Cardiff Devils forward Joey Martin has been a key player for the team, winning six domestic trophies in just five seasons. Now, he is setting his sights on European success as the team gears up for the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Continental Cup for the third year in a row.
Despite finishing in third place in the 2023 and 2024 finals, Martin believes that last season was a missed opportunity for the Devils. He is determined to make it third time lucky and bring home the European title that has eluded them so far.
The Devils will be facing tough competition in Slovakia against teams like Vici Zilina, Rittner Buam from Italy, and Arlan Kokshetau from Kazakhstan. The Continental Cup is a prestigious tournament in European ice hockey, with teams from 20 countries competing for the title.
Cardiff’s strong performance in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), where they currently sit at the top with ten wins and two defeats, has given them confidence going into the Continental Cup. While their form in the Challenge Cup has been less consistent, Martin believes that they are making progress and playing with confidence.
As they prepare to face off against top European teams, Martin sees the Continental Cup as a great opportunity for the Devils to showcase their skills on a global stage. The team is motivated to make history by winning the cup for the first time in the club’s history.
With Cardiff’s domestic rivals, Sheffield Steelers, making waves in the Champions Hockey League (CHL) by reaching the last 16, Martin hopes that their success can bring more recognition to the EIHL. By performing well in Europe, both Cardiff and Sheffield are aiming to elevate the reputation of British hockey on the international scene.
For Martin and the Devils, the Continental Cup is not just about representing their league, but also about fulfilling a personal goal of winning a major European title. The team is focused and determined to give their all in the upcoming matches in Slovakia and bring home the coveted trophy.
As they face off against tough competition in Zilina, Slovakia, the Devils are ready to give it their all and showcase their skills on the European stage. The Continental Cup presents a unique opportunity for Cardiff to make history and cement their place among the top teams in European ice hockey.
