Cardiff vs Odense Bulldogs

After a frenetic Saturday that saw multiple players ejected across both benches, Sunday's game played out at a noticeably calmer tempo. Cardiff dictated the pace from the opening face-off and built a lead they never surrendered.

Defenceman Brandon Estes — named Man of the Match by the Devils — opened the scoring. The former Odense player, who followed Thompson from the Danish club after their 2025 championship, has quickly become a key figure at both ends of the ice for Cardiff.

The Devils extended their advantage through further goals, while goaltender Ben Bowns handled the majority of the workload between the pipes. Bowns was replaced by Thomas Murdie (#34) for the final two minutes of the third period with the result already secure.

Odense pulled a goal back but never seriously threatened Cardiff's lead. The Bulldogs' Frederik Sogaard (#30) was named their Man of the Match.

The most significant moment of the weekend preceded Sunday's puck-drop. Riley Brandt — who scored twice and received a game misconduct for Checking from Behind on Saturday — was absent from the lineup. Kohen Olischefski, ejected for Slashing on Saturday, was also absent.

Whether by team suspension or coach's decision, sitting two of Saturday's three ejected players changed the complexion of Sunday's game. Without the same friction points, the officiating crew kept control and the hockey — not the extracurriculars — dominated.

• Brandon Estes (Cardiff) — Man of the Match: The defenceman scored a goal and was rock-solid in his own zone. His knowledge of the Odense system, acquired during his Danish title-winning season, was evident throughout.
• Ben Bowns (Cardiff): The veteran goaltender was composed during his extended run, making crucial saves during Odense's pushback periods and limiting rebounds effectively.
• Frederik Sogaard (Odense) — Man of the Match (visitors): The Bulldogs' netminder kept the scoreline respectable, facing heavy Cardiff pressure across the three periods.

Cardiff complete their opening pre-season weekend with a 2-0 record against Danish opposition. The contrast between Saturday's chaos and Sunday's control will please Thompson, who expressed displeasure at the physical escalation in the first game.

The Devils continue their pre-season schedule on Saturday 22 August when they host France's Ducs d'Angers at Vindico Arena (19:00 BST). Odense return to Denmark to continue their own preparations for the Metal Ligaen season.

A professional, low-drama pre-season win. Cardiff showed they could win both ways — Saturday's firewagon hockey and Sunday's structured control — but the latter is far closer to the formula that will serve them in the EIHL season. Estes looks like one of the summer's smartest acquisitions.