ELITE LEAGUE ICE HOCKEY:

Nottingham Panthers are the 2012-13 Rapid Solicitors Elite League title winners following a 5-3 victory over their nearest challengers Belfast Giants.

The opening period began in an explosive manner as David Clarke (Panthers) and Brock Matheson (Giants) went toe to toe, while Daymen Rycroft (Giants) and Kelsey Wilson (Panthers) also dropped the gloves, all inside the first six minutes.

Despite Nottingham having the better of the early possession, netminder Craig Kowalski had to be at his best to keep out Jeff Mason and Noah Clarke as Belfast created the better chances.

Clarke gave Belfast the lead with a penalty shot (17:45) after being hauled down, but Panthers responded with a powerplay goal from Bruce Graham from the right circle only 20 seconds later.

The Giants made a great start to the second period when Kevin Saurette finished off a well-worked move at the back door at 21:15, and Panthers hit back quickly again with Clarke scoring from the left circle (23:29).

David Ling’s patient finish and great move on Stephen Murphy put Nottingham ahead for the first time at 29:20, but this time it was Belfast’s turn to come from behind as Adam Keefe netted on a breakaway after a terrific pass from Craig Peacock 41 seconds before the second intermission.

Pat Galivan was left alone in the slot to put Panthers ahead at 56:49 on the powerplay and Matt Francis secured the win with an empty-net goal (59:39).

The 500 plus travelling Panthers contingent went wild and the celebrations began and will surely go on late into the night.