Devils 5, Blaze 2 - Final
With hearts heavy from the previous night's loss, Cardiff fans and players alike were desperate to bring in those crucial league points. With the Blaze in town for the first time since the Brawl in the Bay, it was set to be a not-to-be-missed game!
Just like Saturday night, fans were welcomed with a slow first period, with a couple of penalties throughout. The same can be said for the first ten of the second.
However, despite the slight sense of deja vu, the crowd was in for a treat come the 30th minute. Already a fan favourite, NHL lockout signing Paul Bissonnette boosted his fan base, scoring the first of the Devils' five goals, the assist going to Mac Faulkner. Brit Adam Harding, who has just been called up to represent on the U20 GB squad, added the Devils' second just over a minute later.
Blaze's G Leeb answered with a goal of his own, but Captain Stuart MacRae was quick behind him to keep the Devils' two goal lead going into the third.
After a penalty for either side at the start of the period, MacRae added his second of the night - a powerplay goal, assisted by Blight and Bissonnette. Coventry were desperate to get back into the game but had been struggling to contain 'Biznasty' all night. After relying on their top line for most of the evening, they managed to pull one back but their hopes of stealing the points were put out when Blight scored an empty netter in the final minute.
Even a bout of handbags couldn't earn the Blaze anything, except a roughing minor and the game finished 5-2 in favour of the home side
It was a turbulent weekend but Cardiff came away with much needed points and are now looking forward to next weekend when they face the Sheffield Steelers in a double headed, home and away weekend. Let's go Devils!
Monday 26 November 2012
Cardiff Devils @ Nottingham Panthers (L) 24/11/2012
Devils 0, Panthers 5 - Final
The Cardiff Devils suffered a devastating blow to their league campaign on Saturday night, as they travelled up to Nottingham - only to be subjected to a 5-0 thrashing.
Things started slowly for both teams, a penalty a piece the only thing to report. Both Clarke and Faulkner spent time in the box for hooking but neither side could capitalise in the man advantage.
The Panthers came out quickly in the second, scoring on the powerplay in the second minute (Piggot was in the box for hooking). They doubled this lead after Kenton Smith found himself in the box for the same offence.
The home side scored twice more in the second, one being a powerplay goal after Mark Smith was sent to the box, again for hooking. With the momentum flowing, the Northern side travelled into the third with a 4-0 lead.
With heads down early on, the Devils were unable to prevent a fifth Nottingham goal, but bucked up their ideas for the final ten. With some good chances in the dying minutes they were unlucky, Kowalski staying strong in the Panthers' net. Although he did earn himself a 2+2 for roughing, after a tussle with Didiomete - who also received the same.
With a long trip home, the Devils had to shake off the loss. Hopefully playing in front of a full capacity crowd, the Red Army were welcoming (or not) the Coventry Blaze into the BBT on Sunday night- where they were hoping to get revenge for that game a few weeks; you know the one! Let's go Devils!
The Cardiff Devils suffered a devastating blow to their league campaign on Saturday night, as they travelled up to Nottingham - only to be subjected to a 5-0 thrashing.
Things started slowly for both teams, a penalty a piece the only thing to report. Both Clarke and Faulkner spent time in the box for hooking but neither side could capitalise in the man advantage.
The Panthers came out quickly in the second, scoring on the powerplay in the second minute (Piggot was in the box for hooking). They doubled this lead after Kenton Smith found himself in the box for the same offence.
The home side scored twice more in the second, one being a powerplay goal after Mark Smith was sent to the box, again for hooking. With the momentum flowing, the Northern side travelled into the third with a 4-0 lead.
With heads down early on, the Devils were unable to prevent a fifth Nottingham goal, but bucked up their ideas for the final ten. With some good chances in the dying minutes they were unlucky, Kowalski staying strong in the Panthers' net. Although he did earn himself a 2+2 for roughing, after a tussle with Didiomete - who also received the same.
With a long trip home, the Devils had to shake off the loss. Hopefully playing in front of a full capacity crowd, the Red Army were welcoming (or not) the Coventry Blaze into the BBT on Sunday night- where they were hoping to get revenge for that game a few weeks; you know the one! Let's go Devils!
