The second week of the 2025/26 season continues on Thursday night with two Challenge Cup clashes, as teams look to strengthen their position in the group stages after an eventful opening weekend.
Cardiff Devils made a statement on opening weekend, collecting four points from two games. They began with a 6-3 victory in Nottingham, powered by a third-period surge, and then followed it up with a thrilling 3-2 overtime win at home to Sheffield. Those results leave the Devils top of Group A and full of early confidence.
Visitors Guildford Flames had a mixed start. They were edged out 5-2 in Sheffield before five goals in the first period helped them past Nottingham Panthers. Both the Devils and Flames have won six each of the Cup meetings between the teams at the Vindico Arena.
Manchester Storm impressed in their opening Challenge Cup fixtures. Cameron Critchlow’s new-look team opened with a 5-3 win over Coventry before pushing the Blaze to overtime the following night in a narrow defeat, meaning the Storm have already banked three points and sit second in Group A.
For the Nottingham Panthers, it has was a disappointing start. The defending Playoff champions suffered a 6–3 defeat to Cardiff on opening night, despite leading 3-1, and were then beaten in Guildford, leaving them without a point and eager for a first win of the Cup campaign. The Panthers conceded 11 goals across opening weekend, something Head Coach Danny Stewart will no doubt have addressed this week.
The series is 9-5 in the Panthers’ favour in Cup games in Altrincham.
Photo: Mark Ferris