Devils progress but lose final Continental Cup group match

Cardiff Devils have qualified for the Continental Cup final group for the third successive year

Cardiff Devils lost their final Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Continental Cup third round match 6-3 against Arlan Kokshetau in Slovakia on Sunday.

The team from Wales had already reached the final round in January, courtesy of their second Group E win - a 4-1 triumph over hosts Vici Zilina - on Saturday to reach the final round.

Josh MacDonald's opener for Devils was cancelled out by Fyodor Khoroshev before the Elite League side took the initiative through Zach O'Brien and Evan Mosey.

But Kazakh side Kokshetau fought back to level with Vladimir Borovkov and Vladislav Nikulin and they dominated the final period with Stepan Sannikov putting them ahead for the first time.

Dmitry Arkhipov extended his side's lead before scoring again on the powerplay for Kokshetau to finish top of the group, one place above Devils

Cardiff's second place finish ensured qualification for the final round between 16-19 January, 2025.

On Saturday, Kohen Olischefski and Zach O'Brien gave Devils the initiative against Zilinaand after Simon Betak hit back, the team from Wales took control.

Ben Davies extended Devils' lead and Josh MacDonald finished off their scoring.

And in their opening Group E game Devils saw off Alps Hockey League and Italian champions, Rittner Buam 5-1.

Gleason Fournier, Josh MacDonald Reid Duke, Cody Donaghey and Joey Martin struck for Devils in the opener with Ethan Szypula responding.