Cardiff Devils @ Sheffield Steelers (L) 18/10/2014, Cardiff Devils vs Sheffield Steelers (L) 19/10/2014

Devils 3, Steelers 5 - Final (Saturday)

Devils 5, Steelers 2 - Final (Sunday)

It was a home and home against the Sheffield Steelers this weekend and it was definitely not a boring one!  While most Devils’ fans (and players and coaches) find themselves severely frustrated after the events of Saturday’s 5-2 loss in the Tin town, revenge was served as the Devils’ returned the favour in a thrilling 5-3 Welsh win on Sunday.

Fires were lit early on Saturday after Cardiff awoke to former Devils’ coach Gerad Adams promising to take advantage of our ‘many weaknesses’ – although he was being quoted in The Star, so give it a read yourself at the link below to decide how you think the comment was meant to be taken!

http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/ice-hockey/sheffield-steelers-coach-calls-for-better-defence-against-cardiff-devils-1-6899827

Both sides were definitely out for blood, with Andrew Hotham and Cullen Eddy getting their fists dirty just after the half way point of the first period – both getting in some good hits before Hotham finally took Eddy to the ice.

The frustration continued to build for the visiting team as the Steelers scored two goals in two minutes, both featuring the efforts of top British D-man Ben O’Connor who was lacing up in his debut for Sheffield after signing a short term contract to fill the gap left by injuries to Robert Dowd and Pascal Morency.

Over the course of the weekend, O’Connor had 3 assists and 2 PIMS – demonstrating that the Steelers would be very lucky to extend his contract past these next couple of weeks. 

Colton Fretter also had a good game on Saturday, playing a role in both of the first period goals for the Steelers.

Despite the home side dominating the first period, the Devils’ came out swinging after the intermission break!  After Joey Haddad was sent to the box just four minutes into the period, it looked as if the Devils’ scored in spite of the man disadvantage but ref Mike Hicks waved it off.  Apparently Trevor Hendrikx had taken up residence in the crease – it is hard to tell from the highlights but it was, as usual, a questionable decision.

(Highlights can be found here, courtesy of SteelersTV: http://www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/highlights-live-steelers-5-3-cardiff-devils-saturday--p194276)

But our boys fought their way back to a level field after two wonderful goals from Haddad, just as he was coming out of the box, and Joey Martin about six minutes later.

Tempers reached boiling point as the game travelled into the third and final period; with the game all squared up both teams were desperate to get that all important goal and take the lead.  It truly looked like the game could go either way.

Unfortunately Sheffield took the lead early on and some harsh 5-on-3 penalties definitely took the momentum out of the Devils.  In fact, the away side managed to accumulate 64 PIMs in the final period of play, including a tango between Dougie Clarkson and Dustin Kohn, before frustrations boiled over at the final whistle.

There was a certain amount of confusion during the final minutes of the game – with the Devils’ 4-3 down, they were desperate to get that tying goal!  After a large amount of pushing and shoving in front of Doyle’s net (and some extremely blatant missed calls in my opinion), the puck was turned and Mathieu Roy went charging off towards the Devils’ empty net – only to be tripped and awarded an unassisted goal for his efforts.

While Bench Coach Neil Francis was upset (understatement!!) about the call, many on both sides of the ice are being completely understanding about the decision… It’s the events the followed the final whistle that are cause for concern.

After reviewing the video highlights extensively (it was extremely painful listening to David Simms commentary over and over! Pretty sure I was one replay away from my ears bleeding!), I believe we were hard done by in the DOPS’s decision to uphold Trevor Hendrikx one game ban after he received a Match Penalty for a supposed ‘sucker punch’ – Simms’ words, not mine – on Tyler Mosienko.

(The most recent update from the Department of Player Safety on the incident involving Trevor Hendrikx can be found here: http://www.eliteleague.co.uk/dops-info-trevor-hendrikx-p194246)

Jesse Mychan also earned himself a Game Penalty after being undressed by Cullen Eddy as the players all scrambled to be in on the action as the whistle blew, the final score 5-2 to the home side. 

Going into Sunday, the Devils, both on the ice and off, were raring for revenge and the boys did not hold back in their effort to get it!

After a quick initial review, it was stated that Trevor Hendrikx would miss the game as the DOPS upheld the automatic one match suspension that comes with a Match Penalty, with the promise to further review the incident.  The Devils were also missing Carl Hudson from Sunday’s line-up after he picked up an undisclosed injury.

Cardiff born Matthew Myers did, however, return to the line up after serving his two game suspension.

It was certainly a different story in the second match up in as many games for these two sides.  While Sheffield held the upper hand for the majority of the first period on Saturday night, Cardiff came out fighting on Sunday – scoring two goals within the first ten minutes! 

As well as being downtrodden on the scoreboard, the Steelers were also facing a physical beating as the Devils continued to punch Sheffield-shaped holes in the board as they passed.  Both Doug Clarkson and Jesse Mychan received roughing penalties in the opening period but that was only the beginning of the bruises for the Northern side.

