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The official Elite League match report on Cardiff Devils title triumph:
Andrew Hotham’s goal with 20 seconds to go secured Cardiff Devils their second straight Elite League title as they beat Belfast Giants 3-2 to retain their crown.
After witnessing Belfast celebrate on their ice after winning the Challenge Cup barely two weeks ago, Cardiff were keen to return the favour as they looked to clinch the title.
One win would have done it for Andrew Lord’s side, but they found themselves behind in the first period when Colin Shields picked up the opening goal after 13 minutes.
Devils didn’t waste any time in get back on level terms through Joey Martin 41 seconds later and it was all square when both teams retreating to their locker rooms for the first break.
Both sides battled for the advantage for much of the second period and the fans who made their way from the Welsh capital perhaps started to dream.
Matt Pope got Cardiff’s second goal to put them ahead, but it was the home side who equalised as Spiro Goulakos got on David Rutherford’s assist and the Giants tied it up at two.
There wasn’t much between the sides in the third as the clock ticked down and the tension among the Cardiff fans was almost unbearable as they continued to hope.
But up popped Hotham to be the hero when his finish with seconds to spare triggered celebrations as Devils successfully defended their league prize.
