WalesOnline - Terry Phillips Ice Hockey

New Devils man Miller speaks from Sioux Lookout

2009-07-01T08:33:19Z

MATT Miller has signed for Cardiff Devils - the full story is in today's South Wales Echo - and he's delighted.
He's at home in Sioux Lookout, Ontario and I chatted to him last night.
Miller, who scored nine goals in 12 matches for Basingstoke Bison last season, will play on the first line alongside Mark Smith and Max Birbraer next season.
"I don't know Mark or Max personally, but from what I've heard it's going to be exciting playing on the same line," said Miller. "People I've spoken to have said they are outstanding players.
"I can't wait to get started. My time in Britain last season was brief because I wasn't paid for three weeks and took the offer of another job.
"But the hockey was a good standard and Cardiff Devils have a team who will be challenging for honours. See you in August."
See Thursday's Echo for a full interview with Devils' latest signing.

Devils close to signing partner for Smith and Birbraer

2009-06-29T14:10:44Z

CARDIFF Devils are close to confirming a new first line winger.
Coach Gerad Adams is back home in Canada completing his recruitment for the 2009-10 Elite League season.
He needs a player to join Max Birbraer and Mark Smith on the first line plus a third line centreman.
Devils have had talks with Colt King, who has played Central League hockey for Rocky Mountain Rage over the last two seasons.
King is a hard-hitting, goalscoring player who puts himself about and would be a big help for young British players.
It's difficult to see how Devils could afford King, who is 26-years-old. They have room on their budget for two more players and once they have the first line winger sorted out they will move for the third line player.

Romfo number eight for Devils

2009-06-26T07:58:15Z

EIGHT down - and two to go.
American Scott Romfo is Cardiff Devils' eighth signing for next season and an exclusive interview with the defenceman appears in today's South Wales Echo.
Player-coach Gerad Adams now has eight of his 10 imports confirmed. He needs a first line right-winger - and is close to getting his man - plus a third line centreman.
Romfo, from Blaine in Minnesota, says: "I've never been outside North America before. I'm excited about the new challenge ahead."
The 5ft 11ins D-man played a key role as South Caroline Stingrays won the East Coast league Kelly Cup championship last season and says: "That was an unbelievable achievement for the team, an awesome road to travel.
"We won the series against Alaska Aces in the final. There were two trips to the Alaska area, 4,500 miles each way and a total of 18,000 miles travelling just for those matches. We won the championship and it was all worthwhile.
"The coach, Gerad Adams, is putting together a strong team and I can't wait to get started. Winning a championship with Stingrays last season has whetted my appetite and I want more success.
"I'm a solid, two-way defenceman. I'm not flash and not the most skilled player in the world, but I do my job, work hard for the team and offensively I can make an impact."
Devils' eight imports signed so far are: Mark Smith, Max Birbraer, Jay Latulippe, Wes Jarvis, Mike Hartwick, Brad Voth, Gerad Adams, Scott Romfo.
The new Elite League season starts in September and Devils will bring their team - 11 imports pls British players - together at the end of August.

Myers flying out to California

2009-06-26T07:58:15Z

WELSH player Matt Myers is off to California.
The former Cardiff Devils forward has signed for Bakersfield Condors in the East Coast League.
That's a fantastic move for Myers, now a qualified chartered surveyor. He has finish his studies and is leaving Nottingham Panthers to play in the USA.
Personally, I'd love to see Myers back in a Devils shirt later in his career. He is a Cardiff boy and came through the youth development programme.
Myers, 24, said: "I'm thrilled, excited and nervous."
We wish him all the best.

New D-man agrees terms with Elite League Devils

2009-06-23T09:13:56Z

HEAD coach Gerad Adams flies home to Canada on Wednesday, having landed his final defenceman for the 2009-10 season.
The new import has agreed all terms and the deal will be confirmed as soon as the paperwork is completed. That will probably be on Friday - watch out for all the news in your South Wales Echo.
The D-man is new to British ice hockey and is a solid, offensive player who will play a big part for the Devils.
Devils' new D-man will also combine playign with studies at Cardiff Business School, along with Wes Jarvis and Mike Hartwick.
Adams flies out to complete his squad - and is in talks with a first line right-winger and a third line centreman.
Devils currently have seven imports signed - and they can ice a maximum of 10 in any one match.

