Andrew Lord’s Cardiff Devils are aiming to make plenty of noise in their two Champions Hockey League home matches over the next four days week.
Head coach Lord is preparing his team for group fixtures against Czech champions Bili Tygri Liberec on Thursday (tonight, 7pm) plus Swiss elite team HC Davos on Sunday (6pm).
Both matches are at Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff Bay and Lord says: “We are out to make some noise as a team.
“If we play our own game we can compete and then some. Our aim is to go for broke, no anxiety.
“We have an unbelievable opportunity.
“Everybody at our club has worked towards this and we have to relish it. We have to go for it. Safe is death in this competition – let’s see what we can do.”
Devils supporters are excited over the club’s first ever Champions League home games and the players are intent on hitting their best form against two of the leading teams in Europe.
Lord looks certain to play, having been on the bench against Davos away before skating in Liberec.
Sean Bentivoglio and Layne Ulmer both have experience of Champions League hockey from their time playing in Italy and they have been talking to their team-mates about what is needed.
It’s crucial Cardiff stay disciplined as a group and avoid taking too many penalties.
The Cardiff Bay clashes with Liberec and then Davos three days later are two of the biggest home matches in the club’s 30-year history.
Wins would keep alive hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages, although Devils would have to be at their absolute best and stay out of the penalty box to give themselves a chance.
The domestic season starts for Cardiff in September when they entertain new Elite League clubs MK Lightning and Guildford Flames in Challenge Cup action over the first weekend.
Lightning are at Ice Arena Wales on Saturday, September 9 (7pm), while Devils travel to play Guildford the next evening.
Their first Elite League fixture is at Sheffield Steelers on Saturday, September 16 before Nottingham Panthers are in Cardiff Bay on the Sunday (6pm).
Ticket information for Devils’ home matches on Thursday (7pm) and Sunday (6pm) is available online via the Cardiff Devils official website or by phoning 0800 0842 666. Tickets can also be purchased in person from the main reception at Ice Arena Wales.