Cardiff Devils are ready for their biggest challenge of the Elite League ice hockey season.
Coach Andrew Lord and his team play bitter rivals Sheffield Steelers in a crunch clash at Ice Arena Wales on Wednesday evening (7.30pm).
Challenge Cup holders Devils are trailing 6-2 after the first leg of their semi-final, but there is genuine belief in the Welsh club’s locker room.
Lord’s men will go for glory in front of an expected capacity attendance in Cardiff Bay. Less than 200 tickets were available early today and are available to buy until just before face-off.
The atmosphere is likely to be intimidating for Steelers and their coach, Paul Thompson has admitted ‘it’s not over yet’, while Sheffield defenceman Scott Aarssen says: “They play well in there. That rink gets loud really quickly.
“If we can limit their powerplay and stay out of the box we will be in a good spot.
“But it is no easy task and we have got to play as though the game is zero-zero.”
The winners will play Belfast Giants or Nottingham Panthers in the final at Ice Arena Wales during March. Giants lead 5-1 from their first keg and Wednesday’s return is at the SSE Arena in Belfast.
Thompson insists Steelers will not try to hold their four-goal lead in the second leg even though they will be without Andreas Jamtin, who has been suspended for ‘reckless’ checking to the head against Manchester Storm and Miika Franssila remains an injury doubt.
“We will be playing arguably the best team in the League right now in their building,” said Thompson. “They are going to throw the kitchen sink. We have to compete and take it back at them.
“We want to achieve something great and reach the final again. It’s been a long tine since we have won this trophy and I like to think we can do the business down in Cardiff and have that opportunity again.”
Elite League leaders Devils are at full strength and go into the match having won against closest title rivals Belfast Giants away in their last match.
To book tickets for the clash with Steelers CLICK HERE or CALL 0800 0842 666 to book, while CLICK HERE for the full fixtures list.