Cardiff Devils Take On Scottish And German Opposition

Cardiff Devils can win their first trophy of the new ice hockey season tonight (Saturday) before they take on top flight German team Krefeld Penguins.

Head-coach Andrew Lord and his team play back-to-back home fixtures at Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff Bay this weekend, their final match preparation before the European Champions League starts next week.

Devils host Braehead Clan in the Aladdin Cup on Saturday (7pm) when a win would clinch the trophy for Cardiff.

They defeated Nottingham Panthers 3-1 last weekend and now take on holders Braehead in this three-club pre-season competition at the IAW on Saturday.

Then on Sunday (6pm), Devils will test themselves against Krefeld, a team from the top German League (DEL). That competition is considered one of the best leagues in Europe and the game against Krefeld will be the final pre-season match before the Devils travel to Switzerland and Czech Republic the following week to face Davos HC and Liberec in Champions League action.

Defenceman Andrew Hotham missed last weekend’s Devils matches, taking his place on the bench in a suit rather than playing because of ‘personal reasons’, but he is fit and looks certain to be involved this weekend.

Krefeld play Nottingham on Saturday before making the trip to Cardiff and for one of their team it will be a quick return to both venues.

Mathias Trettenes said: “I  was in Nottingham and Cardiff with the Norwegian national team last season.

“It was a good trip, great ice rinks and I am happy to be back this year with my club side.”

Matthias Roos, Krefeld general manager says: “It is always interesting to play outside Germany and we are looking forward to competing in England and Wales.

“The games against Nottingham and Cardiff will be a good challenge for our players against two tough teams. After our season opener against Iserlohn we want see how the team will perform on the road.”

Krefeld Beat DEL rival Iserlohn Roosters, where Dave Whistle was coach in 2003-04 before taking over Cardiff Devils, 4-1 last weekend.

Krefeld players to watch out for:

Martin Schymainski (No.88): Darling of the fans. He is short but he fights for two.

Daniel Pietta (No. 86): Born in Krefeld, part of the German National team and has never played for another club than the Krefeld.

Tommy Kristiansen (No.91): New in Krefeld and the DEL. Really tall, he had a great fight in the first game last weekend. Also part of the Norwegian national team.

Andrew Engelage (No. 70): Was the best goalie in the Swedish Allsvenskan, new to Krefeld and the DEL.

Tickets for both the Braehead and Krefeld matches are available online via the Cardiff Devils official website or by phoning 0800 0842 666

Tickets can also be purchased in person from the main reception at Ice Arena Wales.