WEBVTT
00:00:00.400 --> 00:00:03.520
Today's podcast is brought to you by Minerva Hearing.
00:00:03.680 --> 00:00:05.759
Hear the cheers, protect your ears.
00:00:06.320 --> 00:00:07.839
Shemai Powerback Kroysar.
00:00:08.000 --> 00:00:14.960
Hello, everybody, and welcome back to another episode of Devil's Insider with me, Dan Ruther, alongside Gareth Hewish and Neil Francis.
00:00:15.039 --> 00:00:16.960
Guys, it's wonderful to be back once again.
00:00:17.120 --> 00:00:19.039
And there's plenty to get through on today's show.
00:00:19.120 --> 00:00:19.760
Guys, how are you doing?
00:00:19.839 --> 00:00:20.480
You been alright?
00:00:20.640 --> 00:00:21.359
Yeah, I'm good.
00:00:21.440 --> 00:00:21.839
Thank you.
00:00:21.920 --> 00:00:28.480
Of uh taking advantage of the uh Saturday and also Sunday and Monday off and gone away for a little bit.
00:00:28.559 --> 00:00:34.560
So I'm nice and recharged and ready to move my stuff into the Vindicole for October, because that's where I'll be living.
00:00:34.719 --> 00:00:35.119
Oh yes.
00:00:35.280 --> 00:00:38.880
Franny, it's uh it's always nice to have maybe the Sunday off and just get away a little bit.
00:00:39.039 --> 00:00:43.039
Yeah, I think I said on the webcast the Friday night home games are my favourite.
00:00:43.119 --> 00:00:49.280
You know, they it never was a thing back in the day, but uh first of all, I find the energy and excitement is there.
00:00:49.359 --> 00:00:52.640
Everyone's just finished work for the week and you know, looking forward to the weekend.
00:00:52.719 --> 00:00:54.240
So the energy is always high.
00:00:54.399 --> 00:00:57.759
Um, and then it gives you it just feels like the weekend is longer, doesn't it?
00:00:57.920 --> 00:01:02.719
It gives you that extra day on the weekend um to yeah, to make the most of it.
00:01:02.960 --> 00:01:03.840
Make the most of it.
00:01:03.920 --> 00:01:04.159
We did.
00:01:04.239 --> 00:01:06.319
We're gonna talk about the weekend, just gone a little bit.
00:01:06.400 --> 00:01:10.400
The Devils, once again, for the third weekend in a row, split the weekend, one win, one loss.
00:01:10.480 --> 00:01:12.719
They start on Friday with a win over Nottingham.
00:01:12.799 --> 00:01:15.359
Gaz, it was a good performance, I thought.
00:01:15.599 --> 00:01:16.159
Yeah, it was.
00:01:16.239 --> 00:01:17.439
It was an entertaining game.
00:01:17.599 --> 00:01:26.959
I thought to start off with, you had both teams who were maybe a little bit edgy and a little bit aware that they it was a game that they couldn't lose.
00:01:27.120 --> 00:01:36.000
Um, but I thought as the game went on then and the the stakes sort of upped and they realized that as close a game as it was, someone had to go for the win.
00:01:36.159 --> 00:01:38.719
It kind of opened up and it had a bit of spice to it as well.
00:01:38.799 --> 00:01:40.799
It had a bit of an edge, had a bit of a temperature.
00:01:40.959 --> 00:01:50.239
Um, so all in all, I thought it was a really, really entertaining uh 60 minutes from uh from two good sides, and um, yeah, the result was the right one in the end.
00:01:50.480 --> 00:01:54.879
It was Franny, it was uh kind of what we've seen from the Devils at home this season.
00:01:54.959 --> 00:01:56.959
It was once again a pickup from that, really.
00:01:57.200 --> 00:02:01.280
Yeah, I uh I said other webcasts I liked the intent that the devils came out with.
00:02:01.359 --> 00:02:04.079
I thought the the pace of the game was high.
00:02:04.239 --> 00:02:11.919
I thought they looked to get on the four check really well, finish hits, uh, and yeah, I just set there was a sense of purpose about the game.
00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:15.360
Um I called it a must-win game, and it I it really was.
00:02:15.840 --> 00:02:19.759
And uh the devils came out playing that way.
00:02:19.919 --> 00:02:28.080
So yeah, I liked what I saw, and you know, as the game went on, you know, lots of flash points, and I just think those kind of games really suit us.
00:02:28.319 --> 00:02:30.800
Yeah, we'll we'll pick out a couple of guys that we thought were really good.
00:02:30.879 --> 00:02:40.159
Uh the three that stood out for me really in the game were Fournier Stover and Yure, and and and Gaz, you know, for different reasons, Fournier took that power play goal really nicely, and he's coming up with a few goals, his fawns.
00:02:40.319 --> 00:02:45.520
Yeah, he's in a really rich vein of form, and he started off this season uh as he ended the last.
00:02:45.680 --> 00:02:57.599
It's kind of strange really because you know he's he's you expect a player to get kind of worse as as they get older, but Fawn since coming back has kind of gone in the reverse sense.
00:02:57.759 --> 00:03:07.280
His first year, uh maybe he didn't reach the heights that he had, but then year on year over the last three, he seems to get him back to to where he was before he left us.
00:03:07.439 --> 00:03:18.319
So um, yeah, just uh for me at the moment, Fawns is just seeing those skating lanes, picking those spots, and the accuracy of his shot is is starting to really come forth as well.
00:03:18.400 --> 00:03:22.000
You think that one against Manchester the other week with that power play goal on Friday, etc.
00:03:22.240 --> 00:03:28.479
So yeah, for me, we we made him one of our ones to watch on on the uh on the stream, and uh rightly so.
00:03:28.719 --> 00:03:36.080
Fanny Stover as as my second guy, really solid game, particularly in the third, when there was a lot of push from Nottingham, he he made some big and important saves.
00:03:36.240 --> 00:03:37.120
Yeah, he he did.
00:03:37.199 --> 00:03:40.080
He made a lot of big stops, and I thought he looked really good.
00:03:40.159 --> 00:03:43.280
You know, we saw how good Stover was at the end of last season.
00:03:43.520 --> 00:03:52.159
Um, and you know, there was that that sequence uh that I think the devil's put out there as save of the week, where it's actually four saves in one.
00:03:52.319 --> 00:03:56.240
Uh, and he still manages to kill the play dead after that.
00:03:56.319 --> 00:04:02.879
Not only has he made those four stops, but he's also got the presence of mind to swallow up that puck and and cover it to get a whistle.
00:04:03.039 --> 00:04:12.400
And I thought I think that's what he does really well, is that he he absorbs pucks so he can then control it to either play it or or get a whistle.
00:04:12.560 --> 00:04:16.319
And um, yeah, he made some some really, really key stops.
00:04:16.560 --> 00:04:22.480
He did, and and the other guy who I've mentioned Uremko, and this is kind of where we're gonna uh isolate a little bit and look in a bit more depth.
00:04:22.639 --> 00:04:29.120
Uremko goal assist and a fight on the nights of the Gordia How hat trick, man of the match performance, really, really good from from Nolan Uremko.
00:04:29.199 --> 00:04:33.839
And uh Gaz, you said something on on debrief and and and on the stream as well that I thought was really interesting.
00:04:33.920 --> 00:04:40.319
And you said that the the fight with uh Derek Louis Jean is the best kind of example of why fighting is good in the sport.
00:04:40.560 --> 00:04:41.680
So why did you say that?
00:04:41.920 --> 00:04:44.720
I just thought that it energized everyone in the building.
00:04:44.800 --> 00:04:48.000
The the third was getting pivotal, it was a close game.
00:04:48.079 --> 00:04:58.639
We we knew both teams needed to win, and from both sets that the devils were ahead at the time, so with 5D, we kind of needed an adrenaline boost.
00:04:58.879 --> 00:05:02.720
Nottingham chasing the game, they needed to G up their bench a little.
00:05:02.879 --> 00:05:10.560
A couple of guys had turned fights down earlier in the game, which I I think probably had had a negative effect on that Nottingham bench a little bit.
00:05:10.720 --> 00:05:15.759
So with I think the fight came with about eight minutes left, seven minutes left around that time.
00:05:16.079 --> 00:05:20.000
Um, and it just seemed the perfect time to get a grandstand finish.
00:05:20.079 --> 00:05:28.639
And as soon as those guys dropped the guns, and credit to the officials for letting them go, because at one point I thought because they were tied up that they might have jumped in.
00:05:29.040 --> 00:05:40.800
But once they they let themselves go, and then that the they got a few shots in each, and it just it was a nice even fight, it was one that was allowed to go, and just the energy in that building was just perfect.
00:05:40.879 --> 00:05:52.480
So then you were set up for those last seven minutes of knowing these two teams are up now, they're going for it, they're gonna give their very best to the end, and you can get that effect with a hit, but it's harder to execute.
00:05:52.959 --> 00:05:57.519
You can get that effect with it with a goal, but obviously that kind of changes the mindset of everything.
00:05:57.759 --> 00:06:04.240
But sometimes a fight just hits the sweet spot to set up a grandstand finish, and that's what it felt like to me.
00:06:04.480 --> 00:06:07.360
And guys, you you mentioned something else in there that I loved in the game.
00:06:07.439 --> 00:06:11.360
It was Riley Brandt that went after uh Zomba Garrett.
00:06:11.600 --> 00:06:13.920
Um, so Garrett made that big hit on Richie.
00:06:14.240 --> 00:06:24.480
Uh, you know, he he had a lot of momentum coming up from his, you know, he's a defenceman and he chipped and chased, and he went in there, and it was Rich in the corner, and he hammers Richie hard.
00:06:24.639 --> 00:06:27.600
I don't think it's a bad hit, it's a it's a heavy hit.
00:06:27.759 --> 00:06:31.199
Uh, and it's similar to the one that caused the Uremco fight.
00:06:31.279 --> 00:06:32.800
You know, again, that was a heavy hit.
00:06:32.959 --> 00:06:36.240
On another day, both of those guys would have got a two-minute penalty for boarding.
00:06:36.399 --> 00:06:42.560
The officials who I thought were really good, um, and I enjoyed how they officiated it, they let both go.
00:06:42.639 --> 00:06:45.680
But you know, Richie gets that big hit from Garrett.
00:06:46.079 --> 00:06:58.240
Brandt immediately goes to him and he shakes his gloves and he's you know, he's turning backwards, taking himself out the play, and he's just on his man, I want you to fight because of what you've done to our you know, veteran, one of our leaders.
00:06:58.399 --> 00:07:00.399
And Garrett doesn't want to know.
00:07:00.720 --> 00:07:03.759
And then the next shift, Brandt does the same thing again.
00:07:03.920 --> 00:07:10.879
He goes straight at him, come on, hey, you're going, you're going, and the guy turns him down, and we took over the game from that point.
00:07:11.040 --> 00:07:12.639
I mean, that point onwards.
00:07:12.879 --> 00:07:24.240
Um, yeah, the momentum, I think, the shift in it because the crowd loved it because you've got you know one of the away team, baddies turning down one of our good guys.
00:07:24.399 --> 00:07:30.480
Um, and I just felt everyone got energized from it, the benches, like our bench, sorry, and and our fans.
00:07:30.800 --> 00:07:34.720
And he looked Garrett looked a bit off his game.
00:07:34.800 --> 00:07:47.040
And I think there was a couple of turnovers after that, so he was obviously on his mind, and then you get the big hit from Uremko, who similarly is kind of chipped and chased, laid a big body, and again on another day, it could have been a boarding call.
00:07:47.199 --> 00:07:52.399
Um, Louis Jean comes in to respond to his teammate and fair play to him.
00:07:52.480 --> 00:08:03.839
And there's two strong boys, they they had a hold of each other and they they couldn't quite get free because they had such a good grip, and and they both knew if they let that grip slip, then there's a big haymaker coming from somewhere.
00:08:04.000 --> 00:08:13.519
So they kind of had a few kind of attempts at it, didn't really get going, but Bailey Harewood got going, and it happened to be on Garrett, and that was pretty impressive.
00:08:13.600 --> 00:08:23.199
I mean, because Garrett's a big, big guy, and Bailey, who's been kind of itching to to drop the gloves uh this season, you know, got his wish and and did really well in that.
00:08:23.439 --> 00:08:23.839
He did.
00:08:23.920 --> 00:08:25.360
Uh I hate to break it to him.
00:08:25.519 --> 00:08:32.960
It didn't go down as a fighting major on the on the score sheet, it was two for roughing, but it was good to see Bailey get the the gloves off and manage to get going with someone.
00:08:33.039 --> 00:08:37.279
That has to like no way was that two for yeah, no chance.
00:08:37.759 --> 00:08:50.639
Um the last thing we'll touch on for that game, guys, just quickly, the the the Uremko and this we'll talk about the spark maybe, but I think in terms of Uremco himself, the it reminded me of the Guilford game early last season, where I think he also got a Gordy Hal hat trick in that game as well.
00:08:50.799 --> 00:08:57.919
But um he can when he's at his best and when he's got his game running, he's able to control it and control the crowd and the momentum as well.
00:08:58.080 --> 00:09:02.320
Yeah, he he's uh so influential when he's he's rolling like that.
00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:09.600
And um, I thought the little switch of lines he was more comfortable uh on the line he was on than maybe he has been in the last couple of weeks.
00:09:09.679 --> 00:09:13.039
I think it brought up the best uh in him on the on the weekend.
00:09:13.120 --> 00:09:21.759
You know, he's uh his goal maybe on another night that doesn't squeak through the pads, but uh he was in the right place at the right time to get it through.
00:09:21.840 --> 00:09:28.159
Uh just just on that, credit to Brandon Esters on that, because I think it was it was him on the rush.
00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:35.440
He was carrying it up, and the defense pair almost split out expecting the pass, trying to take the pass away.
00:09:35.600 --> 00:09:48.159
And Esters, once he spots that little opening, he's very positive and he jumps in, he gets a kind of disguise shot away that Edmonds couldn't hold, and you know that that's when Yuremko followed it up with a goal.
00:09:48.399 --> 00:09:56.559
And yeah, absolutely, and just for me, the work rate of Nolan Yuremko is just he's like the Durisel bunny, just he just keeps going and going and going.
00:09:56.639 --> 00:09:58.879
It doesn't seem to have anything empty the tank.
00:09:58.960 --> 00:10:00.960
And it's hard when you play that style, right?
00:10:01.039 --> 00:10:10.480
To to not to keep going that way because you know he's into every scrum, he's happy to get into every kind of uh afters uh when the pack gets frozen.
00:10:10.720 --> 00:10:12.480
He's the one battling in front of Nets.
00:10:12.639 --> 00:10:14.960
So yeah, just an all-action performance.
00:10:15.200 --> 00:10:16.399
Yeah, all action it was.
00:10:16.480 --> 00:10:18.399
The Devils beat Nottingham on Friday night.
00:10:18.480 --> 00:10:19.679
We'll talk about Saturday now.
00:10:19.840 --> 00:10:21.120
Devils went up to Sheffield.
00:10:21.200 --> 00:10:28.320
They don't get the win, Franny, but it was a performance that that Tomo described as, you know, he was happy with the commitment of the effort the boys despite the results.
00:10:28.480 --> 00:10:31.919
So even though it wasn't the I mean, it was better than the previous away game in Guildford.
00:10:32.159 --> 00:10:33.600
Yeah, I I would echo it.
00:10:33.759 --> 00:10:35.519
You you can't knock the effort of the guy.
00:10:35.600 --> 00:10:40.559
So the one thing that we didn't cover from the Friday night game was the injury to Evan Mosey.
00:10:40.720 --> 00:10:49.279
Um, you know, it whenever Mosey stays down and struggles to get up and struggles to get off the ice, you know that it's it's something serious.
00:10:49.360 --> 00:10:52.720
And obviously, we've heard Tomo's words on that in the interview after.
00:10:52.879 --> 00:11:00.240
So, you know, really feel for for Evan Mosey and you know, for the team that takes away that versatility that Mosey gives you.
00:11:00.320 --> 00:11:02.000
What you know, he was up covering forward.
00:11:02.159 --> 00:11:05.919
I thought that line was actually really good on Saturday until Mosey got hurt.
00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:07.759
He had loads of energy, didn't it?
00:11:07.919 --> 00:11:16.240
So um, you know, all the best to to Evan Mosey, and we hope uh you know, hope he makes a uh speedy and full recovery.
00:11:16.480 --> 00:11:23.600
Um, so we went up to Sheffield pretty, pretty short, and that's not a place you want to go short.
00:11:23.919 --> 00:11:42.399
However, you know, the goals that beat us as a there's a power play goal which takes uh a lucky deflection, which you know, Brandon Whistle didn't know too much about, and then giving up a short-handed goal, which is probably the the the big blot on the copy book on uh Saturday night, and it shouldn't have happened, but it did.
00:11:42.720 --> 00:11:45.120
And those and that was the difference in the game.
00:11:45.279 --> 00:11:52.879
So I didn't think Sheffield looked overly great, and you know, like Tomo said, and I'll echo the effort from our guys was there.
00:11:52.960 --> 00:11:59.919
I mean, maybe the application wasn't, but you saw legs were definitely starting to tire our second game of the weekend.
00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:03.600
Uh Sheffield's first game, plus playing such a short bench.
00:12:03.919 --> 00:12:05.600
Guys, what did you make of it?
00:12:06.720 --> 00:12:16.639
Well, it was so it was frustrating to watch because I thought right from the off, we looked like we did at times last year, really together as a as a unit defensively.
00:12:16.799 --> 00:12:22.240
All five uh guys on a line knew what the assignment was and all worked hard for each other.
00:12:22.320 --> 00:12:26.639
And I I think when we do that, it is when we get our our jest rewards.
00:12:26.879 --> 00:12:46.240
I think the two biggest takeaways are I think a game like that when you're down and you don't get the result, um, but you've got that mitigating circumstance, it makes games like the Coventry loss a couple of weeks ago more prominent because that was a game where we did have the legs, and if we had applied ourselves a bit better, then it kind of cancels it out, right?
00:12:46.320 --> 00:12:47.440
It doesn't feed as much.
00:12:47.519 --> 00:12:53.759
So there's a bit of frustration there for me, and then just such fine margins in this league.
00:12:54.080 --> 00:13:19.759
That power play where we gave away that short-handed goal, it almost felt like, and I I don't think this is the the active thought of the of the guys on the power play unit, but it almost felt like that two minutes was going to be used as a bit of a breather, uh, and maybe the the the intensity dropped a little bit there, thinking uh that we could just apply ourselves, but you can't do that against a team like Sheffield, and then that one lack of concentration completely takes away the result.
00:13:20.159 --> 00:13:26.799
So it just shows that you can't take a shift off because that shift can ultimately get the two points.
00:13:26.960 --> 00:13:32.720
But if we are fit and healthy, I I certainly didn't watch that game thinking um the Sheffield dominated us.
00:13:32.799 --> 00:13:37.840
I didn't think that they looked like a team that is going to be far and away uh better than ours.
00:13:37.919 --> 00:13:39.039
You know, they beat us on the night.
00:13:39.120 --> 00:13:40.720
That you have to give them the thing for that.
00:13:40.799 --> 00:13:45.840
Mitch Balmus is a as a sniper, you can't keep your eyes off him even when he's killing penalties.
00:13:46.000 --> 00:13:58.000
Um, but yeah, it it you can't go away from that 60-minute performance for me and and you know dump on dump on the guys for that because I think at the end of it you can say that they did leave it all out there.
00:13:58.240 --> 00:14:02.879
We just didn't maybe have the legs to have that sustained pressure towards him.
00:14:03.120 --> 00:14:05.039
But Brandt had that breakaway, you know.
00:14:05.120 --> 00:14:12.879
At one point, you know, there was a chance there, you know, he didn't convert, that does happen, but we were in the game from minute one to minute 60, and I think that's positive.
00:14:13.279 --> 00:14:15.519
Bounds looked particularly solid, I thought, uh, as well.
00:14:15.600 --> 00:14:17.519
I think both goalies over the weekend looked really good.
00:14:17.840 --> 00:14:19.039
Yes, they certainly did.
00:14:19.120 --> 00:14:23.919
Uh, I think Bounds always wants to give a bit extra up an house of steal, doesn't he?
00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:25.600
And uh as should everyone.
00:14:25.759 --> 00:14:37.919
Um, but yes, both goalies uh over the weekend just uh reinforces to me what a strong uh sort of tandem that that we have here, and uh I'm sure we'll see a bit more of them this weekend.
00:14:38.159 --> 00:14:44.879
Franny, one guy you've been singing the praises of got the goal for the Devils on the night, Ryan Barrow, and uh and he's been deserving of that moment, I think.
00:14:45.200 --> 00:14:46.159
Yeah, definitely.
00:14:46.240 --> 00:14:58.159
I mean he's uh I can't talk highly of him enough because he just gives you that effort, commitment, bravery, everything we love in Card of Devils players.
00:14:58.240 --> 00:14:59.759
He gives it to you every night.
00:14:59.919 --> 00:15:09.840
Uh, and I was actually pretty shocked when I looked at the stats and I saw he hadn't had a goal because it feels like that he's been dominating every game that he plays in, and I was shocked by that.
00:15:09.919 --> 00:15:17.759
But it was a lovely feed from uh Panamijo, and you know, he went down and uh and made it look easy, you know.
00:15:17.919 --> 00:15:29.840
He he just you know, because he's going at speed, he's got back checkers on him, and he stayed really calm and just makes uh you know a nice bit of deception and and slides it home uh very efficiently.
00:15:29.919 --> 00:15:32.399
So yeah, glad for him to get that goal.
00:15:32.480 --> 00:15:38.799
And you know, it's been more than deserved for his efforts and performances over the recent weeks.
00:15:39.039 --> 00:15:43.759
Overall, it it's it's frustrating maybe to look at the weekend again and and the devils having split it.
00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:48.559
Because, like I said before, that that's now three weekends in a row where they've won the first game and they've lost the second.
00:15:48.639 --> 00:15:52.639
And and we need to start seeing the devils pick these points up on the road as well.
00:15:52.720 --> 00:15:57.759
And I think you know, if they'd snuck out a point in Sheffield on the night, then maybe all of a sudden you think, oh, that looks a little bit more comfortable.
00:15:57.840 --> 00:16:01.039
But the Devils need to just get that first away win out of the way.
00:16:01.279 --> 00:16:11.840
Yeah, we said it on uh last week's insider, you can't qualify in the Challenge Cup if you keep you know splitting the weekends and playing 500 hockey, and you know, that's another weekend.
00:16:12.000 --> 00:16:26.320
And like you said, you look back to that Coventry game where it was in our hands and that slipped away, and that's uh yeah, it it kind of it just leaves you with like that uphill battle, doesn't it?
00:16:26.480 --> 00:16:27.519
Uh to qualify.
00:16:27.600 --> 00:16:33.279
And you know, last year we didn't qualify and we don't want to make uh you know that a habit.
00:16:33.440 --> 00:16:43.120
And you know, it is gonna take a lot of big performances from now on to um you know to get that spot in the in the group stages to get through.
00:16:43.200 --> 00:16:54.399
I mean, we've played more games than other teams, and you know, we're up there, but it doesn't help then when Sheffield go to Coventry and lose because I mean they had won all their four games.
00:16:54.559 --> 00:17:04.079
So if they're gonna go outright as number one, you want them to win every game because then they're beating the other teams that you're competing for for that second or the playoff spot.
00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:15.039
It's a funny old group actually this year as well, because you look through the results so far, and guys, the in in the 13 games that have been 14 games I think that have been played in the group so far, 11 of them have been won by the home team.
00:17:15.119 --> 00:17:20.720
There's only been two away regulation wins and a shootout win for Sheffield and Guildford that have been the away win so far.
00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:25.759
So it really shows that actually in this league and in this group in particular, it's hard to win on the road.
00:17:25.920 --> 00:17:28.160
Yeah, and I think we see it in the other group as well, don't we?
00:17:28.319 --> 00:17:32.480
At Glasgow uh turning over Belfast on the weekend uh uh at home.
00:17:32.640 --> 00:17:36.960
So yeah, it's uh again, I think it goes back to what I say about fine margins.
00:17:37.039 --> 00:17:42.640
You know, if you squeak out those uh ugly road wins, then you get your just rewards.
00:17:42.799 --> 00:17:49.279
And at the moment, yeah, like home team home ice advantage is is a really big thing at the moment across the league.
00:17:49.440 --> 00:17:59.039
But you have to find a way, you have to find a way, and it's gonna be interesting for us now because we're going to go through a home stretch uh in the next uh couple of weeks or really for the next month.
00:17:59.599 --> 00:18:09.039
So uh hopefully we can use that as a as a building ground for confidence so that by the time we do get to our next road win, we're gonna feel pretty imprinciple, right?
00:18:09.279 --> 00:18:12.720
Yeah, I mean, I mean it's a good point you make about the amount of home wins.
00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:26.799
I mean, I'm looking at the the Challenge Cup group now, and it feels like we're struggling in the group stage, however, we have a 50% win rate, and that is the second highest behind Sheffield, who's in first place with 80%.
00:18:27.359 --> 00:18:37.440
Um, you know, they won four out of their five games, but you know, there's ourselves and Manchester on a 50% win rate, and then there's others with um 40 and 25%.
00:18:37.839 --> 00:18:52.240
Sorry, Coventry have got a 50% win rate as well, not played as many games, so nobody else is running away with it, and maybe we're being a bit harsh on ourselves because it doesn't feel like we're doing particularly well in the group stage, but it it's actually part of the course at the moment.
00:18:52.480 --> 00:18:53.039
It is indeed.
00:18:53.119 --> 00:18:57.200
Well, on the subject of home and away, the devils are, as we say, home for a good old chunk now.
00:18:57.359 --> 00:19:06.799
The next five games we're all at home, and in the midst of that, it is the 40th anniversary, and we've done a lot of talking about that recently, and um, this is obviously another episode, another part of our 40th anniversary series.
00:19:06.880 --> 00:19:18.079
And uh we've got a special guest on tonight, and this one is a little bit special, and it's been great speaking to the guys so far, but this is one that you know I personally was very excited about, and so we're uh we're gonna introduce Andrew Lorde for you now.
00:19:18.240 --> 00:19:20.960
Enjoy this one, ladies and gents.
00:19:21.119 --> 00:19:30.240
A huge welcome on Devil's Insider this week to another very special guest as part of our 40th anniversary celebrations, and it's one that I've been very, very excited about.
00:19:30.400 --> 00:19:31.839
Andrew Lord joins the podcast.
00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:33.680
Lordo, thank you so much for chatting to us.
00:19:33.759 --> 00:19:34.640
How are you doing, bud?
00:19:35.279 --> 00:19:35.920
I'm really good.
00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:37.039
Yeah, great to be on.
00:19:37.200 --> 00:19:40.880
Appreciate the time and uh good to good to see all three of you again here.
00:19:41.200 --> 00:19:49.119
Tell us a little bit, just for the the guys who who maybe are newer to the Devils, tell us a little bit about um where you are at the moment with with your job and what you've been doing since you've left the Devils.
00:19:49.440 --> 00:19:52.160
Yeah, I've I've gone kind of everywhere, to be honest.
00:19:52.400 --> 00:19:59.440
Um, from Cardiff, I went to uh Greenville, South Carolina, which is on the eastern uh side of the U.S.
00:19:59.680 --> 00:20:00.000
there.
00:20:00.240 --> 00:20:28.240
Um did that for four years in the ECHL and then drove up the coast to Halifax and the Maritimes, which was in the uh CHL Kane Hockey League, uh basically, you know, junior hockey, and uh did that for one season, thought I'd be there for a long time, actually bought a home, and then um about a week later I got the other job out here in uh in California, which is um the LA Kings AHL affiliate, the Ontario Rain.
