Leeds Warriors

The third Warriors Cup took place over two nights, between Christmas and New Year.

This is an internal tournament where players from across our 3 teams are divided into five mini teams, who then compete in a round-robin style competition. This results in 2 x semi-finals and a final.

Previously, the teams were known as the Flyers, Maple Leafs, Stars, Penguins, and Capitals.

But this year, due to the festive period, the teams were named after Santa’s reindeer - Rudolph, Comet. Prancer, Dancer and Vixen.

At stake once again was the hallowed Warriors Cup trophy, built and donated by our own Jared Weldon.

Day 1 - Friday 22nd December 2023

As there were five teams competing, each team would play four round-robin games in total. The top four teams would qualify for the semi-final stage, with the first placed team playing the fourth and the second placed team playing the third placed team.

On the first evening, some teams played three games whilst others played two. Those who played two games, would fulfil their remaining fixtures on Day 2 - Saturday 30th December.

At the end of the first night of games, the Vixens (red team) were sitting at the top of the table with 5 points, having won 2 games and tied the other. Just behind the Vixens on 4 points and looking strong were the Rudolphs (black team) who only played 2 games on the first night but won both. The Prancers were also undefeated and sitting on 3 points, having played 2 games - winning one and drawing the second.

The Dancers were yet to pick up any points from two games, but still had two left to play, whereas the Comets had played three of their four games and registered zero points. At this stage it was impossible for the Comets to progress, meaning the other four teams would qualify for the semi-finals. But, Day 2 would decide the final standings.

Day 2 - Saturday 30th December 2023

After the final round of games, the standings only changed slightly. As the Rudolphs only picked up one point from their two final games, the Prancers were able to leapfrog them into second place, having picked up a win on day 2.

Despite that, this did not change the semi-final fixtures as first placed Vixens (red) would play the Dancers (blue) in the first semi-final whilst the Rudolphs (black) would take on the Prancers (green).

Final standings :

The favourites, the Vixens, comfortably beat the Dancers 8-2 in their semi-final, and the Prancers edged past the Rudolphs with a 5-3 victory in the other semi-final.

This set up a final between Vixens and Prancers.

The final was a very tight affair with very few goals scored. But, it was the Vixens who came away victorious with a slender 3-1 win. Congratulations Team Vixens!