POOR DEVILS!

THE Cardiff Devils’ proud fans chanted “We are number one; We are number one,” even after they suffered heartbreak defeat in the Elite League play-off final last night.

The city ice hockey side’s incredible season couldn’t carry on as their clash with the Sheffield Steelers was decided of after two periods offside death overtime as the northern side came off 6-5 winners.

They have already claimed three of the four trophies on offer for the UK’s top ice hockey sides.

They were League champions, Challenge Cup winners and Erhardt Conference champions, but this one slipped from their grasp.

They missed out on becoming the first team to win a four-trophy Grand Slam in the 14 years of Elite League

The tension was excruciating as the teams slugged it out before Sheffield’s winner came after 94 minutes.

Devils goalie Ben Bowns had performed near miracles to keep the puck out as the tiring Devils fought every step of the way, but he was finally beaten when Levi Nelson scored an unassisted sixth goal for Steelers.

Devils fans had been pacing up and down during every break, scarcely able to sit and watch as the teams gave everything they had.

Cardiff man Justin Mahoney, who has supported Devils for 30 years, said: “It’s upsetting to lose, but what we have achieved this season has been unbelievable.

“The play-offs would have been the cherry on the cake. Both teams played intense hockey and could scarcely keep going at the end.

“Devils fans were awesome always. Their intensity made atmosphere exceptional.”

Cardiff have qualified for European Champions League hockey next season, as the while Steelers will play in the Continental Cup.

The arena was packed at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham and Devils swept into a 3-1 lead before Steelers pegged them back.

Their players, exhausted, feeling their aches and suffering from cramp looked gutted as they left the ice, leaving Steelers to celebrate. This was Sheffield’s day, but Devils have given their all.