00:20:28.400 --> 00:20:43.119
So um moved the family out this way uh last summer, and then had my first season uh here um for the 25-26 year, and now obviously uh back here again for uh for a year two uh with the Kings.
00:20:43.279 --> 00:20:44.880
So really uh fun journey.
00:20:44.960 --> 00:20:46.079
It's flown by.
00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:48.960
I love uh these kind of you know little bits here.
00:20:49.039 --> 00:21:01.599
It makes you kind of reminisce a little bit, which is always fun, and um it's you know it's been it's been a great um all all of my stops have been really good and I've been very fortunate.
00:21:01.680 --> 00:21:07.759
But my uh where it all started was was the devil's right and uh just just so many good memories.
00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:10.720
Yeah, let's take you down a little bit down memory lane today.
00:21:10.799 --> 00:21:19.680
And and and of course, as we're chatting through this, this these 40th anniversary shows, we'll we'll look at different eras, and then of course your era started the year before the current ownership came in.
00:21:19.759 --> 00:21:26.319
You you came in as as a player originally for that year before, and and it was a difficult year for the club, but there are definitely some positives to pull from it.
00:21:26.400 --> 00:21:30.480
And I do want to take you back just quickly to that year and and ask you what memories you have of that.
00:21:30.720 --> 00:21:34.880
Like I say, it was a tumultuous one, but one that that you know I'm sure you learned a lot in as well.
00:21:35.759 --> 00:21:38.319
Yeah, it was it was interesting to say the least.
00:21:38.480 --> 00:21:51.359
Um, I had a really bad injury in North America, so I kind of my North American career was over, and I was fortunate to get a job in uh the second league in Germany, went there, thought it might be my last season.
00:21:51.599 --> 00:21:54.480
Uh Franny had been talking to me for years.
00:21:54.640 --> 00:21:58.240
Um, you know, just the ultimate recruiter, great networker.
00:21:58.319 --> 00:21:59.680
We had stayed in touch for months.
00:22:00.160 --> 00:22:06.720
Multiple seasons, I I I think whether it was email or Facebook or something, just a couple messages a year.
00:22:06.799 --> 00:22:09.440
And I I knew all about uh the devils.
00:22:09.599 --> 00:22:10.960
I heard really good things.
00:22:11.119 --> 00:22:16.960
And then the, you know, the the MBA package there through Cardiff Met was was really appealing for me.
00:22:17.119 --> 00:22:21.200
Um and that really kind of put it over the edge.
00:22:21.359 --> 00:22:26.480
Um, obviously researched the city and and you know knew the devil's history.
00:22:26.640 --> 00:22:28.240
Um, so it was great.
00:22:28.400 --> 00:22:32.480
It was, you know, the the MBA there was definitely a highlight of the year.
00:22:32.640 --> 00:22:33.920
The on ice was not.
00:22:34.000 --> 00:22:35.839
I mean, I think we finished ninth out of 10th.
00:22:35.920 --> 00:22:36.720
It was really ugly.
00:22:36.799 --> 00:22:41.279
I think we had uh it ended up being three coaches by the end of the year.
00:22:41.519 --> 00:22:44.000
Um, so it was it was really unfortunate.
00:22:44.079 --> 00:22:47.759
You know, the the fans had sort of been turned off a little bit, I think.
00:22:47.920 --> 00:22:50.000
And um it was a struggle.
00:22:50.160 --> 00:22:53.359
I think it was a real struggle financially for the for the club as well.
00:22:53.599 --> 00:22:55.599
And um, you know, we gutted it through.
00:22:55.680 --> 00:22:58.079
There were some good time guys on that team, you know.
00:22:58.160 --> 00:23:06.559
I think of uh my longtime buddy Jake Morissette, you know, Mac Faulkner was our captain, Marshy was obviously there, you know, Richie and those guys.
00:23:06.640 --> 00:23:14.799
So there was a lot, there was a you know, interesting enough, when you fast forward to the following year, there was there was some pretty good pieces that we're able to take from that team.
00:23:14.960 --> 00:23:18.799
But yeah, ultimately it it was uh it had a lot of challenges.
00:23:18.880 --> 00:23:29.839
I do remember, you know, over over beers and chatting with the guys and and some staff, like we knew we knew that there was potential for the club again, right?
00:23:29.920 --> 00:23:38.079
And and that was you know definitely something I I talked a lot about with Franny as well, kind of when things transitioned to the following uh summer.
00:23:38.559 --> 00:23:43.119
Look at it just going on that season and and talking about that camaraderie and potential.
00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:52.000
There was a Scottish triple header uh that season where it seemed like the guys kind of took it upon themselves to kind of run the room.
00:23:52.160 --> 00:23:58.240
And we I remember scoring up in Dundee, and you kind of gripped the logo and showed it to the fans.
00:23:58.319 --> 00:24:04.240
And it seemed to me like that was kind of a foundation of you showing your leadership with the club and your affinity to the club.
00:24:04.319 --> 00:24:07.440
Do you have any kind of memories about that that triple header around that time?
00:24:07.519 --> 00:24:11.119
Because it seemed to be like the guys really wanted to do it for the fans.
00:24:11.440 --> 00:24:13.759
Yeah, I remember the triple header, I think those were fun trips.
00:24:13.839 --> 00:24:19.759
I think you know, seeing the fans with us on the road is always you know, it's it's it's not exactly close.
00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:25.599
And I think we all know how how much it costs to get up there, and you know, it's it's a fun trip.
00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:31.680
And I think you just you're just trying to make the best out of a a difficult situation, right?
00:24:31.839 --> 00:24:38.960
And um, you know, again, I think we had a lot of good character in the room, and um, you know, just doing what we could.
00:24:39.119 --> 00:24:42.559
So, you know, I'm a passionate guy, as I think you know by now.
00:24:42.640 --> 00:24:48.880
And um, you know, I also I liked I liked scoring goals, even though I wasn't maybe necessarily a goal scorer.
00:24:48.960 --> 00:24:49.680
I like scoring goals.
00:24:49.839 --> 00:24:53.039
I'd usually probably get a little too pumped up when I scored.
00:24:53.440 --> 00:24:59.119
After that that tough season, you were part of of that very crazy summer of transition when the new ownership came in.
00:24:59.279 --> 00:25:03.920
Todd Kelman came in, Franny and and and the ownership brought you on board as as player coach as well.
00:25:04.079 --> 00:25:15.359
So, you know, it it's it's a well told story at this point, but just remind people at home of that that crazy sort of six to eight weeks of recruiting the team for the 14-15 season and and everything that went on behind the scenes during that time.
00:25:15.839 --> 00:25:18.319
Yeah, I mean, it's it's eerie thinking about it.
00:25:18.400 --> 00:25:24.319
There's you could probably talk all day about it, but there's there's a few distinct things that really stand out to me.
00:25:24.559 --> 00:25:31.279
Um, one, you know, I kind of thought my career was over two years previous, and I was feeling a lot better.
00:25:31.440 --> 00:25:38.559
I actually had a decent year personally with the Devils that season, you know, production-wise, I felt like I was getting my game back.
00:25:38.720 --> 00:25:40.240
I really enjoyed the game.
00:25:40.559 --> 00:25:45.759
Despite you know, the losing season, I felt for my myself I was was really enjoying it.
00:25:45.920 --> 00:25:51.119
And um, I I had a really good offer uh money-wise from another team.
00:25:51.279 --> 00:26:00.960
Um, and I literally had the email open in my uh inbox, and I was sitting there and I literally almost signed it.
00:26:01.039 --> 00:26:05.119
And Franny just kept saying, you know, like, hold on, like something's coming down the pipe.
00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:06.880
I, you know, I can't tell you too much.
00:26:06.960 --> 00:26:21.839
And obviously there was some inner workings, and and you would know more, but it was like I'm talking, I was, you know, there I could have been a minute away from going to another club that ended up what they would have only been an okay okay place, so I wouldn't have been a coach or anything.
00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:41.200
So it's it's just crazy how um things can just turn right on a dime, and then and then it was just like bang, bang, bang from um the ownership change to them, you know, putting ultimate faith in me when really they're they probably had no business, you know, giving me an opportunity.
00:26:41.359 --> 00:26:46.079
I think they knew I had a little bit of that coaching experience a few years prior when I missed that whole season.
00:26:46.160 --> 00:26:54.480
I was lucky to get some experience there, but um, yeah, credit, credit to Franny and then you know, Todd and the owners for for giving me a chance.
00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:58.240
It's you know, probably the biggest reason of why I'm sitting here today, right?
00:26:58.319 --> 00:26:59.119
To get it all started.
00:26:59.200 --> 00:27:01.200
And then the recruiting was insane.
00:27:01.359 --> 00:27:16.960
I mean, we've just were I remember uh I still I think I still have like emails in my inbox from you know just Franny and I and Todd were just going at it relentlessly for I think it was five or six weeks, and um, and then from there it just it just took off.
00:27:17.039 --> 00:27:29.920
So really cool, really cool um, you know, two months over that course of that summer from almost going somewhere else to then being a coach of the team and and things uh getting started.
00:27:30.400 --> 00:27:39.359
Franny, um uh you've told me in the past that during that six weeks it was it was essentially you you up during the night, Lord up during the night on the on the east coast as well, and you guys were just recruiting through it.
00:27:39.599 --> 00:27:41.599
Just from tell us a little bit about that, Franny.
00:27:41.839 --> 00:27:46.480
Yeah, we we had so little time, and with recruiting, it's all about momentum.
00:27:46.559 --> 00:28:02.480
You know, you you narrow down your search, you you get a kind of into the guy, you know, your references all checked out, and then when you get that player kind of interested and and almost good to go, you just cannot afford to lose momentum because somebody else could jump in there.
00:28:02.799 --> 00:28:09.599
So, you know, Lord was in Vancouver, I'm in Cardiff, we got a what is it, seven-hour time difference to fight against to.
00:28:09.920 --> 00:28:16.319
Uh, and I just remember, I mean, there was things would change during the day or during the night.
00:28:16.559 --> 00:28:24.079
So, you know, I was getting up at like one o'clock most nights during that period to catch up with Lord or to see where he's at.
00:28:24.240 --> 00:28:41.279
And then on the the flip side, you know, if I've like got a bit of progress on our recruiting, Lordo was getting up middle of the night to find out where we're at with you know, with the guy, has the contract been signed, and it was just yeah, like there weren't enough hours in the day, and we just had to create hours by not sleeping as much.
00:28:42.079 --> 00:28:46.160
Lordo, that that first season, everyone remembers it very fondly, and and everybody who comes on, you know.
00:28:46.240 --> 00:28:50.000
I remember Todd when he came on the podcast spoke about that first year and the feelings around it.
00:28:50.079 --> 00:28:58.000
And you know, you you guys go and win that challenge cup in your in your first season, and and did it did it set a tone for then how the rest of your time there would be?
00:28:58.799 --> 00:29:03.200
Yeah, I mean, I think the challenge cup was was amazing and it it definitely helped.
00:29:03.359 --> 00:29:13.279
I I think just the process of what we what we were doing uh was probably more important, you know, even if we lost that challenge cup, I really don't think it would have changed anything, to be honest.
00:29:13.440 --> 00:29:33.759
I think um, and and this is maybe goes back to the previous question a little bit, is just I it was it was so interesting to see, and it's stuff I still lean on today, like when you just bring in the right group of people and and you you lean on character and you lean on those fundamentals, and um, you know, it's amazing what that can accomplish, right?
00:29:33.920 --> 00:29:41.599
And I think we were so fortunate that you know Franny's just a total character guy, and and I'm in line with that as well.
00:29:41.680 --> 00:30:02.160
And then obviously the owners are you know, they're salt of the earth people too, and Todd's, you know, cut from the same cloth, and and then you know, whether you support staff and and then the initial Brits and then the initial North American guys, you know, whether it's Marty or Mo or Joey Haddad, and and like, you know, I'm gonna forget a bunch of guys.
00:30:02.240 --> 00:30:04.400
There's like you could literally go through everyone, right?
00:30:04.559 --> 00:30:09.759
And there was just so much character and then doing things the right way every day.
00:30:09.839 --> 00:30:21.839
I think the momentum was created, and the challenge cup was, I think it I think it maybe really spurred us on a little bit and got us back on the map, so to speak, in British hockey.
00:30:22.000 --> 00:30:26.640
But um I I think regardless, the following years would have would have happened.
00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:41.200
Was there a moment uh during that um period, Lord or that first year, where you realized this wasn't just a bunch of characters you got together, this was the foundation of what could what could be.
00:30:41.279 --> 00:30:45.200
What when was when did that penny kind of drop for you with that team that it was special?
00:30:45.839 --> 00:30:52.000
Well, I mean, I think when you started meeting the guys, even off the plane, and then the first you know, practices and all that.
00:30:52.160 --> 00:31:01.119
I another distinct memory I that's I remember we were playing Belfast, and I I think it might have been the first preseason game or maybe the second weekend, I can't remember.
00:31:01.200 --> 00:31:09.279
You'd have to look back, but one of those first exhibition games, and obviously Todd had come over from Belfast, so he wanted to beat those guys real bad.
00:31:09.519 --> 00:31:19.839
And you know, we needed to really like we their attendance was so poor the previous year, we really needed to like you know, the financial side of it was important too, right?
00:31:19.920 --> 00:31:27.440
So we needed like to make it entertaining, we wanted to to make that big blue tent meaningful again and and use it to our advantage.
00:31:27.599 --> 00:31:35.839
And I mean, I think I've been however many years I've coached now and been in the game, I don't think I've ever seen a preseason game like that.
00:31:36.079 --> 00:31:43.200
It it actually sounds like you guys did were you know did a number on Odents there a couple or maybe that's similar, I'd have to watch it back.
00:31:43.279 --> 00:31:51.200
But I mean, how hard we played, and um I remember Todd talking to the Belfast guys after, and they were like, What the hell's going on?
00:31:51.279 --> 00:31:53.200
You guys are that was insane, you know.
00:31:53.279 --> 00:32:06.720
And but it just it I think the character Sean through sh really showed through of like how much it meant to the guys, and um and when everyone comes together like that, you can you can you can give a little bit more, right?
00:32:06.799 --> 00:32:08.079
And and they certainly did.
00:32:08.480 --> 00:32:11.279
Lord, I I don't know if you remember this, you you probably do.
00:32:11.440 --> 00:32:19.039
Another indicator to me of how good we were gonna be was I mean, we we recruited Joey Martin, you know, we'd heard good things.
00:32:19.119 --> 00:32:22.559
I think some of your contacts had said, you know, if you can get him, get him.
00:32:22.640 --> 00:32:26.480
And you know, we we had that choice, didn't we between two guys, and Marty took it first.
00:32:26.640 --> 00:32:28.400
And you know, look how that turned out.
00:32:28.559 --> 00:32:32.720
And when he came in, we were pretty blown away with him, pretty pleased with ourselves that we got him.
00:32:32.799 --> 00:32:34.240
And then he came up to you, didn't he?
00:32:34.400 --> 00:32:38.400
And he apologized for how bad he had been, and he told you he'd get better.
00:32:38.480 --> 00:32:46.799
And we're like, oh my god, if this guy's gonna get better, and he's uh at a state at a stage where he's apologizing, then he's gonna be some special player.
00:32:46.880 --> 00:32:48.799
And guess what he turned out to be?
00:32:49.279 --> 00:32:51.519
We definitely put him on the second or third line.
00:32:51.680 --> 00:32:54.559
We for sure like that's where he was on the board 100%.
00:32:55.039 --> 00:33:06.720
So we didn't we didn't know the the the first two seasons uh of your reign were definitely felt like building blocks towards what then became it was the summer of 2016, and and that came along.
00:33:06.799 --> 00:33:17.200
It was a bit of a seminal moment for the for the club because you know you go out and you get and and I just looked through the the list of names of the guys you signed, you know, Ben Tavoglio, Ulma, Aslint, Mark Lewis, David Bryan, all in one summer.
00:33:17.279 --> 00:33:27.039
And and did you realize when you were recruiting guys that the the the level of quality had like shifted and you'd taken a bunch of guys who were gonna take you to that next level and get you over the line?
00:33:27.359 --> 00:33:41.759
Yeah, I mean it was interesting how much you know that first year you're almost I don't want to say you're begging people, but you're selling your message and you're you know, you're you're almost asking guys to trust you because we we didn't really have the the building blocks, right?
00:33:41.920 --> 00:33:46.240
After um, you know, all that had happened the previous year.
00:33:46.400 --> 00:33:54.079
Um and then by the year three and four or whatever it was, I mean, the we were we had to be really picky at that point, right?
00:33:54.240 --> 00:33:57.680
Because the majority of players really wanted to to come play for the club.
00:33:57.759 --> 00:34:01.119
Obviously, the new arena helped um financially.
00:34:01.279 --> 00:34:02.640
That's a game changer.
00:34:02.799 --> 00:34:04.559
You know, the fans had come back.
00:34:04.640 --> 00:34:07.920
Uh, you know, I think it's been sold out now for however many years.
00:34:08.159 --> 00:34:13.360
All those things have a monumental impact on the player you can recruit and the budget you have.
00:34:13.519 --> 00:34:28.800
Um, but I do still really believe that it's back to those fundamentals from you know how the staff, how the organization, um, you know, you go to Todd, Katrina, Corky, all these people in the club, how they take care of everybody.
00:34:28.880 --> 00:34:39.039
And uh it's it's amazing to see just the the momentum that's been built in in the in the caliber of player that wants to to join the team and and be part of something like that.
00:34:39.599 --> 00:34:43.039
That first league title season was was a remarkable one for the club, you know.
00:34:43.119 --> 00:34:45.039
It was the first league title in in two decades.
00:34:45.119 --> 00:34:47.760
You won the challenge cup, you you you went all the way to the playoff final.
00:34:47.920 --> 00:34:50.400
Well, what memory stick out from that year?
00:34:51.280 --> 00:34:59.840
Yeah, I mean, it was it's amazing when you first get over to the UK, you're you're kind of like, what is this regular season trophy all about, right?
00:34:59.920 --> 00:35:01.760
It's just so different than here.
00:35:01.920 --> 00:35:04.400
Um, and I ended up loving it.
00:35:04.480 --> 00:35:05.280
I ended up loving it.
00:35:05.440 --> 00:35:08.159
The amount of consistency, the work that goes into it.
00:35:08.239 --> 00:35:14.159
You know, a game in September is just as important as a game in in February or March, right?
00:35:14.320 --> 00:35:20.320
And um I think our group really learned over those first couple seasons what it took.
00:35:20.400 --> 00:35:22.800
And and I just don't remember any huge lapses.
00:35:22.880 --> 00:35:28.880
I just remember the consistency being there and the relentlessness from all of our go-to guys, particularly.
00:35:29.039 --> 00:35:30.800
Like our leaders were were exceptional.
00:35:30.880 --> 00:35:41.360
I think they had all grown and and learned what it took, you know, on a nightly basis and weekend to weekend, and and you know, we just kept the pedal down and and uh and went at it.
00:35:41.519 --> 00:35:49.199
So yeah, I'd say the consistency and and just the intensity from from everyone to to really get that one over the line.
00:35:49.519 --> 00:35:53.119
One of the big moments that stands out for a lot of people is is the comeback in Belfast.
00:35:53.360 --> 00:35:57.440
And even though it didn't confirm the league title, it definitely, you know, you put you one hand on the trophy.
00:35:57.519 --> 00:36:03.519
And and when you guys were down, do you remember now what you said to those guys before that big third period?
00:36:03.920 --> 00:36:06.559
I didn't yeah, no, I don't actually.
00:36:06.719 --> 00:36:09.760
Um, it's been however hundreds of games since, right?
00:36:09.840 --> 00:36:16.800
It's all all a blur, but I think there's a misconception, and that I think you watch a movie and you think it's like that.
00:36:16.880 --> 00:36:18.320
It's it's usually not, right?
00:36:18.480 --> 00:36:32.559
I mean, would I flip out sometimes and try to motivate or give it give a heartfelt speech for sure, but um no, in in the big moments, you really rely on the work that you put in um you know, day to day, and and we were ready.
00:36:32.719 --> 00:36:33.760
We were ready for the test.
00:36:33.920 --> 00:36:38.159
I mean, we just I thought we were, you know, again, relentless.
00:36:38.400 --> 00:36:42.800
I think um with and without the puck, we played really well.
00:36:42.960 --> 00:36:48.000
I think the chemistry amongst the players at that point was through the roof, right?
00:36:48.079 --> 00:36:59.280
You know, you think of I don't know the exact numbers, but I think we returned that second year after the first with 10 plus guys, and then like every year it was like more and more of a returning case.
00:36:59.440 --> 00:37:06.960
So we had that kind of that core, and then the core built, and and by the end you got you know 15 guys or like kind of your your core, right?
00:37:07.039 --> 00:37:09.920
And um, it was it was really fun to see.
00:37:10.239 --> 00:37:21.280
Um, you know, that game obviously was was really big because if that you know that that goes the other way, you're probably going right down to the wire, but it obviously uh it obviously helped.
00:37:21.599 --> 00:37:29.039
You then go and win it in Sheffield, and uh and of all the places to win the league, that's pretty much as good as it gets as a devil's one, I'm sure.
00:37:29.599 --> 00:37:30.639
Yeah, it was fun.
00:37:30.719 --> 00:37:36.320
I mean, I think what was the score there, five one or something, or I think six two, maybe looking back at it.
00:37:36.400 --> 00:37:43.119
Yeah, so we ended up that was like kind of the funny thing, is you you it was so tight, even the years before, right?
00:37:43.199 --> 00:37:47.920
Like even the first year, I think we were only four points off or something, right?
00:37:48.079 --> 00:38:08.000
So, like we were right on a mix, we were right in a mix each year, and um, you know, I think you you think it's gonna be this last second goal or something, and then we we just dominated the game and we kind of you know, we went we ran through them real good, and um yeah, and then it was like it was almost like anti-climatic in a way, right?
00:38:08.079 --> 00:38:12.000
It was amazing, but it was just like, oh, okay, like we thought it might be like an OT winner or something, right?
00:38:12.079 --> 00:38:18.480
And then I still remember they shuffled us off the ice, the Zamboni came on, and and our guys were so pissed.
00:38:18.639 --> 00:38:21.519
I mean, it was we we thought that was gonna be more of a moment, right?
00:38:21.599 --> 00:38:28.239
But it was great to get back to to Cardiff, and then I think the next night we had a had an amazing uh celebration and everything.
00:38:28.559 --> 00:38:35.920
The the the fans of of course were incredibly grateful to you and the team for for ending that that long that long break without a league trophy.
00:38:36.000 --> 00:38:43.920
Did you do you feel any pressure during that time of the weight of maybe knowing that it had been a long time since the devils had seen had seen a league title?
00:38:44.880 --> 00:38:48.880
I I put so much pressure on myself that I don't think anyone else can.
00:38:49.119 --> 00:38:56.719
So uh I've worked on that over the years, but you know, back then for sure, um just wanted it so bad, right?
00:38:56.800 --> 00:39:03.360
I mean, it was just the first couple seasons we just went at it and and we're so close.
00:39:03.519 --> 00:39:10.800
And um, so I don't think it was so much of a a pressure, like I gotta get this or I'm or I'm getting fired or anything like that.
00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:15.599
I think it was just like let's do this together and and make another memory, right?
00:39:16.159 --> 00:39:18.000
And then you know, you talk about that pressure.
00:39:18.159 --> 00:39:26.000
The the the second league title, then the the the in in 1718, the devils it felt a lot more comfortable, it felt like there was a lot more of an assurance around it.
00:39:26.079 --> 00:39:32.639
And and was it a case that once that pressure came off, it was almost a freedom to be able to go and attack that that second that second league?
00:39:33.360 --> 00:39:34.800
It's a good question.
00:39:35.119 --> 00:39:41.119
Um, it probably gives some guys a little more internal confidence, I would say.
00:39:41.280 --> 00:39:45.360
But I also think we didn't let our foot off the gas is probably the better answer, right?
00:39:45.440 --> 00:39:46.559
I think we just went at it.
00:39:46.639 --> 00:39:51.840
I think that summer we we improved uh uh with a couple big pieces for sure.
00:39:52.079 --> 00:39:55.119
Um, I think we added, I think we kept going.
00:39:55.440 --> 00:40:07.039
Uh, I think you you learn how to manage some of those like different games that can that can be a problem, you know, whether it's up up in Scotland or whatever it is, or it's you know, it's a game against a weaker team.
00:40:07.199 --> 00:40:10.960
It's we really learn how to be just even more consistent.
00:40:11.199 --> 00:40:24.079
And um yeah, so yeah, maybe it helped the confidence, but again, I I go back to the process and just continuing to get better, you know, each season and and summer and day to day, I think was probably the bigger thing.
00:40:24.559 --> 00:40:30.000
One big moment in that in that second league title season was was the loss in the Challenge Cup final at home to Belfast.
00:40:30.079 --> 00:40:34.159
And and you know, they were on the up that year and they were they were beginning to grow into what they became as well.
00:40:34.239 --> 00:40:41.280
And and I I remember when they did win it and they were off celebrating with a trophy, and you and a few of the guys would came out the locker room and just took a little look at them celebrating.
00:40:41.360 --> 00:40:45.519
And you know, when you look back at that now, did that have an impact on your coaching career?
00:40:45.679 --> 00:40:46.159
Do you remember that?
00:40:46.400 --> 00:40:50.719
Is that something that you used not only that season, but since then as there's maybe a little bit of motivation?
00:40:51.039 --> 00:40:56.559
Yeah, I it's funny, those like those moments I probably remember more than the the wins, to be honest.
00:40:56.880 --> 00:41:03.519
You definitely you take those with you and they uh they galvanize you and they make you work that much harder.
00:41:03.679 --> 00:41:10.800
Um that one stung for sure because I really felt like with that team we could have we could have done the whole thing, right?
00:41:10.880 --> 00:41:16.159
And um, you know, and then I think there was the the double OT playoff loss as well, right?
00:41:16.239 --> 00:41:17.519
Was that the previous season?
00:41:17.679 --> 00:41:27.599
So like you think back to both of those, and all of a sudden you're going, could could you have gone, you know, could you have gone six in a row or something crazy like that, right?
00:41:27.679 --> 00:41:30.719
Which was which was sort of the which was the goal in my eyes for sure.
00:41:30.800 --> 00:41:37.199
Like that's I wanted to just um, you know, for everyone, also, also professionally, right?
00:41:37.280 --> 00:41:39.440
I I really wanted to just win and win and win.
00:41:39.519 --> 00:41:51.679
I felt like that was that was my personal ticket to to hopefully, you know, ultimately someday get into the NHL and we're chipping away at it, but um you you had to win, right?
00:41:51.760 --> 00:41:54.559
So yeah, but long-winded answer.
00:41:54.639 --> 00:41:56.960
Um, I definitely remember that one vividly.
00:41:57.039 --> 00:41:59.599
That that one was uh that one was painful.
00:42:00.079 --> 00:42:01.519
I mean, you talk about winning.
00:42:01.599 --> 00:42:08.719
You guys then went on and won the playoffs, and it was that little bit of redemption at the end of the year, and and that was in terms of the the trophies the devils hadn't won.
00:42:08.800 --> 00:42:09.440
That was the last one.
00:42:09.519 --> 00:42:13.760
And and I remember you giving a speech after, and the first thing you said was we broke the last curse.
00:42:13.840 --> 00:42:19.519
And and you know, when you'd achieved that, did that feel like you you had ticked pretty much everything you wanted to off?
00:42:20.960 --> 00:42:25.440
Uh no, I still want I wanted to win them all in one season for sure.
00:42:25.599 --> 00:42:31.679
Um, and that was yeah, when when I left, I I I was that was an extremely difficult decision, obviously.
00:42:31.760 --> 00:42:35.760
That was that crossed my mind, but the playoff one's more fun, right?
