Cardiff Devils and Sheffield Steelers clash in another fast and furious Elite League match at Ice Arena Wales this Saturday (7pm).
This is the fifth match in a series of eight League fixtures between the bitter rivals this season – and leaders Devils have won the first four!
“Cardiff seem to have a number on us right now and we have to put that right,” said Steelers coach Paul Thompson. “They have won four out of eight and we have to kick back a little.
“In two or three of the games between us so far I felt we could have taken the points, but things haven’t gone our way.
“Both teams are full of warriors and it’s going to be nip and tuck all season.”
Devils D-man Josh Batch and Sheffield’s Guillaume Desbiens fought in the last game, while 6ft 6ins Patrick Bordeleau threw some major hits and made it clear he was willing to take any of the Steelers on toe-to-toe if needed.
Devils are 10 points ahead of second-placed Steelers, who have four matches in hand.
Man of the match Patrick Asselin scored in regulation time and slotted the penalty shootout winner when Devils won 3-2 against Sheffield at the IAW last Sunday.
“Steelers have a great team, Devils have a great team,” said Asselin. “When we play each other the stakes are high.
“There were spells when we weren’t at our best last Sunday, spells when they were swarming all over us. We need a better 60 minutes and I am sure Steelers, too, will be even better.”
Asselin, who plays alongside Martin and Jake Morissette, came to Cardiff after taking a year off from playing.
He helped Sonderjyske win three successive Danish championships before taking a break and it was former Devil Brent Walton who recommended Asselin to Cardiff.
Devils are hoping Chris Culligan and Sean Bentivoglio, who missed the last match against Steelers with minor injuries, will be fit this weekend.
Cardiff have three matches in five days and they are Sheffield at home on Saturday (7pm) followed by Nottingham Panthers away next day (4pm).
They are followed by a home Challenge Cup clash with Dundee Stars in Cardiff Bay next Wednesday (7.30pm).
Ticket information is available on the club’s website or from the hotline on 0800 0842 666.
Cardiff Fire have a 100 per cent record in the National Ice Hockey League, winning 5-1 against Bristol Pitbulls in their last match.
Fire travel to play Pitbulls on Saturday (5pm) and then entertain Basingstoke Buffaloes at Ice Arena Wales on Sunday (6pm).