Welsh Netminder Luke ‘Takels’ Warriors In Fire Play-Offs Bid

Pontypool-born netminder Luke Takel is aiming to light the Fire at Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff Bay on Sunday.

Takel is certain to start for Cardiff Fire in the National League play-off semi-final against Chelmsford Warriors (6pm) because former Devils netminder Joe Myers is suspended.

The consistent Takel has played all his career in Cardiff, starting at junior level and joining the NIHL-level programme in 2007.

Fire, who have already won the NIHL Division Two West title, will be out for revenge against a Chelmsford team who defeated them over two legs in last season’s play-off final.

This is a huge match for Fire, who will be promoted if they come out on top against Chelmsford.

Fire are hoping to attract a good turnout of Cardiff Devils supporters now the Elite League club’s season has come to an end and head coach Mark Cuddihy says: “We need the Fire Brigade – our fans – to be in full voice as we work to make progress in the play-offs and go for promotion.”

This semi-final will be decided over one match because the Essex club don’t have ice available to play their home leg.

The winners on Sunday will play Peterborough Islanders or Bristol Pitbulls, who clash over two legs in their semi-final this weekend.

Islanders, champions of Division Two East, are still unbeaten this season and defeated Cardiff Fire 5-0 in the League Cup final at the IAW last Sunday.

That was Fire’s first defeat of their season and they would love another crack at Islanders in the final.

Pitbulls, who play their home games in Oxford, do have a genuine chance of beating Islanders and the clash looks certain to be physical and hard fought.

Fire head coach Mark Cuddihy will focus only on Sunday’s semi-final against Chelmsford and has been intensive in preparations for the one-off match.

Cuddihy will look to experienced Slovakian centre Robert Sedlak to play a leading role for the team.

Sedlak started his playing career in Slovakia, playing in Spiska Nova Ves, before he came to South Wales in 2010 and joined the English National League Devils, scoring 33 goals and 48 assists for a points total of 81 in 110 appearances.

“Robert is a fantastic asset for our team,” says Cuddihy. “He plays tough and can play on any line within our team.

“I have coached Bobby for years and he’s one of the most trustworthy players I’ve had. He does a great job on the penalty kill and can also quarterback a powerplay to great effect.

“His passing is absolutely top draw and his face-off percentage the best in our team.”

Fire and Warriors clash at Ice Arena Wales on Sunday (6pm).

Tickets, which are available on the door before face-off, are priced at: £6 adults, £3 concessions (including under 18’s), £1 for all children under 12-years-old.