The deficit only increased for the Steelers going into the second period, as Mark Richardson added a wonderful power play goal to the tally, helping himself to the Man of the Match as he went.

Seemingly more awake, the Steelers made an attempt at a come back in the third period, with troublemaker Tyler Mosienko scoring four minutes in to the period.

No (attempted) Sheffield come back would be complete without a bit of rough and tumble, or down right dirty play.  Forney found himself inside the penalty box at 46:43 with a 2+10 for check from behind – although it looked like he wrapped his stick around a Devils’ neck and yanked from where I was sat!

With the Steelers’ plight quelled, Brent Walton added his second of the night just after the halfway point of the period to restore the three-goal lead.  Jason Hewitt, the guy we all love to hate, managed to pull one back a minute or so later but the Devils were not letting this one go… Alternate captain Jake Morrisette helped himself to a shorthanded, empty net goal to cement the win and secure those all-important two league points.

After such an exciting weekend, its hard to wait until Saturday for more Devils’ hockey, but that’s when the Coventry Blaze come to town, looking to take two league points home before Cardiff travel up to the Skydome to play it out for crucial Challenge Cup points in their penultimate CC game!

If you can’t make it down to the BBT to cheer on the boys, make sure you’re there in spirit while you watch the game on the newly priced Devils’ webcast!

See you soon, Devils’ fans!

Cardiff Devils @ Sheffield Steelers (CC) 27/09/2014, Cardiff Devils vs Nottingham Panthers (CC) 28/09/2014

Devils 3, Steelers 2 - SO Final

Devils 5, Panthers 2 - Final

Sheffield/Nottingham – 4^th Weekend

Back to back wins saw a voiceless Red Army after a fantastic four point Challenge Cup weekend for our Cardiff Devils!

Despite somewhat paranormal going-ons in the Sheffield Steelers’ first game in their Motorpoint Arena this season (due to crucial ice repairs), the Devils managed to come away with a 3-2 shootout win on Saturday night.  Matthew Myers scored twice to push his side through to overtime, before Jake Morrisette and Joey Martin fired the puck home, winning the shootout 2-0 to give the Devils that desperate extra point. 

The main event in the Steelers’ opening night was, of course, our favourite jazz-hand-using referee Tom Darnell!  Despite being confirmed as one of 12 UK officials to be officiating across international competitions over the next year, Darnell was up to his old tricks, allowing a very controversial goal for the Sheffield Steelers, allowing them to finish out the second period 2-1 up. 

Now, there have been many conflicting reports surrounding this ‘goal’ – some say (and these are Devils’ fans, not just Steelers’ fans) that it was definitely a goal, hitting the underside of the net and bouncing back out; others say that Darnell has simply lost what was left of his marbles and was up to his old tricks.  The justification behind the goal can be found here, thanks to Steelers TV: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JMNqEiszc4&list=PLdV17JtpLz4unlz0nY6bOhdrAJnXlCuP6

But, nevertheless, Myers levelled it up just 46 seconds from the end of regulation to force overtime.  And with no further goals in the extra five, the teams went to a shootout – you all know how that one ended!

Sunday saw a deflated Nottingham side travel down to the Bay after suffering a humiliating 6-1 home ice defeat to the Hull Stingrays, who are still missing Player/Coach Omar Pacha after he sustained a broken arm against Edinburgh earlier in the month. 

With the Northern side already missing several keys players, including Robert Farmer (foot) and David Clarke (shoulder), they did not need any more injuries to their already shortened bench.  Unfortunately for anyone with whiskers, Berube missed Sunday’s game, and was joined by Robert Lachowicz (ankle), Evan Mosey (undisclosed) and Brandon Benedict (confused? Possible arm injury, possible concussion.  Heard some very conflicting stories on this one), all of whom left the game early.

Whether it was due to increased ice time as a result of the smaller bench or a lack of confidence after the previous night’s loss (or, you know, Cardiff’s awesomeness!), the Panthers failed to play their best hockey and the Devils walked away with another 2 points, climbing to the top spot in CC Group B.

It seemed that bus legs and tired minds were a problem for last season’s Challenge Cup winners throughout the first period on Sunday.  Already missing some vital players from their line-up, the away team needed to give 110% for all 60 minutes in the BBT but it appears that several of the on-ice players were away with the fairies! 

With that in mind, it was still exciting to come home from work and discover in the 8 or so minutes I’d missed, we were already up by two!!  Luckily I was home just in time to witness Panthers’ newcomer Nathan Robinson (who we find out today is a budding artist as well!) being ejected from the game after ‘accidentally’ getting his stick tangled up in Player/Coach Andrew Lord’s face! 

Like with many things in this game we love, there is some controversy surrounding the severity of Robinson’s punishment.  While it is entirely possible (and extremely unlikely – this is Nottingham after all!) that #91 was slightly off-balance from a previous encounter with Lord, many believe that this was completely intentional; the 5+game awarded was slightly surprising though. 

