Denny Kearney Could Return For Devils Against Storm

Denny Kearney is set to return for Cardiff Devils in their Elite League play-off quarter-final against Manchester Storm in Altrincham on Sunday (5.30pm).

American forward Kearney was rested from the first leg, which Devils won 3-2, and coach Andrew Lord said: “He has had a nagging injury, but he is in our thoughts for the return fixture.

“We have taken a good hard look at the video from the first game and assessed what is needed. It will, again, be a tough decision.”

Patrick Asselin, Joey Haddad and Scott Hotham scored for Devils at Ice Arena Wales on Saturday, but they will need another big performance.

If Cardiff go through to the semi-finals they could play Dundee Stars, who lead 3-1 after the first game against Braehead Clan.

Stars would be the lowest seeds going through and would face number one seeded Devils.

A Clan win over the two legs, though, would change things completely. Braehead would be second seeds as Gardiner Conference champions and Cardiff would play Nottingham Panthers if they hold on to their 5-2 first leg lead.

Coach Lord was upbeat after Devils won against Storm at the IAW in Cardiff Bay, saying: “It was fun to play in that game.

“The crowd were loud and both teams had tons of energy. It was physical and there was a lot of chippiness after the whistle.

“Joey Haddad’s goal was huge. That line – Haddad, Asselin, Ulmer – plays great. They can adapt to any style of game.

“Joey’s skating ability right now has gone to another level. We are fortunate to have that line the way they are playing.”

The return fixture is at the Silver Blades Arena, Altrincham and Lord said: “Our style can suit the smaller rink. I am excited to use our experience playing in a similar rink at our old Big Blue Tent.

“Storm are dangerous on the break, they have defensemen who can skate and jump in plus forwards who can make one-on-one plays.

“It’s going to be intense.”

The Elite League season ends next weekend when the play-off finals are held at the National Ice Arena in Nottingham over two days.