Sun 4 Sep 2022 - 6:12PM

PRE-SEASON: DEVILS 3-2 PANTHERS

The Nottingham Panthers were beaten 3-2 by Cardiff Devils in Wales in their final game of pre-season.

It means the Devils won both games of the two-match series to secure the Aladdin Cup

Nottingham were without Tanner Sorenson and Mike Hammond who were rested with minor injuries, while young defenceman Archie Hazeldine made his Panthers debut.

Jack Berry was given the start between the pipes, with Great Britain netminder Ben Bowns opposite him in the Cardiff goal.

Welychka puts Panthers ahead at first intermission
Josh Brittain had a chance inside 30 seconds for Cardiff and Adam Brady went close at the other end, before Panthers took the lead through Brett Welychka's near-post finish on the rebound.

Former Panther Mark Richardson hit the base of the post, but many of Cardiff's first-period shots were kept to the outside.

Devils turn it around in second period
Trevor Cox set-up Sam Duggan on the left wing to fire in Cardiff's equaliser at 23:03, before Craig Puffer shot wide for the Panthers.

Berry denied Duggan with a great save down low, but could do nothing about the GB international giving the Devils the lead after a good build-up play from Sam Jardine and Brodie Reid (36:12).

Cardiff secure win despite late Johnston goal
Mathieu Gagnon went coast-to-coast but was unable to fully get his shot away, but it was Cardiff who stretched their lead to two shortly after.

Good cycling of the puck on the powerplay created the chance for Joey Martin to score in the right circle (44:42).

Andrew Johnston reacted first after a goalmouth scramble and the puck trickled past Bowns as Panthers closed the gap at 50:42.

Coach Gary Graham lifted Berry for the extra skater and despite late chances, including one in the slot for Jeremy Welsh, the Devils held on for the win.

Panthers turn attentions to new Elite League season
Nottingham now start their preparations for next weekend's opening Premier Sports Elite League game of the season.

The Panthers host Guildford Flames at the Motorpoint Arena (19:00 face-off) and you can purchase tickets by clicking here.

Photo credit: Andy Burnham.