Joey Haddad marked his return for Cardiff Devils with an outstanding wraparound goal against Dundee Stars at Ice Arena Wales.
The Canadian power forward was out injured for almost two months, but he wowed more than 3,000 Devils fans during his first appearance in Cardiff Bay.
Haddad’s goal came when he skated behind the Stars net and then back in front before firing past Dundee netminder Travis Fullerton in a 3-2 Devils win.
Player-coach Andrew Lord was so excited by the goal he skated over to Haddad and three players players fell to the ice in a joyous moment.
“It felt good to be back with the competing with the guys and playing in front of home town fans,” said Haddad.
“We’re delighted with a big weekend double win.
http://https://youtu.be/3-KU3gGlO0M
“I felt pretty good, but there’s still a little bit more to come before I get to my top form. I’m fully recovered from my injury. There are no issues.
“My conditioning is pretty much where it needs to be, but as season goes on it will get better.
“Everybody is working hard and we still have a great team. Our Devils team has improved consistently over four seasons and we are still getting better, but the difference is that Elite League standards have shot up as well.
“Every team is better and the officiating has tightened up.
“It is an adjustment and we are adjusting along with every other team. Overall we are heading in the right direction. The vibes are good.”
Haddad made his comeback during Devils 4-3 win against Manchester Storm away and their 3-2 success against Dundee Stars.
He linked up with Welsh forward Matthew Myers on the ice and said: “We are both big guys who like to play down low, behind the goalie and behind the net.
“We feed off each other in that way. Matt’s a good battler, he’s strong and if he has the puck I know he will take care of it and I can focus on my positioning.”
Ticket information for Cardiff’s next match, against Guildford Flames at Ice Arena Wales on Friday evening, is available from via 0800 0842 666 or online CLICK HERE
To be redirected to the full fixtures list CLICK HERE