The Cardiff Devils will compete in the IIHF Continental Cup after the Guildford Flames and Sheffield Steelers declined the opportunity to participate in the tournament.
The Flames, who qualified for the competition by finishing second in the Elite League last term, stunned supporters when they turned down the chance to play on the continent, citing concerns about rink availability, fixture congestion, and travel expenses.
“We know this is perhaps one of the most difficult news items we have ever had to pass on to our supporters,” said Chief Operating Officer Kirk Humphreys.
“As a group, we looked at it from every aspect including the honour and prestige that goes with the competition, but there were too many real issues that make this the best decision for this club, at least at this time for where we stand within the Elite League…
“Joining a fourth competition with long road trips with no home games and the resulting fixture mash up would inevitably impact the rest of our schedule and make it harder for us to achieve domestic objectives.
“We are fully aware of how disappointing this is for many of our supporters. It is also disappointing to us as a club, but we believe it is in the best interests of where we want to be in Elite League. There are no guarantees about when we are next challenging for a particular trophy, and this won’t change that reality, but it does allow is to put all our resources where they need to be at this time.”
After the Flames turned down the chance to compete in the competition, their invitation was transferred to the Steelers.
However, the Sheffield-based franchise also declined the opportunity, opening the door for the Devils to represent the Elite League in the 2023-24 Continental Cup.
Continental Cup: Ben Bowns, Cardiff Devils (Image: Dean Woolley)
“We loved taking part in the Continental Cup last season and we are looking forward to being in it again,” said Cardiff managing director Todd Kelman. “We finished third in 2023, we think we can do even better in 2024.
“We know our fans that travelled last season to Angers had an incredible experience as did the players and staff. We want that experience again.”
Cardiff will enter the competition in the third round, which is due to take place on the weekend of 17-19 November.
Analysis: Ambitious Cardiff Devils accept Continental Cup spot
Manchester United’s decision to withdraw from the FA Cup at the turn of the century was roundly criticised, with football fans across the country left stunned and disappointed.
After the Guildford Flames and Sheffield Steelers turned down the chance to compete in the Continental Cup, hockey fans will feel the same way.
Stunned. Disappointed. Demoralised.
The Flames tried to justify their decision to withdraw from the competition, but their reasoning still leaves plenty to be desired.
“Among several issues, crucially, we are unable to host any portion of the Continental Cup like other Elite League teams have done because it would need virtual monopoly of Spectrum for a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday stretch which is not available to us,” explained Kirk Humphries.
“That means we cannot play any home games and would likely play six games over a pair of three-game in three-night stretches, all with long distance Euro travel.”
In other words, the Flames withdrew from the tournament because they couldn’t host it – which is logical and disappointing in equal measures.
Sheffield’s response is actually worse, in that case.
“With the addition games to be played in a shorter period of time to fit in to the schedule, it would just not have been sensible for the club and our playing staff,” said an unnamed Steelers spokesperson.
Sheffield could play in (and presumably host) the Continental Cup, but felt it wasn’t worth the hassle.
Meanwhile in Wales, the Cardiff Devils authored the perfect response.
“We’ll play.”
Sorted.
