Continental Cup Finals: Nomad Astana 5-2 Cardiff Devils
- Published
Jamie Arniel scored Devils' first goal of the finals
Cardiff Devils' bid for a first European title was dealt a major blow with a 5-2 loss on the opening night.
Devils had progressed to the final round of the International Ice Hockey Federation Continental Cup.
But they lost their opening game to the reigning Kazakhstan champions Nomad Astana despite home advantage.
Jamie Arniel and Bode Wilde hit back for Cardiff after the visitors took an early lead but they fell just short in a hectic final period.
Devils were full of optimism as they hosted the final round of European hockey's second-level club tournament at the Vindico Arena.
But they were two down inside just three minutes after netminder Tyler Wall failed to save a shot from Stanislav Alexandrov before Abay Mangisbayev doubled Astana's lead seconds later.
Arniel pulled back a crucial score in the eighth minute after Justin Crandall combined with recent new signing Wilde.
But another quick start in the second period brought a third goal, through Nikolay Shulga.
Devils' night swiftly got even harder when Arniel received a 20-minute penalty for game misconduct after an illegal check to the head or neck and Riley Brandt served the five-minutes in the penalty box.
Devils defended the powerplay without conceding and when they returned to full strength unleashed an onslaught that saw Wilde reduced the deficit to 3-2.
But Astana's highly rated keeper Nikita Boyarkin protected his for the rest of the period and Abay Mangisbayev restored the two-goal lead in the third period.
With just over two minutes left Cardiff pulled their keeper, Wall, in search of a way back but when they lost possession of the puck, Astana broke clear and Mikhail Rakhmanov sealed the win.
Earlier Poland's GKS Katowice edged out Danish side Herning Blue Fox in a shootout following a thrilling 4-4 draw after overtime.
IIHF Continental Cup 2024 final round matches at Vindico Arena, Cardiff:
Friday, 12 January
GKS Katowice 5-4 (SO) Herning Blue Fox
Nomad Astana 5-2 Cardiff Devils
Saturday, 13 January
Herning Blue Fox v Nomad Astana (15:00 GMT)
GKS Katowice v Cardiff Devils (19:00 GMT)
Sunday, 14 January
Nomad Astana v GKS Katowice (15:00 GMT)
Cardiff Devils v Herning Blue Fox (19:00 GMT)