Andrew Lord has made an emotional plea to Cardiff Devils fans ahead of two matches on home ice in three days which will define their season.

This is the biggest week in Cardiff’s season so far and coach Lord says: “We need you guys to fire up the atmosphere.

“Supporters, players and more. We are all in this together.”

Elite League leaders Devils play second-placed Manchester Storm at Ice Arena Wales on Friday (7.30pm) before the Welsh club go for glory in the Challenge Cup final when Belfast Giants come to Cardiff Bay (6pm).

Both fixtures are sold out and Lord says: “I’m excited about these games. It’s going to be a great week and this is why we love playing.

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“Devils fans are a big part of what we are trying to achieve. They are a seventh man on the ice when they are fired up.

“When Sheffield came to Ice Arena Wales in the cup semi-finals the atmosphere was phenomenal and we need that again.

“For whatever reason it wasn’t there during our 6-2 win against Belfast. It felt dead and there is no question fans can lift our players.

“We need you guys.”

Devils won the League title and Challenge Cup last season and are intent on keeping both trophies.

Steve King and the club owners are flying in to watch both matches, while Lord and his Devils will focus on the clash with Storm.

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Cardiff are 10 points clear at the top, but Manchester defeated the Welsh team 3-1 last week and went on a 10-game winning run before slipping up against Guildford Flames last time out.

A home win for Devils would be a major step forward and put the players in confident mood for the final.

Former Devils captain Ryan Finnerty is the Storm coach and they are out to inflict damage on Cardiff’s title charge.

Both teams have eight League games to play before the end-of-season play-offs start next month.