This game was billed as a friendly challenge match to showcase British up and coming talent and it certainly lived up to expectation with a few hits and even a fight thrown in for good measure!

The Devils rested net minder Phil Osaer so backup Joe Myers took to the ice for the majority of the game with recreational ice hockey team Cardiff Lightning’s goalie Dorian Smith also icing for the Devils.

The game got off to a flying start for the Devils but not so for the Dragons. Scoring opened at just 1.12 with a goal from Matus Petricko and other goals were quick to follow as the Devils dominated much of the first period. Goals came from: Matus Patricko, Sylvain Deschatelets x2, Brad Voth, Neil Francis x2 and Phil Hill.

However the second period saw the Dragons regain their usual composure and deny the Devils a shut out thanks to a lovely goal from the ENL Dragons top goal scorer Steve Fisher assisted by Michael Price, scored at 30.06. This was to be the Dragons only goal of the game but it seem to get the game going and it started to get a little more physical on the ice with the Dragons putting in some hits. In the spirit of sticking up for his team mates Brad Voth put on a show of “roughing” and got a spell in the sin bin for his troubles – the only penalty of the game at 33.07.

The Dragons may have lost the game to the Devils but they soon outshone the Elite league side in the skills competition that followed and beat the Devils in a penalty shoot out much to the Dragons fan’s delight.

The game was well supported and everyone enjoyed watching the entertainment on the ice and here’s what ENL Coach Chris Thomas had to say about the night:

“I thought the game was really good, the first period was not good for us as I think some of my players were a bit apprehensive and lost focus on what their own responsibilities were and Ross Piggott was left hung out to dry, but he did come up with some good saves showing the crowd just how good he is. I knew we would get chances as we can create opportunities against any team but we need to start tightening up in our own zone, which is crucial for our playoffs. We were running around instead of playing good positional hockey”.

The second period was a little different as the boys settled down and concentrated. Luke Takel went in net and carried on his fine run of performances after his shutout against Swindon 2 weeks ago and stopped everything thrown at him. It gives both me and my players a boost of confidence knowing that both our net minders are ready for the playoffs. I did not have a full strength team for this challenge game as we were missing both Dan Madge and Tom Smith who bring size, strength and experience but I did get to use the Dragons under 18 players who all performed very well. The game was a reward to the whole team for their success this season after all the adversity we have been through”.

“The skills contest was very enjoyable not only because we won but I got a chance to use the majority of the players. We then moved onto the shoot out and we usually finish off practices with these so I was quietly confident we would do well for that, the 3 on 0's and 2 on 1's, were a little bit different to what we usually do but the boys adapted and showed how good they actually are”.

“Overall, the evening was a success, with both players and spectators enjoying it”.

“Hopefully the Devils management were able to see some of the future of Cardiff ice hockey and I hope it has helped to improve the relationship between both clubs”.

“Hopefully we can get more support from Devils fans who have never been to see the ENL Dragons play and the more people we get to our games it will help us during our playoffs, so we look forward to seeing you at our games”.

Home playoff dates

Saturday 8th March - Dragons vs Streatham, Face off 7pm
Saturday 22nd March - Dragons vs Peterborough, Face off 7pm
Saturday 29th March - Dragons vs Invicta, Face off 7pm

“Finally I would like to thank G and Brent for giving us the opportunity on Wednesday night and to my coaching staff, Darren Evans and Rob Jones for all their help and support not just for this game but for the season so far”.

Chris Thomas
ENL Coach.

photos are courtsey of Helen Fryer