Ice Hockey: Craze out to defy Devils

Feb 19 2008 by Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

MERTHYR-BORN netminder Nathan Craze will aim to defy Cardiff Devils in an ice hockey challenge match in South Wales tomorrow (7pm).

Craze will be in goal for Swindon Wildcats, from the English Premier League, at the Cardiff Bay rink.

He is joined in the Swindon team by Cardiff-born teenager Jamie Hayes plus former Devils forward Lee Richardson.

They are coached by Scot Peter Russell, who was in charge of the Devils’ youth development programme until a few seasons ago.

Tomorrow’s visit from Swindon Wildcats is the first of two challenge matches at the Cardiff Bay rink.

Devils take on Cardiff Dragons, from the English National League, on Wednesday, February 27.

The format for the two games will be two periods of 20 minutes with a penalty shoot-out under Elite League rules if the teams are level after that time.

A skills challenge involving players from each side will make up the second part of the evening.

Tickets are £7 per game, although anybody buying tickets for both at the same time will pay £10 for the two.

Spectators will have the chance to skate with players after the matches.