00:42:35.840 --> 00:42:55.840
And it's it's a it's it's just an interesting one because I remembered like I remember vividly talking to Marty about this, and and you could win the league, and then you lose the playoffs, and and everyone's kind of like, well, they're like the playoff champions, and especially in North America, like people don't understand the league, right?
00:42:55.920 --> 00:43:00.239
So they might even think like that team is the is the better team, right?
00:43:00.320 --> 00:43:02.960
Or they're the ones that won won the big trophy.
00:43:03.119 --> 00:43:07.280
So we really wanted to win that last one, and and we finally did it.
00:43:07.440 --> 00:43:10.960
I and then now I think the guy the team's won a ton of them, right?
00:43:11.039 --> 00:43:13.920
Since I mean, what is it, like five now or four since?
00:43:14.079 --> 00:43:15.119
So it's it's awesome.
00:43:15.199 --> 00:43:16.880
It's been it's it's cool.
00:43:17.039 --> 00:43:26.719
It's also they do such a good job in that venue of like that's how the the trophy should trophy celebration should happen, right?
00:43:26.800 --> 00:43:29.679
That's how it should happen for for all three trophies for sure.
00:43:29.760 --> 00:43:31.840
I mean, it's that's that's the way to do it.
00:43:32.239 --> 00:43:39.519
I'll take you quickly now to to to your final season, and and and for me, I think that it's probably the peak of what we saw in terms of devils hockey.
00:43:39.599 --> 00:43:44.480
You know, that the by the end of the season, I think it's the it's the best form of the Cardiff Devils that we saw during your tenure.
00:43:44.639 --> 00:43:47.280
And it's such a shame that that that league got cut short.
00:43:47.360 --> 00:43:53.840
And and I think, you know, you guys not getting the uh the league trophy, everybody who comes on and talks about the fact that that wasn't fair and that they're still not over it.
00:43:54.239 --> 00:43:56.400
I thought Steve got it on, Steve got it on.
00:43:57.760 --> 00:43:59.599
Oh, I'm sure he's still putting in the calls now.
00:44:01.760 --> 00:44:04.079
But but do you think that was as good as you guys got?
00:44:04.159 --> 00:44:06.079
Because it certainly felt like it.
00:44:07.039 --> 00:44:10.480
Oh, that one that's you talk about low points.
00:44:10.559 --> 00:44:17.599
I mean, obviously, there's such greater uh things in the world there when everything happened and how devastating that was.
00:44:17.679 --> 00:44:24.960
But from a just a you know, a work hockey thing, that was uh just devastating.
00:44:25.039 --> 00:44:29.119
And and yeah, to answer your question, we were incredible.
00:44:29.199 --> 00:44:31.360
That was just an absolutely incredible team.
00:44:31.519 --> 00:44:42.159
Uh, they were, I felt like that team was almost unplayable, really, most nights, you know, and and we just had enough of a core and enough guys that they never really let up, right?
00:44:42.239 --> 00:44:47.760
Like maybe we'd have a a difficult period, but we'd bounce right back and and be unbelievable.
00:44:47.920 --> 00:44:53.280
Um, but to think about I mean, how many guys retired?
00:44:53.440 --> 00:44:56.639
Um, and what a what a terrible way to retire.
00:44:56.800 --> 00:45:00.559
I remember to this day, we're sitting there getting ready for practice.
00:45:00.719 --> 00:45:05.920
I think you know, guys are like half dressed, and and Todd comes in and it's it's over.
00:45:06.079 --> 00:45:09.039
Um, and it was it was just just devastating.
00:45:09.119 --> 00:45:10.400
And I feel for those guys.
00:45:10.559 --> 00:45:13.920
I think uh what Bentee, Polper, who else?
00:45:14.079 --> 00:45:16.800
Uh Lingley and Morrison McMonacle.
00:45:16.880 --> 00:45:19.039
Yeah, yeah, that's right.
00:45:19.280 --> 00:45:20.719
So that was awful.
00:45:20.880 --> 00:45:26.320
But yeah, as far as the the everything before that that season, I mean the the guys were great.
00:45:27.199 --> 00:45:38.719
Talking about um retiring in in good ways and bad ways, or you retired as a player with a devil's jersey on and you capped it off with a goal with your final touch as a professional player.
00:45:38.960 --> 00:45:40.880
Not many people get to go out like that.
00:45:40.960 --> 00:45:42.960
That must have been pretty special as well, yeah.
00:45:43.760 --> 00:45:47.519
Yeah, that was another another one of those uh vivid memories.
00:45:47.760 --> 00:45:50.960
Um I hadn't played in a while, right?
00:45:51.039 --> 00:45:53.840
I mean, I had I had turned into a bench coach.
00:45:54.400 --> 00:45:56.639
I'd have to look back at how many games it had been.
00:45:56.719 --> 00:46:00.159
I think I only played about 25 that season, so it was over, right?
00:46:00.320 --> 00:46:11.280
And you know, the the body uh the body goes a little bit when you don't have to practice every day at the same intensity and and the training, and uh the wheels were coming off a little bit for me.
00:46:11.440 --> 00:46:13.840
And I in my mind it was done, right?
00:46:13.920 --> 00:46:19.519
And and uh, you know, then there's Steve King uh saying, You gotta play.
00:46:19.599 --> 00:46:39.840
And it and like I I think I think I was like, I don't think we had decided in the morning, and I think he was all over me maybe after the morning skate or around lunchtime or whatever, and you know, at that point, um, you know, the injuries had piled up and on and on and on, and like it was definitely time and definitely time for me to just be a coach.
00:46:40.000 --> 00:46:46.880
Um, and and he talked me into that, and and I'll thank him for that forever because that was a really cool memory to go out and play.
00:46:47.039 --> 00:46:50.800
And um what a what a pass by Rutkiss there later.
00:46:51.119 --> 00:46:53.440
Oh uh, I I appreciate that play.
00:46:53.519 --> 00:46:54.239
So that was fun.
00:46:54.320 --> 00:46:58.719
And then that was that was in my wheelhouse about eight feet out and just able to chip it up.
00:46:58.800 --> 00:47:00.239
So that was cool.
00:47:00.639 --> 00:47:03.199
Yeah, a very special moment in in Devil's history.
00:47:03.280 --> 00:47:06.960
And uh, and and I know Gaz is incredibly proud to have to have commented on that moment.
00:47:07.039 --> 00:47:10.559
And yeah, Tom's Rutkiss spinnerama assist to get the call.
00:47:10.639 --> 00:47:21.280
But uh one other thing I do want to ask you about is um when we spoke to John Lawless as part of this series, one of the things he was most proud of when he was for his time with the Devils was the European success.
00:47:21.360 --> 00:47:26.000
And you know, you guys, through winning the league, ended up in in the Champions Hockey League a fair few times.
00:47:26.079 --> 00:47:34.239
And uh I think back to that campaign in in 2019 and you know the wins against Graz and you look back to that away win in Graz and it put the Devils top of a Champions League group.
00:47:34.320 --> 00:47:36.400
And is that another thing that you're incredibly proud of?
00:47:36.480 --> 00:47:41.199
Is that that you you kind of had those moments in Europe, the Davos one as well, of course, was it was a big moment.
00:47:41.760 --> 00:47:55.280
100% that that was some of my favorite um parts to to that whole thing, you know, and even for me, um I'd go to the I, you know, Todd and the Owens would send me to the world championships every year.
00:47:55.360 --> 00:47:56.320
So it was really cool.
00:47:56.400 --> 00:48:09.599
I even got to do the the CHL draw the one time, um and then and then to to be a see all the big clubs and you know see them look at us when we we'd roll into those meetings and whatnot.
00:48:09.679 --> 00:48:18.800
And then um obviously the first year was was had its moments of of difficulty, but we got better through the process, and I think that's the ultimate test, right?
00:48:18.960 --> 00:48:22.159
Having to play against some of those teams, and it's a lot harder.
00:48:22.239 --> 00:48:28.880
I mean, you're starting training camp earlier, it adds games, it adds travel, but I I think that's what it's all about.
00:48:28.960 --> 00:48:31.280
I I love that uh tournament.
00:48:31.360 --> 00:48:38.800
I thought it was incredible, and I thought our guys really got behind it, and and um some of those wins very, very memorable.
00:48:38.880 --> 00:48:42.239
Um, you know, in in games we probably had no business being in, right?
00:48:42.320 --> 00:48:50.480
And it's amazing when you again going back to that that culture of the guys and the core they they developed and just how bought in they were, right?
00:48:50.559 --> 00:48:54.639
They just played the right way and it gave us a chance in in a lot of those games.
00:48:54.960 --> 00:49:05.840
The the last thing on awaskaban, I'm glad you put up the core because you know, we we still have a core from when you were here here now, you know, Joey Martin, Ben Bounds, Richie, Dougie, Fawns, Mosey, they're all still here now.
00:49:05.920 --> 00:49:13.519
And and does that if does it give you a bit of joy in seeing the fact that those guys have stuck with the club and and they've helped grow it into what it is today?
00:49:13.920 --> 00:49:14.400
I love it.
00:49:14.480 --> 00:49:15.519
Yeah, and I'm still a fan.
00:49:15.679 --> 00:49:17.199
I'll always uh it's funny.
00:49:17.280 --> 00:49:21.519
For whatever reason, I'm usually able to watch the the playoff final, so that's always cool.
00:49:21.679 --> 00:49:28.480
I usually usually try to call you know Todd or Katrina or whoever it is on the ice if if you guys win and you still follow it.
00:49:28.559 --> 00:49:36.639
I obviously don't watch many games, but to see it, um, and it's amazing how many of those guys, you know, I still stay in touch with, right?
00:49:36.719 --> 00:49:41.039
And as the coach, that that uh that doesn't always happen, right?
00:49:41.119 --> 00:49:42.320
So it's it's pretty cool.
00:49:42.400 --> 00:49:51.679
It was a very unique experience, lifelong friends from the staff to the players, and um really also fun to get back to these testimonials.
00:49:51.760 --> 00:49:53.440
I had a lot of fun at the bouncy one.
00:49:53.519 --> 00:50:00.639
I missed the Marty one because I had a kid, so I think that's a a valid excuse, but um got the batchies, so yeah, I love it.
00:50:00.719 --> 00:50:04.000
It's it still feels like kind of the the the old gang, right?
00:50:04.079 --> 00:50:09.920
And I know the rest of us that are no longer with the club, we still have a ton of pride in it and and look back at all of it.
00:50:10.000 --> 00:50:14.719
So no, it's a great point, and um, I'm excited to follow you guys this year too.
00:50:14.960 --> 00:50:20.079
Well, we're glad to hear it, and we're we're we're glad that the devils were able to get it over the line in April and beat the Steelers in the final.
00:50:20.159 --> 00:50:22.880
But um, yeah, Gaz Franny, is there anything you'd like to add?
00:50:24.400 --> 00:50:34.960
The only the only thing I wanted to ask, Lord though, is when you first came in as player coach, so you'd have the season as a player, you get the player coach job with the new era.
00:50:35.519 --> 00:50:43.039
Your very first practice that you take, like I was always blown away with like the way you just took it in your stride and the confidence.
00:50:43.280 --> 00:50:44.559
What were you like internally?
00:50:44.800 --> 00:50:48.719
Confident or were there nerves kicking around there that you just hit pretty well?
00:50:49.440 --> 00:50:51.519
Uh I'm sure there was nerves.
00:50:51.679 --> 00:51:01.840
Um, I fortunately did a lot of summer skates, you know, whether it was like it was usually for my own training, but I'd sort of run some drills with my buddies.
00:51:01.920 --> 00:51:06.239
I just I just randomly would kind of take charge in some of those situations.
00:51:06.559 --> 00:51:08.639
So I felt like I'd done a bit of it.
00:51:08.800 --> 00:51:11.519
Um it is crazy to think back though.
00:51:11.679 --> 00:51:16.320
I mean, to to think of like the practice plan and then trying to keep the the tempo up.
00:51:16.400 --> 00:51:24.880
And you know, I also I wanted to be a part of it to show that I wasn't just like you know, bag skating the guys or skating the guys hard and me not doing as much, right?
00:51:25.119 --> 00:51:37.440
But I did get better at it as the time went along of like giving myself, you know, I'd do a rep and then I'd probably give everyone else a rep and then I would, you know, talk through the next drill, right?
00:51:37.519 --> 00:51:38.960
That way I could catch my win.
00:51:39.119 --> 00:51:42.000
But I do think I was probably in the best shape of my life.
00:51:42.079 --> 00:51:43.599
I just felt like I needed to be, right?
00:51:43.679 --> 00:51:44.880
To be able to do both.
00:51:45.119 --> 00:51:47.679
But uh yeah, probably some nerves.
00:51:47.840 --> 00:51:52.000
I think it goes back to our whole strategy of of recruiting the team, though.
00:51:52.079 --> 00:51:58.880
We just knew I think we wanted it anyway, but then I think we knew with me being sort of a young player coach, we needed that good group of guys.
00:51:59.039 --> 00:52:04.000
And um it was remarkable to see them actually buy in and actually listen.
00:52:04.079 --> 00:52:11.760
And I I'll always be indebted to them for that because um I don't think a lot of teams or a lot of groups would would do that, right?
00:52:11.840 --> 00:52:14.639
It's it's just a little bit of a weird thing and different.
00:52:14.880 --> 00:52:21.440
And uh I really appreciated their their, you know, I guess their respect and and their time and effort to it.
00:52:21.599 --> 00:52:25.280
So um yeah, fun while to think back.
00:52:25.360 --> 00:52:31.679
Now, now I haven't been on the ice in like three months, and I gotta I gotta run an NHL rookie camp skate in a in a couple weeks.
00:52:31.760 --> 00:52:34.480
So I gotta I gotta I gotta get my boots on.
00:52:35.280 --> 00:52:38.320
Oh Lord, well, um yeah, we're really thankful for your time.
00:52:38.400 --> 00:52:42.639
I know uh obviously with everything going on, it's super busy, but thank you for joining us uh on the podcast.
00:52:42.719 --> 00:52:46.800
It's great to reminisce a little bit about those years as well and and how phenomenal that they were.
00:52:46.880 --> 00:52:49.599
But um, yeah, thank you so much for joining the podcast, Lordo.
00:52:49.679 --> 00:52:50.239
We really appreciate it.
00:52:50.320 --> 00:52:52.079
And uh best of luck with the new season.
00:52:52.320 --> 00:52:54.559
Yeah, thank you guys, and good luck this year.
00:52:54.639 --> 00:52:56.400
And uh, I'm sure we'll be chatting soon.
00:52:56.559 --> 00:52:57.519
Appreciate it.
00:52:58.639 --> 00:53:02.480
Humongous thanks to Lordo for coming and chatting to us, guys.
00:53:02.800 --> 00:53:13.440
We we recorded that a couple of weeks ago because it's of course an incredibly busy time for Andrew Lord in in the midst of uh the American League and then the the the top two leagues in North America getting going again over the next week or so.
00:53:13.519 --> 00:53:15.440
And um, I mean we'll start with you guys.
00:53:15.840 --> 00:53:22.559
I I'm I'm almost blessed every time I do speak to Lordo because you know that eventually he's gonna be at the very top of the game.
00:53:22.800 --> 00:53:23.840
Yeah, absolutely.
00:53:24.000 --> 00:53:31.920
And um, like you say, at the moment the the trajectory he's on and and the organization he's in, uh he's a very, very busy man.
00:53:32.079 --> 00:53:36.559
Um, you know, it's not just that the AHL kind of responsibilities you have.
00:53:36.639 --> 00:53:42.719
You have the responsibility to kind of the group and the the affiliates and and everything from the sort of top down.
00:53:42.960 --> 00:54:01.679
So uh for us to be able to grab half an hour with with Lordo was uh I think goes to show how much he values this club and uh and values his time here because uh you know he didn't have to do that, he but he wanted to, and just talking to him, you you just get the passion, don't you?
00:54:01.760 --> 00:54:09.920
It just oozes out of everything he says, the way he says things, just the command he kind of has, the presence he has when he's talking.
00:54:10.079 --> 00:54:12.639
You can just see why he he's so respected.
00:54:12.800 --> 00:54:20.800
And um it struck me when uh he says he meant he he remembers the losses kind of more than he remembers the wins.
00:54:20.960 --> 00:54:51.519
And part of me as like a fan, I I I initially I felt a bit sad about that because I thought, you know, I don't want him to, but I just think uh you just can't be the man and the coach he is without knowing what went wrong and how to fix it, and even the tiniest, tiniest detail of any of those losses, he would have gone in and found a way, or keeps thinking of finding a way of how to fix that, and that is the kind of drive that made you of his uh tenure and that's for so successful.
00:54:51.760 --> 00:54:56.239
Franny, it is just it it it it's it's speaking to a hockey disciple, you know.
00:54:56.480 --> 00:55:09.199
Lordo is is a student of the game, and and I think listening to him talk about how he sees things and how he looks back as well at the his time here is is almost like that was his grounding, that was where he made the foundations and is now where he is.
00:55:09.280 --> 00:55:10.400
It's it's so good to hear.
00:55:10.639 --> 00:55:21.440
Yeah, I mean it kind of brings it into perspective to say when he when he said, sorry, um that he's preparing to run an NHL rookie camp in two weeks' time at the time that we recorded it.
00:55:21.599 --> 00:55:37.039
Um but it was also nice to hear that there's things that he's taken from Cardiff is using Cardiff that he still uses today, you know, the things about you know recruiting the person as well as the player and you know those kind of things.
00:55:37.280 --> 00:55:41.679
So um yeah, it was it was so good to catch up and to listen to him.
00:55:41.840 --> 00:55:46.719
And you know, when you speak to him, every answer he gives is measured.
00:55:46.800 --> 00:55:55.440
It's not just off he's not just speaking for the sake of it, he really thinks about his answers and he gives you you know the detail, and you know, that's him all over.
00:55:55.519 --> 00:55:58.639
And he's he's a very measured guy in everything that he does.
00:55:58.960 --> 00:56:11.039
And um, yeah, I mean, we're it's uh it's amazing to think that we were the start of his coaching journey, and you know, obviously everybody is keeping a track to see how far he can go.
00:56:11.360 --> 00:56:20.800
We're in the midst of uh a tie it back to the 40th anniversary stuff, and and we've spoken to all guys who have been behind the bench and and and and also kind of at the forefront of the club.
00:56:20.880 --> 00:56:30.159
And and Gaz, just for for maybe the people who weren't around back in 2014 when he took over as head coach, just contextualize a little bit where the club were because it had been obviously a very tough time.
00:56:30.239 --> 00:56:33.360
It's a story we've told plenty of times before, but just maybe give that context.
00:56:33.599 --> 00:56:38.559
Yeah, the the the club was in a in a pretty bad way uh towards the end of that season.
00:56:38.639 --> 00:56:58.079
And Lauder was one of the players who kept that thing together on on the ice as as best he could, you know, him um so that you know Jake Morissette, um you know, Mike Faultner, they were there were lots of players there who went above and beyond what they should have been doing.
00:56:58.239 --> 00:57:00.960
Uh they should have just been concentrating on playing.
00:57:01.039 --> 00:57:01.920
Um, but they weren't.
00:57:02.000 --> 00:57:28.000
I I asked that question about that Scottish triple header where he scored the goal in the the midst of uh a pretty bad time, and there really was a genuine kind of outpouring of emotion from him scoring that goal with the amount of fans that had gone up at the time, and it was kind of at that moment for me as a fan where I thought, yeah, this this guy really isn't just here to just do his bit, he he cares, he really does care about wanting to do.
00:57:28.159 --> 00:57:45.920
So, you know, when we had the fantastic news over the summer that we we had new ownership, uh, when that appointment was made about Lodo coming in, uh I I for one could see exactly the sort of qualities from him as a player with us that that could make a great coach.
00:57:46.159 --> 00:57:57.440
I don't think any of us maybe could have understood quite how successful he was going to be, um, but there was certainly um a foundation and a presence about him that he he was a leader.
00:57:57.760 --> 00:58:04.320
Franny, you know, as we spoke about in the interview, you you did a lot of work very closely with with Lordowin, especially in that first summer.
00:58:04.400 --> 00:58:08.000
And uh did you see the foundations of what we see now back then?
00:58:09.039 --> 00:58:20.960
Yeah, and that's you know, the the reason that I pushed for him as head coach was because of the person that he is, the passion, the the mo he cares.
00:58:21.199 --> 00:58:30.480
I just felt there was a direct match to Devil's hockey, how it should be, not what it had become over the you know the latter few years.
00:58:30.639 --> 00:58:40.800
And uh you know, he he had limited coaching experience, he had some, but you could tell he was a leader, you could tell he just doesn't settle for second best.
00:58:41.199 --> 00:58:49.440
You just think how much that season would have killed him inside, you know, being on a ninth place team when he's uh you know, he's a winner, someone that's very ambitious.
00:58:49.599 --> 00:59:08.639
And um, yeah, I mean when you know I I was pushing for Andrew Lord as the player coach because we we just didn't know what was going to happen post-takeover, whether we'd lost fans for good, that they found something else, whether we were going to struggle for crowds, and we wanted to put as much budget on the ice as we could.
00:59:08.880 --> 00:59:17.280
So the best way that we could do that at the time was to kind of double down on you know one wait for two positions and and have a player coach.
00:59:17.440 --> 00:59:25.760
And he's felt so I felt it's something that he could do, that he'd be very passionate about, and he would bring the right qualities to it.
00:59:26.079 --> 00:59:34.480
And the clincher was Andrew Lord sent me a letter because at that time I wasn't able to speak to him about the new ownership in the pipeline.
00:59:34.639 --> 00:59:37.519
I'd just been able he references it in the interview.
00:59:37.679 --> 00:59:40.400
I was telling him to hold on, something's coming, something's coming.
00:59:40.559 --> 00:59:45.920
And I'd already had conversations with Todd to say, look, this is our guy that that that we need.
00:59:46.079 --> 00:59:53.840
And Todd obviously knew him as a player, and you know, I could see qualities in him that would translate well into the coaching role.
00:59:54.079 --> 01:00:02.719
And then Lordo sent me an email with a letter to whom it may concern you know, because he didn't know who I was talking about.
01:00:03.199 --> 01:00:09.679
And he basically sold himself on what to them on why uh they should give him the job.
01:00:09.760 --> 01:00:16.000
He didn't know who he was writing it to, but it was what he was gonna give, what he would bring, why he would be a success.
01:00:16.079 --> 01:00:17.599
And it was so compelling.
01:00:18.239 --> 01:00:23.519
I sent it to Todd, Todd sent it to the owners, and everyone's like, This is the guy.
01:00:23.679 --> 01:00:24.400
This is the guy.
01:00:24.480 --> 01:00:32.639
This basically, in a nutshell, is what we've been talking about in this takeover that we want our hockey club to be.
01:00:32.880 --> 01:00:37.920
This this guy is basically talking our language, and it was unanimous from that letter onwards.
01:00:38.159 --> 01:00:43.360
You've asked almost in a quest to find the answer to the big question of what is devil's hockey.
01:00:43.599 --> 01:00:47.840
Everybody, you know, we've we've interviewed over this time about what they think devil's hockey is.
01:00:47.920 --> 01:00:57.119
And uh, and Andrew Law's philosophy on not only the game on it, but as you've made reference to, also off it in the characters, the people you are, what you do away from the ice as well.
01:00:57.280 --> 01:01:00.079
It all ties in with what is devil's hockey, doesn't it?
01:01:00.239 --> 01:01:00.880
Yeah, definitely.
01:01:00.960 --> 01:01:12.719
He referenced that about you know, uh, the person and the leadership group that we had, the leaders in our room that really bought in that then um he used the word and I love it.
01:01:12.800 --> 01:01:16.320
And I think in my head it's what devil's hockey is relentless.
01:01:16.480 --> 01:01:21.440
He said we were relentless in our pursuit of games, you know, going into a way game, going anywhere.
01:01:21.519 --> 01:01:24.239
We were just resent relentless, so dialed in.
01:01:24.559 --> 01:01:29.519
And yeah, I mean that's he's a very demanding coach, very demanding.
01:01:29.599 --> 01:01:34.480
I mean, he he will push you right, right until the edge, but look how that worked.
01:01:34.639 --> 01:01:44.960
You know, nobody could take their foot off the gas because they you know they were a bit in fear of him because they knew that he, you know, he was gonna push and demand that performance.
01:01:45.199 --> 01:01:57.360
So um, yeah, I mean, uh a definition of devil's hockey is probably equal to Andrew Lord hockey, uh, because you know, all those qualities are what he brings out.
01:01:57.519 --> 01:02:01.679
I mean, I do think he had to change his style as the leagues went on.
01:02:01.920 --> 01:02:18.079
It was a little bit more conservative because he knew he needed to put kind of gas in the tank for that stretch when we were into some, you know, sort of dog fights right at the end, and you know, there was uh there was starting to be some criticism that it kind of dampened down a little bit.
01:02:18.239 --> 01:02:43.920
But that was him just adapting to what he knew it would take to get us over the line, and you know, it wasn't abandoning his principles because there were still those moments when he would switch that back on, but he did learn to play a little bit more of the percentage game in areas, especially when your body's down, so that you did have the gas to then switch it back on to that relentlessness um when it came to those big games.
01:02:44.239 --> 01:02:50.079
Guys, you look at the the trophy cabinet for for Lord, two challenge cups, two leagues, two playoffs, should have been more.
01:02:50.320 --> 01:02:51.440
Covid, thanks for that.
01:02:51.599 --> 01:02:56.800
But um, you know, the he he talked about how maybe that final year was probably the best team.
01:02:56.880 --> 01:03:04.559
But I I'd argue each and every one of those league title and and you know, trophy-winning teams were up there with some of the best we've seen in the elite league times.
01:03:04.719 --> 01:03:08.239
Yeah, picking your favourite Andrew Lord team is like picking your favourite child, isn't it?
01:03:08.320 --> 01:03:17.360
It's kind of impossible to do because each one had a little slight bit of different personality to it with the characters that that were in it.
01:03:17.519 --> 01:03:31.599
Um, but certainly by that last team, it felt like it was a refined process and that people coming in to that were uh you know, were coming into a machine that was very well oiled now, you know.
01:03:31.760 --> 01:03:36.320
They not there was any doubt from when he started, but Laura was the boss of that.
01:03:36.480 --> 01:04:00.000
Like I remember vividly post-game uh interviews, and you were in the room for some of them as well, done at the time where you would be stood in the interview room in the gym in the Vindico and you would hear a door open and you would hear the steps coming down, and I could tell instantly just from presence if he's mad, if he's happy, if he's chatty, you could just feel it.
01:04:00.079 --> 01:04:12.719
And I I it's always stuck with me because I thought if I can feel this, when he steps into a locker room, you'll be under no illusions as to what he wants from you and what he wants to to you know attribute.
01:04:12.880 --> 01:04:16.800
Um, but yeah, though those teams were it was a it was a special time.
01:04:17.039 --> 01:04:25.039
It was a special time, and you you don't always realize just how special something is until you come out of it and and you look back a little bit, but they were special.
01:04:25.199 --> 01:04:35.599
Yeah, and he he referenced again, and uh again is it's a characteristic that runs through the eras of devil's history, especially when there's been successful times, is a core.
01:04:35.760 --> 01:04:42.159
You know, he built a core, like the first year there was 10 guys coming back, then there was 15 guys coming back, 16 guys coming back.
01:04:42.239 --> 01:05:14.079
So you're only making little tweaks, and those guys coming in, like you say, guys, they're coming in straight into a room that you know everything is kind of machine-like, and they quickly get on board with that because you have to fall into line, and you know, you look back at the the devil's eras, um, the and initial success with you know the the core of the Cooper brothers, Moria, McEwen, Shannon Hope, Lawless himself, and you know the the success is built around there.
01:05:14.159 --> 01:05:15.679
There wasn't many changes, was there?
01:05:15.920 --> 01:05:24.800
Um, and uh, you know, that's something that you know we've tried to take on and make that a part of what we do as the Carlift Devils.
