tag:,2008:/198 2008-04-29T09:22:35Z Reaction from the expert... and the fans Movable Type 3.31 tag:echoicehockey.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://198.45425 2008-04-29T09:18:48Z 2008-04-29T09:22:35Z

HARD-hitting forward Derek Campbell has verbally agreed to sign for Cardiff Devils....

Terry Phillips HARD-hitting forward Derek Campbell has verbally agreed to sign for Cardiff Devils. Campbell was with Basingstoke Bison last season and Devils coach Gerad Adams said today: "Derek is an Ian McIntyre-style player." Adams is also in talks with a number of other players in Britain, Europe and North America. Adams, who returns to Cardiff in May, is also talking to other imports and British players, saying: "I am making good progress and hope to have more news within a couple of weeks." Which players would you like to see playing for the Devils next season? Let me know. tag:echoicehockey.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://198.45424 2008-04-29T09:11:34Z 2008-04-29T09:18:16Z

CARDIFF Devils could have an extra import ice hockey player in their line-up for 2008-2009....

Terry Phillips CARDIFF Devils could have an extra import ice hockey player in their line-up for 2008-2009. New proposals by Elite League owners have given teams who finish fifth or lower the chance to include an extra non-British trained player. And they will clamp down hard on any teams who break the wage cap with a 15-points penalty plus the loss of one import player for the following season. The top four from last season Coventry, Sheffield, Nottingham and Belfast cannot have an extra import, while the other six teams can give themselves an edge by going with 11 non-Brits. That would probably mean looking towards Europe - Cardiff have had Slovakians Mat Petricko and Lucas Komarec in recent seasons - in a bid to beat the rising cost of leading British players. The proposal on the table for the next board meeting - it hasn't been signed off yet - suggests a lower wage cap and a higher wage cap. Any team who finished fifth or lower last season - Cardiff were in sixth place - can add an 11th import player if they are within the lower cap. If they spend above that limit they will be restricted to the usual 10 imports. Top four Coventry Blaze, Sheffield Steelers, Nottingham Panthers and Belfast Giants can only have 10 anyway. And the League have said they will clamp down on any team who breaks the upper wage limit. They could be punished with a 15-points deduction and be restricted to nine non-British trained players the following season. "The proposals have not been signed off yet, but they have been put forward and there is merit in the ideas," said Devils' director of hockey Shannon Hope. "Certainly, we will be within the wage cap and it is hoped that every team sticks to the limit." tag:echoicehockey.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://198.45244 2008-04-26T14:09:57Z 2008-04-26T14:11:02Z

CARDIFF Devils are in talks with hard-hitting import forward Derek Campbell....

Terry Phillips CARDIFF Devils are in talks with hard-hitting import forward Derek Campbell. Canadian left-wing Campbell played for Basingstoke Bison last season, firing 18 goals with 30 assists in 58 Elite League matches. Devils' coach Gerad Adams is keen on Campbell, although no deal has been struck yet. Campbell is a former East Coast League forward with Toledo Storm and Victoria Salmon, while he was with Memphis Riverkings before coming to Britain and signing for Basingstoke last season. For full details see your South Wales Echo on Monday. tag:echoicehockey.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://198.44621 2008-04-19T14:15:03Z 2008-04-19T14:25:38Z

CARDIFF Devils' new management team are already working towards the next ice hockey season....

Terry Phillips CARDIFF Devils' new management team are already working towards the next ice hockey season. Owner Martin Burge does not officially take over until the end of this month, but he is planning ahead with director of hockey Shannon Hope. Gerad Adams has already been re-appointed head coach and will focus on that role rather than playing on, while Brad Voth has already committed to the team again. Brent Pope and media officer Anne Hall are also staying with the Devils. The club are also moving into new offices in the city centre. Import levels are staying the same for next season - 10 plus British players - while the same 10 clubs will play in Elite League. tag:echoicehockey.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://198.44061 2008-04-12T10:03:42Z 2008-04-12T10:08:55Z

GERAD Adams is confirmed as Cardiff Devils coach for 2008-2009 and captain Brad Voth could be first to sign....

