Flames Cup Start Bedevilled in Cardiff

Published on: 13 Sep, 2026
Updated on: 13 Sep, 2026

Guildford Flames were beaten 3-1 by the Cardiff Devils at the Vindico Arena on Saturday night, despite taking an early lead in their opening Challenge Cup meeting of the season.

Flames had made the perfect start, taking the lead just 2:48 into the contest. Cole Sanford finished off an early opportunity. But the hosts responded midway through the opening period, Josh MacDonald finding the net at 10:16 to level the contest at 1-1.

The second period remained goalless, with Flames’ netminder Justin Fazio and his opposite number Ben Bowns keeping their respective sides in the game.

Left, Flames netminder Justin Fazio as his team mate Jake Willets tries to keep a Cardiff forward at bay. James Assinder

Devils eventually took control in the third period. Kohen Olischefski put Cardiff ahead at 10:29, before Nick Welsh added a third at 17:35 to give the home side a two-goal cushion that would remain on the board through the close of the evening.

“I liked a lot of what I saw from us,” said Paul Dixon, “despite not taking a win.”

“I thought we deserved at least a point from the game but just couldn’t find a way through on some of our better opportunities.”

“Hopefully we are able to be a bit more successful around the net Sunday when Sheffield are in town to continue our cup opening weekend.”

For details of the Challenge Cup competition see: Flames Season Starts with the Challenge Cup

Match stats:

Next Fixture
Sunday September 13 2026 – Sheffield Steelers (H) FO 18:00 (Challenge Cup Game 2)

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