01:05:25.199 --> 01:05:30.000
And you mentioned about you know the the different areas and the the similarities, something that's really struck me.
01:05:30.079 --> 01:05:51.280
You know, we've talked to Lawless, um, we've talked to Heaves, we talked to G, and we talked to Lord or probably the four coaches, the longest tenures, the the four coaches, no disrespect to any other coach uh we've had, but they are the four you probably uh uh uh stick in your mind as being significant in Devil's history, really significant in Devil's history.
01:05:51.360 --> 01:05:56.320
And what struck me is how similar all of their origin stories are as coaches.
01:05:56.559 --> 01:05:59.679
John Lawless thrust into building an entire club at 26 years.
01:06:00.079 --> 01:06:02.559
Years old and just being given the keys to get on with it.
01:06:02.639 --> 01:06:03.920
And look what he built.
01:06:04.159 --> 01:06:08.239
Heaves coming in again, Jess, right as his playing career ends.
01:06:08.400 --> 01:06:18.079
He's then thrust into this huge championship winning behemoth, the top of the British hockey that he has to kind of take on and make his own.
01:06:18.239 --> 01:06:19.920
He does that and continues it.
01:06:20.239 --> 01:06:22.000
G thrust in the middle of the season.
01:06:22.159 --> 01:06:26.559
Jess wants to be a player, enjoying Super Sundays in the Albion during that scene.
01:06:26.719 --> 01:06:35.360
Then all of a sudden, he's got um to navigate what is probably our most kind of roller coaster off-ice period, and he does it.
01:06:35.519 --> 01:06:44.400
And then Lordo at the end of that is sort of then having given this huge opportunity to try and mold a new era, and he does it.
01:06:44.559 --> 01:06:51.360
And I just think it's amazing that those four guys are very, very, you know, pivotal times in their life.
01:06:51.519 --> 01:06:56.559
And I think even now, as I reach 40, like I couldn't even begin to like work that out.
01:06:56.639 --> 01:07:01.280
And like 28, 26, I could barely cook my hot dogs in the microwave for tea, you know.
01:07:01.360 --> 01:07:06.559
And it yet they they brought so much and they made it their own and they dived right in.
01:07:06.800 --> 01:07:13.920
And almost I think within that, and the the way that they did it, the devil's identity part of it.
01:07:14.079 --> 01:07:16.960
I almost think the big word I take from it is togetherness.
01:07:17.119 --> 01:07:28.559
When I think of all those times and all the the tribulations and the highs and lows, those four people managed to galvanize everyone behind them as as a unit.
01:07:28.719 --> 01:07:30.079
And I think that's really special.
01:07:30.239 --> 01:07:34.559
I think we've been really blessed to get them to share their stories the last few weeks.
01:07:34.800 --> 01:07:36.079
I think that's yeah, really well put.
01:07:36.320 --> 01:07:41.039
I'm gonna ask you both for maybe if if they're if there's favourite moments that stick out from the Lord era.
01:07:41.199 --> 01:07:48.000
I mean, Gaz, I'm glad you brought up kind of an honorable mention for me, would be, and and and it's it's on the topic of him coming into the gym for those interviews.
01:07:48.079 --> 01:08:02.719
And and you know, me back in the Lordos days, I was you know a uni student young, still finding my feet with all this stuff, and uh, and he always gave me a very professional interview, was always very, very polite, and and almost steered me in the direction of what was the correct way to do things, which I always really appreciated.
01:08:02.800 --> 01:08:05.599
And and he almost had that coaching hat on with those things as well.
01:08:05.679 --> 01:08:16.239
But I do remember one where he came in and it was after a particularly difficult evening here, and he gave a very stern, very short interview with both with you and I and I was working on the camera at the time.
01:08:16.399 --> 01:08:21.119
And and just as he turns to leave, he goes, Guys, this is nothing against you, don't worry, I appreciate your time.
01:08:21.199 --> 01:08:23.520
And he even then you could see he was just being very polite.
01:08:23.600 --> 01:08:27.520
But um, yeah, that that kind of though those moments always behind the scenes stick out for me.
01:08:27.600 --> 01:08:41.600
And then um the the the one that I really kind of remember quite vividly was uh the night the Devils won their second league title out in Belfast, and you know, it was pandemonium pandemonium of an evening because you know Andrew Hotham scored the goal with whatever it was, less than a minute ago.
01:08:41.680 --> 01:08:44.960
It was it was crazy and all that stuff, and everyone piles onto the ice after.
01:08:45.039 --> 01:08:49.760
And and Lauder by this point was was was mainly on the bench, so he was you know suited and and and not playing that night.
01:08:49.840 --> 01:09:12.000
And uh and the team kind of all they get the trophy on the ice and they're all in one big huddle, and and Lorder kind of steps back with his hand in his pocket and just big smile on his face and looked, and you can almost feel the pride in looking at the team and almost to think and think, you know, maybe the first year was was was you know, you you you got the team over that hump, but actually the second year was was the real proving moment of, you know, I know I am the best coach in the league at this point.
01:09:12.159 --> 01:09:21.279
And yeah, I think just watching him step back and take it all in is a really, I think, special moment because it's what you should do when you win trophies, is just take that moment and step away and and appreciate it.
01:09:21.359 --> 01:09:25.359
So for me, those are kind of the the moments that stick out, but I mean you you could pick so many.
01:09:25.439 --> 01:09:26.960
Um, Franny, have you have you got any?
01:09:27.199 --> 01:09:37.680
Yeah, I I think my moment that sticks out is that first season of his coaching when he was a player coach and we win the Challenge Cup up in Sheffield, and he scored one of the goals, didn't he?
01:09:37.760 --> 01:09:41.600
It was Lord O and Chris Culligan got the got the two goals.
01:09:41.760 --> 01:09:49.680
Um, and I think it's an iconic celebration as well, was when he's got the cup in one hand and tugging on the shirt, kind of he, you know, that that thing.
01:09:49.840 --> 01:10:05.359
But just the fact that he got a goal in our first trophy to kick off the new era that set us up then for a a period of dominance, and also if I'm right, I think he took the last face-off.
01:10:05.680 --> 01:10:11.119
There was uh a face off, a D-zoned face-off um in the devil's end, obviously.
01:10:11.359 --> 01:10:19.600
Sheffield had pulled the goalie, and you know, he's out there, and he's not a s he wasn't a sentiment for us, but he had played centre in the past.
01:10:19.840 --> 01:10:26.720
But um, I remember like telling him to go and take it, and he didn't question it for a second.
01:10:27.039 --> 01:10:40.960
You know, he wanted to take it because there's nobody else I would want in that moment to you know to have everything on the line, and you've literally got you're that far away from getting over the line.
01:10:41.039 --> 01:10:48.399
And I you know, I just thought that moment of him winning the face off and being on the ice to win that first trophy.
01:10:48.560 --> 01:10:51.439
Um, I I think that's probably my favourite Andrew Lloyd moment.
01:10:51.680 --> 01:10:54.560
Guys, is it anything but Lodo's final goal?
01:10:54.800 --> 01:10:58.880
No, that that I think that's probably because it's a playing career thing.
01:10:58.960 --> 01:11:06.880
That that is a huge it's one of my favourite devils moments uh of all time, just because sometimes it it is nice to see someone go out on good terms.
01:11:06.960 --> 01:11:11.520
It happens very rarely in sport, doesn't it, that you go out with it with the sort of perfect thing.
01:11:12.319 --> 01:11:25.039
For coaching, the coaching side of it is that first playoff win uh because that to me was like the physical embodiment of smashing the barriers down.
01:11:25.359 --> 01:11:27.840
It was no longer a mental block on things.
01:11:28.079 --> 01:11:45.920
You'd done it with the league title after 20 years, and you know, the way he coaches, I think the league title is always not easy, it's never easy to win, but it's suited the way he coaches more where he demands things of people week in, week out, where that short format, I think sometimes you know, you one mistake and it can go against you.
01:11:46.159 --> 01:11:48.640
But that they smashed the last barrier down.
01:11:48.720 --> 01:11:59.119
There was nothing we couldn't do after that, there was no longer a hoodoo, and in fact, if you look at how many playoffs we've won since that sort of monkey came off our back, it is phenomenal.
01:11:59.359 --> 01:12:08.319
Um but yeah, well, when we won that, I never thought we'd we'd win the playoffs in there in Nottingham, who's getting to the point where I'd been there for 20 years watching us lose.
01:12:08.399 --> 01:12:09.920
And I just thought I was resigned.
01:12:10.000 --> 01:12:11.439
I was like, you know what, it doesn't matter anymore.
01:12:11.520 --> 01:12:12.800
I'm not even gonna get bothered by the games.
01:12:12.960 --> 01:12:14.159
Like whatever happens, happens.
01:12:14.319 --> 01:12:19.359
But I was so invested in that one because he made me believe again that we would win it.
01:12:19.520 --> 01:12:27.840
And then I was actually lucky enough to to get down on on the ice afterwards, and he came over to us, those of us who weren't playing, um, and said, Good job.
01:12:27.920 --> 01:12:29.119
I didn't do anything.
01:12:31.279 --> 01:12:34.159
I could it could not have done less towards uh that win.
01:12:34.239 --> 01:12:35.840
But again, I go back to that togetherness.
01:12:36.079 --> 01:12:38.640
We were all part of it of a team that day.
01:12:38.800 --> 01:12:45.920
Um, and just to see the beaming smile on his face uh in front of that corner where the devils fans were phenomenal.
01:12:46.159 --> 01:12:50.640
Yeah, like he said on that day, we broke the last curse and and we broke every curse under Andrew Lord.
01:12:50.800 --> 01:12:53.359
And uh and we're gonna leave the the Lordo chat there.
01:12:53.439 --> 01:12:54.880
We're gonna leave the 40th anniversary chat.
01:12:54.960 --> 01:13:00.880
There's been great to look back over what was an incredibly successful seven seasons where Lordo was with us.
01:13:00.960 --> 01:13:03.359
And uh we're gonna move on now to the coming weekend.
01:13:03.439 --> 01:13:10.159
We've got a lot actually to chat about with with not only two games, but also announced this afternoon or this morning, sorry, was a new Devil's sign-in we're gonna chat about.
01:13:10.239 --> 01:13:12.239
So we'll we'll touch very quickly on the weekend first.
01:13:12.319 --> 01:13:15.680
It's a double home game weekend for the Devils, Manchester and Glasgow.
01:13:15.920 --> 01:13:21.279
Gaz, the the Devils, you know, if we've talked about how maybe the home form is carried them, it's a perfect chance to have two home games.
01:13:21.439 --> 01:13:25.600
Yeah, and it's the start of the uh Motorpoint Elite League campaign as well.
01:13:25.680 --> 01:13:29.520
We we're into league action now, and that's a totally different focus again.
01:13:29.600 --> 01:13:33.680
If you want to win uh the league in April, you've got to start picking up points now.
01:13:33.840 --> 01:13:37.439
There's no off days, there's no margin for error, really.
01:13:37.520 --> 01:13:41.119
So I think that puts a different slant on this weekend as well.
01:13:41.439 --> 01:13:45.600
The last game against Manchester was uh bowling shoe ugly at times.
01:13:45.840 --> 01:13:51.359
Um, so I think I'd like to see a bit more fluidity uh around that.
01:13:51.520 --> 01:13:54.399
Um, but I I I feel we we gotta get a good start.
01:13:54.479 --> 01:13:59.760
We certainly can't afford a seven-second uh deficit and conceded uh goal.
01:14:00.000 --> 01:14:04.079
But we we do lose the first goal a little bit at home a little too often for my liking.
01:14:04.239 --> 01:14:06.880
I'd like to see that kind of stamped out this weekend.
01:14:07.119 --> 01:14:11.439
Franny, that like I says, that game against Manchester a couple of weeks ago, standard wise, was not good.
01:14:11.520 --> 01:14:16.560
But actually, since then, Manchester have won three of the next four games, so they've kind of kicked on a little bit maybe from that loss.
01:14:16.720 --> 01:14:17.760
The Devils need to be wary.
01:14:18.000 --> 01:14:21.119
Yeah, and Cam Critchlow called them out a little bit, didn't he, after that game.
01:14:21.199 --> 01:14:23.279
He wasn't happy with the performance they put in.
01:14:23.439 --> 01:14:25.199
I thought they were dreadful when they were in here.
01:14:25.279 --> 01:14:29.920
I think it massed uh a not very good performance by the Devils.
01:14:30.159 --> 01:14:38.239
Um, and we know that they are gonna come in a lot different this time around because of how they played last time.
01:14:38.319 --> 01:14:49.199
And you know, the character of Cam Critchlow, he's not he's gonna make that last game the reference point for how bad they were and how what they need to do to improve.
01:14:49.359 --> 01:14:58.239
So, you know, Devils need to you know come out a lot better than they were against Manchester last time because I think Manchester will be pushing a lot harder this time.
01:14:58.640 --> 01:15:08.880
Guys, is it fair to say maybe that and and and and I don't want to tempt fate maybe, but from what we've seen from Manchester, the the Devils they're they're a known quantity here.
01:15:08.960 --> 01:15:12.640
So for them, this there is an advantage to the fact that their first league game is against someone they've already played against.
01:15:12.720 --> 01:15:17.199
It's not like Glasgow would be coming in completely afresh, and they they generally know what to accept.
01:15:17.279 --> 01:15:20.560
Cutler's gonna be great, Derid is gonna probably get the start in that, but who knows?
01:15:20.640 --> 01:15:27.119
Weninger is also very good, and and so because it's a known quantity, the devil's can approach this whimby with an extra step of of a womph going into it.
01:15:27.279 --> 01:15:33.439
Yeah, I think it helps sometimes that you might have a few little personal battles in your back pocket that you can sort of take into a game.
01:15:33.520 --> 01:15:38.640
I always think that that helps you sort of get that adrenaline up and and have a focus point to start with.
01:15:38.880 --> 01:15:49.680
Um, yeah, I I just think I I agree with Franny in the sense of you know there's gonna be a bigger pushback from the storm this Saturday than than there was in the last hour.
01:15:49.840 --> 01:15:53.760
And if there isn't, then something's going uh a bit wrong there.
01:15:53.840 --> 01:15:59.439
So I think we can expect uh uh an improvement, and I think that has to be the mindset going to Saturday.
01:15:59.600 --> 01:16:05.920
This isn't gonna be towards the end of that third period game there where there was no real pushback and the game kind of petered out.
01:16:06.079 --> 01:16:08.479
It's not that it you know, it's gonna be another scrap.
01:16:08.560 --> 01:16:16.640
Um you know, there were guys from last time out that uh that are usually influential from Manchester, that weren't, and again, I just can't see that happening twice.
01:16:16.880 --> 01:16:22.159
Well, uh look at Glasgow as well, and and this is a whole new uh team for the Devils who they haven't come up against yet.
01:16:22.239 --> 01:16:31.920
And and and Franny, it's it's funny because before Sunday I'd have said, okay, Glasgow are coming in, they're really struggling, they're in a tough bit of form, only one winning regulation, blah blah blah.
01:16:32.079 --> 01:16:37.039
And then they're going to beat Belfast at home, and you think, okay, clearly they there's something going on there.
01:16:37.279 --> 01:16:40.079
Yeah, and I I think that's the elite league all over, isn't it?
01:16:40.159 --> 01:16:49.039
That you know, you just when you think you're coming up against a team that is struggling, that's out of form, they go and beat Belfast who were previously unbeaten at that point.
01:16:49.199 --> 01:16:53.840
Um, so yeah, it it'll be uh another a new challenge.
01:16:54.000 --> 01:16:57.039
I mean, Glasgow, they've got a mix, haven't they?
01:16:57.199 --> 01:17:00.319
Probably a 50-50 blend of return and faces and new guys.
01:17:00.479 --> 01:17:07.520
Um, you know, they always put together um good rosters, and it just over the last few years hasn't quite worked for them.
01:17:07.680 --> 01:17:15.840
So, you know, they'll be looking to start their you know their elite league campaign with uh a bit better form than they have their Challenge Cup group.
01:17:16.079 --> 01:17:21.279
But um again, I mean we we're now into a stretch, what is it, five home games in a row?
01:17:21.439 --> 01:17:22.079
Five in a row, yeah.
01:17:22.239 --> 01:17:23.039
Five in a row.
01:17:23.279 --> 01:17:47.920
And you know, I I go back to the point that the devils are at their best when they don't worry who the opponent is, when we focus on ourselves and we dictate things, and we dictate things by getting in hard on the four check, you know, making D-turn, go back and get pucks, get on the body, everybody buying in, you know, right the way across the roster, everybody going relentless, you know, bring that word back.
01:17:48.319 --> 01:17:50.239
That is when the devils are at their best.
01:17:50.399 --> 01:17:58.319
And I think that if we do that, you know, for the the next 120 minutes here at home, then you know it's in our hands.
01:17:58.399 --> 01:18:07.760
And I I really want to have that focus for the whole weekend from the Devils because you know, a good start to to the league will mean everything.
01:18:08.239 --> 01:18:19.840
For Glasgow, particularly on Sunday, I felt last season when Mike Saran took over, he he got them very organized against us, and that the games were very tricky.
01:18:20.000 --> 01:18:26.239
Um you know, that playoff semi-final was uh a real kind of close uh matchup as well.
01:18:26.479 --> 01:18:35.439
You know, it wasn't uh for for the way that we finish in the league against each other, you would expect us maybe win a couple of goals clearly if that didn't happen.
01:18:35.600 --> 01:18:50.560
So I think Sunday for me, I I wouldn't be against a little bit of what happened against Nottingham, a little afters after the whistle, make them you know, try and get Glasgow involved in the personal battles a little bit, because I think if you let them settle and organise, it's very, very difficult.
01:18:50.720 --> 01:18:57.039
So the more we can kind of keep them off that game plan and get dragged into it a little bit, maybe for the better.
01:18:57.279 --> 01:19:02.399
Yeah, like you say, the the devils not they struggle, but they were they was they were tested against Glasgow last year.
01:19:02.479 --> 01:19:09.199
I mean, you look at the last game here, it was back in January, and it was only one-nil Riley Brandt goal was the difference maker that day, and and the the games were very tight.
01:19:09.279 --> 01:19:17.279
But um, you know, the the the devils that they're gonna be feeling a little bit more positive going into this because we have a fresh face in Cardiff and a little bit of surprise news this morning.
01:19:17.439 --> 01:19:24.640
Jonas Emerdal of Fife Flyers Fame joins the Devils uh to cover a little bit of injuries that they've had over the last few weeks.
01:19:24.720 --> 01:19:30.079
And Franny, it's it's been uh ravaged the squad by by those injuries, so it was time to bring somebody in.
01:19:30.319 --> 01:19:34.720
Yeah, I mean it's uh it's not been a good start in terms of the injuries.
01:19:34.800 --> 01:19:39.760
I mean, we started the year with two extra players, if you like.
01:19:39.920 --> 01:19:43.039
Um, we knew that Tyson Halgeson would miss the first part.
01:19:43.119 --> 01:19:47.920
It's safe to say, you know, he's taken a bit longer than had been anticipated.
01:19:48.319 --> 01:19:51.279
Um, but we had the cover.
01:19:51.600 --> 01:20:03.439
Um, yet as the season has gone on, it's still in its infancy, you know, we've lost key guys uh as we've gone on, and you know, losing Mo's on the weekend was the final straw.
01:20:03.600 --> 01:20:12.079
Um, you know, we've also got guys that are playing out there with you know pretty heavy knocks that are just kind of grinning and bearing it because of of the situation.
01:20:12.399 --> 01:20:28.399
So um it was important for us to to bring a body in because you know you you can't go 5D for the next whatever many weeks uh until Helgi's back or you know or until someone else is back.
01:20:28.479 --> 01:20:30.880
So we so we needed uh a D-man in.
01:20:31.119 --> 01:20:33.600
Um very it happened very quickly.
01:20:33.760 --> 01:20:40.479
You know, Jonas became available um, you know, when uh some questions were asked about available players.
01:20:40.640 --> 01:20:45.439
And you know, when you look at him, he's a guy that he's played in the elite league for five years.
01:20:45.680 --> 01:20:52.560
If you get somebody that hasn't played in the elite league, you've got that bedding in period, you know, he's someone that knows the league very well.
01:20:52.720 --> 01:21:02.319
He's also someone that's been in a tough situation, you know, and I and I'm sure the knockers, there'll be people going, oh, we just bought someone in from five, so that's not good enough.
01:21:02.640 --> 01:21:13.600
But sometimes when you take the best people from those organizations that have struggled and you put them in an environment that is totally different, you know, it's like Christmas coming to them.
01:21:13.760 --> 01:21:28.720
So, you know, he's I'm sure he's coming in absolutely motivated and thrilled to be on a team that has won trophies over the past few years, um, that you know has got such a good reputation.
01:21:28.960 --> 01:21:32.159
And, you know, I spoke to him today and he's he's really excited.
01:21:32.239 --> 01:21:34.319
You know, you can tell he's itching to get going.
01:21:34.479 --> 01:21:43.840
I mean, like I said, the deal was done really quickly within 24 hours, and he was like, right, I can get on a plane in the morning, and he was in, you know, ready to get going.
01:21:44.000 --> 01:22:04.000
Um, the other thing that I absolutely loved, um I hope he's okay with it with me sharing this, is that he bought the stream on Saturday to watch us against Sheffield just to kind of pick up on what our how our team play and see who his teammates are gonna be and things like that.
01:22:04.079 --> 01:22:13.039
And I love that attitude that you know he was itching to get going and kind of went out of his way just to get himself familiar as as quick as possible.
01:22:13.119 --> 01:22:15.279
So I think that shows what his character.
01:22:15.439 --> 01:22:25.199
Uh, I've seen a lot of comments today from um five fans that have you know said nothing but good things about him in terms of his character, Mr.
01:22:25.359 --> 01:22:26.239
Reliable.
01:22:26.399 --> 01:22:31.760
You know, he's the guy that stuck through us through thick and thin, you know, character guy.
01:22:32.000 --> 01:22:40.319
And you know, that's what we're hoping for to get that character guy that's gonna come in, give us some much needed uh relief in terms of the numbers on D.
01:22:40.560 --> 01:22:45.840
Um, but he's also a guy that's contributed in pretty much every situation for the five flyers.
01:22:46.079 --> 01:22:50.399
So, you know, he he's logged big minutes for them, he's played on all their special teams.
01:22:50.560 --> 01:22:55.600
So, whatever role we fit him into, um you know, he'll be ready for it.
01:22:55.680 --> 01:22:58.399
And the fact that he's got league experience is a big bonus.
01:22:58.720 --> 01:23:01.279
A short-term deal, maybe once at the end of the season.
01:23:01.359 --> 01:23:03.680
I know there'll be a bit of questions have been asked over what it is.
01:23:03.760 --> 01:23:08.720
I uh you're always gonna have injuries, so maybe is it just a look to keep him around for as long as the devil's need him for?
01:23:08.880 --> 01:23:10.319
Yeah, right now it's an open book.
01:23:10.479 --> 01:23:14.079
So we know we've got two injuries on D right now.
01:23:14.399 --> 01:23:18.800
Um you know, at some point I think Helgi will be back first.
01:23:19.359 --> 01:23:24.159
But you know, we as we know in this sport, there's always something else around the corner.
01:23:24.239 --> 01:23:25.520
So who knows?
01:23:25.760 --> 01:23:31.199
Um we we just we we haven't even really uh put a time frame on it.
01:23:31.359 --> 01:23:37.760
You know, he's here for as long as we need him, but you know, it could be short term, it could very well be till the end of the season.
01:23:38.079 --> 01:23:50.399
Guys, uh, like we say, a familiar face, and and when you are in a tough spot, as the Devils found themselves last year as well, when they brought Brett Ferguson in, bringing someone in who is familiar with the league, familiar with systems and teams from this league, it's always a benefit.
01:23:50.640 --> 01:23:55.039
Another captain, the important as well, which uh I always think is is important.
01:23:55.680 --> 01:24:07.920
Um you know, was there a time that Emadal was in Fife where they didn't maybe were playing short, or particularly the last couple of years, you know, they weren't in the best of times.
01:24:08.000 --> 01:24:11.119
And at that point, you know, you you've got to look.
01:24:11.199 --> 01:24:14.239
I I get absolutely agree with Franny in terms of character.
01:24:14.399 --> 01:24:29.520
You know, Emadal is someone who Fife fans say is are one of those guys who who were were were glue there, who who wanted to go above and beyond just being a player and a leader on the ice, but also keeping things, you know, in check everywhere and and cared about it.
01:24:29.600 --> 01:24:32.880
And I think that sort of character to me is really important.
01:24:32.960 --> 01:24:55.760
And now I think he's coming into a situation where you know we've got a full D unit now of three lines, he's gonna be not expected to play 35 to 40 minutes where you know you're never gonna be able to give the the best of yourself, he's gonna be able to play a solid, concentrated role, and at six foot four he adds some size at the back end as well, which I really like.
01:24:55.920 --> 01:25:04.079
So, you know, at this time of year to get a captain, to get someone with size, to get someone who's uh familiar with the league absolutely all day long.
01:25:04.239 --> 01:25:18.800
Yeah, and I think just kind of uh building on what you said there, what stuck out stood out for me, sorry, um for Jonas when he played him for Fife was that he was one of the guys that never threw in the towel.
01:25:18.960 --> 01:25:23.119
No matter what situation they were in, you always had a hard game out of him.
01:25:23.279 --> 01:25:26.720
You know, speaking to some of our guys, they said he's really hard to play against.
01:25:26.880 --> 01:25:30.960
You know, he is gritty, he he battles hard, he boxes out in front of the net.
01:25:31.199 --> 01:25:37.520
And no matter you know whether Fife were dead and buried, he would still play that way and you know continue.
01:25:37.680 --> 01:25:40.800
You know, he came back when they were in a sticky situation, didn't he?
01:25:41.039 --> 01:25:43.279
Mid season and came to help them out.
01:25:43.520 --> 01:25:49.760
And yeah, he to me he just never quit when a lot of players on that team did quit.
01:25:50.000 --> 01:25:58.239
The the the one thing I want to add on this, Fanny, as well, is is obviously in the situation you're in where you lose Mosey, you you've kept or the devils have kept that top four.
01:25:58.319 --> 01:26:07.199
And so when recruiting, it was important maybe not to look for a guy who was gonna come in and just demand top line minutes and a guy who's maybe content playing the role you were gonna assign him.
01:26:07.439 --> 01:26:09.119
Yeah, it's it's a really good point, Dan.
01:26:09.439 --> 01:26:22.000
Um I think if you are looking at somebody who is top line caliber, I think they are they would look at our roster and say, Okay, well, where do I fit in?
01:26:22.239 --> 01:26:24.399
Where do I get my big minutes?
01:26:24.560 --> 01:26:26.640
Where do I get my special team minutes?
01:26:26.880 --> 01:26:35.039
Because he they would look at the four that are in those spots right now, and it it's off putting, and guys turn it down on that basis.
01:26:35.279 --> 01:26:37.199
Well, they wouldn't probably get those minutes.
01:26:37.359 --> 01:26:41.520
They exactly well, they know they wouldn't get those minutes because they know what they'd be up against.
01:26:41.760 --> 01:27:01.600
So it yeah, it was important to have a guy, and and this is why you know Jonas is one of the first names that came up when we didn't really look that much further, because it's someone that's got the capability to play top four, but also is accepting of whatever role is given to him.
01:27:01.760 --> 01:27:15.279
So he's got the ability to play those special teams, like I said, but also you know, he's coming in on a third deep airing, you know, he is 34 now, and you know, he is just happy to play whatever role we need him to play.
01:27:15.439 --> 01:27:19.199
And you know, there is something to be said about keeping the harmony.
01:27:19.359 --> 01:27:28.560
Um, you know, if we brought somebody in and they weren't on special teams or they weren't playing top four and they weren't getting the big minutes, they'd probably start looking for another club.