Monday 19 November 2012
Cardiff Devils vs Belfast Giants (L) 18/11/2012
Devils 4, Giants 3 - OT Final
Coming off a thrilling 9-1 domination of the Dundee Stars the night before, the Cardiff Devils were raring to go, as they got ready to go to war with league leaders Belfast Giants. The BBT was rocking and the chances of a four point weekend were high!
The game proved to be s physical one from the start, with both sides landing some big hits. We saw a couple of holding penalties from either side but nothing major. The Giants' Darryl Lloyd got the game going properly with the first of the two Belfast goals in the first, with Craig Peacock following with the second five minutes later.
Despite having a good first period, the Devils slumped in the second, resulting in several penalties, giving Belfast captain Adam Keefe the chance to lengthen their lead, which if course he did. With the Giants' 3-0 lead and Bari Mackenzie going off injured with a suspected ripped abductor muscle, it was not looking good for the Welsh side going into the third.
Despite a worried home crowd, Cardiff were not down and out. With Clarke in the box for hooking, NHL signing Paul Bissonnette proved once again what a star find he is, scoring the Devils' first on the powerplay, opening the onslaught of Devils' goals!
Following his Canadian teammate's lead, Josh Batch, who has proved to be a very successful power forward, sent the puck top shelf to make it a one goal game. To heighten the excitement, Mac Faulkner levelled the game with just eight minutes remaining. There were some handbag exchanged, Deeds and Keefe in the middle of it all.
Neither side managed to get that winning goal within regulation, so off to overtime we went. But the Red Army had no reason to worry; with his second goal of the evening, Mac Faulkner, earning himself the 1st star of the night, scored the GWG just 2.38 into the five minute extra period, securing those precious two points and completing the Devils' four point weekend.
After a thrilling run this weekend, the Devils will be looking to continue it through next week, with an away trip to Nottingham on Saturday, before returning home on Sunday to face the Coventry blaze, a match that is sure to set tempers soaring. Book your tickets early so you don't miss out! Let's go Devils!
Coming off a thrilling 9-1 domination of the Dundee Stars the night before, the Cardiff Devils were raring to go, as they got ready to go to war with league leaders Belfast Giants. The BBT was rocking and the chances of a four point weekend were high!
The game proved to be s physical one from the start, with both sides landing some big hits. We saw a couple of holding penalties from either side but nothing major. The Giants' Darryl Lloyd got the game going properly with the first of the two Belfast goals in the first, with Craig Peacock following with the second five minutes later.
Despite having a good first period, the Devils slumped in the second, resulting in several penalties, giving Belfast captain Adam Keefe the chance to lengthen their lead, which if course he did. With the Giants' 3-0 lead and Bari Mackenzie going off injured with a suspected ripped abductor muscle, it was not looking good for the Welsh side going into the third.
Despite a worried home crowd, Cardiff were not down and out. With Clarke in the box for hooking, NHL signing Paul Bissonnette proved once again what a star find he is, scoring the Devils' first on the powerplay, opening the onslaught of Devils' goals!
Following his Canadian teammate's lead, Josh Batch, who has proved to be a very successful power forward, sent the puck top shelf to make it a one goal game. To heighten the excitement, Mac Faulkner levelled the game with just eight minutes remaining. There were some handbag exchanged, Deeds and Keefe in the middle of it all.
Neither side managed to get that winning goal within regulation, so off to overtime we went. But the Red Army had no reason to worry; with his second goal of the evening, Mac Faulkner, earning himself the 1st star of the night, scored the GWG just 2.38 into the five minute extra period, securing those precious two points and completing the Devils' four point weekend.
After a thrilling run this weekend, the Devils will be looking to continue it through next week, with an away trip to Nottingham on Saturday, before returning home on Sunday to face the Coventry blaze, a match that is sure to set tempers soaring. Book your tickets early so you don't miss out! Let's go Devils!
