Cardiff Devils opened their league campaign with a 3-0 victory over Coventry Blaze in front of a sold-out crowd at the Vindico Arena.
Ben Bowns turned aside all 28 shots he faced to record the shutout.
A rapid start saw Joey Martin open his account for the season less than four minutes into the game. Martin pounced on a loose puck that deflected in front of the net off Tyler Barrow to put Cardiff ahead at 3:46.
Coventry pushed for an equaliser throughout the remainder of the first period, including a two-minute powerplay, but were unable to find a way past Bowns as the Devils took their one-goal lead into the break.
A quieter second period saw penalties to Connor Russell and Tyson Helgeson, but neither side could capitalise with the man advantage. The Devils held firm to maintain their 1-0 lead through 40 minutes.
The final period remained tight until the closing stages. With Coventry pressing to level, the Devils struck twice late on to seal the win – Brett Perlini and Riley Brandt both finding the net in the final two minutes, the latter into an empty cage, to complete the 3-0 scoreline.
Photo: James Assinder
