Cardiff Devils 5, Braehead Clan 0
Cardiff Devils have won their first trophy of the 2017-18 ice hockey season – and are now geared up for their biggest test so far.
Leading German club Krefeld Penguins play in the top tier DEL, one of the top leagues in Europe, and visit Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff Bay on Sunday (6pm).
There is no question that will be a daunting challenge before Devils play their Champions Hockey League match against HC Davos in Switzerland next Thursday.
Cardiff’s win clinched the three-team Aladdin Cup thanks to an away win at Nottingham Panthers (3-1) and this comprehensive victory against Clan.
Sean Bentivoglio (2), Justin Faryna (2) and Matt Pope were the scorers.
First period
Andrew Hotham made his first appearance of the season, having missed the opening weekend for personal reasons, and Josh Batch switched from defence to the wing.
Thomas Murdy was in goal, while player-coach Andrew Lord was on the bench alongside assistants Jamie Elson and Luke Piggott.
Devils took the lead after three minutes 53 seconds when Faryna diverted the puck into goal with assists for Jake Morissette and Mark Richardson.
Captain Morissette and his players were relentless during that opening period and netminder Ryan Nye faced shot after shot on his net and made some quality saves.
Glasgow-based Clan, though, still have another seven import players to bring in and are some way short of full strength.
Pope added the second goal after 16-45 with an assist for Gleason Fournier.
End of first: Devils 2, Clan 0.
Second period
Just before the halfway point Clan sent on their Glasgow-born netminder Gary Russell to take over from Nye.
Devils added a third goal when with just over three minutes left in the middle period. Bentivoglio was the scorer on 36-45 with Drew Paris adding an assist.
End of second: Devils 3, Clan 0.
Third period
The best goal of the game was scored on 44-02 when Devils swept from one end of the ice to the other with speed and precision. It was Bentivoglio who finished a flowing passing move.
Faryna completed the scoring with Cardiff’s fifth goal after 58-28 with Morissette and Mark Louis adding assists.
End of third: Devils 5, Clan 0.
Match stats
Scorers, Devils: S Bentivoglio 2+0, J Faryna 2+1, M Pope 1+0, G Fournier 0+1, J Morissette 0+2, M Richardson 0+1, D Paris 0+1, P Crowder 0+1, M Louis 0+1.
Period scores (Devils first): 2-0; 1-0 (3-0); 2-0 (5-0).
Penalties in minutes: Devils 4+0+8=12; Clan 2+4+0=6.
Tickets for the Krefeld match are available online via the Cardiff Devils official website or by phoning 0800 0842 666. Tickets can also be purchased in person from the main reception at Ice Arena Wales.