They have also been ranked most-loved ice hockey team in the UK
CARDIFF Devils take on Manchester Storm on Pride Night tomorrow at the Ice Arena Wales.
Fans will also be celebrating the results of a new Sports Direct ranking this week which ranked the Cardiff Devils as the sixth most-loved sports team in the UK. It was the highest-ranked ice hockey team on the list. They scored highly for proportion of tickets sold and online engagement.
The Devils stand at third in the Elite League standings, a whopping 28 points ahead of Manchester, who rank ninth.
Cardiff last faced off against Manchester on January 5. Although the game was behind closed doors due to Covid, the Devils came out strong with a 5-3 win.
A spokesperson for Cardiff Devils said: “We’re getting into the thick of the end of our season now – every point matters. We’re desperate to make a push for a league title, and Manchester are really looking to push their way up the table as well ahead of the play-offs.
“We both have guys who can play a real physical game, and guys who can play a real skill game, so I’m expecting a hard-fought contest on Saturday night.”
As well as the action on the ice, fans in the arena will be celebrating the Devils’ annual Pride Night, in collaboration with Pride Cymru.
Cardiff were the first team in the league to host a Pride Night back in 2017, and they launched a partnership with Wales’ largest LGBT+ charity in 2020 to support LGBT+ fans everywhere.
Chair of Pride Cymru Gian Molinu said: “Too often, people within the LGBT+ community feel excluded in joining a team or attending a game, so to have the whole Ice Hockey Elite League take a stand in support of inclusivity is truly fantastic.”
The night will include a Shirt Off His Back raffle for Captain Mark Richardson’s rainbow pride jersey, along with an auction of other jerseys after the game.
The Devils spokesperson said: “A Pride Night is more about the fans than it is about what happens on the ice.
“Of course we want to play a great game of hockey and get the points, but when it comes to a Pride Night, it’s also about sending a clear message that we are an inclusive club and we want to create a friendly and welcoming environment for all sports fans.”
On the ice, the Devils will be hoping to continue their three-game winning streak. After a tough loss against the Dundee Stars (3-2), they won their most recent games against Dundee (6-2) and the Sheffield Steelers (2-3).
The 5,571-strong Yorkshire crowd was silent after Cardiff overwhelmed the Steelers with a 5-0 win for the Challenge Cup on Wednesday.
Mistakes from the Steelers’ defence assisted the first two goals in the first period, one by a confident Brodie Reid and the other as a team effort with Josh Batch at the goal and Jake Coughler on the assist.
In the third period, the Devils beat Sheffield goalie Stojanovič twice in 61 seconds – the third point came from a smooth pass by Cole Sanford to Trevor Cox, while Justin Crandall set up Reid for his second goal of the night.
After a Steelers time-out, Sam Duggan found Josh Waller at the net and secured a devastating 5-0 win at the away stadium.
The Devils now advance to the 2022 Premier Sports Challenge Cup Final, where they will take on the Belfast Giants at the SSE Arena in Northern Ireland on Wednesday, March 16. Tickets go on sale from 12pm on Monday, February 28.
Ahead of Saturday night’s showdown against Manchester Storm, fans are hopeful that the Devils can bring their A-game to the ice.
Devils fan Stephen Pye, of Pontypridd, predicts a 6-2 win for the team this weekend.
He said: “Since New Year’s Day, the Devils have won four games. Hopefully they bring a good intensity and fans enjoy the night.
“The Devils lead the way with Pride Nights, so after the back of our last two performances, capping it off with a fun one would be a focus.”
Fewer than 30 tickets remain for the Devils’ home game on Saturday. Fans can buy tickets here.
The puck drops at 7pm on Saturday, February 26, at Ice Arena Wales, or fans can livestream the game on DEVILS TV.