Cardiff Devils @ Dundee Stars (L) 17/11/2012
Devils 9, Stars 1- Final
It was a ten-goal thriller up at the Dundee Ice Arena in Saturday night, as the Cardiff Devils made the long ten hour 'blane' journey to face the Dundee Stars, dominating the Scottish side with a 9-1 win.
The visiting side started quickly, establishing a three goal lead just ten minutes in. Captain Stuart MacRae gave the Devils their first, scoring his fourth shorthanded goal of the season. D-man Kenton Smith followed this up with his first of the season, Chris Blight rounding off the first period scoring with his first of the night.
There were a couple of Dundee chances but Mark Smith and his fellow D-men were all well up to the task of holding them at bay.
The second period started and it was physical from the offset. Both sides re throwing big hits and big shots, desperate to get whatever they could on the net, but both tenders were up to the early onslaught. The Stars managed to pull one back, with Rhyanen scoring at 26.34, tipping in a hard pass from the point. Despite this snippet of success, Cardiff were not going to let the home side back in, and continued to add to their total throughout the remaining 30 minutes of play.
Before the end of the second, the welsh side had increased their lead to 7-1, resulting in a netminder change for Dundee, with goals cming from Faulkner, Bissonnette, MacKenzie and Davies respectively. Considering they had just travelled a gruelling ten hours in a cramped coach to get up to Scotland, the buys were playing like they'd just woken from a 10-year slumber!
It wasn't all good news in the third; after a quiet opening ten, Devils' resident rule breaker Devin Didiomete was thrown out for receiving a second 10 minute misconduct, the first occurring during the second period.
Despite the disturbance in the bench, Cardiff kept their heads up and both Blight and MacRae scored their second of the game, in the dying minutes, to give the Devils a final score of 9-1... And the chance at a 4 point weekend as they travelled home to face the league leaders the Belfast giants. Let's go Devils!
It was a ten-goal thriller up at the Dundee Ice Arena in Saturday night, as the Cardiff Devils made the long ten hour 'blane' journey to face the Dundee Stars, dominating the Scottish side with a 9-1 win.
The visiting side started quickly, establishing a three goal lead just ten minutes in. Captain Stuart MacRae gave the Devils their first, scoring his fourth shorthanded goal of the season. D-man Kenton Smith followed this up with his first of the season, Chris Blight rounding off the first period scoring with his first of the night.
There were a couple of Dundee chances but Mark Smith and his fellow D-men were all well up to the task of holding them at bay.
The second period started and it was physical from the offset. Both sides re throwing big hits and big shots, desperate to get whatever they could on the net, but both tenders were up to the early onslaught. The Stars managed to pull one back, with Rhyanen scoring at 26.34, tipping in a hard pass from the point. Despite this snippet of success, Cardiff were not going to let the home side back in, and continued to add to their total throughout the remaining 30 minutes of play.
Before the end of the second, the welsh side had increased their lead to 7-1, resulting in a netminder change for Dundee, with goals cming from Faulkner, Bissonnette, MacKenzie and Davies respectively. Considering they had just travelled a gruelling ten hours in a cramped coach to get up to Scotland, the buys were playing like they'd just woken from a 10-year slumber!
It wasn't all good news in the third; after a quiet opening ten, Devils' resident rule breaker Devin Didiomete was thrown out for receiving a second 10 minute misconduct, the first occurring during the second period.
Despite the disturbance in the bench, Cardiff kept their heads up and both Blight and MacRae scored their second of the game, in the dying minutes, to give the Devils a final score of 9-1... And the chance at a 4 point weekend as they travelled home to face the league leaders the Belfast giants. Let's go Devils!
Monday 12 November 2012
Cardiff Devils vs Fife Flyers (L) 11/11/2012
Devils 4, Flyers 0 - Final
It was certainly a remembrance day to remember down in the BBT in Sunday night! The Red Army saw the home debut of new NHL signing Paul Bissonnette, as well as the return of the guy everyone loves to hate, Devin Didiomete. The Flyers were in town and the 4-0 was a score the Welsh side could be proud of!
