By Terry Phillips
Cardiff Fire are still on course for an ice hockey triple crown after a perfect 10 start to the National Ice Hockey League season.
Head coach Mark Cuddihy and his Fire team have played 10, won 10 in NIHL and cup, sweeping aside all opposition in their quest for trophies.
They are top of NIHL South Division Two and entertain London Haringey Racers in the League Cup this Saturday (6.30pm) before making the trip to play Swindon Wildcats on Sunday (7.30pm).
Fire won the Division Two title last season, but were not promoted and they are intent on putting that right in 2016-17.
Cuddihy and his players are focused on winning the League title for a second year, lifting the cup and play-off championship.
Former Cardiff Devils forward Sam Smith was Fire man of the match in their latest victory, 7-2 against Basingstoke Buffalo,
Smith scored two goals, while Slovakian Robert Sedlak, Tamas Elias, Jordan Powell, Elis Sheppard and David Sadler completed the Fire tally.
There has been more good news for Fire off the ice thanks to a new partnership with the Cardiff Ice Hounds.
The two clubs are now officially affiliated, although they have worked closely together for some time.
Hounds played a number of challenge games against Fire to help them prepared for their 2015-16 maiden NIHL season, also supplying players to help out when needed.
There has been a crossover of players. Andrew Davies, Fire’s outstanding defenceman played for Hounds for a number of years and made the step up to league hockey with ease.
Dan Blakemore was Hounds head coach and chairman before joining Cardiff Fire as a player/assistant coach and he has now has taken on the full role of assistant coach with Fire.
Fire speedster Dave Christian played for Hounds last season, while Hounds player-coach Matt Lock also being on the Cardiff Fire coaching staff.
“It’s great for our two teams to be working together,” says Cuddihy. “Hounds were a huge help to us when we started out and have been right behind the Fire from day one.”
Swedish import player Viktor Langseth currently plays for Hounds. Due to restrictions, with only one import player eligible, Fire couldn’t supply Langseth with regular games.
Cuddihy, though, is hoping to offer Langseth Fire hockey next season.
“Ice Hounds have a strong roster this season and will be looking to go for the league championship,” said Cuddihy. “Players like Jon Nash and Mike Newbury are huge additions for Hounds and they will be entertaining to watch this season.