Big body hockey will play a major role in Cardiff Devils quest for trophies over the last three months of this season.
Welshman Matthew Myers, Canadian Justin Faryna and more will be crashing the net and physically causing problems for opposing defenceman.
Reigning champions Devils are top of Elite League and on course to add to their trophy haul, having won five in the last three years.
Head coach Andrew Lord takes his team to play Nottingham Panthers in the English midlands on Saturday before playing a crucial League home fixture against Fife Flyers this Sunday evening.
That clash with title rivals Fife at Ice Arena Wales is a critical test for Cardiff, who need to slow down Flyers’ charge which has carried them into contention for the championship.
Faryna’s partnership with line-mates Paul Crowder and Joey Haddad is key for Devils.
The return of Crowder after injury means the trio are together again and Lord says: “Our big bodies can really have an impact for us.
“It was a real shame when we were without Crowder because we had to chop and change lines,” said Lord. “He took a weekend to regain his sharpness and he’s back at his best.
“Their line is huge for us coming into this part of the season when there will be ferocious hard hitting, clutching and grabbing. They can be really dominant for us.
“Haddad with his cut-backs, Faryna getting to the net and Crowder’s skating. He has such good hands, a slick player with great vision.”
The physically punishing work is a major help to fast, highly skilled players including Joey Martin, Jake Morissette, Matt Pope, Patrick Asselin, Layne Ulmer and more.
Sunday’s visitors to Cardiff Bay, Fife Flyers, are third in the table, behind leaders Cardiff and Belfast. They are also in control at the top of Scotland’s Gardiner Conference.
Devils travel to Nottingham Panthers for a League match on Saturday (7pm) before the entertain Flyers on Sunday (6pm).
Cardiff will host Sheffield Steelers in the Challenge Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, February 7 (7.30pm).
The match is not included on season tickets, but holders will have their regular seat held until 5pm on Monday, January 29. From the following day all season ticket seats not booked will be put on general sale.
Season Ticket Holders are now able to book their seats by telephone on 0800 0842 666 or in person at Ice Arena Wales main reception.
The February 7 home game against the Steelers was originally going to be an Elite League match. That league fixture will now be played in Cardiff Bay on Wednesday, March 14.
Tickets for all Cardiff Devils fixtures, including Sunday’s home match against Fife Flyers, are available via CLICK HERE or CALL 0800 0842 666 to book.
CLICK HERE to be redirected to the full fixtures list
ELITE LEAGUE STANDINGS
| Rk | Team | GP | W | L | WPCT | Pts |
| 1 | Cardiff Devils | 33 | 25 | 6 | .788 | 52 |
| 2 | Belfast Giants | 34 | 23 | 10 | .691 | 47 |
| 3 | Fife Flyers | 30 | 22 | 8 | .733 | 44 |
| 4 | Guildford Flames | 34 | 18 | 10 | .618 | 42 |
| 5 | Sheffield Steelers | 33 | 19 | 11 | .621 | 41 |
| 6 | Manchester Storm | 34 | 18 | 11 | .603 | 41 |
| 7 | Nottingham Panthers | 32 | 18 | 11 | .609 | 39 |
| 8 | Braehead Clan | 35 | 14 | 17 | .457 | 32 |
| 9 | Coventry Blaze | 34 | 14 | 16 | .471 | 32 |
| 10 | Milton Keynes Lightning | 34 | 13 | 20 | .397 | 27 |
| 11 | Dundee Stars | 33 | 12 | 18 | .409 | 27 |
| 12 | Edinburgh Capitals | 34 | 4 | 29 | .132 | 9 |