With Max Birbraer still serving his ban, and selling 50/50 tickets round the rink, and Hill and Marsh both absent from the bench due to international duty and injury, it was clear to say that the Devils were missing some key players from their line up; it certainly didn't stop them though. Determined to prove their point and show that they were still a force to be reckoned with, they came out quickly. The Devils' own genius Luke Piggot put the Devils on the board with a fantastic one-timer, taking advantage of a Davies' rebound. The Devils quickly extended their lead, after Brit Ben Davies scored, taking advantage while Fife's Horne was in the box for tripping.
Chris Blight rounded off the period with the Devils third of the night, tipping the puck past Pitton after coach Gerad Adams took a shot from the point, giving the home side a 3-0 lead going into the second.
No goals for either side during the second but we did see plenty of penalties. The first of the five 2 minute minors went to our own Devin Didiomete - but what would a Cardiff game be without Deeds keeping his seat warm in the box, eh? Fife served a couple of minors, as well as Ben Davies, before Deeds rounded the period off with an interference minor that was carried through into the third. Cardiff started the third on the penalty kill, but were untroubled for most the disadvantage. The Red Army saw a couple more penalties, including Didiomete earning himself a double minor for roughing and x-checking, before Paul Bissonnette, who received a standing ovation from the Cardiff fans before the game started, added his third goal in as many games (which increase his points total to 5 in 3 games, after earning an assist earlier in the game), giving the Devils a four goal lead with his shorthanded wonder shot.
Despite all attempts Fife could not get back in the game, and those all important league points were awarded to the Welsh side.
After playing just the one game this week, the Cardiff Devils travel up to Scotland to face the Dundee Stars on Saturday, before returning home to face Adam Keefe and his Belfast Giants on Sunday. Both are games that no one wants to miss so even if you can't get down to the games, follow along at Match Night Live on The Inferno. Let's go Devils!
It was certainly a remembrance day to remember down in the BBT in Sunday night! The Red Army saw the home debut of new NHL signing Paul Bissonnette, as well as the return of the guy everyone loves to hate, Devin Didiomete. The Flyers were in town and the 4-0 was a score the Welsh side could be proud of!
With Max Birbraer still serving his ban, and selling 50/50 tickets round the rink, and Hill and Marsh both absent from the bench due to international duty and injury, it was clear to say that the Devils were missing some key players from their line up; it certainly didn't stop them though. Determined to prove their point and show that they were still a force to be reckoned with, they came out quickly. The Devils' own genius Luke Piggot put the Devils on the board with a fantastic one-timer, taking advantage of a Davies' rebound. The Devils quickly extended their lead, after Brit Ben Davies scored, taking advantage while Fife's Horne was in the box for tripping.
Chris Blight rounded off the period with the Devils third of the night, tipping the puck past Pitton after coach Gerad Adams took a shot from the point, giving the home side a 3-0 lead going into the second.
No goals for either side during the second but we did see plenty of penalties. The first of the five 2 minute minors went to our own Devin Didiomete - but what would a Cardiff game be without Deeds keeping his seat warm in the box, eh? Fife served a couple of minors, as well as Ben Davies, before Deeds rounded the period off with an interference minor that was carried through into the third. Cardiff started the third on the penalty kill, but were untroubled for most the disadvantage. The Red Army saw a couple more penalties, including Didiomete earning himself a double minor for roughing and x-checking, before Paul Bissonnette, who received a standing ovation from the Cardiff fans before the game started, added his third goal in as many games (which increase his points total to 5 in 3 games, after earning an assist earlier in the game), giving the Devils a four goal lead with his shorthanded wonder shot.
Despite all attempts Fife could not get back in the game, and those all important league points were awarded to the Welsh side.
After playing just the one game this week, the Cardiff Devils travel up to Scotland to face the Dundee Stars on Saturday, before returning home to face Adam Keefe and his Belfast Giants on Sunday. Both are games that no one wants to miss so even if you can't get down to the games, follow along at Match Night Live on The Inferno. Let's go Devils!