The Panthers’ own account of the game (which can be found here: http://www.panthers.co.uk/content/spirited-effort-panthers-defeat-and-injury-woe-cardiff) describes the event as Robinson being targeting and retaliating to what was dished out to him…. I’m sure we can all make our own minds up on the situation, eh?

Additionally, the piece also comments on several of the injury sustained by the Panthers’ side on Sunday night.  The most interesting comment was surrounding the injury to Brandon Benedict; the Panthers’ website is reporting he was taken to hospital after a ‘check to the head’.  While they have not confirmed or disclosed any details about the injury, it is also being reported on the Steelers’ website that Benedict will be missing this weekend’s games due to concussion (http://www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/medical-staff-busy-for-both-steelers-and-panthers-p193844).  See why I’m so confused??  I guess it is just a case of watch this space for now…

The Panthers definitely seemed more awake after the first period break and some silly penalties for the Devils allowed them the space they needed to pull two goals back to bring them back within one going into the third period.  It definitely looked like things were looking up for the downtrodden side.

It was a case of who scores next wins… so thank the hockey gods for Andrew Lord!

With a spin-o-rama Crosby would have been proud of, Coach put the puck behind Kowalski (who, like most of the travelling team, was quite passive in the opening 20 before waking up and leading from the back for the rest of the game) and the game out of reach!  MOM Trevor Hendrikx added an extra tally to confirm the win and give the Devils those all important Challenge Cup points!!

This coming week sees the Red Army travelling across the Irish Sea to the Land of Guinness – Belfast beware!!  With Devils fans out in full force, it will be two incredible games so if you can’t make it to the O make sure you check out the webcast: https://live.belfastgiants.com// or the MNL: http://www.the-inferno.co.uk/mnl to keep up to date with every thing that happens as our boys continue to fight it out for those crucial league points!

Cardiff Devils vs Sheffield Steelers (CC) 07/09/2014

Devils 2, Steelers 3 - Final

This season, I'm going to do things a little differently. In the lead up to my hiatus, I felt my writing was getting a bit repetitive and I was therefore unable to give my best to the guys that play their hearts out every single game, entertaining long time fans and those who have only just joined our crazy world of flying rubber. And if they are giving their all every week, without fail, do they not deserve the same treatment from me?

So I’ve decided to write from my perspective, adding a personal touch to the game that means something different to each of us.  While I will still be covering the events of the game, it will be less of here’s what happened and more this is how I felt about what happened.  In order to give the guys the write up they deserve, I need to feel engaged in what I’m writing and hopefully this will provide what I’ve been missing these past couple of seasons.

Through various friends around the rink I'd heard a lot of good things about this year's team and I take great pleasure in saying these guys did not disappoint; we definitely saw the best style of Devils' hockey on Sunday!

It was great to see that we have a team who are ready to compete and play that physical style of hockey we all enjoy to watch.

While it is definitely sad that we had to say goodbye to so many fan favourites in the passing offseason, we must accept that when one door closes, another shall open, bringing with it a Devils' team I am proud to support!

Despite that, would it be wrong if I were a little bit happy to see G, Deeds and co back in the BBT?? Personally, I can’t wait to have Joe Myers back when we play Braehead – I am a little embarrassed to admit I once fan-girled when Joe favourited one of my tweets! It seems there will always be an excitable little girl in all of us , no matter how old we get!!

I must admit, I failed to keep track of the trades and tribulations this summer and barely recognised anyone on the roster when I checked the website just last week.

Having been surprised with tickets to the game on Sunday as a fabulous birthday present from the bestie, I wanted to re-immerse myself in the Devils' world - which definitely took a lot longer that I expected!

Initial research on the newcomers looked promising but the real thing simply blew me away. From Ben Bowns' incredible 2-on-0 save in the opening twenty to Chris Culligan's fantastic solo effort to even the score in the second, I was so happy to have hockey back!

Despite the blank score board at the end of the first period, I definitely had a difficult time finding fault in our new side.

With the Steelers' up to their usual tricks, Devils' both old and new held their ground superbly. As expected Sheffield were into double-figure PIMs before the end of the first, but our guys kept their heads down and plough[ed] through. In fact, the Devils' powered through with almost triple the amount of shots! The side in red was definitely very unlucky not to be up by at least one going into the period break.

Going into the second, I thought the pace had slowed slightly - that is until Jesse Mychan got the blood flowing. Not my blood of course, but that of Sheffield's no. 44 Matt Thomas!

While Tom Darnell made his usual song and dance (a shame to see some things haven't changed), awarding Mychan 2+10 for instigating, he did not succeed in quashing the fight in the Devils' spirits, both on and off the ice. We're all used to the controversial officiating in the EIHL and Sunday night was no exception - from bogus offside calls to outrageous tripping calls, we witnessed it all.

