Canadian centre Stephen Dixon insists it’s ‘redemption time’ for Cardiff Devils in the Elite League play-offs.
Devils missed out on a third successive title when they lost their final regular season fixture in Coventry and finished runners-up to Belfast Giants after the rivals finished level on points.
“It sucks to lose the title on a count back,” said head coach Andrew Lord. “We have something awesome going on here and we are focused on the play-offs.”
Cardiff clash with Sheffield Steelers over two matches in their play-off quarter-final and Dixon, voted players player of the season, says: “The way our League season ended was not how we hoped it would and now it’s redemption time.
Tomorrow’s game will be @benti1414 and Layne Ulmer’s 2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣th @officialEIHL game 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/ILtn2SplXq
— Cardiff Devils (@cardiffdevils) April 5, 2019
“There is one trophy left to win and we are focused on that.
“It was pretty overwhelming to be voted players player. This is a special group of guys and it’s good to be respected by your peers.
“Cardiff Devils are a great organisation playing in a strong league and we’re ready for the play-offs.”
The hugely experienced Dixon, aged 33 and a former NHL draft pick for Pittsburgh Penguins, has played in the American League plus Sweden, Finland, Russia, Germany and now the UK.
He will be one of Devils key players on their play-offs mission.
Lord makes his Devils to Sheffield on Saturday for the first leg with the return being played at the Viola Arena in Cardiff Bay on Sunday (6pm).
Steelers coach Tom Barrasso has come up with plans to stop Cardiff D-man Gleason Fournier, who scored a remarkable 71 points this season and was voted Devils Most Valuable Player at the club’s awards night.
The former Detroit Red Wings NHL draftee has been in scintillating form and Barrasso says: “Fournier has been outstanding. He sees the ice well and is able to utilise the other skilled players around him.
“We need awareness when he is on the ice and have to make the game as difficult for him as possible.”
Tickets for Devils’ final home fixture of the season, against Sheffield Steelers on Sunday, are available from:
CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE or CALL 0800 0842 666 to book
Ice Hockey Elite League play-offs, quarter-final schedule
Belfast Giants v Coventry Blaze
Belfast: Saturday, April 6 (7pm); Coventry: Sunday, April 7 (5,15pm)
Cardiff Devils v Sheffield Steelers
Sheffield: Saturday, 6 April (7pm); Cardiff: Sunday 7, April (6pm)
Nottingham Panthers v Fife Flyers
Fife: Saturday, 6 April (7.15pm), Nottingham: Sunday, 7 April (4pm)
Glasgow Clan v Guildford Flames
Guildford: Saturday, 6 April (6pm), Glasgow: Sunday, 7 April (6pm)
The play-off finals weekend is in Nottingham over the weekend of April 13 and 14.