Tuesday 6 November 2012
Cardiff Devils @ Edinburgh Capitals (L) 04/11/2012
Devils 2, Capitals 4 - Final
After a thrilling 7-5 win over the Braehead Clan on the evening prior, the Cardiff Devils were disappointed to only be returning to Wales with those two points, after suffering a 4-2 defeat to the Edinburgh Capitals on Sunday night.
Despite a slow start to the season, the Capitals came marching out of the starting blocks, with Hartmann and Cingel putting them 2-0 up, all before the five minute mark, Hartmann scoring on the power play, Devils' forward Adam Harding in the box for hooking. Both teams saw some penalties after the Edinburgh goals but neither managed to add to their tallies before the buzzer rang.
The second period was a lot quieter, with just a penalty for each team... But the Red Army definitely had something to cheer about. Just 1.24 into the period, new signing Paul Bissonnette scored his second goal in two games, putting the Devils on the scored board for the first time in the game. Unfortunately, despite numerous chances, neither side added any extra goals.
Penalties were the in thing during the third, leading to both the home and visiting sides scoring a power play goal. Caps struck first, with Jarolin their scorer adding their third goal and reestablishing their two goal lead from earlier in the game. However, just eight minutes from time, Chris Blight shortened the scottish side's lead. It was looking like another comeback for the welsh side, but in an attempt to even the score, they pulled Osaer for the extra attacker - and Jarolin managed to put Edinburgh out of reach with an empty net goal just 24 seconds before the buzzer rang.
With a proud Red Army following them home, the Cardiff Devils are not playing on Saturday, so make sure you get down to the BBT on Sunday, to watch Paul Bissonnette make his home debut against the Fife Flyers. Fill The Tent! Let's Go Devils!
After a thrilling 7-5 win over the Braehead Clan on the evening prior, the Cardiff Devils were disappointed to only be returning to Wales with those two points, after suffering a 4-2 defeat to the Edinburgh Capitals on Sunday night.
Despite a slow start to the season, the Capitals came marching out of the starting blocks, with Hartmann and Cingel putting them 2-0 up, all before the five minute mark, Hartmann scoring on the power play, Devils' forward Adam Harding in the box for hooking. Both teams saw some penalties after the Edinburgh goals but neither managed to add to their tallies before the buzzer rang.
The second period was a lot quieter, with just a penalty for each team... But the Red Army definitely had something to cheer about. Just 1.24 into the period, new signing Paul Bissonnette scored his second goal in two games, putting the Devils on the scored board for the first time in the game. Unfortunately, despite numerous chances, neither side added any extra goals.
Penalties were the in thing during the third, leading to both the home and visiting sides scoring a power play goal. Caps struck first, with Jarolin their scorer adding their third goal and reestablishing their two goal lead from earlier in the game. However, just eight minutes from time, Chris Blight shortened the scottish side's lead. It was looking like another comeback for the welsh side, but in an attempt to even the score, they pulled Osaer for the extra attacker - and Jarolin managed to put Edinburgh out of reach with an empty net goal just 24 seconds before the buzzer rang.
With a proud Red Army following them home, the Cardiff Devils are not playing on Saturday, so make sure you get down to the BBT on Sunday, to watch Paul Bissonnette make his home debut against the Fife Flyers. Fill The Tent! Let's Go Devils!
Sunday 4 November 2012
Cardiff Devils @ Braehead Clan (L) 03/11/2012
Devils 7, Clan 5 - Final
It had been a hard week for the Cardiff Devils, what with losing three of their key players to suspensions and injuries, then suffering a disappointing loss to the Hull Stingrays - resulting in a Challenge Cup knockout in the group stages. Despite everything, morale was high, with the news of the new NHL signing Paul Bissonnette lifting heads. The Devils really pulled it together on their first Scottish game of the weekend.
Fans and teams from across the league had been voicing concern this week for the new Cardiff Devils; but Bissonnette definitely put all worries to rest when not only did he conduct himself calmly and efficiently, but always scored his first EIHL goal on his first shift, putting his new team ahead just 1.12 into the game. Braehead followed it up pretty quickly that up with a goal of their own, Chaumont getting the home side on the board.
