Cardiff Devils are reflecting on 2017 with massive pride and celebration.
It was a year in which Devils were crowned Elite League champions, won the Challenge Cup and the Erhardt Conference title.
They qualified for the European Champions League and earned victories at the top level, an experience which will help the team going forward.
Those achievements led to coach Andrew Lord’s team being voted Welsh Sports Team of the Year, while they are currently four points clear at the top of the table.
“It’s been a year I will never forget,” said Lord. “That Wales Team award was special and a time to reflect on what these guys have accomplished.
“I could not be happier for the fans or the players. They have been on one heck of a run and I know it’s only going to get better for Cardiff Devils.
“There are tough fixtures ahead, starting against MK Lightning away on New Year’s Day. They are a tough team and I like the way they play.
“They have a similar style to us. Players are in your face, they have a great forecheck and speed. We know their goalie (Miika Wiikman) all too well and Lightning have great firepower.
“We need to be ready and have a great 60 minutes.”
Cardiff won 6-3 against Lightning at home and now face back-to-back away games at Milton Keynes and Guilford Flames.
“We made a great start against Lightning, I loved the opening shift,” said Lord. “We came out hitting everything that moved, getting pucks in and had great killer instinct in the second.
“The guys played with a ton of confidence against a good goalie and quality opposition.
“Devils fans played their part and the atmosphere in our building is growing and growing.”
Lord’s men now go to Milton Keynes on New Year’s Day (6pm) and travel to Guildford Flames for a League match on Saturday, January 6 (7pm).
Those trips are followed by two home games, against Nottingham Panthers on Sunday, January 7 (6pm) before they face Flames in the second leg of their cup quarter-final the following Wednesday.
Tickets for Cardiff’s home fixtures are available and ticket information can be obtained via ONLINE HERE
To be redirected to the full fixtures list CLICK HERE