Cardiff Devils beat Belfast Giants in playoff final victory

Hedden's opening goal of the game Credit: Dave Williams

Belfast Giants were denied the Elite League Grand Slam following a 2-1 defeat to defending champions Cardiff Devils in the playoff final in Nottingham.

Giants, who had already secured the Elite League, Challenge Cup and Erhardt Conference trophies, fell behind to a Mike Hedden strike at 16.32.

Kevin Raine tied the game at 49.56 but Devils, having missed out on a third successive league title on the final day of the regular season, won it through Gleason Fournier at 52.27.

First Minister Mark Drakeford congratulated the Devils on their victory.