Terry Phillips GERAD Adams is confirmed as Cardiff Devils coach for 2008-2009 and captain Brad Voth could be first to sign. Talks between the two have already started, while Adams chatted to Sylvain Deschatelets before he flew home to North America. Adams is already working on recruiting his team, but he had no time to move in on a leading British target. He was keen on Hull Stingrays' Dave Phillips, but the 6ft 3ins player has signed for Belfast Giants. This weekend the Devils will be checking out the English Premier League play-off finals at Coventry looking for talent. Which players would you bring back for next season? tag:echoicehockey.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://198.43814 2008-04-10T00:39:02Z 2008-04-10T00:42:44Z

MATT Burge, new owner of the Cardiff Devils, is to meet with ice hockey fans at St Peter's Church Hall next Tuesday (7.30pm)....

Terry Phillips MATT Burge, new owner of the Cardiff Devils, is to meet with ice hockey fans at St Peter's Church Hall next Tuesday (7.30pm). Everybody is welcome including families. Director of hockey Shannon Hope said: "Ice hockey is a family sport - and we want to see people of all ages coming to matches. "We are working hard towards next season and we will outline our plans during the public meeting on Tuesday. This is a new start for Cardiff Devils." The Devils will be making a number of announcements during the meeting about coach Gerad Adams, who is set to sign a new contract, and players for next season. Don't miss my regular Devils ice hockey column in the Western Mail every Thursday - and, of course, the South Wales Echo has coverage of the Elite League club every day. tag:echoicehockey.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://198.43684 2008-04-09T07:25:30Z 2008-04-09T07:29:04Z

GERAD Adams has his contract offer for next season....

Terry Phillips GERAD Adams has his contract offer for next season. It now looks certain Adams will again be in charge of Cardiff Devils' fortunes on the ice. Canadian forward Adams, who will be 30 next month, agreed terms yesterday and now has a written contract offer. It is unlikely he will continue playing, although that is yet to be confirmed. Adams has confirmed goalscoring centre Mark Smith is among his targets for next season. Captain Brad Voth, Jason Silverthorn and Max Birbraer are among the players Adams wants to return, while Sylvain Deschatelets, Mike Garrow, Tyson Teplitsky and Matus Petricko have all yet to decide on their futures. It is felt general manager and bench coach Brent Pope will be staying with Cardiff Devils, although with Hope becoming director of hockey and Adams probably concentrating on coaching his exact role has not yet been defined. Cardiff Devils are organising a fans evening, probably for next week, when they are hoping to announce a couple of signings. See the full story in today's South Wales Echo. tag:echoicehockey.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://198.43616 2008-04-08T12:18:10Z 2008-04-08T12:27:45Z

STEVE Thornton is the new player-coach of Belfast Giants....

Terry Phillips STEVE Thornton is the new player-coach of Belfast Giants. The former Cardiff Devils player is now officially in charge of the Giants for next season. He was Basingstoke Bison assistant coach this season and was at the Elite League play-offs weekend, where he had talks with Belfast officials. Thornton was a fantastic player for the Devils - and formed that outstanding blackline with Ken Hodge and Ivan Matulik. Great memories! tag:echoicehockey.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://198.43607 2008-04-08T12:08:13Z 2008-04-08T12:17:20Z

CARDIFF Devils players said farewell to ice hockey fans last night....

Terry Phillips CARDIFF Devils players said farewell to ice hockey fans last night. They had food at the Hard Rock cafe followed by a social in O'Neill's Bar, Cardiff. Matt Towe, who is with Great Britain, and Max Birbraer, who has linked up withthe Israeli team, were the only players missing. Gerad Adams is due to be confirmed as next seasons coach today - and it is probable he will not be playing. With Dion Darling retiring and goalie Phil Osaer joining Norwegian club Sparta Warriors there will probably be big changes for next season. Tyson Teplitskiy, certainly, will be a major target for clubs around Europe and North America. He is, though, staying in Cardiff until June because of his studies. Captain Brad Voth, Max Birbraer, Jason Silverthorn, Jason Stone, Matt Towe and Sylvain Deschatelets are all among the players who could come back. D-man Mike Garrow is uncertain what he will do for next season, but having chatted to him last night he is certainly open to coming back. There was a meeting with new owner Matt Burge planned for tonight, but that has been postponed. It was felt that with the play-off finals weekend and last night's farewell social that the launch of Devils' new era should be next week. Details are to be announced soon. See an interview with goalie Phil Osaer in today's South Wales Echo - and read about the NHL team who were keen to sign him for next season. tag:echoicehockey.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://198.43329 2008-04-06T17:31:52Z 2008-04-06T17:33:40Z

SHEFFIELD Steelers have won the Elite League play-offs....

