Sheffield hold champions Giants

The Giants won the league two weeks ago

By BBC Sport Online's Stuart Hughes.

Sheffield Steelers claimed a 1-1 draw against Superleague champions Belfast Giants on Friday at the Odyssey Arena.

The Giants were presented with the Monteith Bowl after the game having taken the league title from Steelers, last season's Grand Slam winners.

Sheffield, unbeaten in seven games, took the lead through Scott Allison's 21st goal of the season.

But Belfast, searching for their first win in four games since clinching the title, levelled through Paxton Schulte's powerplay strike.

The draw failed to demoralise another sell-out Belfast crowd as they celebrated title success in only the club's second season.

The presentation ceremony marked the high point of a remarkable year for the Northern Ireland franchise, which was formed less than two years ago.

Belfast's name was engraved on the Monteith Bowl alongside previous winners Cardiff Devils, Ayr Scottish Eagles, Manchester Storm, Bracknell Bees and Sheffield Steelers.

Superleague chairman, Martin Weddell presented Giants skipper Jeff Hoad with the trophy.