This post isn’t about the results or the team. I think it is safe to say that we played some inspired hockey this weekend and the results didn’t go our way. The boys fought hard and came up short. That is hockey.
This is a thank you to everyone involved in the 2024 IIHF Continental Cup Final here in Cardiff.
Weekends like this remind us why European competitions are so fun to be a part of. Whether that is Champions Hockey League or the Continental Cup, we have always been honoured to participate and to represent the Elite League in these competitions, so thank you to the IIHF for inviting us to participate and for allowing us to host this prestigious event.
The visiting clubs were a joy to work with and the fans they brought were simply fantastic. Herning fans were loud and proud all weekend long, and GKS Katowice fans were in another stratosphere. That passion they have for their team really moves you and reminds us all of where sports can transport you to each time you watch your team play.
To our fans – you guys were immense. Saturday night was one of the best atmospheres I have witnessed during my time in Cardiff. It started with Block 13 leading the way, but it spread across the entire arena. It just shows you that atmosphere is created in the seats, not over the stereo or the microphone. Bring that megaphone every week and please, please, please continue to bring that level of passion and energy every game. It was simply awesome for all three games. Get some lemon tea in you this week to heal those vocal chords and be back as strong as ever on Saturday, because we need you just as much for the rest of the season.
It takes an army to put on an event like this, and lucky for us, we’ve got some great soldiers. The staff at Vindico Arena worked long days to ensure the venue was ready to host 6 games in three days, the maintenance crew worked overnight to get the logo in and keep the ice ready for two games a day. Oh, and that is also why it was so damn cold in the Arena, expect a nicer temperature next weekend when we are back to just one game a day. Seriously though, from management to the bar, stalls, and café staff, to box office, the cleaning crew, stewards, security, and everyone in between, you were all rockstars this weekend.
Thank you to all the volunteers who gave up their weekend to ensure the tournament went smooth for everyone involved on the ice and for the fans of all four teams. That’s the volunteers, the off-ice officials, the stats team - you all worked 6 times as much as a normal weekend, but you did it with smiles on your face, and without all of you it wouldn’t have been the success that it was.
For everyone watching online or following us on social media, I am sure you saw the extra effort that the production team put into the show this weekend. They were some long days for Devils TV and for the match night production crew, the photographers, the camera people, and the commentators, but you put on a fabulous show ( x 6).
Finally, to the staff of the Cardiff Devils – we are a very small team, but this weekend we made it look like there were a couple dozen of us putting this event on. Thank you all for being the swans that we always try to be – calm where everyone can see us but paddling like hell underneath.
Sincerely,
Todd Kelman
