Preview by Peter Ryan / Photos by James Assinder & Emma Williams
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Cardiff FireCardiff Fire at Swindon Wildcats 2
Sunday 11th October | Link Centre
After a week's break, Cardiff Fire return to action this weekend as they travel to Swindon to take on the Swindon Wildcats 2. It is set to be an intriguing contest, as Cardiff will look to bounce back after a tough weekend of defeats last time out. The side will look to build on its pre-season form and the opening games of the campaign. One thing is for sure: the team will leave it all on the ice in hopes of securing an important victory to get back to winning ways. Passion will be at an all-time high, and dedication will be clear as the contest has all the makings of a sensational match.
Last Time Out
Almost 2 weeks ago, Cardiff took on the challenge of back-to-back games. They didn't get the results they wanted, but there were positives to take into the upcoming contest against Swindon. On Saturday, they travelled to take on the Slough Jets. It was a tough 14-3 defeat. Goals from Alfie Stone, Craig Thurston, and Bailey Hind-Pitcher were not enough as the hosts secured a dominant victory.
However, the second game of the weekend was the first competitive game of the season in front of a home crowd. Whenever ice hockey is played in the Welsh capital, one thing can be counted on, and that is the roar of the crowd, which is going to be ferocious in support. Unlike the contest against Slough this was a tight, cagey affair against the Solent Devils. The scoreline didn't reflect the action on the ice, as both teams tried to gain the upper hand. Goals from Bailey Hind-Pitcher and Owen Smetham got their side out to an early lead, but the Devils fought back to secure the victory. Even though it was a tough defeat, there is plenty to build on as ice hockey returns this weekend.
Stats
The numbers tell a fascinating story: even though they lost heavily to the Jets, goaltending was relatively strong, with 60 saves and an even-strength percentage of 81%. The discipline was also strong; they kept penalty minutes under 10. In the Devils game, the Fireโs numbers improved tremendously: they had 41 shots on goal and defended much better. What stood out was their assist total compared to their opponents. However, if you look at the opening game of the season, creativity has been what won the games; if they can find that spark again, they'll be a team to be reckoned with.
Opposition
The Swindon Wildcats 2 currently sit fourth in the league with one win, two defeats, and an overtime loss. They have scored 16 goals in an early campaign; however, they have conceded 24. They will be hunting for a big result to help them climb the table. They will also look to avenge their preseason loss to Cardiff, where the Fire produced a 3-0 shutout which laid the foundation for the season ahead.
This game has all the makings of a great clash; two teams are eager to prove something and establish themselves as formidable side as the season progresses.
Join us for our next home game against Solent Devils on Sunday 18th October at 6:45pm. Click HERE to book your tickets online and beat the queues on the door.