The theory (from the fans) behind me in Block 3 was that Darnell has a show coming up and wanted to practise his jazz hands!! In fact, Darnell was filling the penalty boxes so quickly, Devils' management nearly had to move the cameraman to allow enough room for everyone!!

But the heated seats in the penalty box didn't seem to do anything for Pascal Morency, who will probably be haunted by the phrase 'you got battered' for months to come after Sunday's game.

After taking a heavy beating from Trevor Hendrikx (swoon!), Morency was showered in abuse from the Red Army as he continued to lean across the timekeepers to chirp the 6'2" Ontario native. I was half expecting him to go at Hendrikx again as soon as they were out of the box, and, being completely wrapped up in the atmosphere, was slightly disappointed when he didn’t.

With blood spilled and tensions high, both sides eagerly awaited the third period. Having not experienced Devils' hockey for far too long, I was pleasantly surprised to find I could not sit still, constantly annoying the guy next to me with my excited fidgeting!

Both teams came out fighting in the last twenty minutes but it was clear that the home side were tiring and there was nothing left in the tank to push the home side level on the scoreboard.

With all the excitement through the game, we had barely noticed the one goal deficit but in the end its the goals scored, not the enthusiasm or dedication shown, that wins games.

I definitely wouldn't have changed the game for anything, it was brilliant watching our Devils' play like they used too! And it just means I will be badgering my boss for lots of time off so I can make it down to watch the game I love more often than last year! It is definitely worth the round trip!!

Cardiff Devils @ Sheffield Steelers (L) 26/01/2013

Devils 4, Steelers 5 - Final

  Braving the cold weather and dangerous roads, the Cardiff Devils made their way up to the MotorPoint Arena in Sheffield to take on the Steelers.  Despite a valiant effort in goal against Edinburgh last week, Joe Myers was relieved as starting net minder, with Chris Whitley making his debut for the Welsh side - and after facing a total of 29 shots, the guy did extremely well.

  In fact, the Devils played well as a whole; despite the narrow loss, Cardiff put up 35 shots against Decaro, forcing him to stand on his head to keep his team in the game.  Our boys in red came back three times, never lying down.  It was Sheffield that took the earlier lead in the game, Ferguson scoring at 11.00 exactly to give the home side the advantage.  Cardiff MOM Mac Faulkner levelled the game at  around the 15 minute mark but Drew Fata regained the lead just before the end of the first period.

  Luke Piggot also received a 2+10 for checking from behind, whilst Faulkner served a delay of game and Esders served a too many men - because of this, Faulkner's goal was a shorthanded effort, one of five out of 42 goals this season, and Fata's a power play goal.

  Cardiff were not done; just a minute or so into the second, Josh Batch (who has been playing out of position, on the top line, since at least December) levelled the score for the visiting side.  The score remained the same for the following ten minutes, though both sides saw several power play opportunities, before Ashley Tait and Drew Fata added Sheffield's third and fourth goals - effectively breaking the spirit of the Cardiff players.

  Despite a dip in morale, the boys weren't going to let their travelling fans down.  They fought hard throughout the third, outshooting the Steelers 12 to 7 but nothing was going in... That is until the thirteenth minute, when GB International Phil Hill added the Devils' third, making it a one goal game.  They continued to shoot puck after puck at the net, but things were looking bad when former-Devil Tyler Michel added Sheffield's fifth and final goal, a shorthanded empty-netter (Jeff Legue in the box for high-sticking) with just a minute and a half remaining.

  With an incredible spike of determination, Mac Faulkner added the Devils' fourth goal at 19.46 - a power play goal as Goertzen was sitting a holding penalty - but Cardiff were not able to get that tying goal in the final 15 seconds.  A disappointing loss, but the guys played incredibly well and a proud Red Army cheered them home.

  Desperate for some points, the Devils headed home to face the Nottingham Panthers - Elite League leaders at this time - in what is sure to be a great match up. Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Sheffield Steelers Double-Header 01/12/2012-02/12/2012 (L/CC)

Saturday 1st December - MotorPoint Arena (L)
   
     Devils 3, Steelers 2 - Final

Sunday 2nd December - Cardiff Bay Arena (CC)

    Devils 7, Steelers 6 - SO Final


  Saturday night saw a travelling Red Army, as the Devils headed up to Sheffield for the first of a two part double header.  With new-old-signing Mark Richardson back in a Devils' jersey and fan favourite Max 'Boom Boom' Birbraer back from suspension, it was sure to be a great match.

  The Devils started off slowly, going behind just six minutes in  - Ashley Tait the scorer for the home side.  The Steelers continued on and added a second a few minutes later, Drew Fata scoring on the power play after Devils' no. 24 Devin Didiomete was sent to the box for tripping.  Jason Hewitt also took a trip to the box for hooking at 1040, but Cardiff didn't get on the board until 1825, when Birbraer announced his return in style.

