While Theresa May’s Conservatives continue Brexit negotiations, Cardiff Devils coach Andrew Lord is aiming to ensure Wales stay in Europe.
That’s a massive challenge for Lord and his players, but Devils are relishing the chance to play against top European clubs at their Cardiff Bay arena.
Lord’s men face two massive Champions Hockey League fixtures in Cardiff Bay over the next five days and there is plenty of belief in the home locker room.
Devils need a top two finish in their four-team group to qualify for the knockout stages and still have four fixtures to play, three of those at home.
Lord is keen for his Devils to earn ‘two wins, maybe three’ in their group and knows his players will be fired up and focused for Thursday’s home clash with Liberec at Ice Arena Wales (7pm).
Only when that match is over will Devils turn to Sunday’s match against Swiss club HC Davos, also in Cardiff Bay.
Devils lost against both clubs away, but Lord says: “I’ll back my group to the moon and then some. We will be stronger.”
His team ran into early penalty trouble in their opening match in Switzerland and were beaten 10-1, but Devils roared back against Liberec in the Czech Republic and gave their hosts a huge fright.
Cardiff led by two goals and were only 3-2 down going into the last few minutes, losing 5-2 after making a bold decision to pull goalie Ben Bowns in favour of an extra skater.
Devils now have the experience of playing CHL hockey away and will relish the chance to skate out in front of a packed 3,000-plus attendance at the IAW.
Imposing defenceman Drew Paris says: “I’m excited about skating out in front of Devils fans for Champions League matches.
“I spent three years playing in Germany and Sweden, but wasn’t able to play Champions League hockey. It’s cool to play against top level teams.
“These two CHL home fixtures, against Liberec and Davos, are an awesome opportunity.
“We are taking on big name teams, but we are capable of coming up with a surprise.”
Lord looks certain to play against Liberec on Thursday with Jamie Elson and Luke Piggott running the bench for Devils.
The inclusion of gritty Canadian Lord is a big plus for Devils as they aim to give Liberec an uncomfortable time in Cardiff Bay.
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.
Cardiff Devils team for 2017-18:
Netminders 2: Ben Bowns, Thomas Murdy.
Defence 6: Andrew Hotham (import), Bryce Reddick (import), Mark Richardson, Gleason Fournier (import), Drew Paris (import), Mark Louis (import), Callum Buglass (2-way contract with Cardiff Fire).
Forwards 14: Paul Crowder (import), Josh Batch, Patrick Asselin (import), Matt Pope (import), Jake Morissette (import), Layne Ulmer (import), Andrew Lord (import), Joey Martin (import), Joey Haddad (import), Sean Bentivoglio (import), Matthew Myers, Craig Moore (British u-23), Justin Faryna (import), Luke Piggott, Toms Rutkiss (2-way contract with Swindon Wildcats).