Ice Hockey: Pope warning the Devils

Feb 18 2008 by Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

BRENT Pope today called for Cardiff Devils players to take personal responsibility.

The PT Maintenance-sponsored Devils suffered a 14th successive Elite League ice hockey defeat last night, going down 4-3 against leaders Coventry Blaze at their Skydome rink.

It was a creditable performance overall against the champions-elect, but the Devils have now lost three of their last four matches by the odd goal.

Two of those have been against Coventry, while Cardiff lost 3-1 at home to Edinburgh Capitals on Saturday.

“There appears to be an acceptance that losing a close match against Coventry is OK,” said bench coach Pope.

“It’s not and never will be.

“We all have to take on personal responsibility and work even harder than we are now.

“There is a month to get things right before the play-offs start.”

Cardiff were top of Elite League before being rocked by a series of injuries which tore the heart out of the team.

Now, though, with only Paul Sample and Jason Silverthorn ruled out, the Devils should be back in the winning groove.

They lie sixth in the table and will be among the eight teams who qualify for the play-offs.

Last night, at Coventry, Max Birbraer scored with four seconds remaining, but Coventry led 4-3 and it came too late for a Devils comeback.

Matus Petricko and Brad Voth also scored for the Devils, who were again unlucky not to earn a point.

Sylvain Cloutier, Dan Carlson, Curtis Huppe and Danny Stewart scored for the Blaze, who won all six regular season meetings against Cardiff.

The Devils loss to Edinburgh on Saturday extended a poor record against the Scottish strugglers this season.