Post Game Review vs Katowice

CARDIFF, WALES – The challenge was set and the call to arms was given by the coach and competing teams laced them up ready for battle.

Both sets of fans brought their energy, at times it was deafening, vibrant throughout, making for another classic.

The opening few moments had so much momentum for the home team, it seemed almost synchronic, like a choreographed masterclass, except for John Murray, stoic, defiant and unyielding in net.

The home fans never let up, the roar, the beat of the drums, drowning out the thunderous chants of the visiting, vividly coloured Katowice fans, tightly choreographed themselves, drilled in and focused.

The opening frame saw chance after chance, big hits, tight battles, seamless hockey that went from end to end, to heavy forecheck, the home team in the ascendency.

A penalty kill to end the frame just held the balance.

The Devils out shot their opponents on net 18:8 in that frame, Murray faced 61 SOH and made 55 saves in the prelim round. Already just over 25% in one stanza. He was in for a long night.

Beginning the second period, the momentum never let up, the fans feeding the players on the ice, as Murray banged his stick to count down the end of the penalty, of course, the opening goal was delivered, as a failed clearance by Sanford with 8s left, helped to heap on pressure to the defending Devils, then as Carruth committed to a low save, the puck went over his shoulder.

The cries of elation on the ice for a brief moment was all you could hear. Then, the game really began.

4 minutes later, from a well worked odd man rush, a rebound from a Martin shot saw who else but Josh MacDonald answer back with a sublime tap in to a wide open net, tie game.

Just over 5 minutes later, after some building pressure and hits going back and forth, Duke put the Devils head for the first time in the game and the final.

There were 5 unanswered goals in that frame, that saw Devils out shoot the visitors 16:8, with a PPG from non other than Brett Perlini with some sublime tips for a brace of the goals, including Cole Sanford and Zach O’Brien, who had two on the night.

This was when hell was unleashed on the travelling Katowice team and the Devils never looked back, content with the inferno building around them.

Ryan Barrow had a sensational first game back from his injury spell, driving the play and getting under the skin of their opponents on the 4th line with new Devil Schoobaert and Sam Duggan.

The third saw a small fight back, with some goals that Carruth would want to forget, but the game was wrapped up long ago and the finishing touches added on with no further issues.

Three players had 3 points on the night, O’Brien, Fraszko and Wronka. Duke, MacDonald and Martin each had a brace of points adding the other 3 for multi point games.

This win truly sets up the hosts for their best ever chance at European silverware, particularly at home, however the accolades and triumphs have already been granted both ways to the sets of fans for their respect and passion toward their teams and opponents.

Hockey should be hostile, however, when the game is done, there is nothing better than appreciating the battle between each camp and cementing long lasting relationships. That was the true victory.

Bayley Harewood got some ample game time, as Devils finally had 4 lines to work with this weekend, thanks the new signing and return of Barrow.

The 4th line itself produced that missing piece that was quite evident over the last 6 weeks, despite each line contributing during that time, on the night however, the entire 4th line failed to log a point.

The result was built off their hard work, grinding away, using their bodies and with intensity, creating space and wearing their opponents down. Hopefully more can come from the new guy, with this being his first outing, I do hope he doesn’t expect that kind of game and atmosphere when the likes of Storm or Flames roll in.

Up next is a chance of redemption for Katowice and a first look at Sundays final opponents, for hopefully a championship winning game for the hosts.

All is still to play for, but with the big win for the good guys, for once, in what seems like an age, destiny is on their side.

No pressure, lads.