01:27:30.000 --> 01:27:36.800
And one thing I I think as well, I that kind of struck me earlier when I was thinking about his time at Fife and sort of coming over to us.
01:27:36.960 --> 01:27:51.039
He's coming into a situation here where the the structure that we have in Cardiff is conducive more to getting the best out of people in the sense of we've got a dedicated coach for uh at defence in Nicholas who who really strives there.
01:27:51.359 --> 01:27:57.680
It just it feels to me at the moment that you know we've got a guy who maybe we haven't seen his full potential at where he's been at.
01:27:57.760 --> 01:28:02.319
I think we have the the sort of atmosphere here that we will see him go up a level or so.
01:28:02.479 --> 01:28:06.159
And it's nice to see Mark Richardson add another name to defensive partners he's played with.
01:28:06.880 --> 01:28:10.399
Jonas, we're expecting him to be in the lineup for Saturday and Sunday, Franny.
01:28:10.640 --> 01:28:13.359
Yep, um, as long as the paperwork gets done.
01:28:13.439 --> 01:28:19.760
I mean, we're on top of that, so it would have to be something out of the ordinary to keep him out.
01:28:19.920 --> 01:28:27.279
But uh number four, I think, Jonas, um is going to well, hopefully, all being well.
01:28:27.359 --> 01:28:31.920
We'll be in the lineup this weekend, and you know, it'll be uh a very welcome addition for the guys.
01:28:32.239 --> 01:28:33.039
It will indeed.
01:28:33.199 --> 01:28:34.640
Lots to look forward to this weekend.
01:28:34.720 --> 01:28:37.760
Two home games, Manchester on Saturday, Glasgow on Sunday.
01:28:37.920 --> 01:28:40.159
If you haven't got tickets, join us on the stream.
01:28:40.239 --> 01:28:44.399
We'll be bringing you all of the action and we'll be bringing you debriefs as well for both of the games.
01:28:44.479 --> 01:28:50.239
And then, of course, we'll be back with Insider next week with our final 40th anniversary episode, which is going to be great.
01:28:50.640 --> 01:28:52.640
That's all for Insider for tonight.
01:28:52.720 --> 01:28:54.640
Thank you so much for listening in once again, Gareth.
01:28:54.800 --> 01:28:55.359
Gareth?
01:28:55.439 --> 01:28:56.399
I just called you Gareth.
01:28:56.479 --> 01:28:57.520
I've never called you Gareth.
01:28:57.760 --> 01:28:58.159
Gareth.
01:28:59.920 --> 01:29:02.800
Garzett for calling me Neil, and I know it's something.
01:29:03.279 --> 01:29:04.239
Goodness me, guys.
01:29:04.319 --> 01:29:05.760
Thank you so much for joining me.
01:29:06.000 --> 01:29:09.039
Huge thank you to Angela Lord for sitting down with us a couple of weeks ago.
01:29:09.119 --> 01:29:11.600
It was wonderful to chat to him, and thank you everyone for listening at home.
01:29:11.760 --> 01:29:16.079
I won't name all of you guys, especially if I'm going to give the wrong names, but uh, thank you so much for listening.
01:29:16.159 --> 01:29:17.039
We'll catch you very soon.
01:29:17.199 --> 01:29:17.600
Goodbye.
01:29:17.760 --> 01:29:19.279
Keep your Welsh cakes coming.
01:29:20.000 --> 01:29:24.319
Thank you very much once again to our sponsor, Minerva Hearing, for today's podcast.
01:29:24.399 --> 01:29:28.079
And remember, Minerva Hearing, hear the cheers, protect your ears.
00:00:00.400 --> 00:00:03.520
Today's podcast is brought to you by Minerva Hearing.
00:00:03.680 --> 00:00:05.759
Hear the cheers, protect your ears.
00:00:06.320 --> 00:00:07.839
Shemai Powerback Kroysar.
00:00:08.000 --> 00:00:14.960
Hello, everybody, and welcome back to another episode of Devil's Insider with me, Dan Ruther, alongside Gareth Hewish and Neil Francis.
00:00:15.039 --> 00:00:16.960
Guys, it's wonderful to be back once again.
00:00:17.120 --> 00:00:19.039
And there's plenty to get through on today's show.
00:00:19.120 --> 00:00:19.760
Guys, how are you doing?
00:00:19.839 --> 00:00:20.480
You been alright?
00:00:20.640 --> 00:00:21.359
Yeah, I'm good.
00:00:21.440 --> 00:00:21.839
Thank you.
00:00:21.920 --> 00:00:28.480
Of uh taking advantage of the uh Saturday and also Sunday and Monday off and gone away for a little bit.
00:00:28.559 --> 00:00:34.560
So I'm nice and recharged and ready to move my stuff into the Vindicole for October, because that's where I'll be living.
00:00:34.719 --> 00:00:35.119
Oh yes.
00:00:35.280 --> 00:00:38.880
Franny, it's uh it's always nice to have maybe the Sunday off and just get away a little bit.
00:00:39.039 --> 00:00:43.039
Yeah, I think I said on the webcast the Friday night home games are my favourite.
00:00:43.119 --> 00:00:49.280
You know, they it never was a thing back in the day, but uh first of all, I find the energy and excitement is there.
00:00:49.359 --> 00:00:52.640
Everyone's just finished work for the week and you know, looking forward to the weekend.
00:00:52.719 --> 00:00:54.240
So the energy is always high.
00:00:54.399 --> 00:00:57.759
Um, and then it gives you it just feels like the weekend is longer, doesn't it?
00:00:57.920 --> 00:01:02.719
It gives you that extra day on the weekend um to yeah, to make the most of it.
00:01:02.960 --> 00:01:03.840
Make the most of it.
00:01:03.920 --> 00:01:04.159
We did.
00:01:04.239 --> 00:01:06.319
We're gonna talk about the weekend, just gone a little bit.
00:01:06.400 --> 00:01:10.400
The Devils, once again, for the third weekend in a row, split the weekend, one win, one loss.
00:01:10.480 --> 00:01:12.719
They start on Friday with a win over Nottingham.
00:01:12.799 --> 00:01:15.359
Gaz, it was a good performance, I thought.
00:01:15.599 --> 00:01:16.159
Yeah, it was.
00:01:16.239 --> 00:01:17.439
It was an entertaining game.
00:01:17.599 --> 00:01:26.959
I thought to start off with, you had both teams who were maybe a little bit edgy and a little bit aware that they it was a game that they couldn't lose.
00:01:27.120 --> 00:01:36.000
Um, but I thought as the game went on then and the the stakes sort of upped and they realized that as close a game as it was, someone had to go for the win.
00:01:36.159 --> 00:01:38.719
It kind of opened up and it had a bit of spice to it as well.
00:01:38.799 --> 00:01:40.799
It had a bit of an edge, had a bit of a temperature.
00:01:40.959 --> 00:01:50.239
Um, so all in all, I thought it was a really, really entertaining uh 60 minutes from uh from two good sides, and um, yeah, the result was the right one in the end.
00:01:50.480 --> 00:01:54.879
It was Franny, it was uh kind of what we've seen from the Devils at home this season.
00:01:54.959 --> 00:01:56.959
It was once again a pickup from that, really.
00:01:57.200 --> 00:02:01.280
Yeah, I uh I said other webcasts I liked the intent that the devils came out with.
00:02:01.359 --> 00:02:04.079
I thought the the pace of the game was high.
00:02:04.239 --> 00:02:11.919
I thought they looked to get on the four check really well, finish hits, uh, and yeah, I just set there was a sense of purpose about the game.
00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:15.360
Um I called it a must-win game, and it I it really was.
00:02:15.840 --> 00:02:19.759
And uh the devils came out playing that way.
00:02:19.919 --> 00:02:28.080
So yeah, I liked what I saw, and you know, as the game went on, you know, lots of flash points, and I just think those kind of games really suit us.
00:02:28.319 --> 00:02:30.800
Yeah, we'll we'll pick out a couple of guys that we thought were really good.
00:02:30.879 --> 00:02:40.159
Uh the three that stood out for me really in the game were Fournier Stover and Yure, and and and Gaz, you know, for different reasons, Fournier took that power play goal really nicely, and he's coming up with a few goals, his fawns.
00:02:40.319 --> 00:02:45.520
Yeah, he's in a really rich vein of form, and he started off this season uh as he ended the last.
00:02:45.680 --> 00:02:57.599
It's kind of strange really because you know he's he's you expect a player to get kind of worse as as they get older, but Fawn since coming back has kind of gone in the reverse sense.
00:02:57.759 --> 00:03:07.280
His first year, uh maybe he didn't reach the heights that he had, but then year on year over the last three, he seems to get him back to to where he was before he left us.
00:03:07.439 --> 00:03:18.319
So um, yeah, just uh for me at the moment, Fawns is just seeing those skating lanes, picking those spots, and the accuracy of his shot is is starting to really come forth as well.
00:03:18.400 --> 00:03:22.000
You think that one against Manchester the other week with that power play goal on Friday, etc.
00:03:22.240 --> 00:03:28.479
So yeah, for me, we we made him one of our ones to watch on on the uh on the stream, and uh rightly so.
00:03:28.719 --> 00:03:36.080
Fanny Stover as as my second guy, really solid game, particularly in the third, when there was a lot of push from Nottingham, he he made some big and important saves.
00:03:36.240 --> 00:03:37.120
Yeah, he he did.
00:03:37.199 --> 00:03:40.080
He made a lot of big stops, and I thought he looked really good.
00:03:40.159 --> 00:03:43.280
You know, we saw how good Stover was at the end of last season.
00:03:43.520 --> 00:03:52.159
Um, and you know, there was that that sequence uh that I think the devil's put out there as save of the week, where it's actually four saves in one.
00:03:52.319 --> 00:03:56.240
Uh, and he still manages to kill the play dead after that.
00:03:56.319 --> 00:04:02.879
Not only has he made those four stops, but he's also got the presence of mind to swallow up that puck and and cover it to get a whistle.
00:04:03.039 --> 00:04:12.400
And I thought I think that's what he does really well, is that he he absorbs pucks so he can then control it to either play it or or get a whistle.
00:04:12.560 --> 00:04:16.319
And um, yeah, he made some some really, really key stops.
00:04:16.560 --> 00:04:22.480
He did, and and the other guy who I've mentioned Uremko, and this is kind of where we're gonna uh isolate a little bit and look in a bit more depth.
00:04:22.639 --> 00:04:29.120
Uremko goal assist and a fight on the nights of the Gordia How hat trick, man of the match performance, really, really good from from Nolan Uremko.
00:04:29.199 --> 00:04:33.839
And uh Gaz, you said something on on debrief and and and on the stream as well that I thought was really interesting.
00:04:33.920 --> 00:04:40.319
And you said that the the fight with uh Derek Louis Jean is the best kind of example of why fighting is good in the sport.
00:04:40.560 --> 00:04:41.680
So why did you say that?
00:04:41.920 --> 00:04:44.720
I just thought that it energized everyone in the building.
00:04:44.800 --> 00:04:48.000
The the third was getting pivotal, it was a close game.
00:04:48.079 --> 00:04:58.639
We we knew both teams needed to win, and from both sets that the devils were ahead at the time, so with 5D, we kind of needed an adrenaline boost.
00:04:58.879 --> 00:05:02.720
Nottingham chasing the game, they needed to G up their bench a little.
00:05:02.879 --> 00:05:10.560
A couple of guys had turned fights down earlier in the game, which I I think probably had had a negative effect on that Nottingham bench a little bit.
00:05:10.720 --> 00:05:15.759
So with I think the fight came with about eight minutes left, seven minutes left around that time.
00:05:16.079 --> 00:05:20.000
Um, and it just seemed the perfect time to get a grandstand finish.
00:05:20.079 --> 00:05:28.639
And as soon as those guys dropped the guns, and credit to the officials for letting them go, because at one point I thought because they were tied up that they might have jumped in.
00:05:29.040 --> 00:05:40.800
But once they they let themselves go, and then that the they got a few shots in each, and it just it was a nice even fight, it was one that was allowed to go, and just the energy in that building was just perfect.
00:05:40.879 --> 00:05:52.480
So then you were set up for those last seven minutes of knowing these two teams are up now, they're going for it, they're gonna give their very best to the end, and you can get that effect with a hit, but it's harder to execute.
00:05:52.959 --> 00:05:57.519
You can get that effect with it with a goal, but obviously that kind of changes the mindset of everything.
00:05:57.759 --> 00:06:04.240
But sometimes a fight just hits the sweet spot to set up a grandstand finish, and that's what it felt like to me.
00:06:04.480 --> 00:06:07.360
And guys, you you mentioned something else in there that I loved in the game.
00:06:07.439 --> 00:06:11.360
It was Riley Brandt that went after uh Zomba Garrett.
00:06:11.600 --> 00:06:13.920
Um, so Garrett made that big hit on Richie.
00:06:14.240 --> 00:06:24.480
Uh, you know, he he had a lot of momentum coming up from his, you know, he's a defenceman and he chipped and chased, and he went in there, and it was Rich in the corner, and he hammers Richie hard.
00:06:24.639 --> 00:06:27.600
I don't think it's a bad hit, it's a it's a heavy hit.
00:06:27.759 --> 00:06:31.199
Uh, and it's similar to the one that caused the Uremco fight.
00:06:31.279 --> 00:06:32.800
You know, again, that was a heavy hit.
00:06:32.959 --> 00:06:36.240
On another day, both of those guys would have got a two-minute penalty for boarding.
00:06:36.399 --> 00:06:42.560
The officials who I thought were really good, um, and I enjoyed how they officiated it, they let both go.
00:06:42.639 --> 00:06:45.680
But you know, Richie gets that big hit from Garrett.
00:06:46.079 --> 00:06:58.240
Brandt immediately goes to him and he shakes his gloves and he's you know, he's turning backwards, taking himself out the play, and he's just on his man, I want you to fight because of what you've done to our you know, veteran, one of our leaders.
00:06:58.399 --> 00:07:00.399
And Garrett doesn't want to know.
00:07:00.720 --> 00:07:03.759
And then the next shift, Brandt does the same thing again.
00:07:03.920 --> 00:07:10.879
He goes straight at him, come on, hey, you're going, you're going, and the guy turns him down, and we took over the game from that point.
00:07:11.040 --> 00:07:12.639
I mean, that point onwards.
00:07:12.879 --> 00:07:24.240
Um, yeah, the momentum, I think, the shift in it because the crowd loved it because you've got you know one of the away team, baddies turning down one of our good guys.
00:07:24.399 --> 00:07:30.480
Um, and I just felt everyone got energized from it, the benches, like our bench, sorry, and and our fans.
00:07:30.800 --> 00:07:34.720
And he looked Garrett looked a bit off his game.
00:07:34.800 --> 00:07:47.040
And I think there was a couple of turnovers after that, so he was obviously on his mind, and then you get the big hit from Uremko, who similarly is kind of chipped and chased, laid a big body, and again on another day, it could have been a boarding call.
00:07:47.199 --> 00:07:52.399
Um, Louis Jean comes in to respond to his teammate and fair play to him.
00:07:52.480 --> 00:08:03.839
And there's two strong boys, they they had a hold of each other and they they couldn't quite get free because they had such a good grip, and and they both knew if they let that grip slip, then there's a big haymaker coming from somewhere.
00:08:04.000 --> 00:08:13.519
So they kind of had a few kind of attempts at it, didn't really get going, but Bailey Harewood got going, and it happened to be on Garrett, and that was pretty impressive.
00:08:13.600 --> 00:08:23.199
I mean, because Garrett's a big, big guy, and Bailey, who's been kind of itching to to drop the gloves uh this season, you know, got his wish and and did really well in that.
00:08:23.439 --> 00:08:23.839
He did.
00:08:23.920 --> 00:08:25.360
Uh I hate to break it to him.
00:08:25.519 --> 00:08:32.960
It didn't go down as a fighting major on the on the score sheet, it was two for roughing, but it was good to see Bailey get the the gloves off and manage to get going with someone.
00:08:33.039 --> 00:08:37.279
That has to like no way was that two for yeah, no chance.
00:08:37.759 --> 00:08:50.639
Um the last thing we'll touch on for that game, guys, just quickly, the the the Uremko and this we'll talk about the spark maybe, but I think in terms of Uremco himself, the it reminded me of the Guilford game early last season, where I think he also got a Gordy Hal hat trick in that game as well.
00:08:50.799 --> 00:08:57.919
But um he can when he's at his best and when he's got his game running, he's able to control it and control the crowd and the momentum as well.
00:08:58.080 --> 00:09:02.320
Yeah, he he's uh so influential when he's he's rolling like that.
00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:09.600
And um, I thought the little switch of lines he was more comfortable uh on the line he was on than maybe he has been in the last couple of weeks.
00:09:09.679 --> 00:09:13.039
I think it brought up the best uh in him on the on the weekend.
00:09:13.120 --> 00:09:21.759
You know, he's uh his goal maybe on another night that doesn't squeak through the pads, but uh he was in the right place at the right time to get it through.
00:09:21.840 --> 00:09:28.159
Uh just just on that, credit to Brandon Esters on that, because I think it was it was him on the rush.
00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:35.440
He was carrying it up, and the defense pair almost split out expecting the pass, trying to take the pass away.
00:09:35.600 --> 00:09:48.159
And Esters, once he spots that little opening, he's very positive and he jumps in, he gets a kind of disguise shot away that Edmonds couldn't hold, and you know that that's when Yuremko followed it up with a goal.
00:09:48.399 --> 00:09:56.559
And yeah, absolutely, and just for me, the work rate of Nolan Yuremko is just he's like the Durisel bunny, just he just keeps going and going and going.
00:09:56.639 --> 00:09:58.879
It doesn't seem to have anything empty the tank.
00:09:58.960 --> 00:10:00.960
And it's hard when you play that style, right?
00:10:01.039 --> 00:10:10.480
To to not to keep going that way because you know he's into every scrum, he's happy to get into every kind of uh afters uh when the pack gets frozen.
00:10:10.720 --> 00:10:12.480
He's the one battling in front of Nets.
00:10:12.639 --> 00:10:14.960
So yeah, just an all-action performance.
00:10:15.200 --> 00:10:16.399
Yeah, all action it was.
00:10:16.480 --> 00:10:18.399
The Devils beat Nottingham on Friday night.
00:10:18.480 --> 00:10:19.679
We'll talk about Saturday now.
00:10:19.840 --> 00:10:21.120
Devils went up to Sheffield.
00:10:21.200 --> 00:10:28.320
They don't get the win, Franny, but it was a performance that that Tomo described as, you know, he was happy with the commitment of the effort the boys despite the results.
00:10:28.480 --> 00:10:31.919
So even though it wasn't the I mean, it was better than the previous away game in Guildford.
00:10:32.159 --> 00:10:33.600
Yeah, I I would echo it.
00:10:33.759 --> 00:10:35.519
You you can't knock the effort of the guy.
00:10:35.600 --> 00:10:40.559
So the one thing that we didn't cover from the Friday night game was the injury to Evan Mosey.
00:10:40.720 --> 00:10:49.279
Um, you know, it whenever Mosey stays down and struggles to get up and struggles to get off the ice, you know that it's it's something serious.
00:10:49.360 --> 00:10:52.720
And obviously, we've heard Tomo's words on that in the interview after.
00:10:52.879 --> 00:11:00.240
So, you know, really feel for for Evan Mosey and you know, for the team that takes away that versatility that Mosey gives you.
00:11:00.320 --> 00:11:02.000
What you know, he was up covering forward.
00:11:02.159 --> 00:11:05.919
I thought that line was actually really good on Saturday until Mosey got hurt.
00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:07.759
He had loads of energy, didn't it?
00:11:07.919 --> 00:11:16.240
So um, you know, all the best to to Evan Mosey, and we hope uh you know, hope he makes a uh speedy and full recovery.
00:11:16.480 --> 00:11:23.600
Um, so we went up to Sheffield pretty, pretty short, and that's not a place you want to go short.
00:11:23.919 --> 00:11:42.399
However, you know, the goals that beat us as a there's a power play goal which takes uh a lucky deflection, which you know, Brandon Whistle didn't know too much about, and then giving up a short-handed goal, which is probably the the the big blot on the copy book on uh Saturday night, and it shouldn't have happened, but it did.
00:11:42.720 --> 00:11:45.120
And those and that was the difference in the game.
00:11:45.279 --> 00:11:52.879
So I didn't think Sheffield looked overly great, and you know, like Tomo said, and I'll echo the effort from our guys was there.
00:11:52.960 --> 00:11:59.919
I mean, maybe the application wasn't, but you saw legs were definitely starting to tire our second game of the weekend.
00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:03.600
Uh Sheffield's first game, plus playing such a short bench.
00:12:03.919 --> 00:12:05.600
Guys, what did you make of it?
00:12:06.720 --> 00:12:16.639
Well, it was so it was frustrating to watch because I thought right from the off, we looked like we did at times last year, really together as a as a unit defensively.
00:12:16.799 --> 00:12:22.240
All five uh guys on a line knew what the assignment was and all worked hard for each other.
00:12:22.320 --> 00:12:26.639
And I I think when we do that, it is when we get our our jest rewards.
00:12:26.879 --> 00:12:46.240
I think the two biggest takeaways are I think a game like that when you're down and you don't get the result, um, but you've got that mitigating circumstance, it makes games like the Coventry loss a couple of weeks ago more prominent because that was a game where we did have the legs, and if we had applied ourselves a bit better, then it kind of cancels it out, right?
00:12:46.320 --> 00:12:47.440
It doesn't feed as much.
00:12:47.519 --> 00:12:53.759
So there's a bit of frustration there for me, and then just such fine margins in this league.
00:12:54.080 --> 00:13:19.759
That power play where we gave away that short-handed goal, it almost felt like, and I I don't think this is the the active thought of the of the guys on the power play unit, but it almost felt like that two minutes was going to be used as a bit of a breather, uh, and maybe the the the intensity dropped a little bit there, thinking uh that we could just apply ourselves, but you can't do that against a team like Sheffield, and then that one lack of concentration completely takes away the result.
00:13:20.159 --> 00:13:26.799
So it just shows that you can't take a shift off because that shift can ultimately get the two points.
00:13:26.960 --> 00:13:32.720
But if we are fit and healthy, I I certainly didn't watch that game thinking um the Sheffield dominated us.
00:13:32.799 --> 00:13:37.840
I didn't think that they looked like a team that is going to be far and away uh better than ours.
00:13:37.919 --> 00:13:39.039
You know, they beat us on the night.
00:13:39.120 --> 00:13:40.720
That you have to give them the thing for that.
00:13:40.799 --> 00:13:45.840
Mitch Balmus is a as a sniper, you can't keep your eyes off him even when he's killing penalties.
00:13:46.000 --> 00:13:58.000
Um, but yeah, it it you can't go away from that 60-minute performance for me and and you know dump on dump on the guys for that because I think at the end of it you can say that they did leave it all out there.
00:13:58.240 --> 00:14:02.879
We just didn't maybe have the legs to have that sustained pressure towards him.
00:14:03.120 --> 00:14:05.039
But Brandt had that breakaway, you know.
00:14:05.120 --> 00:14:12.879
At one point, you know, there was a chance there, you know, he didn't convert, that does happen, but we were in the game from minute one to minute 60, and I think that's positive.
00:14:13.279 --> 00:14:15.519
Bounds looked particularly solid, I thought, uh, as well.
00:14:15.600 --> 00:14:17.519
I think both goalies over the weekend looked really good.
00:14:17.840 --> 00:14:19.039
Yes, they certainly did.
00:14:19.120 --> 00:14:23.919
Uh, I think Bounds always wants to give a bit extra up an house of steal, doesn't he?
00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:25.600
And uh as should everyone.
00:14:25.759 --> 00:14:37.919
Um, but yes, both goalies uh over the weekend just uh reinforces to me what a strong uh sort of tandem that that we have here, and uh I'm sure we'll see a bit more of them this weekend.
00:14:38.159 --> 00:14:44.879
Franny, one guy you've been singing the praises of got the goal for the Devils on the night, Ryan Barrow, and uh and he's been deserving of that moment, I think.
00:14:45.200 --> 00:14:46.159
Yeah, definitely.
00:14:46.240 --> 00:14:58.159
I mean he's uh I can't talk highly of him enough because he just gives you that effort, commitment, bravery, everything we love in Card of Devils players.
00:14:58.240 --> 00:14:59.759
He gives it to you every night.
00:14:59.919 --> 00:15:09.840
Uh, and I was actually pretty shocked when I looked at the stats and I saw he hadn't had a goal because it feels like that he's been dominating every game that he plays in, and I was shocked by that.
00:15:09.919 --> 00:15:17.759
But it was a lovely feed from uh Panamijo, and you know, he went down and uh and made it look easy, you know.
00:15:17.919 --> 00:15:29.840
He he just you know, because he's going at speed, he's got back checkers on him, and he stayed really calm and just makes uh you know a nice bit of deception and and slides it home uh very efficiently.
00:15:29.919 --> 00:15:32.399
So yeah, glad for him to get that goal.
00:15:32.480 --> 00:15:38.799
And you know, it's been more than deserved for his efforts and performances over the recent weeks.
00:15:39.039 --> 00:15:43.759
Overall, it it's it's frustrating maybe to look at the weekend again and and the devils having split it.
00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:48.559
Because, like I said before, that that's now three weekends in a row where they've won the first game and they've lost the second.
00:15:48.639 --> 00:15:52.639
And and we need to start seeing the devils pick these points up on the road as well.
00:15:52.720 --> 00:15:57.759
And I think you know, if they'd snuck out a point in Sheffield on the night, then maybe all of a sudden you think, oh, that looks a little bit more comfortable.
00:15:57.840 --> 00:16:01.039
But the Devils need to just get that first away win out of the way.
00:16:01.279 --> 00:16:11.840
Yeah, we said it on uh last week's insider, you can't qualify in the Challenge Cup if you keep you know splitting the weekends and playing 500 hockey, and you know, that's another weekend.
00:16:12.000 --> 00:16:26.320
And like you said, you look back to that Coventry game where it was in our hands and that slipped away, and that's uh yeah, it it kind of it just leaves you with like that uphill battle, doesn't it?
00:16:26.480 --> 00:16:27.519
Uh to qualify.
00:16:27.600 --> 00:16:33.279
And you know, last year we didn't qualify and we don't want to make uh you know that a habit.
00:16:33.440 --> 00:16:43.120
And you know, it is gonna take a lot of big performances from now on to um you know to get that spot in the in the group stages to get through.
00:16:43.200 --> 00:16:54.399
I mean, we've played more games than other teams, and you know, we're up there, but it doesn't help then when Sheffield go to Coventry and lose because I mean they had won all their four games.
00:16:54.559 --> 00:17:04.079
So if they're gonna go outright as number one, you want them to win every game because then they're beating the other teams that you're competing for for that second or the playoff spot.
00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:15.039
It's a funny old group actually this year as well, because you look through the results so far, and guys, the in in the 13 games that have been 14 games I think that have been played in the group so far, 11 of them have been won by the home team.
00:17:15.119 --> 00:17:20.720
There's only been two away regulation wins and a shootout win for Sheffield and Guildford that have been the away win so far.
00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:25.759
So it really shows that actually in this league and in this group in particular, it's hard to win on the road.
00:17:25.920 --> 00:17:28.160
Yeah, and I think we see it in the other group as well, don't we?
00:17:28.319 --> 00:17:32.480
At Glasgow uh turning over Belfast on the weekend uh uh at home.
00:17:32.640 --> 00:17:36.960
So yeah, it's uh again, I think it goes back to what I say about fine margins.
00:17:37.039 --> 00:17:42.640
You know, if you squeak out those uh ugly road wins, then you get your just rewards.
00:17:42.799 --> 00:17:49.279
And at the moment, yeah, like home team home ice advantage is is a really big thing at the moment across the league.
