The countdown has begun this week for the start of the Elite Ice Hockey League season as game schedules were released.
The season begins on Saturday, September 7th, with the regular season finale taking place on Sunday, April 6th.
The play-off final weekend will take place in Nottingham on April 19th/20th after the play-off roulette wheel has determined the winners.
The schedule will consist of 324 matches in total, consisting of 270 regular season league matches and 54 Challenge Cup group stage matches, the knockout stages of which will take place in early 2025.
Double-headers will be played on Boxing Day and Saturday 28 December, with both teams playing the same teams home and away.
This will include the usual fascinating match-up between Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers, while Glasgow Clan will go head-to-head with Belfast Giants.
Coventry Blades will take on Cardiff Devils, a Scottish clash will be between Fife Flyers and Dundee Stars and the final fixture will be between Manchester Storm and Guildford Flames.
Guildford coach Paul Dixon said: “We had a lot of good things last season, including reaching the Cup Final and the Final Four weekend of the play-offs, but there were also some areas we need to improve on.
“Our acquisitions have been focused on finding more scoring power in last year’s lineup, which always tried hard but often didn’t score, even when we felt like we were the better player on that night.
“We've made significant changes, including introducing over 10 players who weren't there last season. We're happy with the squad we've put together and believe we have a team that can compete with any team.”
“That being said, all the theory in the world is just theory. You can't just talk about it. You have to show it on the ice every night, and that's what we've been trying to do since the end of August.”
Sheffield Steelers have announced extra fixtures for season ticket holders, guaranteeing them 32 home games – up from 27 league games and four cup games last season.
The Steelers will also be competing in the Champions Hockey League this season.
Director of Operations Sean Smith said: “Prior to the changes we were committed to including all round robin matches in our season tickets, both league and cup, and we looked at a range of options but it was right to include the 32nd game in your season ticket.”
“I believe this will be approved by all season ticket holders and I see this as another token of appreciation from the club to our season ticket holders.”
Glasgow Clan revived their traditional Hogmanay home game on New Year's Eve, taking on Fife Flyers at Braehead Arena.
The Clan also has eight road doubleheaders scheduled throughout the season.
You can find the full fixture list on the Elite League website.
