5 Observations vs Clan; Duke reigns supreme as Clan battle until the end

League Record So Far; 1 – 0 – 0

CARDIFF, WALES – Glasgow Clan came to town bruised, determined and defiant as they pushed the home team the full 60, with the honours going to the much stronger home side at 3-1.

It was a tightly checked contest which kept its nerve as the stands around them got increasingly frustrated from inaction and incorrect calls that could have seen the regular season opener descend into a quagmire, with both teams goalies standing tall to keep their respective clubs in the hunt for the full points.

Here are my key observations from last nights season opener win;

1. Dukes Two Provided the Edge Against a Defiant Opponent

It was a night where a little extra puck luck would have seen a different scoreline. No matter the ebb and flow and the score on the screens, Reid Duke played in a scintillating fashion that drew a lot of aggression from his opponents, but his relentless pursuit to drive the game forward came up clutch at key times.

Prior to the first marker being lit, the home team were dogged in their forecheck, quickly finding momentum, pace and chances to take the lead. This eventually came from a hard angle goal, behind the red line and into the net from a rebound, after a massive amount of pressure on Bow.

His second was secured in the third during a period of play that quickly got the building on top of the officials, who let some questionable collisions go or called horrendously wrong, that saw Clan capitalise on the emotion earlier on.

Kick starting the season with a PPG is one box every team wants to cross off, along with a 100% PK.

This third period marker was created with sublime skill, passing, east to west movement and deft touches, sniped home by a soon to be renowned fan favourite from the mid slot.

2. Difficult Opponents Made Devils Honest

As mentioned, the game could have swung violently on the scoresheet against the visitors with the firepower from the arsenal the home team have curated over the summer.

This was absorbed by their net minder, who most would rate as mid level for this league. He was the foundational factor that helped to spur on his team as they built into the game with aggression and nuance to take it to their hosts.

Coming off an embarrassing opening weekend of Challenge Cup action, a lot of fans slept on the Devils taking the points last night due to this reason.

Despite how hard they pushed, Clan dug deep and countered time and again. Incredulous penalties called during the night provided man advantage opportunities which asked a lot of questions to the good guys.

This is a good thing. As Coach Russell reminded the EIHL fanbase, this team has effectively been together for two weeks and they are still not 100% healthy. That was a hard win. Clan made it one to earn.

3. Goalie Battle Provided Nail Biting Spectacle

Whilst some fans would feel relieved, others frustrated, the rest elated, there was a story from the ice that warrants attention. The adept ability of both goalies would have been a showcase for the league compared to most other games on the night.

Else where, two games ended 6:5 and another 4:3. Not a good night for those fantasy league teams with the tandems involved.

An ENG from Josh MacDonald sealed the deal for the home side, whilst the goalies made between them 68 saves, with 34 each. That’s how even the game balanced out, with both teams claiming a good frame each and a battle until the end in the final 10 minutes of action.

Despite being outshot by the visitors at 68 to 64, the execution was there for the home team as they hit 37 SOG to Clans 35. Marginal differences.

Perhaps some wanted a lamp lighter (I certainly did) but you have to respect the men between the pipes, these were incredible displays of prowess, both clubs should be proud and perhaps a little thankful.

4. Aggressive Styles Cancelled Each Other Out

Unsurprisingly the set up for both teams seems to collide in one hand and cancel out in the other. When their top blue liners got physical, it was very physical.

When both team’s prominent forecheckers got cooking, opponents got turned over, crushed along the boards and inevitably, tensions started to simmer.

Despite some off the puck shenanigans, the PIMS were relatively low as the shot clock ramped up and space went from being clogged with sticks to open sheets of ice as the opponents wore each other down, waiting to pounce on any mistake or lack of energy during a shift or line change.

That was the type of game on the night. Coached between two friends and international level colleagues, how else would it go?

Last years treble winners have set a bar which fans of other teams want to see matched, then with the visitors heavily investing in the last couple of years with an unbelievably massive lack of return, the fans of these teams expect.

Sometimes when the cards are stacked like this and dealt in this way, that is the type of game which gets played.

It was good hockey.

5. Good PIM Sheet Despite Poor Officiating

Some would consider criticising the officials as poor taste or won’t even touch it. Last night could have been ugly and a real risk to player safety.

Despite the baying frustrations growing from the stands around the ice, the players kept their cool and better heads prevailed across the benches.

One review from a clear boarding incident lead to a 2 minute crosschecking call and a trip which saw Devils captain Richardson slam into the boards dangerously went unseen, eventually leading to a goal for the visitors.

The game highlights package (seen here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=kTRZl-r4alQ&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cardiffdevils.com%2F&source_ve_path=MTM5MTE3LDI4NjY) will demonstrate the feelings in that aftermath.

Hooks, holding, high sticks; one of which lead to the first ‘break down’ in play as Ben Davies finally had enough of the underhanded, uncalled infractions, with both players going in for 2 minutes. The initial play should have been 2 minutes for high sticking. Interference was called on the play. Davies rightfully got his for roughing.

That set a tone that there was no control, no accountability and unwillingness to make a ‘big’ call. If something is dangerous – assess and apply. Get it done.

Player Safety is paramount to professional sport, now under the spotlight more than ever. Coupled with an incredible calibre of players each season, raises relevant and valid concerns and in turn, criticism of those who are both gatekeepers and protectors of the profession.

This was game one (for the Devils). It needs to be better.

Three Stars vs Clan

It was pretty difficult to select who should be represented for the three stars, but the goalies couldn’t be passed up.

97.14 SV% for Bowns and 94.44 SV% for Bow needs to be recognised. Reid Duke for me completed the selection with his two goals in a hard fought game against really determined opponents.

(NB; If you would like to sponsor the Three Stars posts, please DM via X to discuss options)