00:17:49.440 --> 00:17:59.039
But you have to find a way, you have to find a way, and it's gonna be interesting for us now because we're going to go through a home stretch uh in the next uh couple of weeks or really for the next month.
00:17:59.599 --> 00:18:09.039
So uh hopefully we can use that as a as a building ground for confidence so that by the time we do get to our next road win, we're gonna feel pretty imprinciple, right?
00:18:09.279 --> 00:18:12.720
Yeah, I mean, I mean it's a good point you make about the amount of home wins.
00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:26.799
I mean, I'm looking at the the Challenge Cup group now, and it feels like we're struggling in the group stage, however, we have a 50% win rate, and that is the second highest behind Sheffield, who's in first place with 80%.
00:18:27.359 --> 00:18:37.440
Um, you know, they won four out of their five games, but you know, there's ourselves and Manchester on a 50% win rate, and then there's others with um 40 and 25%.
00:18:37.839 --> 00:18:52.240
Sorry, Coventry have got a 50% win rate as well, not played as many games, so nobody else is running away with it, and maybe we're being a bit harsh on ourselves because it doesn't feel like we're doing particularly well in the group stage, but it it's actually part of the course at the moment.
00:18:52.480 --> 00:18:53.039
It is indeed.
00:18:53.119 --> 00:18:57.200
Well, on the subject of home and away, the devils are, as we say, home for a good old chunk now.
00:18:57.359 --> 00:19:06.799
The next five games we're all at home, and in the midst of that, it is the 40th anniversary, and we've done a lot of talking about that recently, and um, this is obviously another episode, another part of our 40th anniversary series.
00:19:06.880 --> 00:19:18.079
And uh we've got a special guest on tonight, and this one is a little bit special, and it's been great speaking to the guys so far, but this is one that you know I personally was very excited about, and so we're uh we're gonna introduce Andrew Lorde for you now.
00:19:18.240 --> 00:19:20.960
Enjoy this one, ladies and gents.
00:19:21.119 --> 00:19:30.240
A huge welcome on Devil's Insider this week to another very special guest as part of our 40th anniversary celebrations, and it's one that I've been very, very excited about.
00:19:30.400 --> 00:19:31.839
Andrew Lord joins the podcast.
00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:33.680
Lordo, thank you so much for chatting to us.
00:19:33.759 --> 00:19:34.640
How are you doing, bud?
00:19:35.279 --> 00:19:35.920
I'm really good.
00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:37.039
Yeah, great to be on.
00:19:37.200 --> 00:19:40.880
Appreciate the time and uh good to good to see all three of you again here.
00:19:41.200 --> 00:19:49.119
Tell us a little bit, just for the the guys who who maybe are newer to the Devils, tell us a little bit about um where you are at the moment with with your job and what you've been doing since you've left the Devils.
00:19:49.440 --> 00:19:52.160
Yeah, I've I've gone kind of everywhere, to be honest.
00:19:52.400 --> 00:19:59.440
Um, from Cardiff, I went to uh Greenville, South Carolina, which is on the eastern uh side of the U.S.
00:19:59.680 --> 00:20:00.000
there.
00:20:00.240 --> 00:20:28.240
Um did that for four years in the ECHL and then drove up the coast to Halifax and the Maritimes, which was in the uh CHL Kane Hockey League, uh basically, you know, junior hockey, and uh did that for one season, thought I'd be there for a long time, actually bought a home, and then um about a week later I got the other job out here in uh in California, which is um the LA Kings AHL affiliate, the Ontario Rain.
00:20:28.400 --> 00:20:43.119
So um moved the family out this way uh last summer, and then had my first season uh here um for the 25-26 year, and now obviously uh back here again for uh for a year two uh with the Kings.
00:20:43.279 --> 00:20:44.880
So really uh fun journey.
00:20:44.960 --> 00:20:46.079
It's flown by.
00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:48.960
I love uh these kind of you know little bits here.
00:20:49.039 --> 00:21:01.599
It makes you kind of reminisce a little bit, which is always fun, and um it's you know it's been it's been a great um all all of my stops have been really good and I've been very fortunate.
00:21:01.680 --> 00:21:07.759
But my uh where it all started was was the devil's right and uh just just so many good memories.
00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:10.720
Yeah, let's take you down a little bit down memory lane today.
00:21:10.799 --> 00:21:19.680
And and and of course, as we're chatting through this, this these 40th anniversary shows, we'll we'll look at different eras, and then of course your era started the year before the current ownership came in.
00:21:19.759 --> 00:21:26.319
You you came in as as a player originally for that year before, and and it was a difficult year for the club, but there are definitely some positives to pull from it.
00:21:26.400 --> 00:21:30.480
And I do want to take you back just quickly to that year and and ask you what memories you have of that.
00:21:30.720 --> 00:21:34.880
Like I say, it was a tumultuous one, but one that that you know I'm sure you learned a lot in as well.
00:21:35.759 --> 00:21:38.319
Yeah, it was it was interesting to say the least.
00:21:38.480 --> 00:21:51.359
Um, I had a really bad injury in North America, so I kind of my North American career was over, and I was fortunate to get a job in uh the second league in Germany, went there, thought it might be my last season.
00:21:51.599 --> 00:21:54.480
Uh Franny had been talking to me for years.
00:21:54.640 --> 00:21:58.240
Um, you know, just the ultimate recruiter, great networker.
00:21:58.319 --> 00:21:59.680
We had stayed in touch for months.
00:22:00.160 --> 00:22:06.720
Multiple seasons, I I I think whether it was email or Facebook or something, just a couple messages a year.
00:22:06.799 --> 00:22:09.440
And I I knew all about uh the devils.
00:22:09.599 --> 00:22:10.960
I heard really good things.
00:22:11.119 --> 00:22:16.960
And then the, you know, the the MBA package there through Cardiff Met was was really appealing for me.
00:22:17.119 --> 00:22:21.200
Um and that really kind of put it over the edge.
00:22:21.359 --> 00:22:26.480
Um, obviously researched the city and and you know knew the devil's history.
00:22:26.640 --> 00:22:28.240
Um, so it was great.
00:22:28.400 --> 00:22:32.480
It was, you know, the the MBA there was definitely a highlight of the year.
00:22:32.640 --> 00:22:33.920
The on ice was not.
00:22:34.000 --> 00:22:35.839
I mean, I think we finished ninth out of 10th.
00:22:35.920 --> 00:22:36.720
It was really ugly.
00:22:36.799 --> 00:22:41.279
I think we had uh it ended up being three coaches by the end of the year.
00:22:41.519 --> 00:22:44.000
Um, so it was it was really unfortunate.
00:22:44.079 --> 00:22:47.759
You know, the the fans had sort of been turned off a little bit, I think.
00:22:47.920 --> 00:22:50.000
And um it was a struggle.
00:22:50.160 --> 00:22:53.359
I think it was a real struggle financially for the for the club as well.
00:22:53.599 --> 00:22:55.599
And um, you know, we gutted it through.
00:22:55.680 --> 00:22:58.079
There were some good time guys on that team, you know.
00:22:58.160 --> 00:23:06.559
I think of uh my longtime buddy Jake Morissette, you know, Mac Faulkner was our captain, Marshy was obviously there, you know, Richie and those guys.
00:23:06.640 --> 00:23:14.799
So there was a lot, there was a you know, interesting enough, when you fast forward to the following year, there was there was some pretty good pieces that we're able to take from that team.
00:23:14.960 --> 00:23:18.799
But yeah, ultimately it it was uh it had a lot of challenges.
00:23:18.880 --> 00:23:29.839
I do remember, you know, over over beers and chatting with the guys and and some staff, like we knew we knew that there was potential for the club again, right?
00:23:29.920 --> 00:23:38.079
And and that was you know definitely something I I talked a lot about with Franny as well, kind of when things transitioned to the following uh summer.
00:23:38.559 --> 00:23:43.119
Look at it just going on that season and and talking about that camaraderie and potential.
00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:52.000
There was a Scottish triple header uh that season where it seemed like the guys kind of took it upon themselves to kind of run the room.
00:23:52.160 --> 00:23:58.240
And we I remember scoring up in Dundee, and you kind of gripped the logo and showed it to the fans.
00:23:58.319 --> 00:24:04.240
And it seemed to me like that was kind of a foundation of you showing your leadership with the club and your affinity to the club.
00:24:04.319 --> 00:24:07.440
Do you have any kind of memories about that that triple header around that time?
00:24:07.519 --> 00:24:11.119
Because it seemed to be like the guys really wanted to do it for the fans.
00:24:11.440 --> 00:24:13.759
Yeah, I remember the triple header, I think those were fun trips.
00:24:13.839 --> 00:24:19.759
I think you know, seeing the fans with us on the road is always you know, it's it's it's not exactly close.
00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:25.599
And I think we all know how how much it costs to get up there, and you know, it's it's a fun trip.
00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:31.680
And I think you just you're just trying to make the best out of a a difficult situation, right?
00:24:31.839 --> 00:24:38.960
And um, you know, again, I think we had a lot of good character in the room, and um, you know, just doing what we could.
00:24:39.119 --> 00:24:42.559
So, you know, I'm a passionate guy, as I think you know by now.
00:24:42.640 --> 00:24:48.880
And um, you know, I also I liked I liked scoring goals, even though I wasn't maybe necessarily a goal scorer.
00:24:48.960 --> 00:24:49.680
I like scoring goals.
00:24:49.839 --> 00:24:53.039
I'd usually probably get a little too pumped up when I scored.
00:24:53.440 --> 00:24:59.119
After that that tough season, you were part of of that very crazy summer of transition when the new ownership came in.
00:24:59.279 --> 00:25:03.920
Todd Kelman came in, Franny and and and the ownership brought you on board as as player coach as well.
00:25:04.079 --> 00:25:15.359
So, you know, it it's it's a well told story at this point, but just remind people at home of that that crazy sort of six to eight weeks of recruiting the team for the 14-15 season and and everything that went on behind the scenes during that time.
00:25:15.839 --> 00:25:18.319
Yeah, I mean, it's it's eerie thinking about it.
00:25:18.400 --> 00:25:24.319
There's you could probably talk all day about it, but there's there's a few distinct things that really stand out to me.
00:25:24.559 --> 00:25:31.279
Um, one, you know, I kind of thought my career was over two years previous, and I was feeling a lot better.
00:25:31.440 --> 00:25:38.559
I actually had a decent year personally with the Devils that season, you know, production-wise, I felt like I was getting my game back.
00:25:38.720 --> 00:25:40.240
I really enjoyed the game.
00:25:40.559 --> 00:25:45.759
Despite you know, the losing season, I felt for my myself I was was really enjoying it.
00:25:45.920 --> 00:25:51.119
And um, I I had a really good offer uh money-wise from another team.
00:25:51.279 --> 00:26:00.960
Um, and I literally had the email open in my uh inbox, and I was sitting there and I literally almost signed it.
00:26:01.039 --> 00:26:05.119
And Franny just kept saying, you know, like, hold on, like something's coming down the pipe.
00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:06.880
I, you know, I can't tell you too much.
00:26:06.960 --> 00:26:21.839
And obviously there was some inner workings, and and you would know more, but it was like I'm talking, I was, you know, there I could have been a minute away from going to another club that ended up what they would have only been an okay okay place, so I wouldn't have been a coach or anything.
00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:41.200
So it's it's just crazy how um things can just turn right on a dime, and then and then it was just like bang, bang, bang from um the ownership change to them, you know, putting ultimate faith in me when really they're they probably had no business, you know, giving me an opportunity.
00:26:41.359 --> 00:26:46.079
I think they knew I had a little bit of that coaching experience a few years prior when I missed that whole season.
00:26:46.160 --> 00:26:54.480
I was lucky to get some experience there, but um, yeah, credit, credit to Franny and then you know, Todd and the owners for for giving me a chance.
00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:58.240
It's you know, probably the biggest reason of why I'm sitting here today, right?
00:26:58.319 --> 00:26:59.119
To get it all started.
00:26:59.200 --> 00:27:01.200
And then the recruiting was insane.
00:27:01.359 --> 00:27:16.960
I mean, we've just were I remember uh I still I think I still have like emails in my inbox from you know just Franny and I and Todd were just going at it relentlessly for I think it was five or six weeks, and um, and then from there it just it just took off.
00:27:17.039 --> 00:27:29.920
So really cool, really cool um, you know, two months over that course of that summer from almost going somewhere else to then being a coach of the team and and things uh getting started.
00:27:30.400 --> 00:27:39.359
Franny, um uh you've told me in the past that during that six weeks it was it was essentially you you up during the night, Lord up during the night on the on the east coast as well, and you guys were just recruiting through it.
00:27:39.599 --> 00:27:41.599
Just from tell us a little bit about that, Franny.
00:27:41.839 --> 00:27:46.480
Yeah, we we had so little time, and with recruiting, it's all about momentum.
00:27:46.559 --> 00:28:02.480
You know, you you narrow down your search, you you get a kind of into the guy, you know, your references all checked out, and then when you get that player kind of interested and and almost good to go, you just cannot afford to lose momentum because somebody else could jump in there.
00:28:02.799 --> 00:28:09.599
So, you know, Lord was in Vancouver, I'm in Cardiff, we got a what is it, seven-hour time difference to fight against to.
00:28:09.920 --> 00:28:16.319
Uh, and I just remember, I mean, there was things would change during the day or during the night.
00:28:16.559 --> 00:28:24.079
So, you know, I was getting up at like one o'clock most nights during that period to catch up with Lord or to see where he's at.
00:28:24.240 --> 00:28:41.279
And then on the the flip side, you know, if I've like got a bit of progress on our recruiting, Lordo was getting up middle of the night to find out where we're at with you know, with the guy, has the contract been signed, and it was just yeah, like there weren't enough hours in the day, and we just had to create hours by not sleeping as much.
00:28:42.079 --> 00:28:46.160
Lordo, that that first season, everyone remembers it very fondly, and and everybody who comes on, you know.
00:28:46.240 --> 00:28:50.000
I remember Todd when he came on the podcast spoke about that first year and the feelings around it.
00:28:50.079 --> 00:28:58.000
And you know, you you guys go and win that challenge cup in your in your first season, and and did it did it set a tone for then how the rest of your time there would be?
00:28:58.799 --> 00:29:03.200
Yeah, I mean, I think the challenge cup was was amazing and it it definitely helped.
00:29:03.359 --> 00:29:13.279
I I think just the process of what we what we were doing uh was probably more important, you know, even if we lost that challenge cup, I really don't think it would have changed anything, to be honest.
00:29:13.440 --> 00:29:33.759
I think um, and and this is maybe goes back to the previous question a little bit, is just I it was it was so interesting to see, and it's stuff I still lean on today, like when you just bring in the right group of people and and you you lean on character and you lean on those fundamentals, and um, you know, it's amazing what that can accomplish, right?
00:29:33.920 --> 00:29:41.599
And I think we were so fortunate that you know Franny's just a total character guy, and and I'm in line with that as well.
00:29:41.680 --> 00:30:02.160
And then obviously the owners are you know, they're salt of the earth people too, and Todd's, you know, cut from the same cloth, and and then you know, whether you support staff and and then the initial Brits and then the initial North American guys, you know, whether it's Marty or Mo or Joey Haddad, and and like, you know, I'm gonna forget a bunch of guys.
00:30:02.240 --> 00:30:04.400
There's like you could literally go through everyone, right?
00:30:04.559 --> 00:30:09.759
And there was just so much character and then doing things the right way every day.
00:30:09.839 --> 00:30:21.839
I think the momentum was created, and the challenge cup was, I think it I think it maybe really spurred us on a little bit and got us back on the map, so to speak, in British hockey.
00:30:22.000 --> 00:30:26.640
But um I I think regardless, the following years would have would have happened.
00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:41.200
Was there a moment uh during that um period, Lord or that first year, where you realized this wasn't just a bunch of characters you got together, this was the foundation of what could what could be.
00:30:41.279 --> 00:30:45.200
What when was when did that penny kind of drop for you with that team that it was special?
00:30:45.839 --> 00:30:52.000
Well, I mean, I think when you started meeting the guys, even off the plane, and then the first you know, practices and all that.
00:30:52.160 --> 00:31:01.119
I another distinct memory I that's I remember we were playing Belfast, and I I think it might have been the first preseason game or maybe the second weekend, I can't remember.
00:31:01.200 --> 00:31:09.279
You'd have to look back, but one of those first exhibition games, and obviously Todd had come over from Belfast, so he wanted to beat those guys real bad.
00:31:09.519 --> 00:31:19.839
And you know, we needed to really like we their attendance was so poor the previous year, we really needed to like you know, the financial side of it was important too, right?
00:31:19.920 --> 00:31:27.440
So we needed like to make it entertaining, we wanted to to make that big blue tent meaningful again and and use it to our advantage.
00:31:27.599 --> 00:31:35.839
And I mean, I think I've been however many years I've coached now and been in the game, I don't think I've ever seen a preseason game like that.
00:31:36.079 --> 00:31:43.200
It it actually sounds like you guys did were you know did a number on Odents there a couple or maybe that's similar, I'd have to watch it back.
00:31:43.279 --> 00:31:51.200
But I mean, how hard we played, and um I remember Todd talking to the Belfast guys after, and they were like, What the hell's going on?
00:31:51.279 --> 00:31:53.200
You guys are that was insane, you know.
00:31:53.279 --> 00:32:06.720
And but it just it I think the character Sean through sh really showed through of like how much it meant to the guys, and um and when everyone comes together like that, you can you can you can give a little bit more, right?
00:32:06.799 --> 00:32:08.079
And and they certainly did.
00:32:08.480 --> 00:32:11.279
Lord, I I don't know if you remember this, you you probably do.
00:32:11.440 --> 00:32:19.039
Another indicator to me of how good we were gonna be was I mean, we we recruited Joey Martin, you know, we'd heard good things.
00:32:19.119 --> 00:32:22.559
I think some of your contacts had said, you know, if you can get him, get him.
00:32:22.640 --> 00:32:26.480
And you know, we we had that choice, didn't we between two guys, and Marty took it first.
00:32:26.640 --> 00:32:28.400
And you know, look how that turned out.
00:32:28.559 --> 00:32:32.720
And when he came in, we were pretty blown away with him, pretty pleased with ourselves that we got him.
00:32:32.799 --> 00:32:34.240
And then he came up to you, didn't he?
00:32:34.400 --> 00:32:38.400
And he apologized for how bad he had been, and he told you he'd get better.
00:32:38.480 --> 00:32:46.799
And we're like, oh my god, if this guy's gonna get better, and he's uh at a state at a stage where he's apologizing, then he's gonna be some special player.
00:32:46.880 --> 00:32:48.799
And guess what he turned out to be?
00:32:49.279 --> 00:32:51.519
We definitely put him on the second or third line.
00:32:51.680 --> 00:32:54.559
We for sure like that's where he was on the board 100%.
00:32:55.039 --> 00:33:06.720
So we didn't we didn't know the the the first two seasons uh of your reign were definitely felt like building blocks towards what then became it was the summer of 2016, and and that came along.
00:33:06.799 --> 00:33:17.200
It was a bit of a seminal moment for the for the club because you know you go out and you get and and I just looked through the the list of names of the guys you signed, you know, Ben Tavoglio, Ulma, Aslint, Mark Lewis, David Bryan, all in one summer.
00:33:17.279 --> 00:33:27.039
And and did you realize when you were recruiting guys that the the the level of quality had like shifted and you'd taken a bunch of guys who were gonna take you to that next level and get you over the line?
00:33:27.359 --> 00:33:41.759
Yeah, I mean it was interesting how much you know that first year you're almost I don't want to say you're begging people, but you're selling your message and you're you know, you're you're almost asking guys to trust you because we we didn't really have the the building blocks, right?
00:33:41.920 --> 00:33:46.240
After um, you know, all that had happened the previous year.
00:33:46.400 --> 00:33:54.079
Um and then by the year three and four or whatever it was, I mean, the we were we had to be really picky at that point, right?
00:33:54.240 --> 00:33:57.680
Because the majority of players really wanted to to come play for the club.
00:33:57.759 --> 00:34:01.119
Obviously, the new arena helped um financially.
00:34:01.279 --> 00:34:02.640
That's a game changer.
00:34:02.799 --> 00:34:04.559
You know, the fans had come back.
00:34:04.640 --> 00:34:07.920
Uh, you know, I think it's been sold out now for however many years.
00:34:08.159 --> 00:34:13.360
All those things have a monumental impact on the player you can recruit and the budget you have.
00:34:13.519 --> 00:34:28.800
Um, but I do still really believe that it's back to those fundamentals from you know how the staff, how the organization, um, you know, you go to Todd, Katrina, Corky, all these people in the club, how they take care of everybody.
00:34:28.880 --> 00:34:39.039
And uh it's it's amazing to see just the the momentum that's been built in in the in the caliber of player that wants to to join the team and and be part of something like that.
00:34:39.599 --> 00:34:43.039
That first league title season was was a remarkable one for the club, you know.
00:34:43.119 --> 00:34:45.039
It was the first league title in in two decades.
00:34:45.119 --> 00:34:47.760
You won the challenge cup, you you you went all the way to the playoff final.
00:34:47.920 --> 00:34:50.400
Well, what memory stick out from that year?
00:34:51.280 --> 00:34:59.840
Yeah, I mean, it was it's amazing when you first get over to the UK, you're you're kind of like, what is this regular season trophy all about, right?
00:34:59.920 --> 00:35:01.760
It's just so different than here.
00:35:01.920 --> 00:35:04.400
Um, and I ended up loving it.
00:35:04.480 --> 00:35:05.280
I ended up loving it.
00:35:05.440 --> 00:35:08.159
The amount of consistency, the work that goes into it.
00:35:08.239 --> 00:35:14.159
You know, a game in September is just as important as a game in in February or March, right?
00:35:14.320 --> 00:35:20.320
And um I think our group really learned over those first couple seasons what it took.
00:35:20.400 --> 00:35:22.800
And and I just don't remember any huge lapses.
00:35:22.880 --> 00:35:28.880
I just remember the consistency being there and the relentlessness from all of our go-to guys, particularly.
00:35:29.039 --> 00:35:30.800
Like our leaders were were exceptional.
00:35:30.880 --> 00:35:41.360
I think they had all grown and and learned what it took, you know, on a nightly basis and weekend to weekend, and and you know, we just kept the pedal down and and uh and went at it.
00:35:41.519 --> 00:35:49.199
So yeah, I'd say the consistency and and just the intensity from from everyone to to really get that one over the line.
00:35:49.519 --> 00:35:53.119
One of the big moments that stands out for a lot of people is is the comeback in Belfast.
00:35:53.360 --> 00:35:57.440
And even though it didn't confirm the league title, it definitely, you know, you put you one hand on the trophy.
00:35:57.519 --> 00:36:03.519
And and when you guys were down, do you remember now what you said to those guys before that big third period?
00:36:03.920 --> 00:36:06.559
I didn't yeah, no, I don't actually.
00:36:06.719 --> 00:36:09.760
Um, it's been however hundreds of games since, right?
00:36:09.840 --> 00:36:16.800
It's all all a blur, but I think there's a misconception, and that I think you watch a movie and you think it's like that.
00:36:16.880 --> 00:36:18.320
It's it's usually not, right?
00:36:18.480 --> 00:36:32.559
I mean, would I flip out sometimes and try to motivate or give it give a heartfelt speech for sure, but um no, in in the big moments, you really rely on the work that you put in um you know, day to day, and and we were ready.
00:36:32.719 --> 00:36:33.760
We were ready for the test.
00:36:33.920 --> 00:36:38.159
I mean, we just I thought we were, you know, again, relentless.
00:36:38.400 --> 00:36:42.800
I think um with and without the puck, we played really well.
00:36:42.960 --> 00:36:48.000
I think the chemistry amongst the players at that point was through the roof, right?
00:36:48.079 --> 00:36:59.280
You know, you think of I don't know the exact numbers, but I think we returned that second year after the first with 10 plus guys, and then like every year it was like more and more of a returning case.
00:36:59.440 --> 00:37:06.960
So we had that kind of that core, and then the core built, and and by the end you got you know 15 guys or like kind of your your core, right?
00:37:07.039 --> 00:37:09.920
And um, it was it was really fun to see.
00:37:10.239 --> 00:37:21.280
Um, you know, that game obviously was was really big because if that you know that that goes the other way, you're probably going right down to the wire, but it obviously uh it obviously helped.
00:37:21.599 --> 00:37:29.039
You then go and win it in Sheffield, and uh and of all the places to win the league, that's pretty much as good as it gets as a devil's one, I'm sure.
00:37:29.599 --> 00:37:30.639
Yeah, it was fun.
00:37:30.719 --> 00:37:36.320
I mean, I think what was the score there, five one or something, or I think six two, maybe looking back at it.
00:37:36.400 --> 00:37:43.119
Yeah, so we ended up that was like kind of the funny thing, is you you it was so tight, even the years before, right?
00:37:43.199 --> 00:37:47.920
Like even the first year, I think we were only four points off or something, right?
00:37:48.079 --> 00:38:08.000
So, like we were right on a mix, we were right in a mix each year, and um, you know, I think you you think it's gonna be this last second goal or something, and then we we just dominated the game and we kind of you know, we went we ran through them real good, and um yeah, and then it was like it was almost like anti-climatic in a way, right?
00:38:08.079 --> 00:38:12.000
It was amazing, but it was just like, oh, okay, like we thought it might be like an OT winner or something, right?
00:38:12.079 --> 00:38:18.480
And then I still remember they shuffled us off the ice, the Zamboni came on, and and our guys were so pissed.
00:38:18.639 --> 00:38:21.519
I mean, it was we we thought that was gonna be more of a moment, right?
00:38:21.599 --> 00:38:28.239
But it was great to get back to to Cardiff, and then I think the next night we had a had an amazing uh celebration and everything.
00:38:28.559 --> 00:38:35.920
The the the fans of of course were incredibly grateful to you and the team for for ending that that long that long break without a league trophy.
00:38:36.000 --> 00:38:43.920
Did you do you feel any pressure during that time of the weight of maybe knowing that it had been a long time since the devils had seen had seen a league title?
00:38:44.880 --> 00:38:48.880
I I put so much pressure on myself that I don't think anyone else can.
00:38:49.119 --> 00:38:56.719
So uh I've worked on that over the years, but you know, back then for sure, um just wanted it so bad, right?
00:38:56.800 --> 00:39:03.360
I mean, it was just the first couple seasons we just went at it and and we're so close.
00:39:03.519 --> 00:39:10.800
And um, so I don't think it was so much of a a pressure, like I gotta get this or I'm or I'm getting fired or anything like that.
00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:15.599
I think it was just like let's do this together and and make another memory, right?
00:39:16.159 --> 00:39:18.000
And then you know, you talk about that pressure.
00:39:18.159 --> 00:39:26.000
The the the second league title, then the the the in in 1718, the devils it felt a lot more comfortable, it felt like there was a lot more of an assurance around it.
00:39:26.079 --> 00:39:32.639
And and was it a case that once that pressure came off, it was almost a freedom to be able to go and attack that that second that second league?
00:39:33.360 --> 00:39:34.800
It's a good question.
00:39:35.119 --> 00:39:41.119
Um, it probably gives some guys a little more internal confidence, I would say.
00:39:41.280 --> 00:39:45.360
But I also think we didn't let our foot off the gas is probably the better answer, right?
00:39:45.440 --> 00:39:46.559
I think we just went at it.
00:39:46.639 --> 00:39:51.840
I think that summer we we improved uh uh with a couple big pieces for sure.
00:39:52.079 --> 00:39:55.119
Um, I think we added, I think we kept going.
00:39:55.440 --> 00:40:07.039
Uh, I think you you learn how to manage some of those like different games that can that can be a problem, you know, whether it's up up in Scotland or whatever it is, or it's you know, it's a game against a weaker team.
