Cardiff Devils players celebrate a goal, scored by Jake Morissette. Pic: Richard Murray.

Captain Morissette’s Devils Prepare To Shoot At Stars

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Jake Morissette has warned his Cardiff Devils team they must regain Elite League mentality quickly when Dundee Stars come to South Wales this evening (Saturday, 7pm).

Captain Morissette and his players have been in outstanding form during League and Challenge Cup matches, winning eight of their nine fixtures, scoring 40 goals and conceding three.

Elite hockey can be far more aggressive, relentless and physical than the highly technical and skilled Champions League challenge where speed is essential.

Reigning British champions Devils have made an impact in Europe, but must focus on forceful and gritty team displays against Stars at Ice Arena Wales tonight and Milton Keynes Lightning away on Sunday (5pm).

“We played Dundee in Scotland and they showed great determination to come back from 2-0 down and take the game to overtime,” says ‘Mo’. “They have a talented side with a never-give-up attitude and we’ll have to play to our best to earn a positive result.”

Head coach Omar Pacha brings his Stars team to Cardiff and says: “It’s a hard trip to Cardiff, but we relish the challenge of taking on one of the better teams on the road.

“We have to keep our work ethic high and make a good start.” 

Devils were edged out 3-1 against Swedish Champions Växjö Lakers when a late goal clinched victory for the home team.

“We didn’t start well in Sweden and were flat-footed early on,” said Devils coach Lord. “Lakers had a great first period, but fortunately we scored first.

“It was a blow to give up their first goal, but our team performance levels improved as the game went on.

“We were up against a great hockey team and failed to get the job done on power plays. 

“We played a good 60 minutes and power plays were critical.

“Margins are small at Champions League level.”

Devils home clash with Dundee this evening is the first of three matches in four days for Lord’s men, who entertain Växjö Lakers in their final Champions League group fixture next Tuesday (7.30pm).

New Sheffield coach Tom Barrasso finds himself straight into the thick of it when his Steelers visit league leaders Nottingham Panthers.

Barasso’s boys are desperate to turn around form which has led to three straight losses in all competitions, while Panthers aim to show their defeat in MK was nothing more than a blip in an otherwise successful start.

“We need to play with the intensity needed to beat Sheffield,” says Nottingham’s Rich Chenomaz. “They have hired a new coach, an experienced guy who has played at the highest level. 

“Their players are going to be motivated and will want to come in here and prove themselves to him.”

Cardiff-born Jonathan Phillips, the Welshman who captains Sheffield, says: “It’s been a week of change with a new head coach coming in. 

“We are all keen to impress and show him we are better than our recent form suggests. 

“All form goes out of the window when we plat Panthers. These games are different to any other we play all year. Sold out buildings, great atmosphere and the desire to send your fans home happy.

“We are a couple of guys short but with just one game this weekend we know we have to leave everything we have on the ice.”

Other Saturday fixtures: Glasgow Clan v Belfast Giants (7pm), Manchester Storm v Coventry Blaze (7pm), Fife Flyers v Guildford Flames (7.15pm).

Tickets for Devils v Dundee are available. CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE or call 0800 0842 666 between 9am to 5pm.

To find the best places to park – CLICK HERE

For the first time this season, Todd Kelman, Neil Francis and John Donovan will be on stage in the main bar taking questions from 5.30pm.

Spectators can go skating free after the game (if you have your own skates) or you can rent skates for £2.20 and join in the fun.

Devils are away on Sunday, facing MK Lightning,but there is ice hockey at Ice Arena Wales. Cardiff Fire entertain Bracknell Hornets in National League action (6pm). Tickets available on the door.

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