Cardiff Devils have a point to prove during December.
Coach Andrew Lord and his team are planning to end 2017 on a high – and they have six Elite League matches at Ice Arena Wales before the year ends.
Devils already beaten Dundee Stars on home ice and their next fixture is against Guildford Flames in Cardiff Bay on Friday (7pm).
Defenceman Tyson Strachan has been given the all-clear ti play against Flames following a review of his two minutes plus 10 penalty imposed during their win at Manchester Storm.
Strachan was called for checking from behind on Linden Springer, but the department of player safety decided no further action was needed.
“The check from behind is border line in regards to further disciplinary action,” said DOPS. “Tyson Strachan must work to minimise contact when an opposing player’s rear numbers are showing.
“Some onus must also be placed on Linden Springer to remain aware of his surroundings in situations such as the one which led to the original on-ice call.”
Nottingham Panthers player Raphael Bussieres has been banned for one match for a check to the head and will miss their home match against Devils on Saturday.
Devils, though, will not look beyond their home clash with Flames. The Welsh club have to make a point against a Flames team who defeated them home and away in the Challenge Cup group stages.
Both teams progressed into the quarter-finals and play each other with the first of two legs at Guildford on Wednesday, December 20 (7pm).
That game is at the Spectrum and kids go free for the fixture.
The return game is at Ice Arena Wales on Wednesday, January 10 (7.30pm).
“It is pretty exciting and maybe a bit unexpected for us to be still in the Cup competition,” said Flames head coach Paul Dixon.
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“It would be a mistake for anybody to look at previous results against Cardiff this season and automatically project those forward to the quarter-final.
“Cardiff have a deep and talented club. They have not lost on many nights through 20 or so league games and are holding a good table position.
“We have a big job ahead if we are planning to move on in the competition.”
Flames include Liam Stewart, the son of rock singer Rod Stewart, and Cardiff-born former Devils player Ben Davies.
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
Cardiff Devils fixtures during December:
Friday 8 v Guildford Flames (home, 7pm)
Saturday 9 v Nottingham Panthers (away, 7pm)
Saturday 16 v Sheffield Steelers (home, 7pm)
Sunday 17 v Braehead Clan (home, 6pm)
Wednesday 20: v Guildford Flames (away, Challenge Cup first leg)
Friday 22 v Braehead Clan (away, 7.30pm)
Saturday 23 v Dundee Stars (home, 7pm)
Tuesday 26 v Coventry Blaze (home, 6pm)
Wednesday 27 v Coventry Blaze (away, 7.30pm)
Saturday 30 v MK Lightning (home, 7pm)