Andrew Lord has called on Cardiff Devils fans to take pride in their Elite League champions.

Head coach Lord and his Devils have won the League title in the last two seasons – and no team has ever won a triple crown.

“I’d love everybody to get excited and take pride in the depth we have in this team,” said Lord after Cardiff’s 4-2 win against Dundee Stars at the Viola Arena.”

Devils have won their last three matches – scoring 12 goals, conceding four – and have edged closer to leaders Belfast Giants.

There are three points between the top two. Devils have three matches in hand and the two rivals still have to play each other four times in League clashes.

Lord is running a consistent four lines and took the decision to allow Scottish forward Craig Moore to sign for Fife Flyers, who are based in his home town of Kirkcaldy.

“I see Craig as an extremely good friend and maybe felt like a father figure to him while he was in Cardiff,” said Lord.

“Our organisation gave the guy everything and then some, while Craig gave us everything he had and then some on the ice and in the community.

“Craig is an unbelievable team-mate and a real spark plug player. The reality is that we a really deep team here.

“We brought in Sam Duggan, one of the highly touted young prospects for his age across the UK, and we are running four lines.

“It was a mutual decision for Craig to join Fife. It is for the betterment of the individual and I must admit to being a little worried about giving him to Fife.

“He’s a great kid and I am proud of our organisation fo doing the right thing.”

Remaining Devils fixtures in 2018:

December

Sunday 23 v Guildford Flames (away, 6pm)

Boxing Day, Wednesday 26 v Coventry Blaze (away, 6pm)

Thursday 27 v Coventry Blaze (home, 7pm)

Sunday 30 v Guildford Flames (away, 6pm)

TICKETS for Devils home games available ONLINE HERE or by calling 0800 0842 666 or in person at the reception desk at VIOLA ARENA right up until face-off.

Sunday fixtures:

The last game day before Christmas in Elite League has four games and eight teams going in search of two points

4pm Glasgow Clan v Sheffield Steelers (Tickets)

Both teams earned 3-2 wins on Saturday (v Fife and Steelers respectively). They are separated by one point in the standings.

“We break our season down to five game segments and this is the fifth of this next part,” said Sheffield head coach Tom Barrasso.

“It also brings my tenure in Sheffield up to 20 games. A win would mean we’re three and two over these five games.

5pm Dundee Stars v Nottingham Panthers (Tickets | Webcast)

Stars had won three home games in a row before losing to Sheffield dramatically in OT, while Panthers have lost their last two road games, but picked up a point in each. 

The last time these sides met in Dundee the result was a Panthers win after overtime.

5.15pm Coventry Blaze v MK Lightning (Tickets | Webcast)

“MK have frustrated us at times this season, particularly Patrick Killeen in net, and we can’t take them for granted,” said Blaze coach Danny Stewart.”

Lightning player-coach Ryan Lannon said: “Coventry are an offensively talented team and a simple road game would be our best strategy for success. 

“Key points will be to neutralise their speed and stay out of the penalty box. A win on Sunday would make a nice early Christmas present for MK Lightning fans.”

ELITE ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE 2018-19