Newcastle Vipers clinched their first Elite League play-off crown with a 2-1 victory over Sheffield Steelers. GB international Paul Sample had given the Steelers a 10th-minute lead, firing past Trevor Koenig after good work from Mark Dutiaume.
But Andre Payette, a play-off champion with Coventry Blaze last season, restored parity 14 minutes later.
Former GB international David Longstaff grabbed the game-winning goal for Newcastle in the 33rd minute.
Longstaff had a chance to wrap the game up for Vipers in the third but missed a breakaway and Koenig stood firm to save from Mark Thomas and Jason Robinson.
Steelers called a time-out in the closing stages but the Vipers held on.
The win caps a superb first season back in the top flight for the Vipers, who also finished runners-up in the league.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
