Bowns shutout sees Devils into Continental Cup Final

Photo: James Assinder

Ben Bowns stopped all 12 shots he faced as Cardiff Devils beat HDD Acroni Jesenice from Slovenia to book their place in the IIHF Continental Cup Final Round in January with a 3-0 win.

The Welsh side were too strong for their Alps Hockey League opponents and won the game thanks to a goal in each period. Josh Brittain's neat pass set Sam Duggan free through the slot and he shot high past Antti Karjalainen to make it 1-0 with 17:38 played.

In period two, calm heads from Blake Thompson and Trevor Cox set up neat passing to allow Joey Martin to finish into a gaping cage at 25:49. Cole Sanford slotted home with 8:50 left in the final period to round off a comfortable win for the Devils and ensure they won Group E with a game to spare.