The action continued for the rest of the period, with Devils' penalties and goals galore. The period saw penalties from Mackenzie and Osaer, who was having an off night. In addition, the Devils also managed to put themselves ahead by a further three goals, coming from MacKenzie and MacRae, who scored both an even strength and a short handed goal - earning himself the Man of the match award for his excellent play. Finally, in the second half of the period, Clan pulled Zemlak and replaced him with Mike Will, but nothing could help. First finished 4-1 Devils.
With Zemlak back in goal for Braehead, the second was a less hectic. Both team's defence took a hit during the second, making a couple of mistakes. The Clan were definitely back in the game, adding two goals in quick succession to bring them within one, but not soon after, Cardiff Brit Ben Davies gave the Devils' their fifth goal of the night, rounding the period off to have a 5-3 lead going into the third.
There were some worrying times for travelling Red Army fans during the third period - with the Clan scoring another two goals in quick succession, bringing the scored tied to 5-5 with 15 minutest to play. The arena saw a couple of penalties, from both teams. But Devils' fans were not to fear, their team was determined. With seven minutes to go, power forward Phil Hill gave the Devils the lead again, with Mac Faulkner sealing the deal with a shorthanded, empty net gal just 6 seconds from time.
So despite all the adversity the team has faced this week, they pulled together and came out on top, giving their fans a fantastic show in the process. Cardiff continue their Scottish doubleheader on Sunday night against the Edinburgh Capitals, hoping to bring home those all important two points and make it a four point weekend! If you haven't been able to travel up across the border, don't forget to follow along at Match Night Live, or watch live on the Capitals webcast. Let's Go Devils!
It had been a hard week for the Cardiff Devils, what with losing three of their key players to suspensions and injuries, then suffering a disappointing loss to the Hull Stingrays - resulting in a Challenge Cup knockout in the group stages. Despite everything, morale was high, with the news of the new NHL signing Paul Bissonnette lifting heads. The Devils really pulled it together on their first Scottish game of the weekend.
Fans and teams from across the league had been voicing concern this week for the new Cardiff Devils; but Bissonnette definitely put all worries to rest when not only did he conduct himself calmly and efficiently, but always scored his first EIHL goal on his first shift, putting his new team ahead just 1.12 into the game. Braehead followed it up pretty quickly that up with a goal of their own, Chaumont getting the home side on the board.
The action continued for the rest of the period, with Devils' penalties and goals galore. The period saw penalties from Mackenzie and Osaer, who was having an off night. In addition, the Devils also managed to put themselves ahead by a further three goals, coming from MacKenzie and MacRae, who scored both an even strength and a short handed goal - earning himself the Man of the match award for his excellent play. Finally, in the second half of the period, Clan pulled Zemlak and replaced him with Mike Will, but nothing could help. First finished 4-1 Devils.
With Zemlak back in goal for Braehead, the second was a less hectic. Both team's defence took a hit during the second, making a couple of mistakes. The Clan were definitely back in the game, adding two goals in quick succession to bring them within one, but not soon after, Cardiff Brit Ben Davies gave the Devils' their fifth goal of the night, rounding the period off to have a 5-3 lead going into the third.
There were some worrying times for travelling Red Army fans during the third period - with the Clan scoring another two goals in quick succession, bringing the scored tied to 5-5 with 15 minutest to play. The arena saw a couple of penalties, from both teams. But Devils' fans were not to fear, their team was determined. With seven minutes to go, power forward Phil Hill gave the Devils the lead again, with Mac Faulkner sealing the deal with a shorthanded, empty net gal just 6 seconds from time.
So despite all the adversity the team has faced this week, they pulled together and came out on top, giving their fans a fantastic show in the process. Cardiff continue their Scottish doubleheader on Sunday night against the Edinburgh Capitals, hoping to bring home those all important two points and make it a four point weekend! If you haven't been able to travel up across the border, don't forget to follow along at Match Night Live, or watch live on the Capitals webcast. Let's Go Devils!
