The Devils emerge first out of the deepest, darkest depths of the offseason.

Devils first out the depths of post-season.

In this long-awaited return to the ice, the Cardiff Devils clashed with the Rapaces de Gap in what marked the first pre-season meeting for an Elite League team since the final whistle of the playoffs. The anticipation in the arena crackled with energy, and the crowd was treated to a spectacle rich in goals and drama. Supporters were kept on the edge of their seats, and even the loyal Rapaces fans were rewarded with a goal of their own. It was a night that promised entertainment and delivered on every count, rekindling the thrill of hockey after the long, shadowy lull of the offseason.

The Devils faced notable absences with Cole Sandford, Riley Brandt, Tyson Helgesson, and Kristoff Kontos all out of the lineup. Yet, change brought opportunity: Jake Bryceland made his debut, arriving fresh from the newly extended affiliation with the Bristol Pitbulls, while Sam Smith also joined the roster. Their inclusion injected a sense of renewal and possibility, ushering in fresh energy and hinting at the dynamic direction the team may take in the season ahead.

The action on the ice mirrored the excitement off it: the Devils struck first, with Nolan Yaremko opening the scoring on the powerplay at 10:05, sending a surge of energy through the stands. Not long after, it was Gleason Fournier who doubled the advantage, finding the net at 21:35 with a deft finish, courtesy of a well-timed assist from Evan Mosey. Mosey’s influence grew as the match wore on, setting up Brett Perlini for a third Devils goal just 59 seconds later at 22:34—a flurry of precision and poise that left the Rapaces reeling.

The French side, however, were not to be outdone entirely. Tempers flared, penalties were exchanged, and during a 5-on-3 powerplay, the Rapaces de Gap found a way through, rekindling hopes among their travelling faithful. Yet, the Devils responded with characteristic composure. Once again, Nolan Yaremko stood tall in the blue paint, pouncing on a loose puck for a quick rebound at 37:41. This goal was made all the more special by the involvement of Jake Bryceland, who notched his first professional point at this level—a proud milestone for the young recruit and his family, the kind of moment that marks a new chapter in a promising career.

As the clock wound down, the Devils cemented their superiority. Ryan Barrow delivered the fifth and final blow at 56:13, with Brett Perlini collecting another point—this time an assist—effectively shutting the door on any Rapaces de Gap revival in the Welsh capital. The final whistle brought with it a sense of optimism: Paul Thompson and his coaching staff’s bold decisions to blend new faces with the reliably brilliant core had paid off, setting the tone for a pre-season campaign brimming with promise and ambition.