  As normal, the second showed a slower side to the team, and two penalties - the captain for slashing and the bench for too many men.  Despite gaining the advantage twice, the Steelers failed to capitalise and the score remained at 2-1 going into the third.

  It was all about the visitors in the third, with Cardiff scoring twice to take the lead, and eventually the game.  Despite the probable agitation he felt for a 'Simmsey slip-up' on his name,  MAC Faulkner scored two gaols in ten minutest to earn himself MOM and the Devils' those all important league points.

  With a jubilant attitude which can only come from a fantastic win the night before, the Devils' welcomed the Steelers in the BBT on Sunday for a challenge cup match up - despite being unable to progress no matter what the final score.

  For the fans that made the trip up on Saturday they would have experienced a bit of deja vu, with the Steelers taking the lead six minutes in.  With Birbaer out with an ankle injury, despite only returning from suspension the day before, the Devils were looking a bit slow.  But after Sheffield's Thomas was sent to the box for holding, Ben Davies levelled the score on the power play with seven minutes left to play in the first.

  Despite being held off to just the one goal in the first, Sheffield came out fighting, scoring a short handed goal two minutes in - whilst Tait sat in the box for tripping on behalf of Decaro.  With the score at 2-1 in favour of the Steelers, and the outcome of little consequence to the Devils, Osaer was replaced with Joe Myers, who received a large cheer as he stepped into the net.

  Ref Dean Smith saw some abuse and saw fit to throw Stephenson a ten minute misconduct at 2825, giving captain Stuart MacRae the chance to level the tally on the power play.  Fata regained the lead for the visitors but again Macrae pulled it back before Tyson Marsh gave the Devils their first lead of the game just before the buzzer rang, the home side taking a 4-3 lead into the final period.

  Phil Hill continued the momentum for Cardiff, extending their lead to two, before Hewitt brought on back for the English side.  With just seven minutes left in the period, Limpright and Shields scored two in quick succession to retake the lead.  But with a lucky turn of events MacRae added his hat tick goal in the final minus to force a very tense overtime - in which neither team managed to score the winner.

  So off to penalties it was and a nervous Red Army were watching with baited breath.  After several misses and a goal each for MacRae and Shields, it was up to Blight and he didn't disappoint.

 7-6 SO the final score and a pair of wins over the Steelers for Cardiff.  Let's Go Devils

Cardiff Devils @ Sheffield Steelers (CC) 19/10/2012

Devils 3, Steelers 4 - SO Final

  With the release of d-man Jamie Milam during the week, the Cardiff Devils were determined to demonstrate that they were turning a corner last night, as they travelled up to Sheffield for their next challenge cup fixture.  Having only won one out of three prior to last night, Cardiff were sitting in fourth in Challenge Cup Group B and were desperately in need of the points.

  The Devils started strong, with good chances and hard hits coming from all players.  With the big hits being reciprocated by the Sheffield side, fans were calling it a game of 'high intensity'.  This back and forth action continued until Cardiff's number 27, Kenton Smith, was sent to the box for hooking, just after the 12th minute.  Devils' killed off the penalty, continuing the game until Smith's brother, Mark, was put in the box for interference at 19:18.  With the Welsh side short on a D-man, the Steelers' capitalised, with Drew Fata scoring their first at 19:34, on the power play.  He then finished up the period in the penalty box (hooking @19:59).  So, despite the good, even start, Cardiff went into the second trailing by one.

  Having the man advantage, the Devils came out fighting, with resident power forward Max Birbraer embedding Steelers' Shawn Limpright into the ice.  They followed that up with an even strength goal by Brit Ben Davies, timed at just passed the 22 minute-mark.  With the Devils equalising and still looking strong, Sheffield retreated to their half, looking fierce in defence.  Despite this, Cardiff managed a second goal, putting them ahead for the first time, the goal coming from Marsh at 25.24.

  The fans got to see some big hits some both sides in the second half of the period, but the Steelers also managed an equaliser of their own, with Limpright being credited despite the puck going in off a Devils' skate.  Steven Goertzen put them ahead just over two minutes later, bringing the score up to 3-2 Steelers by the end of the period.

  It seemed to be a slower start for the Devils going into the third, with Sheffield camping out in the Devils' defensive zone.  After the slow start, they started to make some progress, getting shots off when possible and knocking NHLer Tom Sestito to build morale.  Number 24, Devin Didiomete, responsible for the hard check on Sestito sat a bench penalty for the travelling team, before coming back onto the ice to assist on the Devils' equalising goal - which was scored by captain, and man of the match, Stuart MacRae.  Cardiff continued to battle hard through the last few minutes but were unable to pull anything out of the bag.  End of regulation: 3-3.

  With neither team grabbing that final point in OT, the game went to penalty shootouts, with every member of the Red Army holding their breath.  It was looking good, with Chris Blight scoring on the first shot, and Limpright not equalising until the third round.  Unfortunately, Steelers Drew Feta came back to score the winner in the fifth, after missing in the second.  Final score 4-3 Steelers, and the Devils head back to Cardiff with just the one point.

