From Iceweb

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"ISL is pleased to announce that the Norwegian Ice Hockey League has accepted an invitation to compete in the 2003 Ahearne Trophy.

Joining in the Competition, at the request of ISL, is Coventry Blaze of the Findus British National League who will play Trondheim Black Panthers.

Brian Storey, ISL Chief Administration Officer commented, "The inclusion of the Norwegian Clubs is especially welcome given the close ties between our countries and we are sure to see some very competitive games for this beautiful trophy. I would also like to thank Coventry Blaze for their involvement, I am sure they will enjoy this too".

Named after the legendary past President of the International Ice Hockey Federation, the trophy is currently held by the German Ice Hockey League, who narrowly defeated Ice Hockey Superleague clubs in February this year.

The schedule is as follows:-

1.2.03 19.00hrs Nottingham v Lillehammer IK

2.2.03 18.30hrs Sheffield v Lillehammer IK

5.2.03 19.30hrs Coventry v Trondheim Black Panthers

7.2.03 19.00hrs Belfast v Trondheim Black Panthers

7.2.03 19.00hrs London v Storhamar Dragons

8.2.03 19.00hrs Sheffield v Storhamer Dragons

8.2.03 19.00hrs Belfast v Frisk/Asker Tigers

8.2.03 18.00hrs Bracknell v Valerengen Vikings

9.2.03 18.00hrs Bracknell v Frisk/Asker Tigers

9.2.03 19.00hrs London v Valerengen Vikings (Trophy will be presented here)

So the panthers get the pleasure of just one game then

Apparently due to lack of ice time Nottingham are only playing the one game

Go down to Nottingham to support Lillehamer

Well, I suppose it depends on whether you consider the Panthers to be representing:

A. Nottingham - obviously most Steelers would support their opponents

B. The UK - I would hope you'd support them

or

C. The ISL - I suspect loyalties would be divided in that case.

Well its the ISL being represented and id rather eat monkey poo than support the ISL

Maybe the ISL should have defended the throphy against the BNL, now that would have been topical!

The DEL should be defending the Ahearne Trophy.

Maybe they didnt need to scout and poach all the best players in the ISL this year