Devils hoping for third time lucky in Europe

Cardiff Devils forward Joey Martin has won six domestic trophies in five seasons with the club - now he really wants to add European success.

This weekend Cardiff compete in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Continental Cup for the third consecutive year and Martin is hungry for that missing European title.

Finishing in third place in both the 2023 and 2024 finals, the Canadian forward sees last season as a missed opportunity for the Devils.

"For sure, I think it feels like unfinished business, I think we had a really good chance last year," said Martin.

“It felt like it was in our hands, and we let it slip away; hopefully we have learned from our mistakes last year."

Cardiff start their 2024-25 campaign in Slovakia against hosts Vici Zilina, Italy’s Rittner Buam and the Kazakh side Arlan Kokshetau in round three's Group E.

Each side face each other in a round-robin group between 15-17 November.

What is the Continental Cup?

The Continental Cup is European ice hockey's second-level club tournament below the Champions Hockey League (CHL), with teams from 20 countries competing this season.

Cardiff join the tournament in the third round this weekend because Britian's Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) is ranked higher than the leagues which played in rounds one and two.

While Zilina is the host city of Group E matches, there are also third round matches in Group F being staged in Aalborg, Denmark.

The top two teams from each group in round three progress to the final round which will be held between 16-19 January 2025.

Devils start their campaign on Friday against the reigning Alps Hockey League and Italian champions, Rittner Buam.

On Saturday they take on group hosts and three-time winners of the Slovak Hockey League, Vici Zilina.

Cardiff complete their group games on Sunday against Arlan Kokshetau of Kazakhstan who won the Continental Cup in 2019.

'This is a cup we want to win'

After 20 competitive games this season, Cardiff Devils feel they are well placed to progress this weekend and once again reach the final group and compete for the Continental Cup title.

The Welsh club sit top of the EIHL with ten wins and two defeats.

In the newly formatted Challenge Cup Cardiff have been less consistent, with four wins and four losses in their group.

However, as the Devils embark on their trip to Slovakia, they are reasonably satisfied with their progress so far.

"Our form in the league has been pretty good, I think we’re pretty happy with that," said Martin.

"In the Challenge Cup we still have some work to do, but I think lately we've been more consistent so we're playing with some confidence right now."

The 36-year-old is happy to temporarily park domestic concerns with two games still to play in Cardiff's bid to make the Challenge Cup semi-finals. He is also aware that Sheffield Steelers and Belfast Giants can reduce Devils' Elite League lead with both playing games in hand this weekend.

"We've played a few more games than those teams but it's nice to put them in a position where they must win those games in hand," added Martin.

"It's nice to go away for the Continental Cup, it's a change of pace, a bit of travel, good for team chemistry and bonding.

"It'll be a great challenge - three games against three great teams, good skating teams, maybe a little less physical than in our league, but teams with a lot of skill and speed."

Another incentive for the Devils to achieve on the continental stage is seeing Sheffield shock European hockey by reaching the last 16 of the CHL.

On Wednesday the Steelers were drawing their first leg 3-3 with Germany’s most decorated hockey team, Eisbaren Berlin, eventually losing 5-3.

"When you see what Sheffield are doing in the Champions League, it's impressive," said Martin.

"It's good that they're representing our league and they're doing a great job."

Having played for Austrian side Graz 99ers and Norway's Stavanger Oilers, as well as numerous clubs in North America, the Ontario native hopes Sheffield's success can bring the EIHL more credit.

"I’ve been saying it for years, I think a lot of people don't give it the respect it deserves, especially in Europe," he said.

"So, one way to do that is to be successful in Europe, like they’ve been doing."

And while Cardiff can further enhance British hockey's reputation by going one step further in their own European quest, the primary driver is personal.

"We’re highly motivated to win the Continental Cup because this club has never done it, so to have an opportunity where you can win something for the first time in an organisation is special," added Martin.

"This is a cup that we want to win, and we are determined to."

IIHF Continental Cup - Round 3 Group E fixtures

All matches at Zimny Stadion, Zilina, Slovakia

Friday 15 November

Cardiff Devils v Rittner Buam (13:00 GMT)

HC Arlan v Vici Zilina (17:00 GMT)

Saturday 16 November

Rittner Buam v HC Arlan (12:00 GMT)

Cardiff Devils v Vici Zilina (16:00 GMT)

Sunday 17 November

HC Arlan v Cardiff Devils (13:00 GMT)

Vici Zilina v Rittner Buam (17:00 GMT)