Manchester Storm welcomed the table-topping Cardiff Devils to a packed Shelter on Saturday night, but unfortunately, from the Storm’s perspective, it was straight into the fire as they suffered a 6-0 defeat.

The opening period saw both sides struggling to generate meaningful scoring opportunities. The only notable chance fell to Ehrhardt at the back post, whose effort was somehow thwarted by an impressive extension of the leg from new recruit Burman in the 18th minute.

A highly questionable penalty call against Martin in the closing seconds of the first period was converted at the start of the second by Sanford, who dropped to one knee at the back post to score. A period of dominance by the Devils was met with outstanding shot-stopping from Weninger, as the Storm netminder battled valiantly to keep the hosts in contention. However, a delayed penalty goal by O’Brien in the 30th minute finally broke Manchester’s defensive resolve, with the Cardiff forward quickest to a net-front puck scramble.

The Storm had a golden opportunity to claw their way back with an extended 5-on-3 power play but were unable to capitalise. To make matters worse, the Devils swiftly converted their own 5-on-3 opportunity just moments later, with the impressive O’Brien striking again.

A lapse in concentration at the start of the third period allowed the Devils to extend their lead to four goals. MacDonald then completed his hat-trick on the power play in the 46th minute, and less than a minute later, Martin added a sixth for Cardiff. Manchester were left to rue their missed chances from earlier in the game. Storm talisman Dallas Ehrhardt provided a brief moment of consolation for the home fans, defeating Gourley in a lopsided fight towards the end of the game, offering a glimmer of relief on an otherwise disappointing night.

Words by: Callum Schora