Sheffield’s Paul Thompson Slams ‘Stupid’ Elite League Rule

Paul Thompson has fired up the tension before Sunday’s Challenge Cup final, accusing Cardiff Devils of ‘stamping their feet’ to harm the chances of Sheffield Steelers.

Head coach Thompson says it is unfair that his Steelers team have to play Coventry Blaze on Saturday evening, less than 24 hours before the final in Cardiff Bay, while Devils have a rest day.

Sheffield wanted their match against Blaze moved, but Cardiff objected and their application was turned down.

Thompson has condemned the ‘stupid’ league rule and says: “Cardiff stamp their feet and it goes their way.

“I don’t think it’s fair at all. Cardiff don’t play the day before and we do.

“Devils have been handed a huge advantage. We are, though, excited about the Cup and extremely motivated to go and win.

“We will have half the arena full of our fans, which is going to be great. We want that first piece of silverware and two great teams in the League are vying for that.”

The truth is, though, that Devils planned ahead and their League match at Manchester Storm was arranged for Friday evening in case they reached the final for a third successive season, while Steelers waited until they were on their way to the final before asking for a change.

They were too late within league rules and Devils had every right to object to Sheffield’s fixture being changed.

Head coach Andrew Lord and his players are focused on Friday’s league trip to Manchester and won’t make any comment on Thompson’s view.

The final is a 3,000-plus sell-out and Sheffield are the designated home team after finishing top of their Challenge Cup group.

Devils, though, will still use their own changing room, just as Steelers did when the final was played in Sheffield. Thompson’s men will have the ‘home’ right to a last line change.

Lord has a big selection decision to make with one import player having to sit out as a healthy scratch, while Steelers are hopeful centreman Andreas Valdix will be ready to return after injury.

Robert Dowd will be assessed later this week because he is still feeling the effects of a cross-check to the head.

Devils are clear at the top of Elite League, seven points ahead if Belfast Giants and eight in front of Steelers.

Lord’s men need four wins from their last seven fixtures to be certain of winning the title, but that would change if they could beat their main rivals once each.

Devils take on Steelers away twice and Giants at home twice in their remaining fixtures. One win out of two against both would leave Cardiff needing only one other victory to be crowned League champions.

Sunday’s Challenge Cup final is being played at Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff Bay (4pm face-off).