News

Coventry Blaze have been joined in the Challenge Cup Final by the Cardiff Devils, following the elimination of the Sheffield Steelers from the competition. The Devils put the Steelers out last night in the second leg of their Semi Final tie, after the first leg had finished in a two-two draw.  Devils new signing John Craighead made an impressive debut, scoring the game winning goal in the second period.

 

Dave Matsos opened the scoring for the Devils in the dying moments of the first period, only for Gerard Adams to level things up for the Steelers shortly into the second.  Then came John Craighead's go-ahead powerplay marker which edged the Devils out in front, with the game being sealed by a goal from Phil Hill, who scored on the powerplay and earned himself the Devils Man Of The Match.  Cardiff won 3-1 on the night, taking the tie 5-3 on aggregate.

 

Devils Coach Dave Whistle was full of praise for his team, and says he is looking forward to the Final:

"I think the key to the two games was us getting the tie in their rink.  We'd worked too hard in their rink to give that up; the guys worked hard all over the ice and did a good job.  It's great to be through to the final in the first cup that's on offer this year and it's great to get the opportunity to play for it."