Saturday 3 November 2012
Cardiff Devils vs Hull Stingrays (CC) 01/11/2012
Devils 3, Stingrays 4 - Final
It was definitely a tale of two halves on Thursday night down in the BBT. On one side, the Cardiff Devils were defeated 4-3 by the Hull Stingrays, confirming that they are now out of the Challenge Cup for this season, a disappointing blow after a week of troubles for the Welsh club. However, Devils' CEO Paul Ragan announced the club's new signing, straight from Phoenix, AZ, Paul Bissonnette, giving the team and their fans the boost they needed after the EIHL divulged that the match penalties given to Cardiff on Sunday night will stand, and, in some cases, be extended.
But back to the game; despite the exciting news of the NHL Coyote joining the Devils' ranks, Cardiff did not get off to a great start. Throughout the entire first period, it was end to end action, with the visiting team capitalising on their chances first. Just six minutes into the game, former Devil Jason Silverthorn put his team ahead, the assist going to the Ondrej. They quickly followed this up for their second goal just three minutes later, coming from Tendler.
With just the one penalty in the first period, neither side really had a solid advantage; the scoreboard told a different story. With the two early period goals, and a late goal, coming from third star Tanaka, the Rays sailed into the second, carrying a three-goal lead - it was not looking promising for the home team, the win being crucial to get those all important points to carry Cardiff through to the Quarter Finals of the Challenge Cup.
The boys had definitely left themselves with a lot of work, that hole going deeper as Tom Squires added the Rays' fourth goal just four minutes into the second twenty. But the Devils were not down and out just yet...With two brilliant power play goals, Chris Blight and Gerad Adams managed to brings the Devils back within two goals, scoring two beautiful goals just four minutes after one another. With the fire ignited, the Devils continued to push for the remainder of the second, coming through to the third with just two goals in it.
Both teams were now giving their all, and the BBT was rocking. Cardiff gave their Red Army more reason to cheer, with a third power play goal coming from EIHL player of the month Mac Faulkner, bringing the game back within one goal. By now, the respective goaltenders were standing on their heads, doing everything to keep the puck out of their nets, and both sets of defence were demonstrating their skills. After many chances and body blocks, it was down to the final 70 seconds and the Cardiff goaltender, Phil Osaer, was on the bench. Despite the extra attacker, Hull were determined and the clock slowly turned down to zero, with the Hull Stingrays going through to the Quarter Finals of the Challenge Cup, a 4-3 away victory under their belts.
With the Challenge Cup knockout heavy on their hearts, the Devils take that long blane journey up to Scotland this weekend, for a Scottish double header against Braehead (Saturday), and then Edinburgh (Sunday), where hopefully the Devils new signing will be making his away debut! Many fans are making the trip up across the border, but if you aren't able to make it, don't forget to follow along at Match Night Live, on www.the-inferno.co.uk. Let's Go Devils!
It was definitely a tale of two halves on Thursday night down in the BBT. On one side, the Cardiff Devils were defeated 4-3 by the Hull Stingrays, confirming that they are now out of the Challenge Cup for this season, a disappointing blow after a week of troubles for the Welsh club. However, Devils' CEO Paul Ragan announced the club's new signing, straight from Phoenix, AZ, Paul Bissonnette, giving the team and their fans the boost they needed after the EIHL divulged that the match penalties given to Cardiff on Sunday night will stand, and, in some cases, be extended.
But back to the game; despite the exciting news of the NHL Coyote joining the Devils' ranks, Cardiff did not get off to a great start. Throughout the entire first period, it was end to end action, with the visiting team capitalising on their chances first. Just six minutes into the game, former Devil Jason Silverthorn put his team ahead, the assist going to the Ondrej. They quickly followed this up for their second goal just three minutes later, coming from Tendler.
With just the one penalty in the first period, neither side really had a solid advantage; the scoreboard told a different story. With the two early period goals, and a late goal, coming from third star Tanaka, the Rays sailed into the second, carrying a three-goal lead - it was not looking promising for the home team, the win being crucial to get those all important points to carry Cardiff through to the Quarter Finals of the Challenge Cup.