  We're back in the league on Sunday, with the Nottingham Panthers travelling to town.  After losing 4-2 in our last meeting, Cardiff will be fighting it out in revenge, giving their all to gain those precious two league points.  Puck drop is at 6pm, so make sure you get down to the Bay and support the guys!  Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Sheffield Steelers (L) 06/10/2012

Devils 2, Steelers 1 - Final

  Cardiff would have been full of celebrating Red Army fans last night, as the Devils stormed past the Sheffield Steelers in a physically thrilling win.  After several poor shows and disappointing results, Gerad Adams and Neil Francis have been calling for patience from their fans, and that patience has paid off!

  The Devils started brilliantly, with Devin Didiomete coming to life, sporting an early charging penalty.  The penalties continued to come throughout the period, and the rest of the game, before Cardiff finally capitalised on the man advantage.  At 11.02, Phil Hill shot the puck back door and put the Devils ahead whilst Stephenson was in the box for tripping.  The final few minutes past with a couple of penalties, and a brilliant display of goal tendering from the Steelers’ DeCaro.  In the end, the first twenty finished 1-0 Cardiff.

  It was a slow start to the second period, with Sheffield delaying their return to the ice.  However, as soon as the puck drop, it was all guns blazing.  Just two minutes in, Brit Josh Batch earned himself a 2+10 for a check to the head, after flooring former-Devil Tylor Michel.  The physicality continued as both sides were penalised for roughing, and hooking. 

  Just like in the first, Cardiff’s goal in the second came on the powerplay, after Stephenson was sent to the box again, this time coming from Mac Faulkner.  After Faulkner beat DeCaro on his glove side, the Steelers’ tightened up their defense and managed to push up, and slot one past Osaer, putting them on the board just minutes before the end of the second.

  Sheffield were out late again coming in to the third, with Michel missing from the line up.  Both tenders were forced to pull a few saves but neither team were able to add to their total, giving the Devils a rare regulation win. 

  Following last night’s home win, the boys are hoping to carry on their success in Coventry tonight, where they will face Paul Thompson and his Blaze side, which contains former-devil Sam Smith.  If you’re not heading up, make sure to follow the guys’ progress at Match Night Live on The Inferno.  Let’s Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils @ Sheffield Steelers (CC) 23/10/11

Devils 3, Steelers 5 - Final

  Despite the crushing victory over the Dundee Stars the previous night, the Cardiff Devils lost out to the Sheffield Steelers in their most recent Challenge Cup match-up.  With Captain Stuart MacRae and defensemen Mark Smith still missing from the line-up, the Devils ended up on the wrong side of a 5-3 final score.

  The first period saw a variety of penalties, including a 2 + 10 received by Chris Frank for a check from behind.  We also saw a goal from Max Birbraer (04:12), countered by two from Sheffield.  The first came from Jeff Legue (06:49) and the second from MOM Colt King (14:11).

  The second saw two goals for each side, with the score going up to 4-3 Sheffield.  The first goal of the period came from Lee Esders (24:33).  Obviously not liking the fact that Sheffield now had a two goal lead, the Devils rallied to score, with Scott Dobben putting one away, unassisted (32:25).  Jeff Legue put the difference back to two with his second of the night and Brad Voth added Cardiff's third (38:48) to finish the period 4-3 Steelers.

  Despite the Devils' best efforts they couldn't get the puck behind DeCaro in the third, and, with Colt King scoring his second of the night (58:22), the Steelers secured a win, final score 5-3.

  Make sure you get your tickets for this Saturday's match-up at the BBT, when the Coventry Blaze come to town.  When the Devils and the Blaze met last, in the Sky Dome, the Devils came away with a 2-0 win.  Get down to the BBT and see if they can do it again.  Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Sheffield Steelers 09/10/11

Devils 2, Steelers 3 - SO Final

  Back in Cardiff tonight and the Devils welcome former Devils Ryan Finnerty and the Sheffield Steelers into the BBT.  The last time the Steelers were in town, Cardiff managed a 4-0 win, but, on the return trip the next day, lost out on a four point weekend with a 5-3 defeat.  Everyone was hoping for a repeat of the first game!

  Throughout the first period, both Stevie Lyle and John DeCaro saw their fair share of shots.  Devils' 93, Jeff Pierce, was just one of the many attempting to best DeCaro but he was having none of it.  It seemed like our own Stevie Lyle had adopted the same attitude, having no trouble holding the Steelers at bay. The first twenty saw several penalties, three for each side.  Sheffield were penalized for two hooking calls, and a diving call, the last one aimed at ex-Devils' captain Ryan Finnerty.  Cardiff were shorthanded due to a controversial interference call, as well as charging and cross-checking.  Despite the Steelers apparently getting one in the back of the net, the period ended 0-0, as Darnell waves off the only 'goal' of the period.

