Elite to have all-stars game

The Elite Ice Hockey League will follow its counterparts in the NHL with an All-Star game in the New Year.

Hosted at Coventry's SkyDome, Manchester Phoenix and the other nine Elite clubs will be represented in a North versus South format.

Paul Thompson will lead the South and pick a squad of 20 from Basingstoke, Cardiff, Hull, Nottingham and his own club Coventry, whilr David Matsos' 'North' will be chosen from Belfast, Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle and his team, Sheffield.

"We're keen to promote the All-Star game as a true representation of the quality around the Elite League squads," a league spokesman said. "Both coaches have agreed to select two British players and two Import players from each of their 'feeder' squads to make up the 20-man rosters."

The game will take place on Thursday February 19 with a 7.30pm face-off.