Late Blaze goal sinks Devils

Photo: Scott Wiggins

Coventry Blaze got their first win of the season as they played their first game at the Skydome of the new campaign.

Ben Bowns was the Devils’ best player early on, as the visitors found themselves killing a 5-on-3 and the British netminder made a couple of excellent stops, including off William Boyson. Bayley Harewood got his first Motorpoint Elite League goal as he picked up a loose puck and fired past Sisu Heikkeri to put the Devils ahead.

Pannu Mieho hit a post late in the period as the visitors almost went further ahead. However, with just eight seconds left in the period, Griffin Ness shot past Bowns’ blocker to tie the game just before the first break.

Ben Davies had an early breakaway in the second but couldn’t beat Heikkeri, but Cardiff did go back ahead at 25:30 as an Evan Mosey stretch pass found Kohen Olischefski coming off the bench as the Blaze got caught on a change.

Riley Brandt was ejected towards the end of the second, giving the Blaze a major powerplay, but one they couldn't find a goal on.

Ryan Richardson tied the game 8:45 into period three on the powerplay before the Blaze took a late lead. On a delayed penalty, possibly for a penalty shot, the Blaze kept the puck and saw Griffen Ness pass across the crease for Carson Musser to bundle the puck over the line and put the home side ahead.

Cardiff pulled Bowns for the final 30 or so seconds of the game, but couldn't find a tying goal and the Blaze ran out one-goal winners.