Devils beaten by Blaze comeback in Challenge Cup

Cardiff Devils twice let slip a one goal lead as they were beaten 3-2 at Coventry Blaze in the Challenge Cup at the Skydome Arena.

Carson Musser scored the winner with just over four minutes left for Blaze, who had suffered a 6-0 opening game defeat to Sheffield Steelers 24 hours earlier.

Cardiff – who had begun their campaign with a 3-1 win over Guildford Flames – opened the scoring through Bayley Harewood.

It was a first Elite League goal for Barry-born Harewood, playing in his first full-time season for Devils.

The first period ended 1-1 after Griffin Ness’ leveller, before Kohen Olischefski restored the Welsh side’s lead in the second, which also saw them lose forward Riley Brandt to a major penalty.

Ryan Richardson brought the home side level again with a power-play goal midway through the third period before Musser secured the comeback win.

“Those were tough conditions; the ice was terrible. It didn’t sit down all night, and it’s hard to play your game, but that’s for both teams,” said Devils’ head coach Paul Thompson.

“In this game you have got to take your chances when they come along. We didn’t get that 3-1 goal, which may have sealed it. Credit to the Blaze for coming back.”

Sheffield Steelers top the Group A table after the opening weekend, having followed up their handsome opening victory against Blaze with a shoot-out win at Guildford.

Nottingham Panthers are second, despite their game at Manchester Storm being called off, with Blaze third and Devils in fourth place.

Storm – who are due to host Cardiff on Friday, 18 September – were unable to play the game because of “technical issues with the ice” at the AO arena.