Swedish champions Vaxjo Lakers pose the latest European challenge for Cardiff Devils.
Coach Andrew Lord’s team, fresh from beating classy Swiss club HC Davos in Champions League ice hockey, now face potentially an even bigger test.
Vaxjo, who stand top of the group and have already secured a place in the last 16, play at Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (7pm).
Devils are full of confidence after back-to-back Elite League wins against Dundee Stars (4-0 away) and Braehead Clan (5-0 home), but Lord and his players know Lakers carry a major threat with their pace and potency.
“We go right back at it in the Champions League,” says Lord. “It’s been an unbelievable experience, the hardest matches we have faced.
“For many of us the CHL games have been the hardest we have played in our careers.
“It’s been everything I’ve wanted and then some.
”These teams play a lot differently compared to the style in our league, plus it’s called differently (by officials) too, which is an adjustment.
“The speed of the game is incredible from the teams we’ve faced and it’s a huge learning curve that’s been a lot of fun.
“It’s also a huge testament to the league with our result and what Nottingham have achieved so far in topping their group. It just shows how far this league has come in the last couple of years.
“With that I hope the message is being sent out about the Elite League that it’s a legitimate league that’s getting better every year.
“We have made progress and we go again on Tuesday.”
Vaxjo – pronounced Vekwah rather than Vaxoh – are led by Liam Reddox, a former Edmonton Oilers NHL player who is their captain. This is his third season wearing the C and a seventh playing for Lakers in total.
Their top scorer is Eric Josefsson, a Swedish centre in his 10th season with the club.
Josefsson has scored three goals with two assists in four CHL matches, which is the same as Devils’ leading scorer Joey Martin.
Lakers are focused on ensuring they finish top of this group, while Devils can finish no better than third.
Bílí Tygři Liberec and HC Davos play two huge games against each other to determine the group’s other qualifier. Czech champions Liberec have a three-point advantage and the first game at home.
Paul Crowder still has one match left on his Elite League suspension, but is eligible to play for Devils in Europe. Matt Pope is recovering from an injury and a late decision will be made whether he is able to play.
Devils entertain Lakers at Ice Arena Wales on Tuesday (October 3, 7pm) before going to Sweden for the return on Wednesday, October 11 (7pm).
Between those fixtures Cardiff entertain title rivals Belfast Giants in a massive Elite League clash at Ice Arena Wales (7pm).
Ticket information for the matches against Vaxjo and Belfast is available in person at Ice Arena Wales reception, by calling 0800 0842 666 or from the official Cardiff Devils website.