New Signing, Foodbank Appeal & Skate with the Stars – A Big Weekend Ahead on the Ice
OCTOBER is about to get very busy for Cardiff Devils – and this weekend offers rather more than two games of Elite League ice hockey.
The Devils return to the Vindico Arena for a home double-header, facing Manchester Storm on Saturday, October 3 at 7pm, followed by Glasgow Clan on Sunday, October 4 at 5pm.
And around the hockey itself there is a new face in the Cardiff line-up, an appeal for Cardiff Foodbank and, after Sunday’s game, an opportunity for supporters to take to the ice alongside the players.
For anyone who has been thinking about experiencing a Devils match for the first time, this might be a particularly good weekend to do it.
Who is Cardiff Devils’ new signing?
The Devils have moved quickly to strengthen their defence by signing experienced Swedish defenceman Jonas Emmerdahl.
The 34-year-old, who stands 6ft 4in, joins from Fife Flyers, where he has spent five of the past six seasons and served as captain for two of them. He has extensive Elite League experience and is accustomed to playing against opposition top lines and working on the penalty kill.
His arrival was prompted by some unwelcome injury news.
Evan Mosey suffered a knee injury and is expected to be out until around Christmas, while Tyson Helgesen – who underwent surgery in April – is not expected back until later in October. Emmerdahl is expected to make his Devils debut during this weekend’s games.
That gives supporters an additional reason to keep an eye on Saturday’s clash with Manchester Storm.
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Devils fans asked to support Cardiff Foodbank
There is also an important off-ice element to both games.
As part of the Devils’ partnership with Howells, the club is holding a collection for Cardiff Foodbank throughout the weekend.
Supporters attending either the Manchester Storm game on Saturday or Glasgow Clan fixture on Sunday are being encouraged to bring donations with them. Items can be left with club staff at reception on arrival at the arena.
It is another example of something that is increasingly apparent when looking at the Devils from outside the regular ice-hockey audience: the club places considerable emphasis on its relationship with the wider Cardiff community.
So make sure to add a tin, packet or other suitable Foodbank donation to the match-night checklist.
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Fancy skating with the Cardiff Devils?
Sunday provides something rather different.
After the Glasgow Clan game, the Devils will stage a post-game skate with the players.
Supporters will be able to join members of the team on the ice, chat to them, take photographs and collect autographs. Fans can bring their own skates or hire skates at the arena.
For younger Devils supporters in particular, that could turn an ordinary Sunday night fixture into a rather memorable experience.
And it illustrates another part of the Devils formula: the players are unusually accessible compared with many professional sports.
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Are there still tickets available?
Not many ordinary seats were left when the Devils issued their latest ticket update.
At that stage there were fewer than 10 tickets remaining for Manchester Storm and fewer than 30 for Sunday’s game against Glasgow Clan – another indication of just how regularly the Devils fill the Vindico Arena.
The club also offers a VIP match-night experience, including VIP arena entrance, access to the Coors VIP Lounge, a welcome drink, padded seating, private bar and complimentary tea and coffee. The advertised price is £55 per person. Availability naturally changes as match night approaches.
That might be worth highlighting for anyone who has missed out on normal seats – and it is also exactly the sort of offering that makes a Devils match potentially attractive for groups, businesses and corporate entertaining.
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Halloween hockey – Guildford Flames tickets on sale
Supporters can also look a little further ahead.
The Devils face Guildford Flames at the Vindico Arena on Saturday, October 31, with face-off at 7pm.
And yes, that means Halloween hockey in Cardiff.
Tickets for Devils home games traditionally move quickly, with the club saying it sells out every home match.
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A huge October for the Devils
The coming month is packed.
After Manchester and Glasgow this weekend, Dundee Stars arrive on October 10 for the Cardiff Devils’ special 40th anniversary night, with a sizeable group of former Devils favourites returning to Cardiff as part of the celebrations.
Belfast Giants, Coventry Blaze, Sheffield Steelers and another Belfast fixture follow before Guildford bring October to a close.
It is precisely the sort of run that could introduce plenty of new spectators to ice hockey.
For this weekend, though, the ingredients are already there: two home games, a new signing, an opportunity to support Cardiff Foodbank and the chance to finish Sunday evening skating alongside the Cardiff Devils themselves.
Not a bad way to start October.
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Did Ewe Know?
Jonas Emmerdahl will not be the only new Devil with a strong connection to the Elite League this season. Cardiff’s roster also includes Jake Sacratini – Cardiff-born son of Devils legend Vezio Sacratini – who wears the same No.28 made famous by his father.