Continental Cup: Cardiff Devils 1-0 Bruleurs de Loups

Image source, Fabien Baldino

Image caption, Cardiff Devils players celebrate after qualifying as runners-up in group E of the Continental Cup in Patinoire Polesud, Grenobles

Cardiff Devils are through to the Continental Cup final after a narrow 1-0 win over French hosts Bruleurs de Loups in Grenobles.

Justin Crandall scored in the second period, while net-minder Ben Bowns produced a 31-save shutout.

Devils had lost their opening group game 4-5 to Nomad Astana before beating Latvian side Zemgale Jelgava 5-2.

"For our team to play three games in three nights shows the character of this group," said coach Pete Russell.

"We faced adversity after the first game but pulled together and became stronger as a group. The players were fantastic, and I think this was a great trip for everyone involved.

"It was amazing for our team to be driven forward by the 300+ fans that travelled to France to support us. I feel a real connection between the team and the fans, and we all celebrated the win on Sunday together after the game."

The Continental Cup final group takes place in January 2024, with the Devils joined again by Kazakhstan champions Nomad Astana who won Group E with Cardiff as runners-up.

Their other opposition will be Denmark's Herning Blue Fox and GKS Katowice of Poland who won group F in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.