Canucks' Season Ends in Playoff Quarterfinal

Haringey gain revenge for last year's playoff defeat with 7-2 victory

LONDON — The Cardiff Canucks' season came to an end on Saturday, March 28th at Alexandra Palace, falling 7-2 to the Haringey Huskies in a one-off playoff quarterfinal knockout game.

In front of a sellout crowd that created an electric atmosphere, two teams who have battled intensely over the past two seasons met with everything on the line. Last year, Cardiff had knocked Haringey out of the playoffs. This time, the Huskies gained their revenge.

Haringey, who had been missing key players the previous weekend, returned to full strength for the playoff clash. Notably, Petr Cech—the former Chelsea goalkeeper who had been instrumental in Haringey's earlier win at Cardiff—was between the pipes and once again proved difficult to beat.

The game was an end-to-end display in the opening stages, but Haringey established control early, taking a 2-0 lead into the first intermission. Cardiff fought back in the second period with goals from Giacomo Raffaelli, cutting the deficit to 3-2 heading into the final frame.

However, Haringey carried a power play into the third period and scored quickly to extend their lead. Trailing and needing to chase the game, Cardiff were forced into desperate offensive plays that left them vulnerable to counterattacks. Haringey capitalized on the openings, pulling further ahead.

With Cardiff down 6-2 and time running out, the decision to pull the goalie for an extra attacker led to an empty-net goal, making the final score 7-2.

Despite the scoreline, the Canucks were backed by a huge traveling contingent from South Wales. The Cardiff faithful were loud and proud throughout the evening, providing unwavering support for their team in what proved to be the final game of the season.

The away support has been a constant throughout the campaign, with Cardiff fans making their presence felt at rinks across the league. Combined with the packed crowds at home all season long, the supporters have made a real difference, driving the team forward in both good times and challenging moments.

The defeat ends a memorable campaign for the Canucks, who finished the regular season in sixth place and secured their playoff berth. While the result wasn't what the team or fans had hoped for, the season provided many highlights and moments of growth for the developing squad.