Cardiff Devils claimed two points in Challenge Cup Group A with a 1-0 win over Sheffield Steelers at a sold-out Vindico Arena on Saturday. Kristoff Kontos scored the only goal just 43 seconds into the game, finishing Riley Brandt’s pass at the far post after Cardiff recovered possession following a turnover at the blue line.
Sheffield created the better chances for much of the first period. Olivier Archambault hit the crossbar on a breakaway less than a minute after Cardiff’s goal, then was denied from close range by Christian Stoever. The teams traded opportunities in a tight second period but neither found a clear route to another goal.
The Steelers pressed for an equaliser in the third, hitting the frame of the goal for a second time before Adam Rockwood missed on the follow-up. Rockwood was called for tripping with 3:12 remaining, giving Cardiff a powerplay, but the Devils could not extend their lead. Sheffield continued to attack, but Stoever finished with 31 saves to secure the shutout and Cardiff’s 1-0 victory.