Terry Phillips SHEFFIELD Steelers have won the Elite League play-offs. They emerged 2-0 winners in the final at the National Ice Centre, Nottingham. The goals were from Phillips and Tessier. It was exactly the result predicted by Cardiff's Max Birbraer after the Devils went out against Steelers in the semi-finals. tag:echoicehockey.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://198.43323 2008-04-06T16:39:58Z 2008-04-06T16:41:19Z

AT the end of the second period in Nottingham Sheffield lead Coventry 2-0....

Terry Phillips AT the end of the second period in Nottingham Sheffield lead Coventry 2-0. Dan Tessier scored Steelers second goal. Jody Lehman, in the Sheffield goal, has kept out the Blaze. One period left in the Elite League play-off final. tag:echoicehockey.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://198.43318 2008-04-06T15:48:31Z 2008-04-06T15:54:20Z

CARDIFF-born Jonathan Phillips scored to put Sheffield Steelers ahead against Coventry after the first period of the Elite League ice hockey final in Nottingham....

Terry Phillips CARDIFF-born Jonathan Phillips scored to put Sheffield Steelers ahead against Coventry after the first period of the Elite League ice hockey final in Nottingham. Coventry struggled on their powerplay, which had been so effective against Newcastle in the 4-2 semi-final win, and Steelers had the edge in a close final. Did you stay in Nottingham - or make the trip to Wembley? tag:echoicehockey.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://198.43311 2008-04-06T14:24:52Z 2008-04-06T14:27:06Z

A NUMBER of Cardiff Devils fans had a dilemma solved by their defeat against Sheffield....

Terry Phillips A NUMBER of Cardiff Devils fans had a dilemma solved by their defeat against Sheffield. There were plenty who had tickets for Cardiff City's FA Cup semi-final date at Wembley today - and would have been left with a major decision had the Devils won against Sheffield Steelers. Their defeat, 2-1 in a semi-final, made it easy and there were a number of Welsh cars on the M1 driving from Nottingham, where the ice hockey finals were held, to Wembley Stadium in London. tag:echoicehockey.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://198.43310 2008-04-06T14:17:50Z 2008-04-06T14:24:33Z

I CHATTED to Gerad Adams this morning and he's hugely disappointed....

Terry Phillips I CHATTED to Gerad Adams this morning and he's hugely disappointed. The Devils, who travelled back to South Wales straight after the semi-final defeat against Sheffield Steelers, just didn't get their game going. They looked slow and cumbersome and that spark was missing from their game. Maybe it was the big occasion, but key players like Sylvain Deschatelets, Mike Garrow, Jason Silverthorn and more were not at their best. Max Birbraer mentioned the big ice surface at Nottingham in the past-match conference, but it was the same surface on which the Devils totally outplayed Nottingham Panthers in the quarter-finals. Now 'G' will complete talks with new owner Matt Burge about next season. He wants to stay and the new ownership want him to stay. That could be as coach only - and he would stay in training as an easy replacement for injuries. Adams has already chatted to three players about coming back next season, but he can't really make any big decisions until his own situation is sorted out. New director of hockey Shannon Hope will sit down with Adams in the week to sort out the details. On Monday night, the Devils players are at O'Neill's Bar in Cardiff for a farewell evening with fans. Max Birbraer has already flown out, to join the Israeli team for the World Championships, and Matt Towe has linked up with Great Britain. The rest of the players will be out with Devils' fans at the Hard Rock Cafe for food and then O'Neill's bar. tag:echoicehockey.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://198.43299 2008-04-05T19:44:40Z 2008-04-05T19:47:54Z

CARDIFF Devils crashed out of the Elite League play-offs....

Terry Phillips CARDIFF Devils crashed out of the Elite League play-offs. They lost 2-1 against Sheffield Steelers. It was a match in which Steelers always had the edge and deserved their win. Too many Devils player did not play at their best. Sylvain Deschatelets, a magnificent matchwinner in the quarter-final, was never able to show true ability. Mike Garrow, the most dependable of offensive D-man, was strangely off colour. It simply wasn't Devils' night and their season is over. They meet the fans for a final time on Monday evening at a farewell evening in Cardiff.