Cardiff Devils Lift Welsh Award And Take Over Arena

Cardiff Devils have had a remarkably successful time over the last four seasons – and the Welsh club enjoyed a double high off the ice this week.

Head coach Andrew Lord and his team have won their last three Elite League matches, but the biggest news came elsewhere.

Todd Kelman announced Devils are taking over the management of Ice Arena Wales, organising and running everything from now on.

That move to run the rink has long been a target for Canadian Steve King and his ownership group, who can now put their own plans into place.

The second big moment came at Celtic Manor Hotel on Monday when Devils were named Welsh sports team of 2017.

The successes achieved by Lord and his players were recognised by BBC Sport Wales during their annual awards night.

Lord, managing director Kelman and captain Jake Morissette attended the evening along with Matthew Myers, Andrew Hotham, Ben Bowns, Joey Martin and bench coach Jamie Elson.

Devils were picked as the Team of the Year after winning their first League Championship in 20 years along with the Erhardt Conference title and the Challenge Cup.

“This is a great honour to be recognised by the mainstream media after our incredible season,” said Kelman.

“We are honoured just to be part of the awards with so many impressive team and individual performances over the last 12 months.

“We would like to thank everyone at BBC Sport for all the ongoing coverage and support they give our club week in, week out.”

The next match for Devils is against Guildford Flames at home on Friday evening, while they travel to Nottingham Panthers the next evening (both 7pm).

Devils are fourth in the Elite League table, level on 27 points with Sheffield Steelers and Manchester Storm. Lord’s team have two games in hand on Steelers and three on Belfast Giants, who are second on 29 points. Nottingham Panthers are top (31 points) and a Cardiff win against coach Corey Neilson and his team would be invaluable.

The dates for Devils Challenge Cup quarter-final matches against Guildford Flames have been set.

Morissette and his team travel to Guildford on Wednesday, December 20 (7pm) with the return at Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff Bay on Wednesday, January 10 (7.30pm).

Tickets for the home game will be on sale soon.

All Challenge Cup quarter-final ties are to be played by January 10, 2018.

Quarter-finals (dates to be confirmed): Sheffield Steelers vs Dundee Stars, Milton Keynes Lightning v Nottingham Panthers, Belfast Giants vs Fife Flyers, Cardiff Devils vs Guildford Flames.

Semi-finals: Sheffield or Dundee v Cardiff Devils or Guildford; Milton Keynes or Nottingham v Belfast or Fife.

Ticket information for Cardiff’s next match, against Guildford Flames at Ice Arena Wales on Friday evening, is available from via 0800 0842 666 or online CLICK HERE

To be redirected to the full fixtures list CLICK HERE

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