Continental Cup: GKS Katowice 2-3 Cardiff Devils - Welsh team's hopes dashed despite win
- Published
Cardiff Devils are third in the Elite League title race
Cardiff Devils cannot win the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) Continental Cup despite this hugely absorbing win against Poland league leaders GKS Katowice at Vindico Arena.
Devils' loss to Nomad Astana on Friday and Astana's 7-2 win over Herning Blue Fox on Saturday means the Kazakhstan champions will take the title on their head-to-head with the hosts.
Astana face Katowice on Sunday.
Devils face Blue Fox to end the tournament later in the day (19:00 GMT)
With Ben Bowns defensive prowess as Devils' netminder, Cole Ully scored first in the opening period and Ryan Barrow slotted home the second after Jamie Arniel chased a loose puck.
Katowice pulled one back on 17 minutes through Kacper Macias and after Joona Monto levelled for the visitors, Cody Donaghey sealed Devils' win.
With Katowice chasing the game in the dying minutes they took off their keeper to leave an empty net, but Devils held out to earn a memorable win.
Nomad Astana will lift the Continental Cup even if they lose their Sunday game against Katowice (15:00 GMT).
IIHF Continental Cup 2024 final round matches at Vindico Arena, Cardiff:
Friday, 12 January
GKS Katowice 5-4 (SO) Herning Blue Fox
Nomad Astana 5-2 Cardiff Devils
Saturday, 13 January
Herning Blue Fox 2-7 Nomad Astana
GKS Katowice 2-3 Cardiff Devils
Sunday, 14 January
Nomad Astana v GKS Katowice (15:00 GMT)
Cardiff Devils v Herning Blue Fox (19:00 GMT)