  The second period was slightly more eventful.  Although there were half as many penalties, the scoreboard was lit up three times throughout the twenty minutes.  The first, both of the game and for the Steelers, came from Rodney Sarich, from Tait and Ramsay, who is usually a thorn in the Devils' sides.  The second, following shortly after, was also a Steelers' goal, came from Lee Esders, assists going to Tait and Finnerty.  Finally, the Devils managed to get their first goal of the night, coming from Phil Hill, who also scored the first goal in last night's win over Fife, with help from Adams.  This goal came as a result of an increase in the intensity of play by the Devils, after Player/Coach Gerad Adams called a time out, obviously being disappointed in the play.  It seemed like the pep-talk worked the magic intended as the Devils were a different side.  Unfortunately, DeCaro held strong for the final minutes of the second and the period finished 2-1 Steelers.

  Time for the third period and the Devils were determined to level the score.  After nearly a whole period's hard work and determination, Scott Dobben managed to score the equalizer.  With many penalties being called as well, it was an interesting period.  Despite many attempts on goal, for both teams, and the goal light being lit several times behind DeCaro, the period ended 2-2, as Darnell waved several 'goals'.

  Into overtime and the play was just as intense.  Frank got himself a 5+game for slashing at Finnerty.  It was said that Finnerty made a comment to cause Frank to lash out; it must have been something major considering the reaction.  Neither could finish the game, even though Sheffield had the advantage and the game went to shootout.

  Up for Cardiff were Birbraer, Pierce and MacRae, who all missed their shots.  Up for Sheffield were Ramsay and Birnstill.  Birnstill missed his shot but Ramsay scored his second, meaning that Birbraer would have to score his second to keep the Devils in the game.  Unfortunately Max missed and the Devils lost.  Final score 3-2 Steelers.

  Next game at the BBT is on Saturday, against the Belfast Giants.  FO is at 7pm, don't be late to watch the Devils take on former Devils Jon Pelle and the Giants!  Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils @ Sheffield Steelers 18/09/11

Devils 3, Steelers 5 - Final

  Coming off a 4-0 victory over the Steelers last night, everything seemed right for the Cardiff Devils tonight. Heading up to Sheffield with high hopes for a four-point weekend, everyone was excited.  With the Wales Rugby Team beating Samoa this morning, it was destined to be a Welsh Weekend; unfortunately, not everything could go our way.

  As they have for the last few games, things started out well.  1:49 in the first period, young Brit Ben Davies set fellow Brit Sam Smith up with an incredible pass, and he put it in the back of the net, giving the Devils a 1-0 lead earlier on.  The first continued with many chances for both teams, and several minor penalties for both teams.  Despite a couple of power-plays, the Devils couldn't extend their lead, but also managed to fend off the Steelers on the few power-plays they got, Stevie Lyle making some amazing saves.  First period ended 1-0 Devils.

  The second saw the Steelers hit back with two goals of their own.  Their first, both in the period and in the game, was scored by new Player/Coach Ryan Finnerty, with the second coming from Clark five minutes later, making the score 2-1.  But the Devils weren't beaten yet.  Just over two minutes after Clark slid one past Lyle, Phil Hill, who had a great night last night after netting two of the Devils' four goals, broke away whilst shorthanded and managed to lift the puck past DeCaro.  With the score now level, both teams were fighting for that extra goal.  Luckily for the Red Army, it came off the stick of Devils' Man of the Match, number 93, Jeff Pierce.  Second period finished 3-2 Devils.

  In came the third and out went the Devils.  Leading the game 3-2, all the Devils had to do was hold on for twenty minutes.  And they did a good job of trying for the first twelve.  Unfortunately, at 52:07, Jason Hewitt equalized for Sheffield.  With their luck turning, the Steelers were on a roll.  Despite the Devils' defense trying their hardest, and doing well for the most, Mike Ramsey also slotted one passed Lyle, just over a minute after Hewitt.  For the last seven minutes, Cardiff tried their damnedest to get through the Steelers' defense and passed DeCaro, but unfortunately DeCaro was a brick wall!  Just to round off the night, Steelers' RW Ramsay added a second to his tally, whilst the Steelers were shorthanded.  Final score Devils 3, Steelers 5.

  Despite the score on the board at the end of the sixty minutes, the Devils are definitely playing better.  Two points is better than none.  Next game is on Saturday, back at the BBT, where the Stingrays will be coming to town!  Turns out we may even have Max back!  Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Sheffield Steelers 17/09/11

Devils 4, Steelers 0 - Final

  The boys are back!  After being shot out in the shoot-out  last weekend, the Devils sure did show the League what they are made of tonight!  With former captain Ryan Finnerty back in the BBT with his new team, the Steelers, it was sure to be an interesting night; it definitely didn't disappoint.

