Cardiff Devils have a message for their Red Army fans, saying: “You are simply the best.”
More than 500 Devils supporters were in Belfast for back-to-back Elite League fixtures against Giants.
Head coach Andrew Lord, players, staff and management were unanimous in their view that Welsh ice hockey fans are ‘incredible’.
Twitter messages went out thick and fast after Devils earned three points from a possible four at the SSE Arena in Belfast and maintain their seven point lead at the top.
Head coach Andrew Lord tweeted: “Thanks @devils_redarmy and all @cardiffdevils fans for such unbelievable support. We are lucky to have you!”
Canadian forward Joey Martin scored the Devils overtime winner in Sunday’s 3-2 success, but everybody in the away locker room said the Red Army were phenomenal in their support.
They cheered, chanted and sang their way through two thrilling matches, and lifted their Devils team when they were having difficult patches.
Managing director Todd Kelman’s view was: “Epic weekend in Belfast for all 500+ of us. Thank you to our incredible fans and thank you to the amazing Northern Ireland hospitality.”
The message was Devils official club account was: “Diolch to the around 500 Red Army fans in Belfast and everyone watching back in Cardiff or elsewhere. You are simply the best.”
Matchwinner Joey Martin was blow away: “Amazing to see how many Devils fans were in the crowd. Thank you to everyone who made the trip and for your support!”
Goaltender Ben Bowns described the Red Army as ‘unreal’ and added ‘Thank you all’.
Josh Batch joined in, saying: “Thanks for the support in Belfast @cardiffdevils fans, you were awesome. I couldn’t believe how many of you were there, tidy!”
Devils will need backing of the highest order in their next match – against Sheffield Steelers at home on Wednesday – and Lord’s men believe a big atmosphere will help their cause.
Sheffield and Cardiff are going head-to-head in the Challenge Cup semi-finals and the Yorkshire club lead 6-2 from the first leg.
There is a feeling among Devils players they can pull back the deficit and qualify for a fourth successive final.
Captain Jake Morissette and his team outshot Steelers in the first leg, while Sheffield suffered a 7-5 defeat against Manchester Storm in a League match on Sunday.
Devils are on a high after their 3-2 League win in Belfast when Martin’s winner sent travelling fans into a frenzy of celebration.
Belfast and Cardiff each took three points from a maximum four over the weekend with the home team winning 4-3 after penalties on Saturday and Devils coming out on top after overtime the next evening.
Sunday’s winner was a beauty as Martin batted a Gleason Fournier pass out of the air past Jackson Whistle to win the game.
The next home match for Devils is against Steelers in the second leg of the Challenge Cup semi-final at the IAW next Wednesday (7.30pm).
To book tickets for the clash with Steelers CLICK HERE or CALL 0800 0842 666 to book, while CLICK HERE for the full fixtures list.