A 119-save performance from Adam Goss helped the Red Devils secure four points during the home opener weekend in Canterbury against the 2018 Birgel cup winner West Auckland Admirals.

The Admirals took the lead in the opening period with a powerplay goal from Andy Spiller and doubled the lead with a goal by Max Vesper early in the third, after a scoreless second period. The Devils levelled the playing field in the third period thanks to Matheson Graham and Robbie Banks on the powerplay to make it a tied game. After 60 minutes both teams took a point with the game going into 5-minute 3-on-3 overtime. Admirals took the win thanks to Canadian import David Nippard scoring the game-winner in overtime.

The Sunday’s game started with both teams missing a few opportunities, but the Devils managed to take the lead late in the first period with a goal by Mason Rees. Liam Dallimore puts the “2” on to the scoreboard early in the second but Admirals were able to even the game later in the period with goals from Dickson and Henderson. David Nippard sniped a one-timer giving visitors a lead with 13 minutes left on the clock. But the home team scored within just 90 seconds thanks to Matheson Graham. Robbie Banks gave the Devils an advantage with a powerplay goal and Chris Eaden sealed it with the final goal for the night, registering a 5-3 win for the home side

Photo: Josh Fraser

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