Devils have to endure mixed fortunes

Ice hockey

Cardiff Devils had one of those weekends, drawing one match and winning one, writes Steve Pinder. They were only able to irritate the Premier Division leaders, Sheffield Steelers, rather than overtake them and, at the same time, they had problems registering Robert Milletts, their new player, in time for Sunday's home game against Newcastle Warriors

Cardiff should not have had much trouble against Humberside Hawks, who lost two players to game misconduct penalties and Chris Elmers to a shoulder injury in the second period. But instead of overwhelming the Hawks, the Devils found themselves facing a determined side.

With a 3-3 score in the first period, Humberside took the game to Cardiff in the second period, with two goals from Darcy Cahill helping them to a 8-6 lead. If Humberside had had a full complement on the bench they would probably have won, but Cardiff came back to tie 8-8.

Cardiff had to show the same sort of character at home the next day against Newcastle Warriors, who are improving week by week. Newcastle led 4-3 at the end of the second period, with Kevin Dean in goal having an outstanding 40 minutes

In the third period, Newcastle lost Steve Brown for arguing too loudly over a decision by the referee, Andy Carson, and the unbalanced Warriors conceded five goals without reply as Cardiff won 8-4.