Ice Hockey: Vital goal from Francis

Nov 29 2007 Western Mail

Cardiff Devils 4-4 Sheffield Steelers

WELSHMAN Neil Francis, the only part-time skater on Cardiff Devils’ team, scored a crucial goal in last night’s Elite League ice hockey Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Sheffield Steelers.

Cardiff-born Francis, a long-serving Devils player who works full-time for Black Horse Finance in the city, struck in the second period to give Cardiff the lead for the first time after they had gone behind 2-0 in the first four minutes and then 3-2.

The semi-final, first-leg game ended 4-4 and the teams decide the issue during the second leg in Sheffield next Wednesday.

Devils, playing a remarkable seventh match in 14 days, have taken ice hockey’s British Elite League by storm. They stand top of the table having collected 23 points from a possible 24.

Cardiff were without import forwards Brad Voth (suspended) and Mike Prpich (injured) for the visit of Sheffield last night.

Both could be in the line-up for the second leg in Sheffield.

Voth has now served his one-match bad, while Prpich is aiming to complete the season for Cardiff by wearing a custom-made brace to stabilise knee ligament damage.

Ryan Finnerty and Joey Talbot put Sheffield 2-0 ahead last night, while Cardiff hit back through powerplay goals from Max Birbraer and Paul Sample.

Ashley Tait, with the 800th point of his career, then put Sheffield back in front before Birbraer and Francis edged Cardiff in front 4-3.

Doug Sheppard levelled things up at 4-4.

Last night’s cup clash is being shown on Sky Sports Extra tomorrow (5.30pm).

Cardiff return to league action this weekend, playing at Basingstoke Bison on Saturday and then Nottingham Panthers at home on Sunday.