Cardiff Devils Face Two Of Their Biggest Elite League Rivals

Cardiff Devils open the defence of their Elite League title this weekend.

They take on Sheffield Steelers away on Saturday before playing Nottingham Panthers at Ice Arena Wales on Sunday.

Steelers and Panthers will be two of Cardiff’s biggest rivals for the title.

Devils made the League championship their own when they won at Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena last season, while the home fixture against Nottingham is a clash of the champions.

Panthers are European Continental Cup championship holders, while Devils won the Elite title. Both teams are currently competing in the Champions Hockey League.

First up, though, are Sheffield and Steelers club official Dave Simms said in his Sheffield Star column: “We won the play-offs and that’s a lovely competition.

“But the reality is that Cardiff Devils are the reigning champions. Number one seed. They took our place at the top and in the Champions Hockey League.

“Sheffield fans will feel as sick reading that as I do typing it. Steelers’ history has been built on winning and more than anything else winning the League Championship.

“Cardiff bring the best of last year’s team and have added quality to their line-up. They are looking to repeat their success. They are looking to dominate in ways that we have done in the recent past.”

Player-coach Andrew Lord was on the bench for both matches over the first weekend of domestic ice hockey action. Devils won 5-2 against MK Lightning, but then slumped 8-4 at Guildford Flames.

Both were Challenge Cup group fixtures and no major damage has been suffered, but the manner of that defeat in Surrey shocked Cardiff fans and the players are aiming to bounce back in style.

Lord is likely to be back on the ice, leading his team in matches Devils are desperate to win.

Canadian forward Justin Faryna will be signing autographs after the game against Panthers on Sunday at the top of block three, while defenceman Bryce Reddick will hand over his Devils jersey for the shirt-off-his-back raffle.

There will be live music in the bar at Ice Arena Wales immediately after the final buzzer.

Tickets for Sunday’s home match against Panthers are selling fast and information is available on 0800 0842 666 or book in person at Ice Arena Wales.

Ticket prices for Elite League home match v Nottingham Panthers at Ice Arena Wales on Sunday (7pm).

Adult £18 (gold category), £16 (silver), £15 (bronze).

Concessions (60+ years of age, registered disabled, youth 16-21 years) £14, @12, £11.

Child (3-years-old to 15-years-old) £10, £8, £7.

Children aged under three do not require a ticket as long as they are sitting on an adults lap.