to capitalise on the extended five-on-three opportunity.