The 2013/14 Cardiff Devils – Season Preview

The Cardiff Devils kicked off their first pre-season game in Coventry on Wednesday evening, and made their home debut on Saturday, playing Danish team Esbjerg.

But before we can scrutinise them on the ice, it’s time to look at the Devils on paper.

Looking back at last season, it’s fair to say the lack of stability affected the Devils greatly. With several departures and arrivals, as well as injuries, the Devils never hit their stride, finishing bottom of their conference and fifth in the league. However, after a fairly average season, the Devils did manage to reach the Final Four weekend in Nottingham. It’s no secret that the Devils have made every Playoff weekend since the inception of the EIHL; an impressive achievement both the club and its faithful fans are very proud of.

Over the off season, coaches Gerad Adams and Neil Francis have been working hard to put together a more physical and hard hitting Devils team, which will punish the opposition when they visit the “Big Blue Tent”. That coupled with offensive threat and one of the best British contingents, means hockey fans around the UK are tipping them to be dark horses in the race to the League Title. Let’s take a look at the team in more depth.

Goaltenders

At the beginning of the off season, it was announced that netminder Frank Doyle was a Devil. Coventry thought they had him, Cardiff signed him, but in the end it wasn’t meant to be, as Doyle eventually joined Sheffield.

This was a major blow for the Devils and it was thought Adams and Francis wouldn’t be able to match Doyle’s quality. That was until the coaching duo pulled off a major recruitment coup, which has been heralded as the signing of the season. Step forward Dan LaCosta, a former Columbus Blue Jacket who has 4 NHL games to his name, including a shutout against the Colorado Avalanche. LaCosta also has over 100 games in the American League and for the past three years has been studying and playing hockey at New Brunswick University, where he led them to the CIAU National Championship. His calibre of netminding does not usually grace the Elite League. For this reason, LaCosta has the potential to be one of the best goalies this season.

Back-stopping LaCosta is Cardiff born Joe Myers, who returns to the Welsh club for his seventh season in Devils colours.

Defence

The Devils have recognised continuity as an important trait for any hockey team and with this in mind there aren’t many changes to the Devils defence. Returning to the blueline are import players Tyson Marsh, Mark Smith and player-coach Gerad Adams; all of whom are hardworking and reliable at the back end. Also returning is English born Mark Richardson, who is one of the best British offensive defenceman currently in the league; a commodity which the Devils have done well to hold on to.

New faces to the line-up are lynchpins Brad Plumton and Adam Ross. Plumton will play a strong two-way game, adding offence from the blueline, while not being afraid to drop the gloves for his teammates, which is sure to make him a fan favourite. Ross, whose 6’4″ and 210 lbs, plays a more defensive style game and will be a big attribute to the penalty kill. The 26 year old led his team in fights for the past two seasons when icing for the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL.

Forwards

The Devils started their recruitment back in February, signing fans favourite Mac Faulkner, who was a leading points scorer up until a serious knee injury cut his season short. Also returning are import players Chris Blight and Max Birbraer. These three forwards are hugely talented and will once again be an offensive threat for the Devils.

In terms of British talent, the Devils have this in abundance, retaining almost an identical Brit pack to last season. GB Stars Phil Hill and Ben Davies have re-signed, along with up and coming players Josh Batch, Luke Piggott, Rupert Quiney and Chris Jones. However, this off season there was an addition to the British ranks; Cardiff born Matthew Myers joined the Devils from League Champions Nottingham Panthers. The 28 year old is a specialist in the face-off circle and will be a big attribute to the Welsh club.

There are just two new import forwards that have been added to the Devils line-up, in the form of the Andrews, Conboy and Lord. Conboy is a hard-hitting power forward, whose combination of toughness and skill will make him popular with the Red Army. Lord, who was drafted by Montreal in 2007, is a hard working team player. The Canadian will take an instrumental part in providing physicality, while also being a contributor to offence.

Looking at the forwards, the Devils have assembled a group which will pack a punch, both literally and figuratively. The ability to roll four lines will make the difference for this team and the options for the coaching staff will greatly enhance their chances for silverware.

In summary, it is clear to see Adams and Francis have recruited with both continuity and physicality in mind. This Devils roster is certainly gutsy and it’s going to be one hell of a season ahead.