  From penalties to goals, fights to saves, this game had it all.  From earlier on it was clear that the guys in red meant business.  For most of the night, every Devils' fan in the BBT was on their feet.  Just three minutes into the game, power forward Phil Hill started the ball, or puck, rolling.  With the help of Canadian Brad Voth, Hill managed to give the Devils a one-goal lead.  The next ten minutes saw a couple of minor penalties, before the Devils hit out again.  The second goal, also scored by the British silver medalist Phil Hill, came in the twelfth minute of the first period.  After a couple of interference penalties on Sheffield, Cardiff soon found themselves on another power play.  Thankfully, after a couple of extra practices last week, the guys have got their PP skills back up and took advance of their extra players.  Third goal came from number 93, Jeff Pierce, at 19:46 in the first.

  While the first period saw the majority of the goals, the second saw the first of the interesting penalties.  After witnessing former-Devil Ryan Finnerty have words with new signing Scott Dobben in the first, everyone knew this would be a physical game.  With Voth not having dropped the gloves yet this season, it will only be a matter of time.  Unfortunately for all fans who wanted to see the two toughest guys in the league go at it, Voth stayed clear of the fighting majors tonight, although he did get a few hard checks in through the night.  No, in tonight's game, it was all about Frank the Tank.  And let's just say that Frank was tanking it out there on the ice.  Him and the Steelers' King both got five minutes majors in the second, although the fight did not look over by any means.  Not evens ten minutes later, they were both back in the box, after dropping the gloves for a second time in the second.  No goals came in the second, so the period finished 3-0 Devils.

  After dominating the first forty minutes, the Devils were not going to let anything get in their way.  With their lead already at three, the Devils sought to get just one more to cement the victory.  Their wish was granted at 43:01, when Brad Voth slid a fourth and final goal past DeCaro.  Final score: Devils 4, Steelers 0.

  Collecting the much needed two points has put Cardiff back on track, and Brad Voth collected the Devils' MOM award.  All in all, a great night for the Red Army.  Let's hope that Wales don't disappoint tomorrow morning.  Next game is tomorrow night, up in Sheffield, for the rematch!  Check it out on http://www.the-inferno.co.uk/match-night-live/ from 4pm (face-off at 5pm).  Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils @ Sheffield Steelers 12/01/11

Devils 7, Steelers 1 - Final

  21 games vs 7 games; which streak will be broken?  We all know that the Cardiff Devils are the team to beat at the moment; with a 21 game win streak, they are soaring.  On the other hand, we have the Sheffield Steelers.  Having just been bought by Devils Owner, Paul Ragon, can the Steelers live up to their name and steal the streak?

  There was so much hype around this game, the outcome was kinda disappointing.  You'd have thought that Sheffield would have put up a bit of a fight.  Cardiff had the game pretty much won by the end of the first period, already leading 4 goals to 1.  The first goal, of many, came from the one and only Craig Weller, ex-NHLer.  With help from Scott Matzka, No. 12 sent the puck rocketing into the back of the net at 5.04.

  Four minutes after Weller opened the scoring, Brad Voth started what was going to be a good night for him.  His first goal came in at 9.49 in the first period, assists coming from captain Ryan Finnerty, who also found time to get into it a little with a roughing penalty, and (my favorite) Sam Smith.  Voth was followed up two minutes later, by player/coach Gerad Adams.  He sent the Devils' third goal into the back of the net at 11.38, in the first period, with the help of Brad Voth and Phil Hill.

  But at 3-0 down, Sheffield were going to try and go down fighting.  At 14.36, Joey Talbot scored past Stevie Lyle, on the powerplay - making the score 3-1.  Is it going to worry the Devils?  Of course it isn't.  To round off the period, Jon Pelle got in on the action, obviously feeling left out, and fired one home, the only assist going to Scott Matzka, at 18.09, whilst Cardiff were on the powerplay.

  The second period was one for the Smith's.  At 4.56, Sam Smith, No. 11, scored on Mustukovs (the Steelers' tender), the assists going to Stuart MacRae and Tylor Michel.  Whilst on the powerplay, at 17.37, Kenton Smith, No. 27, got involved and shot one into the back of the net, with help from captain Ryan Finnerty and defensemen Craig Weller, who was having a brilliant night.

  Developing that strong lead in the 1st was a smart move by the Cardiff Devils.  Although there were some goals in the 2nd and 3rd period - the game winner coming from Brad Voth, assists going to Sam Smith and Craig Weller, at 11.38 in the third - the Devils were more focused on keeping the lead.  Throughout the entire second and third periods, the Devils only allowed the Steelers to have nine shots on goal; of course, the legend that is Stevie Lyle, who saved 19/20 shots, denied all nine.  Sheffield made themselves look even worse when they had Jeff Legue kicked out of the game for making an obscene gesture in the 56th minute.

  I guess Cardiff looked like the stronger team from the beginning, and I would say that if they had lost this one, hell would definitely have frozen over.  But, however, the Devils are still on fire... literally!