The Guildford Flames and Cardiff Devils both secured pre-season victories against French opposition in exhibition games on Saturday.
The Flames opened their season with a 4-1 road win over Jokers de Cergy-Pontoise, located north of Paris. Karl Boudrias and Cole Sanford each scored in the first period to give Guildford a two-goal advantage. Captain Matt Alvaro added a third goal in the second period, while Josh Waller struck late in the third. The hosts managed a consolation goal before the final buzzer. Just Fazio started in net for the first half of the game, with Brad Arvanitis taking over for the second half.
In Cardiff, the Devils defeated Ducs d’Angers 4-2 at the Vindico Arena. Josh MacDonald scored the opening goal in the first period. Ryan Barrow then converted a penalty shot and added even-strength marker with 4:34 remaining in the second period. Orrin Centazzo pulled one back for Angers before the intermission. Sami Tavernier tied the game with 12:23 left on the clock, but Joey Martin set up MacDonald for the go-ahead goal. Angers challenged for offside on the play, but former Nottingham Panthers coach Jonathan Paredes reviewed the score and upheld the goal. MacDonald completed his hat-trick with a slapshot at 59:14 to seal the victory.
Photo: Hayley Whipp