Call from Adams: 'Let's stay patient and calm'

2009-06-19T06:05:12Z

GERAD Adams is asking for a little patience and understanding from fans as he works to complete his Cardiff Devils ice hockey team for 2009-10.
Coach Adams' success in bringing top forwards Mark Smith and Max Birbraer back to the club has fired up expectations among fans and Adams says: "Right now is a great time for ice hockey in Cardiff, but let's be patient and calm."
Adams has spent a large chunk of his budget on the players he has brought in so far - seven of his 10 imports are confirmed - and there are three new boys still to join his import contingent.
He faces some tough negotiating on terms as he works to bring in a defenceman - although that vacancy looks certain to be filled over the next few days - a first line right-wing and a third line centreman.
The D-man is being attracted by a Devils' package which allows him to play professional hockey and study. He will join team-mates Wes Jarvis and Mike Hartwick studying at ardiff Business School.
"Right now is a great time for us," says Adams. "The level of passion and commitment from everyone who works for and with the Devils is huge.
"We are all working to make this the finest hockey club in Britain, but these things take time. Nothing worth having comes easy. We are making big strides, but there's a lotof work left to do.
"We have got a great group of guys here for next year, and I only have a couple more pieces of the puzzle left to find. The remaining players will be the right ones for the team as a group and for their line mates or partners. Going out and signing a team of superstars can often backfire on you and I am keen to have the right mix of ability.
"We are a responsible hockey club and I have a budget to work with, something we stuck to last year and will continue to do so. WE won't take major risks to chase glory.
"Other Elite teams have tried that and failed repeatedly.
"We are going to be a force in this league, that is the goal for all of us. But we will do it with control and planning. Not iirresponsibility."

Devils ice hockey family together again

2009-06-19T06:05:12Z

IT'S fantastic news the Cardiff Devils ice hockey family are together again.
The Elite League and junior sections split a few years ago. It was never the right decision and everybody should be happy Devils are as one again.
Former Devils D-man Brent Pope is heading up the new organisation and a crucial factor is that junior secretary Mandy Powell is staying in her role.
That will ensure the transition runs smoothly.
Dave Newton is interim chairman for the Devils' juniors, but he is likely to step down and make way for a new chair when that is appropriate.
Elite League players will play their part in coaching young players when the new season starts.
The new partnership starts on August 1 and the Devils' organisation will be represented in Elite League, English National League Divisions One and Two plus under 16, under 14, under 12 and under 10 level. In addition, a Learn to Play programme is in place for the development of newcomers to the sport.
Many players have progressed through Devils' youth develpment ranks to the first team over the years and those currently playing Elite League hockey are Jason Stone, wo has his testimonial season in 2009-10, netminder Stevie Lyle, Phil Hill and Ben Davies.
Neil Francis has made the step up from long-serving player to bench coach for next season.
Devils owner Matt Burge is big on the club giving back to the community and he sees the juniors as a way of helping to do that..
"This is all about the Devils integrating and giving back to the community in Cardiff," said Burge. "We are having an impact on thousands of Cardiff's boys and girls introducing them to an active lifestyle and encouraging team participation.
"The look on the kids faces when they are training or learning with their heroes and such positive role models is priceless and shows a genuine pathway to success which I think is really important in any sport."

Devils' ENL team building for a tilt at the title

2009-06-18T07:50:55Z

CARDIFF Devils are making big strides on and off the ice towards the 2009-10 ice hockey season - and that's not only at Elite League level.
Watch out for Devils' English National League team.
Mark Cuddihy is coach and he's working closely with Gerad Adams as both build their teams.
Devils ENL team have Caerphilly-born Mike Brabon in goal, while Phil Manny is also back in South Wales.
Both have Elite League experience and will help Devils' ENL in their quest to challenge for honours.
Cuddihy is also talking to former Devils' defenceman James Manson about a return to action.
There is an abundance of young, talented players coming through the youth system and it could well be worth a trip down to Cardiff Bay next season for ENL hockey.

Devils closing in on new ice hockey D-man

2009-06-18T07:50:55Z

CARDIFF Devils now have seven of their 10 import players signed.
They now need a first line right-winger, third-line centreman and a defenceman.
Coach Gerad Adams has the D-man he wants and hopes to clinch the signing within days.
The new player will join Mike Hartwick and Wes Jarvis studying at Cardiff Business School, combining studies with playing.
Devils need a first line winger to jin Mark Smith and Max Birbraer plus a young, feisty centre to spark up Devils' third line.
The team is developing well. The return of Mark Richardson on D is a massive boost, while Cardiff-born Stevie Lyle will be in goal and that allows Adams to have 10 import skaters.
The new season starts at the end of August and season ticket sales have swept beyond last season's total. Devils have currently sold around 450 - and those big signings of Smith and Birbraer will help the cause immensely.