The boys had definitely left themselves with a lot of work, that hole going deeper as Tom Squires added the Rays' fourth goal just four minutes into the second twenty. But the Devils were not down and out just yet...With two brilliant power play goals, Chris Blight and Gerad Adams managed to brings the Devils back within two goals, scoring two beautiful goals just four minutes after one another. With the fire ignited, the Devils continued to push for the remainder of the second, coming through to the third with just two goals in it.
Both teams were now giving their all, and the BBT was rocking. Cardiff gave their Red Army more reason to cheer, with a third power play goal coming from EIHL player of the month Mac Faulkner, bringing the game back within one goal. By now, the respective goaltenders were standing on their heads, doing everything to keep the puck out of their nets, and both sets of defence were demonstrating their skills. After many chances and body blocks, it was down to the final 70 seconds and the Cardiff goaltender, Phil Osaer, was on the bench. Despite the extra attacker, Hull were determined and the clock slowly turned down to zero, with the Hull Stingrays going through to the Quarter Finals of the Challenge Cup, a 4-3 away victory under their belts.
With the Challenge Cup knockout heavy on their hearts, the Devils take that long blane journey up to Scotland this weekend, for a Scottish double header against Braehead (Saturday), and then Edinburgh (Sunday), where hopefully the Devils new signing will be making his away debut! Many fans are making the trip up across the border, but if you aren't able to make it, don't forget to follow along at Match Night Live, on www.the-inferno.co.uk. Let's Go Devils!
Thursday 1 November 2012
Cardiff Devils vs Coventry Blaze: Disciplinary Findings
Sunday night saw two counts of disappointment for Cardiff Devils’ fans;
after two hard fought games, the Coventry Blaze stripped the Devils of four
crucial challenge cup points.
Unfortunately, the blunders did not end at the final buzzer.
Tension rose during the third, with Devils’ forward Max Birbraer being
assessed for a match penalty, after a check to the head on Blaze defenseman
Benn Olson, at 12.26. For this Birbraer
received an automatic five match ban, and was thrown out of the game. The Elite League Disciplinary Council
have confirmed this ban and ruled that it cannot be appealed.
As the conflict escalated after the final buzzer, during the tradition
team handshakes, Birbraer was awarded an addition match penalty for leaving the
dressing room after being thrown out of the game and rejoining the action on
the ice, earning himself, originally, an extra game ban. However, on deliberation, the
Disciplinary Council have ruled that leaving the dressing room constitutes an
automatic three match ban, increasing Birbraer’s total ban to eight
matches. As with number 23’s
original match penalty, the Cardiff Devils Organisation cannot appeal against
the ruling.
Fan favourite Devin Didiomete of the Cardiff Devils also received a
match ban in all the action. After
receiving a fighting major and being escorted off the ice, Didiomete came to
the defense of his bench coach, Neil Francis, and rejoined the altercation. This led to him being assessed for leaving
the dressing room, resulting in a three match ban that has been confirmed by
the Elite League. As with
Birbraer’s penalties, Didiomete cannot appeal against this ruling.
With two of their power forwards out, Cardiff did not need any more
misfortune. Unfortunately, bench
coach Neil Francis has been included in the penalised and been given a
match/game penalty for travesty in the game, leading to a one match ban. In addition to this, the Elite League
have extended Francis’ ban by four games, his total ban lasting over five
games.
So, in total, the Welsh side will lose Birbraer for eight games,
Didiomete for three and Francis for five, putting the Devils at an extreme
disadvantage over the course of the following games.
On the other hand, after being at the centre of the controversy and
engaging in an extremely unnecessary exchange with a Cardiff fan, who has now
had his game privileges revoked for the remainder of the 2012/2013 season and all following seasons until 2017, was
assessed a match penalty for incident with a spectator. It has been decided the penalty is
unjustified, therefore has been removed from Olson’s records and no further
action will be taken.
Coventry received no other match/game penalties or bans during the
event.
In addition to all bans and penalties mentioned above, the Elite League
are further reviewing incidents that took place off-ice on Sunday night and
will present their findings and a further statement in due course. For comments from the Elite League on
the penalties awarded, click on the link below to go to the official statement:
To view any and all statements made by the Cardiff Devils’ Organisation,
click the links below:
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