After what has felt like an eternity for Welsh ice hockey fans Cardiff Devils will be welcoming back their supporters.
This follows a statement regarding the roadmap to alert level 0 plan set out by the Welsh Government.
Under previous rules indoor sports weren’t allowed spectators and outdoor events could only have 50.
This rose to 500 for outdoor events over the weekend but with indoor events still to be played behind closed doors.
Spectators can now return to indoor sporting events on the 21st of January.
In a statement on the website the club excitedly announced this, saying: “We at the Cardiff Devils are pleased to confirm that fans will return to match nights at Ice Arena Wales from Friday January 28th, 2022.
“And it couldn’t be better timing as we welcome you back with back-to-back games against the Fife Flyers (Friday 28th) and the Nottingham Panthers (Saturday 29th).”
Wales will go back to alert level 0 from these dates and will hopefully remain there.
The Red Army Returns
Fans are optimistic about getting back to the Ice Arena and the prospect of game nights again.
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Unfortunately, not all restrictions will be dropped with the club unsure whether masks will be required.
Fans won’t be too concerned however as they can finally return to watching their favourite team play.
Players Say
Netminder Mac Curruth is pleased fans will be back soon, saying: “I think it’s great obviously it was terrible we lost them in the first place. I think it’s a lot of weight off our front office.
“Todd and Katrina deserve a standing ovation from all the fans and players getting this organisation through this trying time.”
He says the side have missed the fans who are a crucial part of their team: “We are also looking forward to the red army back in the house obviously they have been missed.”
Looking Ahead
Between now and the 28th there are two more home games which will be played behind closed doors.
The Dundee Stars on the 19th and the Belfast Giants on the 22nd.
However, the Dundee game is available on Premier Sports and the Giants game will be streamed on Devils TV.
And fans who bought tickets for the Cup clash with the Stars will be reimbursed with a match night ticket voucher.
Fans are being asked to be patient though as the club works through a high volume of orders.
Tickets for the first two games back go on sale from the 17th of January (9am).
The tickets for games in February will go on sale the 18th of January (9am).