Mark and Max together again for Devils

2009-06-18T07:50:55Z

MARK Smith and Max Birbraer are back together again. What a coup for Cardiff Devils coach Gerad Adams.
The pair are almost telepathic on the ice. They seem to know where their partner is instinctively. Every team in Elite League would have loved to sign them, but they will be playing on the first line for Devils.
Fantastic.
The next step, of course, is to sign a right-winger to join them. 'Smitty' will play centre, Max on the left and Adams must find an import who can complement those two.
Adams will chat to Smith and Birbraer before making his decision. If he gets it right then Elite League watch out!

Prpich back on ice in Cardiff Bay

2009-06-15T10:25:43Z

MIKE Prpich, surprisingly released by Cardiff Devils last week after an internal disciplinary issue, has been back on the ice at the Cardiff Bay Arena.
Forward Prpich, Devils' top scorer last season, joined an impromptu training session along with around 15 other players.
They included Phil Hill, Jason Stone and Wes Jarvis.
Devils' player-coach watched most of the session from the side.
Prpich is now a free agent and is deciding on his future.

Season ticket sales rising for Devils

2009-06-15T10:21:18Z

SEASON ticket sales at Cardiff Devils have soared past the 2008-09 total - and the signing of Mark Smith will lift interest again.
Smith's commitment shows again Devils are flat out to challenge the best teams in Elite League next season.
More than 430 season tickets have already been sold and Devils are hoping the signing of Smith plus more arrivals over the next week or so will bring in even more new season ticket holders.
Details on tickets can be obtained from 0844 8012010 or via tickets@cardiffdevils.com

Mark of class back in Devils ranks

2009-06-15T10:12:51Z

TODAY'S news that Mark Smith is back with Cardiff Devils marks a massive leap in recruiting progress - and there's more to come.
Smith, a player rated 'the best in Elite League hockey' when he played for Devils during 2005-06 and scored 82 points.
He's been playing in Italy's Elite League for the last couple of seasons, but he is now committed to a Devils' return.
I've been chatting a fair bit to coach Gerad Adams and he has some big players lined up.
He is keen to keep things quiet until he has those players signed and confirmed, but the Devils team is certainly shaping up.
Adams is changing the style of the Devils team for 2009-10.
Brad Voth plus a few others will ensure the much needed tough edge remains in place, while signings like Smith will make sure Devils gave speed and skill on the ice.
They will pass rather than dump and chase, which was a necessity at times last season as Devils worked to stabilise the club during the first season under owner Matt Burge.
Now Cardiff Devils are looking to build on that first season - on and off the ice.
Watch out for more new signings - on defence and offence.
Cardiff Devils now have six of their 10 import signings with two more looking certain to be announced quickly.
The new Elite League ice hockey season starts in September, although fixtures have not yet been announced.
Cardiff Devils signings:
Import players (maximum 10 in any one game): Mark Smith, Jay Latulippe, Wes Jarvis, Mike Hartwick, Gerad Adams, Brad Voth.
British players: Stevie Lyle (nm), Mike Brabon (nm), Dorian Smith (nm), Phil Hill, Jason Stone, Mark Richardson, Jamie Hayes, Ben Davies, Corey Watkins, Steve Fisher.

Hill leads Devils in off-season fitness drive

2009-06-09T19:17:23Z

CARDIFF Devils players are already preparing for the 2009-10 season.
They get together on a Wednesday at David Lloyd Leisure Club in Cardiff. Phil Hill sets the fitness programmes - and he sets a fierce pace.
Coach Gerad Adams is among those training regularly at David Lloyd.
Once a week, players who are in the area train together on ice at Cardiff Bay Arena.
Hill is just back from America, where he attended Jason Stone's wedding in Las Vegas.
Neil Francis, who will be bench coach next season, was also in Vegas.

Manny signs up for ENL Devils

2009-06-09T19:15:52Z

PHIL Manny has signed for the English National League Cardiff Devils.
Coach Mark Cuddihy is working to ensure Devils launch an even stronger bid for honours in 2009-10, having challenged the top teams last season.
Mike Brabon, from Caerphilly, is back in Wales and will be in goal, while Manny's return is a major boost.
Cuddihy is also in talks with former Devils defenceman James Manson in a bid to persuade him to come out of retirement.