00:40:07.199 --> 00:40:10.960
It's we really learn how to be just even more consistent.
00:40:11.199 --> 00:40:24.079
And um yeah, so yeah, maybe it helped the confidence, but again, I I go back to the process and just continuing to get better, you know, each season and and summer and day to day, I think was probably the bigger thing.
00:40:24.559 --> 00:40:30.000
One big moment in that in that second league title season was was the loss in the Challenge Cup final at home to Belfast.
00:40:30.079 --> 00:40:34.159
And and you know, they were on the up that year and they were they were beginning to grow into what they became as well.
00:40:34.239 --> 00:40:41.280
And and I I remember when they did win it and they were off celebrating with a trophy, and you and a few of the guys would came out the locker room and just took a little look at them celebrating.
00:40:41.360 --> 00:40:45.519
And you know, when you look back at that now, did that have an impact on your coaching career?
00:40:45.679 --> 00:40:46.159
Do you remember that?
00:40:46.400 --> 00:40:50.719
Is that something that you used not only that season, but since then as there's maybe a little bit of motivation?
00:40:51.039 --> 00:40:56.559
Yeah, I it's funny, those like those moments I probably remember more than the the wins, to be honest.
00:40:56.880 --> 00:41:03.519
You definitely you take those with you and they uh they galvanize you and they make you work that much harder.
00:41:03.679 --> 00:41:10.800
Um that one stung for sure because I really felt like with that team we could have we could have done the whole thing, right?
00:41:10.880 --> 00:41:16.159
And um, you know, and then I think there was the the double OT playoff loss as well, right?
00:41:16.239 --> 00:41:17.519
Was that the previous season?
00:41:17.679 --> 00:41:27.599
So like you think back to both of those, and all of a sudden you're going, could could you have gone, you know, could you have gone six in a row or something crazy like that, right?
00:41:27.679 --> 00:41:30.719
Which was which was sort of the which was the goal in my eyes for sure.
00:41:30.800 --> 00:41:37.199
Like that's I wanted to just um, you know, for everyone, also, also professionally, right?
00:41:37.280 --> 00:41:39.440
I I really wanted to just win and win and win.
00:41:39.519 --> 00:41:51.679
I felt like that was that was my personal ticket to to hopefully, you know, ultimately someday get into the NHL and we're chipping away at it, but um you you had to win, right?
00:41:51.760 --> 00:41:54.559
So yeah, but long-winded answer.
00:41:54.639 --> 00:41:56.960
Um, I definitely remember that one vividly.
00:41:57.039 --> 00:41:59.599
That that one was uh that one was painful.
00:42:00.079 --> 00:42:01.519
I mean, you talk about winning.
00:42:01.599 --> 00:42:08.719
You guys then went on and won the playoffs, and it was that little bit of redemption at the end of the year, and and that was in terms of the the trophies the devils hadn't won.
00:42:08.800 --> 00:42:09.440
That was the last one.
00:42:09.519 --> 00:42:13.760
And and I remember you giving a speech after, and the first thing you said was we broke the last curse.
00:42:13.840 --> 00:42:19.519
And and you know, when you'd achieved that, did that feel like you you had ticked pretty much everything you wanted to off?
00:42:20.960 --> 00:42:25.440
Uh no, I still want I wanted to win them all in one season for sure.
00:42:25.599 --> 00:42:31.679
Um, and that was yeah, when when I left, I I I was that was an extremely difficult decision, obviously.
00:42:31.760 --> 00:42:35.760
That was that crossed my mind, but the playoff one's more fun, right?
00:42:35.840 --> 00:42:55.840
And it's it's a it's it's just an interesting one because I remembered like I remember vividly talking to Marty about this, and and you could win the league, and then you lose the playoffs, and and everyone's kind of like, well, they're like the playoff champions, and especially in North America, like people don't understand the league, right?
00:42:55.920 --> 00:43:00.239
So they might even think like that team is the is the better team, right?
00:43:00.320 --> 00:43:02.960
Or they're the ones that won won the big trophy.
00:43:03.119 --> 00:43:07.280
So we really wanted to win that last one, and and we finally did it.
00:43:07.440 --> 00:43:10.960
I and then now I think the guy the team's won a ton of them, right?
00:43:11.039 --> 00:43:13.920
Since I mean, what is it, like five now or four since?
00:43:14.079 --> 00:43:15.119
So it's it's awesome.
00:43:15.199 --> 00:43:16.880
It's been it's it's cool.
00:43:17.039 --> 00:43:26.719
It's also they do such a good job in that venue of like that's how the the trophy should trophy celebration should happen, right?
00:43:26.800 --> 00:43:29.679
That's how it should happen for for all three trophies for sure.
00:43:29.760 --> 00:43:31.840
I mean, it's that's that's the way to do it.
00:43:32.239 --> 00:43:39.519
I'll take you quickly now to to to your final season, and and and for me, I think that it's probably the peak of what we saw in terms of devils hockey.
00:43:39.599 --> 00:43:44.480
You know, that the by the end of the season, I think it's the it's the best form of the Cardiff Devils that we saw during your tenure.
00:43:44.639 --> 00:43:47.280
And it's such a shame that that that league got cut short.
00:43:47.360 --> 00:43:53.840
And and I think, you know, you guys not getting the uh the league trophy, everybody who comes on and talks about the fact that that wasn't fair and that they're still not over it.
00:43:54.239 --> 00:43:56.400
I thought Steve got it on, Steve got it on.
00:43:57.760 --> 00:43:59.599
Oh, I'm sure he's still putting in the calls now.
00:44:01.760 --> 00:44:04.079
But but do you think that was as good as you guys got?
00:44:04.159 --> 00:44:06.079
Because it certainly felt like it.
00:44:07.039 --> 00:44:10.480
Oh, that one that's you talk about low points.
00:44:10.559 --> 00:44:17.599
I mean, obviously, there's such greater uh things in the world there when everything happened and how devastating that was.
00:44:17.679 --> 00:44:24.960
But from a just a you know, a work hockey thing, that was uh just devastating.
00:44:25.039 --> 00:44:29.119
And and yeah, to answer your question, we were incredible.
00:44:29.199 --> 00:44:31.360
That was just an absolutely incredible team.
00:44:31.519 --> 00:44:42.159
Uh, they were, I felt like that team was almost unplayable, really, most nights, you know, and and we just had enough of a core and enough guys that they never really let up, right?
00:44:42.239 --> 00:44:47.760
Like maybe we'd have a a difficult period, but we'd bounce right back and and be unbelievable.
00:44:47.920 --> 00:44:53.280
Um, but to think about I mean, how many guys retired?
00:44:53.440 --> 00:44:56.639
Um, and what a what a terrible way to retire.
00:44:56.800 --> 00:45:00.559
I remember to this day, we're sitting there getting ready for practice.
00:45:00.719 --> 00:45:05.920
I think you know, guys are like half dressed, and and Todd comes in and it's it's over.
00:45:06.079 --> 00:45:09.039
Um, and it was it was just just devastating.
00:45:09.119 --> 00:45:10.400
And I feel for those guys.
00:45:10.559 --> 00:45:13.920
I think uh what Bentee, Polper, who else?
00:45:14.079 --> 00:45:16.800
Uh Lingley and Morrison McMonacle.
00:45:16.880 --> 00:45:19.039
Yeah, yeah, that's right.
00:45:19.280 --> 00:45:20.719
So that was awful.
00:45:20.880 --> 00:45:26.320
But yeah, as far as the the everything before that that season, I mean the the guys were great.
00:45:27.199 --> 00:45:38.719
Talking about um retiring in in good ways and bad ways, or you retired as a player with a devil's jersey on and you capped it off with a goal with your final touch as a professional player.
00:45:38.960 --> 00:45:40.880
Not many people get to go out like that.
00:45:40.960 --> 00:45:42.960
That must have been pretty special as well, yeah.
00:45:43.760 --> 00:45:47.519
Yeah, that was another another one of those uh vivid memories.
00:45:47.760 --> 00:45:50.960
Um I hadn't played in a while, right?
00:45:51.039 --> 00:45:53.840
I mean, I had I had turned into a bench coach.
00:45:54.400 --> 00:45:56.639
I'd have to look back at how many games it had been.
00:45:56.719 --> 00:46:00.159
I think I only played about 25 that season, so it was over, right?
00:46:00.320 --> 00:46:11.280
And you know, the the body uh the body goes a little bit when you don't have to practice every day at the same intensity and and the training, and uh the wheels were coming off a little bit for me.
00:46:11.440 --> 00:46:13.840
And I in my mind it was done, right?
00:46:13.920 --> 00:46:19.519
And and uh, you know, then there's Steve King uh saying, You gotta play.
00:46:19.599 --> 00:46:39.840
And it and like I I think I think I was like, I don't think we had decided in the morning, and I think he was all over me maybe after the morning skate or around lunchtime or whatever, and you know, at that point, um, you know, the injuries had piled up and on and on and on, and like it was definitely time and definitely time for me to just be a coach.
00:46:40.000 --> 00:46:46.880
Um, and and he talked me into that, and and I'll thank him for that forever because that was a really cool memory to go out and play.
00:46:47.039 --> 00:46:50.800
And um what a what a pass by Rutkiss there later.
00:46:51.119 --> 00:46:53.440
Oh uh, I I appreciate that play.
00:46:53.519 --> 00:46:54.239
So that was fun.
00:46:54.320 --> 00:46:58.719
And then that was that was in my wheelhouse about eight feet out and just able to chip it up.
00:46:58.800 --> 00:47:00.239
So that was cool.
00:47:00.639 --> 00:47:03.199
Yeah, a very special moment in in Devil's history.
00:47:03.280 --> 00:47:06.960
And uh, and and I know Gaz is incredibly proud to have to have commented on that moment.
00:47:07.039 --> 00:47:10.559
And yeah, Tom's Rutkiss spinnerama assist to get the call.
00:47:10.639 --> 00:47:21.280
But uh one other thing I do want to ask you about is um when we spoke to John Lawless as part of this series, one of the things he was most proud of when he was for his time with the Devils was the European success.
00:47:21.360 --> 00:47:26.000
And you know, you guys, through winning the league, ended up in in the Champions Hockey League a fair few times.
00:47:26.079 --> 00:47:34.239
And uh I think back to that campaign in in 2019 and you know the wins against Graz and you look back to that away win in Graz and it put the Devils top of a Champions League group.
00:47:34.320 --> 00:47:36.400
And is that another thing that you're incredibly proud of?
00:47:36.480 --> 00:47:41.199
Is that that you you kind of had those moments in Europe, the Davos one as well, of course, was it was a big moment.
00:47:41.760 --> 00:47:55.280
100% that that was some of my favorite um parts to to that whole thing, you know, and even for me, um I'd go to the I, you know, Todd and the Owens would send me to the world championships every year.
00:47:55.360 --> 00:47:56.320
So it was really cool.
00:47:56.400 --> 00:48:09.599
I even got to do the the CHL draw the one time, um and then and then to to be a see all the big clubs and you know see them look at us when we we'd roll into those meetings and whatnot.
00:48:09.679 --> 00:48:18.800
And then um obviously the first year was was had its moments of of difficulty, but we got better through the process, and I think that's the ultimate test, right?
00:48:18.960 --> 00:48:22.159
Having to play against some of those teams, and it's a lot harder.
00:48:22.239 --> 00:48:28.880
I mean, you're starting training camp earlier, it adds games, it adds travel, but I I think that's what it's all about.
00:48:28.960 --> 00:48:31.280
I I love that uh tournament.
00:48:31.360 --> 00:48:38.800
I thought it was incredible, and I thought our guys really got behind it, and and um some of those wins very, very memorable.
00:48:38.880 --> 00:48:42.239
Um, you know, in in games we probably had no business being in, right?
00:48:42.320 --> 00:48:50.480
And it's amazing when you again going back to that that culture of the guys and the core they they developed and just how bought in they were, right?
00:48:50.559 --> 00:48:54.639
They just played the right way and it gave us a chance in in a lot of those games.
00:48:54.960 --> 00:49:05.840
The the last thing on awaskaban, I'm glad you put up the core because you know, we we still have a core from when you were here here now, you know, Joey Martin, Ben Bounds, Richie, Dougie, Fawns, Mosey, they're all still here now.
00:49:05.920 --> 00:49:13.519
And and does that if does it give you a bit of joy in seeing the fact that those guys have stuck with the club and and they've helped grow it into what it is today?
00:49:13.920 --> 00:49:14.400
I love it.
00:49:14.480 --> 00:49:15.519
Yeah, and I'm still a fan.
00:49:15.679 --> 00:49:17.199
I'll always uh it's funny.
00:49:17.280 --> 00:49:21.519
For whatever reason, I'm usually able to watch the the playoff final, so that's always cool.
00:49:21.679 --> 00:49:28.480
I usually usually try to call you know Todd or Katrina or whoever it is on the ice if if you guys win and you still follow it.
00:49:28.559 --> 00:49:36.639
I obviously don't watch many games, but to see it, um, and it's amazing how many of those guys, you know, I still stay in touch with, right?
00:49:36.719 --> 00:49:41.039
And as the coach, that that uh that doesn't always happen, right?
00:49:41.119 --> 00:49:42.320
So it's it's pretty cool.
00:49:42.400 --> 00:49:51.679
It was a very unique experience, lifelong friends from the staff to the players, and um really also fun to get back to these testimonials.
00:49:51.760 --> 00:49:53.440
I had a lot of fun at the bouncy one.
00:49:53.519 --> 00:50:00.639
I missed the Marty one because I had a kid, so I think that's a a valid excuse, but um got the batchies, so yeah, I love it.
00:50:00.719 --> 00:50:04.000
It's it still feels like kind of the the the old gang, right?
00:50:04.079 --> 00:50:09.920
And I know the rest of us that are no longer with the club, we still have a ton of pride in it and and look back at all of it.
00:50:10.000 --> 00:50:14.719
So no, it's a great point, and um, I'm excited to follow you guys this year too.
00:50:14.960 --> 00:50:20.079
Well, we're glad to hear it, and we're we're we're glad that the devils were able to get it over the line in April and beat the Steelers in the final.
00:50:20.159 --> 00:50:22.880
But um, yeah, Gaz Franny, is there anything you'd like to add?
00:50:24.400 --> 00:50:34.960
The only the only thing I wanted to ask, Lord though, is when you first came in as player coach, so you'd have the season as a player, you get the player coach job with the new era.
00:50:35.519 --> 00:50:43.039
Your very first practice that you take, like I was always blown away with like the way you just took it in your stride and the confidence.
00:50:43.280 --> 00:50:44.559
What were you like internally?
00:50:44.800 --> 00:50:48.719
Confident or were there nerves kicking around there that you just hit pretty well?
00:50:49.440 --> 00:50:51.519
Uh I'm sure there was nerves.
00:50:51.679 --> 00:51:01.840
Um, I fortunately did a lot of summer skates, you know, whether it was like it was usually for my own training, but I'd sort of run some drills with my buddies.
00:51:01.920 --> 00:51:06.239
I just I just randomly would kind of take charge in some of those situations.
00:51:06.559 --> 00:51:08.639
So I felt like I'd done a bit of it.
00:51:08.800 --> 00:51:11.519
Um it is crazy to think back though.
00:51:11.679 --> 00:51:16.320
I mean, to to think of like the practice plan and then trying to keep the the tempo up.
00:51:16.400 --> 00:51:24.880
And you know, I also I wanted to be a part of it to show that I wasn't just like you know, bag skating the guys or skating the guys hard and me not doing as much, right?
00:51:25.119 --> 00:51:37.440
But I did get better at it as the time went along of like giving myself, you know, I'd do a rep and then I'd probably give everyone else a rep and then I would, you know, talk through the next drill, right?
00:51:37.519 --> 00:51:38.960
That way I could catch my win.
00:51:39.119 --> 00:51:42.000
But I do think I was probably in the best shape of my life.
00:51:42.079 --> 00:51:43.599
I just felt like I needed to be, right?
00:51:43.679 --> 00:51:44.880
To be able to do both.
00:51:45.119 --> 00:51:47.679
But uh yeah, probably some nerves.
00:51:47.840 --> 00:51:52.000
I think it goes back to our whole strategy of of recruiting the team, though.
00:51:52.079 --> 00:51:58.880
We just knew I think we wanted it anyway, but then I think we knew with me being sort of a young player coach, we needed that good group of guys.
00:51:59.039 --> 00:52:04.000
And um it was remarkable to see them actually buy in and actually listen.
00:52:04.079 --> 00:52:11.760
And I I'll always be indebted to them for that because um I don't think a lot of teams or a lot of groups would would do that, right?
00:52:11.840 --> 00:52:14.639
It's it's just a little bit of a weird thing and different.
00:52:14.880 --> 00:52:21.440
And uh I really appreciated their their, you know, I guess their respect and and their time and effort to it.
00:52:21.599 --> 00:52:25.280
So um yeah, fun while to think back.
00:52:25.360 --> 00:52:31.679
Now, now I haven't been on the ice in like three months, and I gotta I gotta run an NHL rookie camp skate in a in a couple weeks.
00:52:31.760 --> 00:52:34.480
So I gotta I gotta I gotta get my boots on.
00:52:35.280 --> 00:52:38.320
Oh Lord, well, um yeah, we're really thankful for your time.
00:52:38.400 --> 00:52:42.639
I know uh obviously with everything going on, it's super busy, but thank you for joining us uh on the podcast.
00:52:42.719 --> 00:52:46.800
It's great to reminisce a little bit about those years as well and and how phenomenal that they were.
00:52:46.880 --> 00:52:49.599
But um, yeah, thank you so much for joining the podcast, Lordo.
00:52:49.679 --> 00:52:50.239
We really appreciate it.
00:52:50.320 --> 00:52:52.079
And uh best of luck with the new season.
00:52:52.320 --> 00:52:54.559
Yeah, thank you guys, and good luck this year.
00:52:54.639 --> 00:52:56.400
And uh, I'm sure we'll be chatting soon.
00:52:56.559 --> 00:52:57.519
Appreciate it.
00:52:58.639 --> 00:53:02.480
Humongous thanks to Lordo for coming and chatting to us, guys.
00:53:02.800 --> 00:53:13.440
We we recorded that a couple of weeks ago because it's of course an incredibly busy time for Andrew Lord in in the midst of uh the American League and then the the the top two leagues in North America getting going again over the next week or so.
00:53:13.519 --> 00:53:15.440
And um, I mean we'll start with you guys.
00:53:15.840 --> 00:53:22.559
I I'm I'm almost blessed every time I do speak to Lordo because you know that eventually he's gonna be at the very top of the game.
00:53:22.800 --> 00:53:23.840
Yeah, absolutely.
00:53:24.000 --> 00:53:31.920
And um, like you say, at the moment the the trajectory he's on and and the organization he's in, uh he's a very, very busy man.
00:53:32.079 --> 00:53:36.559
Um, you know, it's not just that the AHL kind of responsibilities you have.
00:53:36.639 --> 00:53:42.719
You have the responsibility to kind of the group and the the affiliates and and everything from the sort of top down.
00:53:42.960 --> 00:54:01.679
So uh for us to be able to grab half an hour with with Lordo was uh I think goes to show how much he values this club and uh and values his time here because uh you know he didn't have to do that, he but he wanted to, and just talking to him, you you just get the passion, don't you?
00:54:01.760 --> 00:54:09.920
It just oozes out of everything he says, the way he says things, just the command he kind of has, the presence he has when he's talking.
00:54:10.079 --> 00:54:12.639
You can just see why he he's so respected.
00:54:12.800 --> 00:54:20.800
And um it struck me when uh he says he meant he he remembers the losses kind of more than he remembers the wins.
00:54:20.960 --> 00:54:51.519
And part of me as like a fan, I I I initially I felt a bit sad about that because I thought, you know, I don't want him to, but I just think uh you just can't be the man and the coach he is without knowing what went wrong and how to fix it, and even the tiniest, tiniest detail of any of those losses, he would have gone in and found a way, or keeps thinking of finding a way of how to fix that, and that is the kind of drive that made you of his uh tenure and that's for so successful.
00:54:51.760 --> 00:54:56.239
Franny, it is just it it it it's it's speaking to a hockey disciple, you know.
00:54:56.480 --> 00:55:09.199
Lordo is is a student of the game, and and I think listening to him talk about how he sees things and how he looks back as well at the his time here is is almost like that was his grounding, that was where he made the foundations and is now where he is.
00:55:09.280 --> 00:55:10.400
It's it's so good to hear.
00:55:10.639 --> 00:55:21.440
Yeah, I mean it kind of brings it into perspective to say when he when he said, sorry, um that he's preparing to run an NHL rookie camp in two weeks' time at the time that we recorded it.
00:55:21.599 --> 00:55:37.039
Um but it was also nice to hear that there's things that he's taken from Cardiff is using Cardiff that he still uses today, you know, the things about you know recruiting the person as well as the player and you know those kind of things.
00:55:37.280 --> 00:55:41.679
So um yeah, it was it was so good to catch up and to listen to him.
00:55:41.840 --> 00:55:46.719
And you know, when you speak to him, every answer he gives is measured.
00:55:46.800 --> 00:55:55.440
It's not just off he's not just speaking for the sake of it, he really thinks about his answers and he gives you you know the detail, and you know, that's him all over.
00:55:55.519 --> 00:55:58.639
And he's he's a very measured guy in everything that he does.
00:55:58.960 --> 00:56:11.039
And um, yeah, I mean, we're it's uh it's amazing to think that we were the start of his coaching journey, and you know, obviously everybody is keeping a track to see how far he can go.
00:56:11.360 --> 00:56:20.800
We're in the midst of uh a tie it back to the 40th anniversary stuff, and and we've spoken to all guys who have been behind the bench and and and and also kind of at the forefront of the club.
00:56:20.880 --> 00:56:30.159
And and Gaz, just for for maybe the people who weren't around back in 2014 when he took over as head coach, just contextualize a little bit where the club were because it had been obviously a very tough time.
00:56:30.239 --> 00:56:33.360
It's a story we've told plenty of times before, but just maybe give that context.
00:56:33.599 --> 00:56:38.559
Yeah, the the the club was in a in a pretty bad way uh towards the end of that season.
00:56:38.639 --> 00:56:58.079
And Lauder was one of the players who kept that thing together on on the ice as as best he could, you know, him um so that you know Jake Morissette, um you know, Mike Faultner, they were there were lots of players there who went above and beyond what they should have been doing.
00:56:58.239 --> 00:57:00.960
Uh they should have just been concentrating on playing.
00:57:01.039 --> 00:57:01.920
Um, but they weren't.
00:57:02.000 --> 00:57:28.000
I I asked that question about that Scottish triple header where he scored the goal in the the midst of uh a pretty bad time, and there really was a genuine kind of outpouring of emotion from him scoring that goal with the amount of fans that had gone up at the time, and it was kind of at that moment for me as a fan where I thought, yeah, this this guy really isn't just here to just do his bit, he he cares, he really does care about wanting to do.
00:57:28.159 --> 00:57:45.920
So, you know, when we had the fantastic news over the summer that we we had new ownership, uh, when that appointment was made about Lodo coming in, uh I I for one could see exactly the sort of qualities from him as a player with us that that could make a great coach.
00:57:46.159 --> 00:57:57.440
I don't think any of us maybe could have understood quite how successful he was going to be, um, but there was certainly um a foundation and a presence about him that he he was a leader.
00:57:57.760 --> 00:58:04.320
Franny, you know, as we spoke about in the interview, you you did a lot of work very closely with with Lordowin, especially in that first summer.
00:58:04.400 --> 00:58:08.000
And uh did you see the foundations of what we see now back then?
00:58:09.039 --> 00:58:20.960
Yeah, and that's you know, the the reason that I pushed for him as head coach was because of the person that he is, the passion, the the mo he cares.
00:58:21.199 --> 00:58:30.480
I just felt there was a direct match to Devil's hockey, how it should be, not what it had become over the you know the latter few years.
00:58:30.639 --> 00:58:40.800
And uh you know, he he had limited coaching experience, he had some, but you could tell he was a leader, you could tell he just doesn't settle for second best.
00:58:41.199 --> 00:58:49.440
You just think how much that season would have killed him inside, you know, being on a ninth place team when he's uh you know, he's a winner, someone that's very ambitious.
00:58:49.599 --> 00:59:08.639
And um, yeah, I mean when you know I I was pushing for Andrew Lord as the player coach because we we just didn't know what was going to happen post-takeover, whether we'd lost fans for good, that they found something else, whether we were going to struggle for crowds, and we wanted to put as much budget on the ice as we could.
00:59:08.880 --> 00:59:17.280
So the best way that we could do that at the time was to kind of double down on you know one wait for two positions and and have a player coach.
00:59:17.440 --> 00:59:25.760
And he's felt so I felt it's something that he could do, that he'd be very passionate about, and he would bring the right qualities to it.
00:59:26.079 --> 00:59:34.480
And the clincher was Andrew Lord sent me a letter because at that time I wasn't able to speak to him about the new ownership in the pipeline.
00:59:34.639 --> 00:59:37.519
I'd just been able he references it in the interview.
00:59:37.679 --> 00:59:40.400
I was telling him to hold on, something's coming, something's coming.
00:59:40.559 --> 00:59:45.920
And I'd already had conversations with Todd to say, look, this is our guy that that that we need.
00:59:46.079 --> 00:59:53.840
And Todd obviously knew him as a player, and you know, I could see qualities in him that would translate well into the coaching role.
00:59:54.079 --> 01:00:02.719
And then Lordo sent me an email with a letter to whom it may concern you know, because he didn't know who I was talking about.
01:00:03.199 --> 01:00:09.679
And he basically sold himself on what to them on why uh they should give him the job.
01:00:09.760 --> 01:00:16.000
He didn't know who he was writing it to, but it was what he was gonna give, what he would bring, why he would be a success.
01:00:16.079 --> 01:00:17.599
And it was so compelling.
01:00:18.239 --> 01:00:23.519
I sent it to Todd, Todd sent it to the owners, and everyone's like, This is the guy.
01:00:23.679 --> 01:00:24.400
This is the guy.
01:00:24.480 --> 01:00:32.639
This basically, in a nutshell, is what we've been talking about in this takeover that we want our hockey club to be.
01:00:32.880 --> 01:00:37.920
This this guy is basically talking our language, and it was unanimous from that letter onwards.
01:00:38.159 --> 01:00:43.360
You've asked almost in a quest to find the answer to the big question of what is devil's hockey.
01:00:43.599 --> 01:00:47.840
Everybody, you know, we've we've interviewed over this time about what they think devil's hockey is.
01:00:47.920 --> 01:00:57.119
And uh, and Andrew Law's philosophy on not only the game on it, but as you've made reference to, also off it in the characters, the people you are, what you do away from the ice as well.
01:00:57.280 --> 01:01:00.079
It all ties in with what is devil's hockey, doesn't it?
01:01:00.239 --> 01:01:00.880
Yeah, definitely.
01:01:00.960 --> 01:01:12.719
He referenced that about you know, uh, the person and the leadership group that we had, the leaders in our room that really bought in that then um he used the word and I love it.
01:01:12.800 --> 01:01:16.320
And I think in my head it's what devil's hockey is relentless.
01:01:16.480 --> 01:01:21.440
He said we were relentless in our pursuit of games, you know, going into a way game, going anywhere.
01:01:21.519 --> 01:01:24.239
We were just resent relentless, so dialed in.
01:01:24.559 --> 01:01:29.519
And yeah, I mean that's he's a very demanding coach, very demanding.
01:01:29.599 --> 01:01:34.480
I mean, he he will push you right, right until the edge, but look how that worked.
01:01:34.639 --> 01:01:44.960
You know, nobody could take their foot off the gas because they you know they were a bit in fear of him because they knew that he, you know, he was gonna push and demand that performance.
