Cardiff Devils began their Challenge Cup campaign with a home win, beating Guildford Flames by two at the Vindico Arena.
No prizes for guessing who opened the scoring for Guildford! With 2:48 played, Cole Sanford’s throw towards the net deflected off bodies and past Ben Bowns to put the Flames ahead – the first goal of the Motorpoint Elite League season. The Devils equalised some seven minutes later, with Josh McDonald their first scorer of the season on a delayed penalty to Brett Neumann.
A niggly middle period saw neither side come out on top, but neither fall behind either. Action at both ends drew both goalies into good saves, with Justin Fazio denying Nick Welsh from point-blank range to keep the Flames level.
Joey Martin logged his 700th point by forcing the turnover that set up Kohen Olischefski in front to put the Devils into the lead with 9:31 remaining. Seven minutes later, Welsh made it 3-1 as the Devils took control of the game with two goals late on.
Guildford peppered Bowns’ net in the closing stages but couldn’t find another goal, and the Devils took the win.
Photo: James Assinder
