The Sheffield Steelers suffered an agonising 5-2 loss yesterday at the hands of the Cardiff Devils in the playoff final.

The Steelers, who finished joint fourth in the league table, were able to mount an incredible title run, as they made the playoffs and comfortably disposed of the Guildford Flames and Manchester Storm in the quarter finals and semi finals respectively.

However, they were unable to jump the final hurdle at the National Ice Arena in Nottingham, as their Welsh opponents were able to put in a dominant display, securing the trophy and their first playoff title since 2022.

The Devils were able to establish an early 1-0 lead in the first period, which was further extended to 3-1 in the second, leaving the Steelers on the backfoot. Sheffield were unable to mount a meaningful comeback, with the lead extending to the final score of 5-2 in the third period, giving the Devils the victory.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, head coach Aaron Fox said: “I thought they were the better team in the first period and we were the better team in the second.

“Unfortunately, the two quick goals put us on our back to start the third period. But I can’t fault our level of compete, effort or buy-in over the play-off stretch.”

This result is likely a big disappointment for local Steelers fans, as they go a second season without winning a major trophy, their last victory being their league and cup double in the 2023-24 season.

It also prevents a history making moment for the team, as a playoff win would have given them seven playoff titles total, which is more than any other team in the division. Instead, they remain at six, which keeps them tied with the Nottingham Panthers.