Gleason Fournier is ruled out of Wednesday’s Challenge Cup semi-final again st Sheffield Steelers.

The Canadian defenceman, rated by many the best skater in Elite League ice hockey, was ruled out of Devils 3-2 win at Coventry Blaze last night and will miss the Challenge Cup semi-final against Sheffield Steelers.

He will return for the back-to-back Elite League fixtures against Belfast Giants next weekend.

Fournier’s two-match suspension, imposed for a boarding offence against Coventry Blaze, has been announced by the League’s department of player safety.

Their statement says: “Following a review of a boarding penalty which resulted in an injury during the game between Cardiff Devils and Coventry Blaze, #20 Gleason Fournier has been suspended for two games.

“A full explanation, including video, of this decision will follow.”

Devils travel to South Yorkshire for the first leg of their Cup semi-final against Steelers on Wednesday with the return match at Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff Bay a week later (February 7).

Head coach Andrew Lord and his team fly to Northern Ireland where they take on Belfast Giants on Friday (February 2) and Saturday (both 7pm).

Devils are top of the table, but Belfast Giants and Fife Flyers are among those chasing hard.

Captain Jake Morissette and his team won against Coventry Blaze home and away last weekend, edging the first game at home 2-1 and earned a 3-2 victory on Sunday.

CLICK HERE or CALL 0800 0842 666 to book, while CLICK HERE for the full fixtures list.