Continental Cup Final: Weekend Preview

VINDICO ARENA, CARDIFF, WALES, UK – This weekend, the Cardiff Devils host the 2024 IIHF Continental Cup Final, with a view to become the victors for the first time in European competition in the clubs history.

Their opponents hail from Denmark, Kazakhstan and Poland respectively, each bringing their own strengths and prowess to the finals, this won’t be easy and victory is absolutely not a guarantee.

Many beliefs are hedged on this tournament being the only ‘realistic’ chance at silverware this season, with bronze collected last year in Angers and a home final to host, this is probably the organisations biggest date with destiny yet.

So let’s have a look at our opponents.

Herning Blue Fox

It goes without saying who is high on the radar for Devils fans and even players for this club, which is probably the most prestigious of the entire tournament. The small ‘miracle’ club from the middle of nowhere has developed fantastic NHLers, including netminder Freddie Andersen and Oliver Bjorkstrand to name a few.

The club is one of the best, if not THE best teams from Denmark, with a long, illustrious history that should be aspired too. For true hockey enthusiasts, this is a team you would dream of watching play.

For the Blue Fox that is high on the radar is none other than their goalie, Mac Carruth, who has recently stated on a certain podcast by a former devil with a current devil, that he would come back to the bay for the Welsh outfit. Tasty.

Beyond the net, a key player to look out for is Jesper Thornberg, with 50 points already bagged domestically and 2nd overall for Herning in the tournament so far, despite their below par performance in Italy for the final qualifier.

GKS Katowice

The Polish outfit brings a reputation with them, however it cannot denied that their on ice capabilities will be exciting to watch. EIHL fans would be quick to recognise the name Ben Sokay, who iced for the Stars last season, collecting 43 points in 42GP for the Scots club.

Currently he is at 20 from 27GP, so not quite leading in a very good team. Finnish player, Joona Monto (33 points) is the teams domestic points leader, however homegrown player Fraszko (7) leads them in the competition so far.

The Polish outfit are also the current leaders in their league, 10 points ahead of their nearest rivals, with a massive GF (112 in 28GP) and a similar GA record domestically to the hosts. So, expect a ferocious game when these two meet.

Nomad Astana

The Kazakh side won their group stage qualifier with Devils joining them in second on their mutual visit to Grenoble last year, beating this years finals hosts in a thriller that left a sour taste in the Devils mouths. Perhaps too much respect and not enough hustle on the day?

Their goalie, Boyarkin stood out above everyone else on that weekend, delighting all fans with his speed, technical prowess and snappy glove. He will be their cornerstone for their march to gold this weekend.

A key player to watch out for on the Nomads team is forward Dias Guseinov, who not only impressed in Grenoble, but absolutely loved the atmosphere the Devils fans brought with them. He has scored twice and is a point per game, but is an excellent skater and possesses a fantastic hockey IQ, two skills that the Nomads team has in abundance for such a young side.