Late heartbreak in south Wales

THE Genting Casino Coventry

- By CRAIG SUMMERTON

Blaze fell on the wrong side of a nine-goal Boxing Day thriller, losing 5-4 to the Cardiff Devils at Vindico Arena.Blaze went into the game without blue-liners Ivan Chukarov and Colton Saucerman, and forwards Grant Mismash and William Boysen.

After a scoreless opening period, the contest burst into life in the second with seven goals and a major flashpoint.

Cardiff struck twice inside the opening minute of the middle frame.

Cedric Lacroix forced the puck over the line just 21 seconds in, and 44 seconds later Gleason Fournier's long-range effort found its way through traffic to double the lead.

Momentum then swung dramatically when Riley Brandt was ejected following an altercation with Grayson Constable, handing Coventry a five-minute major powerplay - which the Blaze ruthlessly capitalised on.