Cardiff Devils Players and Fans Savour Their Moment Of Triumph In Sheffield

Andrew Lord, his players and Cardiff Devils fans savoured their moment of triumph in South Yorkshire.

This is Cardiff’s 30th anniversary season and they have celebrated by winning the League title for the first time since 1996-97.

Player-coach Andrew Lord and his team have now won four trophies in the three years since he took charge and they have already completed a double this season.

Devils have already won the Challenge Cup, beating Steelers in the final, and were crowned champions at Sheffield’s arena.

“An unbelievable experience,” said Lord.

“The reality of what we have done won’t sink in for some time, but I’m happy for the fans who have followed their team since day one.

“The passion and care they have for their team is fantastic. On the ice every guy on our team bought into what we wanted to do and played for each other.”

Patrick Bordeleau’s empty net goal left Steelers down and out at 6-2 down with no way back.

“It felt surreal in those last few seconds,” said Lord. “Everything was slow, but I could see the reaction of fans going wild. I will never forget those moments.”

First choice goaltender Ben Bowns played for Devils, defying rumours that he was ruled out by an ankle injury.

“He’s a warrior, a leader,” said Lord. “He wanted to play and wouldn’t take no for an answer. We weren’t going to stop him.”

Devils still have three fixtures to play, all at home, but they have already made certain of the title. They are still aiming to add two more trophies to their haul – the Erhardt Conference and play-offs championships.

Devils players and fans arrived home in South Wales during the early hours of the morning and Lord’s men now play Fife Flyers in a League match at Ice Arena Wales on Sunday (6pm).

The League trophy and players medals will be presented at the end of that match, which is certain to be a 3,000-plus sell-out.