Sanford hat trick helps Devils past Stars

Photo: James Assinder

A hat trick from Cole Sanford kept Cardiff Devils in touch with the league's top three teams as his side beat Dundee Stars 5-3 at Ice Arena Wales.

The home side took an early lead in the game, with Sanford scoring just 14 seconds into the game on a breakaway. The Devils extended their lead to 2-0 with a goal from Brodie Reid at the 1:21 mark, as he deflected a shot into the net. Ian Parker got the Stars on the board at 7:09 with a quick, screened shot; but the Devils responded quickly, with Cole Sanford scoring his second goal of the game just 8 seconds later, a deflection off a shot from Reece Kelly to give the youngster his first professional point.

The Stars were able to cut the lead to 3-2 with a goal from Ben Sokay at 18:23, however, the Devils re-gained their two-goal lead with a goal from Ryan Penny at 19:02 the five hole of Anton Svensson.

In the second period, the Devils extended their lead to 5-2 with a goal from Cole Sanford, who completed his hat trick at 32:23 off a rebound. 

Ben Sokay scored the final goal of the game at 59:31, wrapping the puck around the leg of Ben Bowns and setting a final score of 5-3.