Cardiff Devils are playing for points and pride when they take on Coventry Blaze at the Viola Arena in Cardiff Bay this evening (Saturday, 7pm).

It’s Pride Night at the Viola and Devils will wear special jerseys to promote hockey for everybody.

“Games against Coventry are always special,” says head coach Andrew Lord.

“The rivalry goes deep and it really shows. They are always feisty encounters and often extremely entertaining matches.

“It’s a proud night for our organisation as we celebrate our partnership with LGBT sport Cymru and host our second pride night. All in all it should be a very memorable night.”

Tickets are virtually sold out at the 3,000-plus capacity arena with only 25 left this morning.

Devils and Blaze both badly need a win this evening. 

Elite League leaders Devils are one point ahead of closest challengers Belfast Giants, who won 3-2 against Guildford Flames in overtime last night.

Coventry, meanwhile, are embroiled in the race for a play-off place and are only a point short.

Giants kept their unbeaten streak going with a 3-2 home win against Flames, but were made to work hard for the two points by visitors who almost held on for a win of their own.

Despite 30 shots on goal in the opening two periods, neither side was able to break the deadlock.

The first goal came at 44-30 through Flames’ John Dunbar, although just over four minutes later Blair Riley converted on the powerplay to make it 1-1.

With 5-41 to go the Flames led again with Welsh forward Ben Davies scoring.

Colin Shields netted Belfast’s second 2-10 to force the game into overtime and then Chris Higgins fired the winner (61-28).

Giants and Flames meet again in Belfast this evening and Giants coach Adam Keefe said: “It’s never been easy against Guildford this season.

“If we come away with another two points, in any way, I’ll be happy.”

Guildford’s Paul Dixon says: “The teams match up well and matches between us have all been close this season. If my guys play the same way it’s all I can ask. 

“We’ve lost 14 or so games this season by one goal, we just need to catch the breaks to get us over the line.”

Other Elite League fixtures this evening: 

7pm Belfast Giants vs. Guildford Flames (Tickets | Webcast)

7pm Cardiff Devils vs. Coventry Blaze (Tickets | Webcast)

7pm Glasgow Clan vs. Manchester Storm (Tickets)

7pm MK Lightning vs. Dundee Stars (Tickets | Webcast)

7pm Sheffield Steelers vs. Nottingham Panthers (Tickets | Webcast)

ELITE ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE 2018/19

TEAM	GP	W	L	OTL	PTS	PCT	GF	GA	PIM	STREAK
Cardiff Devils	42	31	7	4	66	.786	167	104	493	1-0
Belfast Giants	43	32	10	1	65	.756	172	108	534	6-0
Nottingham Panthers	47	23	15	9	55	.585	146	147	776	0-1
Glasgow Clan	42	24	14	4	52	.619	149	128	481	1-0
Guildford Flames	45	21	19	5	47	.522	144	141	550	0-1
Fife Flyers	42	21	16	5	47	.560	140	142	572	1-0
Manchester Storm	44	20	19	5	45	.511	133	151	928	0-1
Sheffield Steelers	45	21	22	2	44	.489	134	158	596	0-1
Dundee Stars	43	17	16	10	44	.512	122	146	421	0-2
Coventry Blaze	41	18	16	7	43	.524	148	164	512	1-0
Milton Keynes Lightning	44	11	29	4	26	.295	102	168	774	0-10

For Devils home tickets CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE or CALL 0800 0842 666

Click link for full fixtures list  

Cardiff Devils remaining 18 Elite League fixtures

February 

Saturday 9 v Coventry Blaze (home, 7pm)

Sunday 10 v Guildford Flames (away, 6pm)

Saturday 16 v MK Lightning (home, 7pm)

Sunday 17 v MK Lightning (away, 5.15pm)

Friday 22 v Belfast Giants (away, 7pm)

Saturday 23 v Belfast Giants (away, 7pm)

Wednesday 27 v Glasgow Clan (home, 7.30pm)

March

Saturday 2 v Coventry Blaze (away, 7pm)

Sunday 3 v Sheffield Steelers (home, 4pm) – this game does not count on season tickets

Thursday 7 v Fife Flyers (away, 7.30pm)

Friday 8 v Guildford Flames (home, 7.30pm)

Saturday 16 v Sheffield Steelers (away, 7pm)

Sunday 17 v Glasgow Clan (home, 6pm)

Wednesday 20 v Glasgow Clan (away, 7.30pm)

Saturday 23 v Manchester Storm (home, 7pm)

Sunday 24 v Dundee Stars (away, 5pm)

Saturday 30 v MK Lightning (home, 7pm)

Sunday 31 v Coventry Blaze (away, 5.15pm)