Skipper Jake at the double as Devils land semi-final spot

CAPTAIN Jake Morissette played a leading role for Cardiff Devils in their Challenge Cup triumph against Guildford Flames.

Morissette scored the first two Devils goals in a 6-2 win at Ice Arena Wales which completed a 9-5 quarter-final aggregate victory.

The reward for the Devils is a two-leg semi-final clash with Sheffield Steelers and head coach Andrew Lord said: “We have an unbelievable rivalry with Steelers. Two teams with well run organisations, a ton of depth on both and a lot of big game players.

“Those factors have led to a lot of epic matches during my four years here and results going with ways. We’ve experienced heartbreak and triumph.

“I’m sure our cup semi-final will go down to the wire. I can’t wait. The excitement is building already.”

Devils powered to a 3-0 lead during the opening 20 minutes against Flames and Lord said: “That first period was awesome, some of the better hockey we’ve played this season.

“Guys were flying, playing with intensity. There was a play-off feel to the game.

“We have to play up tempo and on the body. Guys bought into that, they bought into everything.

“Guildford played a great second period and took the game to us. There were great saves, outstanding defensive efforts, stick detail and blocked shots.

“In the third we were back to it a lot more.”

Morissette (2), Patrick Asselin (2), Sean Bentivoglio and Matt Pope scored for Devils against Flames and the teams clash again in Elite League action this Sunday (Ice Arena Wales, 6pm).

Devils are without a match tomorrow, giving Lord an extra day and extra rest to prepare for their next battle with Guildford.

Dates for home and away legs in the semi-finals, with Belfast playing Nottingham in the other clash, will be announced as soon as possible.

Devils match tickets can be bought on 0800 0842 666.