01:01:45.199 --> 01:01:57.360
So um, yeah, I mean, uh a definition of devil's hockey is probably equal to Andrew Lord hockey, uh, because you know, all those qualities are what he brings out.
01:01:57.519 --> 01:02:01.679
I mean, I do think he had to change his style as the leagues went on.
01:02:01.920 --> 01:02:18.079
It was a little bit more conservative because he knew he needed to put kind of gas in the tank for that stretch when we were into some, you know, sort of dog fights right at the end, and you know, there was uh there was starting to be some criticism that it kind of dampened down a little bit.
01:02:18.239 --> 01:02:43.920
But that was him just adapting to what he knew it would take to get us over the line, and you know, it wasn't abandoning his principles because there were still those moments when he would switch that back on, but he did learn to play a little bit more of the percentage game in areas, especially when your body's down, so that you did have the gas to then switch it back on to that relentlessness um when it came to those big games.
01:02:44.239 --> 01:02:50.079
Guys, you look at the the trophy cabinet for for Lord, two challenge cups, two leagues, two playoffs, should have been more.
01:02:50.320 --> 01:02:51.440
Covid, thanks for that.
01:02:51.599 --> 01:02:56.800
But um, you know, the he he talked about how maybe that final year was probably the best team.
01:02:56.880 --> 01:03:04.559
But I I'd argue each and every one of those league title and and you know, trophy-winning teams were up there with some of the best we've seen in the elite league times.
01:03:04.719 --> 01:03:08.239
Yeah, picking your favourite Andrew Lord team is like picking your favourite child, isn't it?
01:03:08.320 --> 01:03:17.360
It's kind of impossible to do because each one had a little slight bit of different personality to it with the characters that that were in it.
01:03:17.519 --> 01:03:31.599
Um, but certainly by that last team, it felt like it was a refined process and that people coming in to that were uh you know, were coming into a machine that was very well oiled now, you know.
01:03:31.760 --> 01:03:36.320
They not there was any doubt from when he started, but Laura was the boss of that.
01:03:36.480 --> 01:04:00.000
Like I remember vividly post-game uh interviews, and you were in the room for some of them as well, done at the time where you would be stood in the interview room in the gym in the Vindico and you would hear a door open and you would hear the steps coming down, and I could tell instantly just from presence if he's mad, if he's happy, if he's chatty, you could just feel it.
01:04:00.079 --> 01:04:12.719
And I I it's always stuck with me because I thought if I can feel this, when he steps into a locker room, you'll be under no illusions as to what he wants from you and what he wants to to you know attribute.
01:04:12.880 --> 01:04:16.800
Um, but yeah, though those teams were it was a it was a special time.
01:04:17.039 --> 01:04:25.039
It was a special time, and you you don't always realize just how special something is until you come out of it and and you look back a little bit, but they were special.
01:04:25.199 --> 01:04:35.599
Yeah, and he he referenced again, and uh again is it's a characteristic that runs through the eras of devil's history, especially when there's been successful times, is a core.
01:04:35.760 --> 01:04:42.159
You know, he built a core, like the first year there was 10 guys coming back, then there was 15 guys coming back, 16 guys coming back.
01:04:42.239 --> 01:05:14.079
So you're only making little tweaks, and those guys coming in, like you say, guys, they're coming in straight into a room that you know everything is kind of machine-like, and they quickly get on board with that because you have to fall into line, and you know, you look back at the the devil's eras, um, the and initial success with you know the the core of the Cooper brothers, Moria, McEwen, Shannon Hope, Lawless himself, and you know the the success is built around there.
01:05:14.159 --> 01:05:15.679
There wasn't many changes, was there?
01:05:15.920 --> 01:05:24.800
Um, and uh, you know, that's something that you know we've tried to take on and make that a part of what we do as the Carlift Devils.
01:05:25.199 --> 01:05:30.000
And you mentioned about you know the the different areas and the the similarities, something that's really struck me.
01:05:30.079 --> 01:05:51.280
You know, we've talked to Lawless, um, we've talked to Heaves, we talked to G, and we talked to Lord or probably the four coaches, the longest tenures, the the four coaches, no disrespect to any other coach uh we've had, but they are the four you probably uh uh uh stick in your mind as being significant in Devil's history, really significant in Devil's history.
01:05:51.360 --> 01:05:56.320
And what struck me is how similar all of their origin stories are as coaches.
01:05:56.559 --> 01:05:59.679
John Lawless thrust into building an entire club at 26 years.
01:06:00.079 --> 01:06:02.559
Years old and just being given the keys to get on with it.
01:06:02.639 --> 01:06:03.920
And look what he built.
01:06:04.159 --> 01:06:08.239
Heaves coming in again, Jess, right as his playing career ends.
01:06:08.400 --> 01:06:18.079
He's then thrust into this huge championship winning behemoth, the top of the British hockey that he has to kind of take on and make his own.
01:06:18.239 --> 01:06:19.920
He does that and continues it.
01:06:20.239 --> 01:06:22.000
G thrust in the middle of the season.
01:06:22.159 --> 01:06:26.559
Jess wants to be a player, enjoying Super Sundays in the Albion during that scene.
01:06:26.719 --> 01:06:35.360
Then all of a sudden, he's got um to navigate what is probably our most kind of roller coaster off-ice period, and he does it.
01:06:35.519 --> 01:06:44.400
And then Lordo at the end of that is sort of then having given this huge opportunity to try and mold a new era, and he does it.
01:06:44.559 --> 01:06:51.360
And I just think it's amazing that those four guys are very, very, you know, pivotal times in their life.
01:06:51.519 --> 01:06:56.559
And I think even now, as I reach 40, like I couldn't even begin to like work that out.
01:06:56.639 --> 01:07:01.280
And like 28, 26, I could barely cook my hot dogs in the microwave for tea, you know.
01:07:01.360 --> 01:07:06.559
And it yet they they brought so much and they made it their own and they dived right in.
01:07:06.800 --> 01:07:13.920
And almost I think within that, and the the way that they did it, the devil's identity part of it.
01:07:14.079 --> 01:07:16.960
I almost think the big word I take from it is togetherness.
01:07:17.119 --> 01:07:28.559
When I think of all those times and all the the tribulations and the highs and lows, those four people managed to galvanize everyone behind them as as a unit.
01:07:28.719 --> 01:07:30.079
And I think that's really special.
01:07:30.239 --> 01:07:34.559
I think we've been really blessed to get them to share their stories the last few weeks.
01:07:34.800 --> 01:07:36.079
I think that's yeah, really well put.
01:07:36.320 --> 01:07:41.039
I'm gonna ask you both for maybe if if they're if there's favourite moments that stick out from the Lord era.
01:07:41.199 --> 01:07:48.000
I mean, Gaz, I'm glad you brought up kind of an honorable mention for me, would be, and and and it's it's on the topic of him coming into the gym for those interviews.
01:07:48.079 --> 01:08:02.719
And and you know, me back in the Lordos days, I was you know a uni student young, still finding my feet with all this stuff, and uh, and he always gave me a very professional interview, was always very, very polite, and and almost steered me in the direction of what was the correct way to do things, which I always really appreciated.
01:08:02.800 --> 01:08:05.599
And and he almost had that coaching hat on with those things as well.
01:08:05.679 --> 01:08:16.239
But I do remember one where he came in and it was after a particularly difficult evening here, and he gave a very stern, very short interview with both with you and I and I was working on the camera at the time.
01:08:16.399 --> 01:08:21.119
And and just as he turns to leave, he goes, Guys, this is nothing against you, don't worry, I appreciate your time.
01:08:21.199 --> 01:08:23.520
And he even then you could see he was just being very polite.
01:08:23.600 --> 01:08:27.520
But um, yeah, that that kind of though those moments always behind the scenes stick out for me.
01:08:27.600 --> 01:08:41.600
And then um the the the one that I really kind of remember quite vividly was uh the night the Devils won their second league title out in Belfast, and you know, it was pandemonium pandemonium of an evening because you know Andrew Hotham scored the goal with whatever it was, less than a minute ago.
01:08:41.680 --> 01:08:44.960
It was it was crazy and all that stuff, and everyone piles onto the ice after.
01:08:45.039 --> 01:08:49.760
And and Lauder by this point was was was mainly on the bench, so he was you know suited and and and not playing that night.
01:08:49.840 --> 01:09:12.000
And uh and the team kind of all they get the trophy on the ice and they're all in one big huddle, and and Lorder kind of steps back with his hand in his pocket and just big smile on his face and looked, and you can almost feel the pride in looking at the team and almost to think and think, you know, maybe the first year was was was you know, you you you got the team over that hump, but actually the second year was was the real proving moment of, you know, I know I am the best coach in the league at this point.
01:09:12.159 --> 01:09:21.279
And yeah, I think just watching him step back and take it all in is a really, I think, special moment because it's what you should do when you win trophies, is just take that moment and step away and and appreciate it.
01:09:21.359 --> 01:09:25.359
So for me, those are kind of the the moments that stick out, but I mean you you could pick so many.
01:09:25.439 --> 01:09:26.960
Um, Franny, have you have you got any?
01:09:27.199 --> 01:09:37.680
Yeah, I I think my moment that sticks out is that first season of his coaching when he was a player coach and we win the Challenge Cup up in Sheffield, and he scored one of the goals, didn't he?
01:09:37.760 --> 01:09:41.600
It was Lord O and Chris Culligan got the got the two goals.
01:09:41.760 --> 01:09:49.680
Um, and I think it's an iconic celebration as well, was when he's got the cup in one hand and tugging on the shirt, kind of he, you know, that that thing.
01:09:49.840 --> 01:10:05.359
But just the fact that he got a goal in our first trophy to kick off the new era that set us up then for a a period of dominance, and also if I'm right, I think he took the last face-off.
01:10:05.680 --> 01:10:11.119
There was uh a face off, a D-zoned face-off um in the devil's end, obviously.
01:10:11.359 --> 01:10:19.600
Sheffield had pulled the goalie, and you know, he's out there, and he's not a s he wasn't a sentiment for us, but he had played centre in the past.
01:10:19.840 --> 01:10:26.720
But um, I remember like telling him to go and take it, and he didn't question it for a second.
01:10:27.039 --> 01:10:40.960
You know, he wanted to take it because there's nobody else I would want in that moment to you know to have everything on the line, and you've literally got you're that far away from getting over the line.
01:10:41.039 --> 01:10:48.399
And I you know, I just thought that moment of him winning the face off and being on the ice to win that first trophy.
01:10:48.560 --> 01:10:51.439
Um, I I think that's probably my favourite Andrew Lloyd moment.
01:10:51.680 --> 01:10:54.560
Guys, is it anything but Lodo's final goal?
01:10:54.800 --> 01:10:58.880
No, that that I think that's probably because it's a playing career thing.
01:10:58.960 --> 01:11:06.880
That that is a huge it's one of my favourite devils moments uh of all time, just because sometimes it it is nice to see someone go out on good terms.
01:11:06.960 --> 01:11:11.520
It happens very rarely in sport, doesn't it, that you go out with it with the sort of perfect thing.
01:11:12.319 --> 01:11:25.039
For coaching, the coaching side of it is that first playoff win uh because that to me was like the physical embodiment of smashing the barriers down.
01:11:25.359 --> 01:11:27.840
It was no longer a mental block on things.
01:11:28.079 --> 01:11:45.920
You'd done it with the league title after 20 years, and you know, the way he coaches, I think the league title is always not easy, it's never easy to win, but it's suited the way he coaches more where he demands things of people week in, week out, where that short format, I think sometimes you know, you one mistake and it can go against you.
01:11:46.159 --> 01:11:48.640
But that they smashed the last barrier down.
01:11:48.720 --> 01:11:59.119
There was nothing we couldn't do after that, there was no longer a hoodoo, and in fact, if you look at how many playoffs we've won since that sort of monkey came off our back, it is phenomenal.
01:11:59.359 --> 01:12:08.319
Um but yeah, well, when we won that, I never thought we'd we'd win the playoffs in there in Nottingham, who's getting to the point where I'd been there for 20 years watching us lose.
01:12:08.399 --> 01:12:09.920
And I just thought I was resigned.
01:12:10.000 --> 01:12:11.439
I was like, you know what, it doesn't matter anymore.
01:12:11.520 --> 01:12:12.800
I'm not even gonna get bothered by the games.
01:12:12.960 --> 01:12:14.159
Like whatever happens, happens.
01:12:14.319 --> 01:12:19.359
But I was so invested in that one because he made me believe again that we would win it.
01:12:19.520 --> 01:12:27.840
And then I was actually lucky enough to to get down on on the ice afterwards, and he came over to us, those of us who weren't playing, um, and said, Good job.
01:12:27.920 --> 01:12:29.119
I didn't do anything.
01:12:31.279 --> 01:12:34.159
I could it could not have done less towards uh that win.
01:12:34.239 --> 01:12:35.840
But again, I go back to that togetherness.
01:12:36.079 --> 01:12:38.640
We were all part of it of a team that day.
01:12:38.800 --> 01:12:45.920
Um, and just to see the beaming smile on his face uh in front of that corner where the devils fans were phenomenal.
01:12:46.159 --> 01:12:50.640
Yeah, like he said on that day, we broke the last curse and and we broke every curse under Andrew Lord.
01:12:50.800 --> 01:12:53.359
And uh and we're gonna leave the the Lordo chat there.
01:12:53.439 --> 01:12:54.880
We're gonna leave the 40th anniversary chat.
01:12:54.960 --> 01:13:00.880
There's been great to look back over what was an incredibly successful seven seasons where Lordo was with us.
01:13:00.960 --> 01:13:03.359
And uh we're gonna move on now to the coming weekend.
01:13:03.439 --> 01:13:10.159
We've got a lot actually to chat about with with not only two games, but also announced this afternoon or this morning, sorry, was a new Devil's sign-in we're gonna chat about.
01:13:10.239 --> 01:13:12.239
So we'll we'll touch very quickly on the weekend first.
01:13:12.319 --> 01:13:15.680
It's a double home game weekend for the Devils, Manchester and Glasgow.
01:13:15.920 --> 01:13:21.279
Gaz, the the Devils, you know, if we've talked about how maybe the home form is carried them, it's a perfect chance to have two home games.
01:13:21.439 --> 01:13:25.600
Yeah, and it's the start of the uh Motorpoint Elite League campaign as well.
01:13:25.680 --> 01:13:29.520
We we're into league action now, and that's a totally different focus again.
01:13:29.600 --> 01:13:33.680
If you want to win uh the league in April, you've got to start picking up points now.
01:13:33.840 --> 01:13:37.439
There's no off days, there's no margin for error, really.
01:13:37.520 --> 01:13:41.119
So I think that puts a different slant on this weekend as well.
01:13:41.439 --> 01:13:45.600
The last game against Manchester was uh bowling shoe ugly at times.
01:13:45.840 --> 01:13:51.359
Um, so I think I'd like to see a bit more fluidity uh around that.
01:13:51.520 --> 01:13:54.399
Um, but I I I feel we we gotta get a good start.
01:13:54.479 --> 01:13:59.760
We certainly can't afford a seven-second uh deficit and conceded uh goal.
01:14:00.000 --> 01:14:04.079
But we we do lose the first goal a little bit at home a little too often for my liking.
01:14:04.239 --> 01:14:06.880
I'd like to see that kind of stamped out this weekend.
01:14:07.119 --> 01:14:11.439
Franny, that like I says, that game against Manchester a couple of weeks ago, standard wise, was not good.
01:14:11.520 --> 01:14:16.560
But actually, since then, Manchester have won three of the next four games, so they've kind of kicked on a little bit maybe from that loss.
01:14:16.720 --> 01:14:17.760
The Devils need to be wary.
01:14:18.000 --> 01:14:21.119
Yeah, and Cam Critchlow called them out a little bit, didn't he, after that game.
01:14:21.199 --> 01:14:23.279
He wasn't happy with the performance they put in.
01:14:23.439 --> 01:14:25.199
I thought they were dreadful when they were in here.
01:14:25.279 --> 01:14:29.920
I think it massed uh a not very good performance by the Devils.
01:14:30.159 --> 01:14:38.239
Um, and we know that they are gonna come in a lot different this time around because of how they played last time.
01:14:38.319 --> 01:14:49.199
And you know, the character of Cam Critchlow, he's not he's gonna make that last game the reference point for how bad they were and how what they need to do to improve.
01:14:49.359 --> 01:14:58.239
So, you know, Devils need to you know come out a lot better than they were against Manchester last time because I think Manchester will be pushing a lot harder this time.
01:14:58.640 --> 01:15:08.880
Guys, is it fair to say maybe that and and and and I don't want to tempt fate maybe, but from what we've seen from Manchester, the the Devils they're they're a known quantity here.
01:15:08.960 --> 01:15:12.640
So for them, this there is an advantage to the fact that their first league game is against someone they've already played against.
01:15:12.720 --> 01:15:17.199
It's not like Glasgow would be coming in completely afresh, and they they generally know what to accept.
01:15:17.279 --> 01:15:20.560
Cutler's gonna be great, Derid is gonna probably get the start in that, but who knows?
01:15:20.640 --> 01:15:27.119
Weninger is also very good, and and so because it's a known quantity, the devil's can approach this whimby with an extra step of of a womph going into it.
01:15:27.279 --> 01:15:33.439
Yeah, I think it helps sometimes that you might have a few little personal battles in your back pocket that you can sort of take into a game.
01:15:33.520 --> 01:15:38.640
I always think that that helps you sort of get that adrenaline up and and have a focus point to start with.
01:15:38.880 --> 01:15:49.680
Um, yeah, I I just think I I agree with Franny in the sense of you know there's gonna be a bigger pushback from the storm this Saturday than than there was in the last hour.
01:15:49.840 --> 01:15:53.760
And if there isn't, then something's going uh a bit wrong there.
01:15:53.840 --> 01:15:59.439
So I think we can expect uh uh an improvement, and I think that has to be the mindset going to Saturday.
01:15:59.600 --> 01:16:05.920
This isn't gonna be towards the end of that third period game there where there was no real pushback and the game kind of petered out.
01:16:06.079 --> 01:16:08.479
It's not that it you know, it's gonna be another scrap.
01:16:08.560 --> 01:16:16.640
Um you know, there were guys from last time out that uh that are usually influential from Manchester, that weren't, and again, I just can't see that happening twice.
01:16:16.880 --> 01:16:22.159
Well, uh look at Glasgow as well, and and this is a whole new uh team for the Devils who they haven't come up against yet.
01:16:22.239 --> 01:16:31.920
And and and Franny, it's it's funny because before Sunday I'd have said, okay, Glasgow are coming in, they're really struggling, they're in a tough bit of form, only one winning regulation, blah blah blah.
01:16:32.079 --> 01:16:37.039
And then they're going to beat Belfast at home, and you think, okay, clearly they there's something going on there.
01:16:37.279 --> 01:16:40.079
Yeah, and I I think that's the elite league all over, isn't it?
01:16:40.159 --> 01:16:49.039
That you know, you just when you think you're coming up against a team that is struggling, that's out of form, they go and beat Belfast who were previously unbeaten at that point.
01:16:49.199 --> 01:16:53.840
Um, so yeah, it it'll be uh another a new challenge.
01:16:54.000 --> 01:16:57.039
I mean, Glasgow, they've got a mix, haven't they?
01:16:57.199 --> 01:17:00.319
Probably a 50-50 blend of return and faces and new guys.
01:17:00.479 --> 01:17:07.520
Um, you know, they always put together um good rosters, and it just over the last few years hasn't quite worked for them.
01:17:07.680 --> 01:17:15.840
So, you know, they'll be looking to start their you know their elite league campaign with uh a bit better form than they have their Challenge Cup group.
01:17:16.079 --> 01:17:21.279
But um again, I mean we we're now into a stretch, what is it, five home games in a row?
01:17:21.439 --> 01:17:22.079
Five in a row, yeah.
01:17:22.239 --> 01:17:23.039
Five in a row.
01:17:23.279 --> 01:17:47.920
And you know, I I go back to the point that the devils are at their best when they don't worry who the opponent is, when we focus on ourselves and we dictate things, and we dictate things by getting in hard on the four check, you know, making D-turn, go back and get pucks, get on the body, everybody buying in, you know, right the way across the roster, everybody going relentless, you know, bring that word back.
01:17:48.319 --> 01:17:50.239
That is when the devils are at their best.
01:17:50.399 --> 01:17:58.319
And I think that if we do that, you know, for the the next 120 minutes here at home, then you know it's in our hands.
01:17:58.399 --> 01:18:07.760
And I I really want to have that focus for the whole weekend from the Devils because you know, a good start to to the league will mean everything.
01:18:08.239 --> 01:18:19.840
For Glasgow, particularly on Sunday, I felt last season when Mike Saran took over, he he got them very organized against us, and that the games were very tricky.
01:18:20.000 --> 01:18:26.239
Um you know, that playoff semi-final was uh a real kind of close uh matchup as well.
01:18:26.479 --> 01:18:35.439
You know, it wasn't uh for for the way that we finish in the league against each other, you would expect us maybe win a couple of goals clearly if that didn't happen.
01:18:35.600 --> 01:18:50.560
So I think Sunday for me, I I wouldn't be against a little bit of what happened against Nottingham, a little afters after the whistle, make them you know, try and get Glasgow involved in the personal battles a little bit, because I think if you let them settle and organise, it's very, very difficult.
01:18:50.720 --> 01:18:57.039
So the more we can kind of keep them off that game plan and get dragged into it a little bit, maybe for the better.
01:18:57.279 --> 01:19:02.399
Yeah, like you say, the the devils not they struggle, but they were they was they were tested against Glasgow last year.
01:19:02.479 --> 01:19:09.199
I mean, you look at the last game here, it was back in January, and it was only one-nil Riley Brandt goal was the difference maker that day, and and the the games were very tight.
01:19:09.279 --> 01:19:17.279
But um, you know, the the the devils that they're gonna be feeling a little bit more positive going into this because we have a fresh face in Cardiff and a little bit of surprise news this morning.
01:19:17.439 --> 01:19:24.640
Jonas Emerdal of Fife Flyers Fame joins the Devils uh to cover a little bit of injuries that they've had over the last few weeks.
01:19:24.720 --> 01:19:30.079
And Franny, it's it's been uh ravaged the squad by by those injuries, so it was time to bring somebody in.
01:19:30.319 --> 01:19:34.720
Yeah, I mean it's uh it's not been a good start in terms of the injuries.
01:19:34.800 --> 01:19:39.760
I mean, we started the year with two extra players, if you like.
01:19:39.920 --> 01:19:43.039
Um, we knew that Tyson Halgeson would miss the first part.
01:19:43.119 --> 01:19:47.920
It's safe to say, you know, he's taken a bit longer than had been anticipated.
01:19:48.319 --> 01:19:51.279
Um, but we had the cover.
01:19:51.600 --> 01:20:03.439
Um, yet as the season has gone on, it's still in its infancy, you know, we've lost key guys uh as we've gone on, and you know, losing Mo's on the weekend was the final straw.
01:20:03.600 --> 01:20:12.079
Um, you know, we've also got guys that are playing out there with you know pretty heavy knocks that are just kind of grinning and bearing it because of of the situation.
01:20:12.399 --> 01:20:28.399
So um it was important for us to to bring a body in because you know you you can't go 5D for the next whatever many weeks uh until Helgi's back or you know or until someone else is back.
01:20:28.479 --> 01:20:30.880
So we so we needed uh a D-man in.
01:20:31.119 --> 01:20:33.600
Um very it happened very quickly.
01:20:33.760 --> 01:20:40.479
You know, Jonas became available um, you know, when uh some questions were asked about available players.
01:20:40.640 --> 01:20:45.439
And you know, when you look at him, he's a guy that he's played in the elite league for five years.
01:20:45.680 --> 01:20:52.560
If you get somebody that hasn't played in the elite league, you've got that bedding in period, you know, he's someone that knows the league very well.
01:20:52.720 --> 01:21:02.319
He's also someone that's been in a tough situation, you know, and I and I'm sure the knockers, there'll be people going, oh, we just bought someone in from five, so that's not good enough.
01:21:02.640 --> 01:21:13.600
But sometimes when you take the best people from those organizations that have struggled and you put them in an environment that is totally different, you know, it's like Christmas coming to them.
01:21:13.760 --> 01:21:28.720
So, you know, he's I'm sure he's coming in absolutely motivated and thrilled to be on a team that has won trophies over the past few years, um, that you know has got such a good reputation.
01:21:28.960 --> 01:21:32.159
And, you know, I spoke to him today and he's he's really excited.
01:21:32.239 --> 01:21:34.319
You know, you can tell he's itching to get going.
01:21:34.479 --> 01:21:43.840
I mean, like I said, the deal was done really quickly within 24 hours, and he was like, right, I can get on a plane in the morning, and he was in, you know, ready to get going.
01:21:44.000 --> 01:22:04.000
Um, the other thing that I absolutely loved, um I hope he's okay with it with me sharing this, is that he bought the stream on Saturday to watch us against Sheffield just to kind of pick up on what our how our team play and see who his teammates are gonna be and things like that.
01:22:04.079 --> 01:22:13.039
And I love that attitude that you know he was itching to get going and kind of went out of his way just to get himself familiar as as quick as possible.
01:22:13.119 --> 01:22:15.279
So I think that shows what his character.
01:22:15.439 --> 01:22:25.199
Uh, I've seen a lot of comments today from um five fans that have you know said nothing but good things about him in terms of his character, Mr.
01:22:25.359 --> 01:22:26.239
Reliable.
01:22:26.399 --> 01:22:31.760
You know, he's the guy that stuck through us through thick and thin, you know, character guy.
01:22:32.000 --> 01:22:40.319
And you know, that's what we're hoping for to get that character guy that's gonna come in, give us some much needed uh relief in terms of the numbers on D.
01:22:40.560 --> 01:22:45.840
Um, but he's also a guy that's contributed in pretty much every situation for the five flyers.
01:22:46.079 --> 01:22:50.399
So, you know, he he's logged big minutes for them, he's played on all their special teams.
01:22:50.560 --> 01:22:55.600
So, whatever role we fit him into, um you know, he'll be ready for it.
01:22:55.680 --> 01:22:58.399
And the fact that he's got league experience is a big bonus.
01:22:58.720 --> 01:23:01.279
A short-term deal, maybe once at the end of the season.
01:23:01.359 --> 01:23:03.680
I know there'll be a bit of questions have been asked over what it is.
01:23:03.760 --> 01:23:08.720
I uh you're always gonna have injuries, so maybe is it just a look to keep him around for as long as the devil's need him for?
01:23:08.880 --> 01:23:10.319
Yeah, right now it's an open book.
01:23:10.479 --> 01:23:14.079
So we know we've got two injuries on D right now.
01:23:14.399 --> 01:23:18.800
Um you know, at some point I think Helgi will be back first.
01:23:19.359 --> 01:23:24.159
But you know, we as we know in this sport, there's always something else around the corner.
01:23:24.239 --> 01:23:25.520
So who knows?
01:23:25.760 --> 01:23:31.199
Um we we just we we haven't even really uh put a time frame on it.
01:23:31.359 --> 01:23:37.760
You know, he's here for as long as we need him, but you know, it could be short term, it could very well be till the end of the season.
01:23:38.079 --> 01:23:50.399
Guys, uh, like we say, a familiar face, and and when you are in a tough spot, as the Devils found themselves last year as well, when they brought Brett Ferguson in, bringing someone in who is familiar with the league, familiar with systems and teams from this league, it's always a benefit.
01:23:50.640 --> 01:23:55.039
Another captain, the important as well, which uh I always think is is important.
01:23:55.680 --> 01:24:07.920
Um you know, was there a time that Emadal was in Fife where they didn't maybe were playing short, or particularly the last couple of years, you know, they weren't in the best of times.
01:24:08.000 --> 01:24:11.119
And at that point, you know, you you've got to look.
01:24:11.199 --> 01:24:14.239
I I get absolutely agree with Franny in terms of character.
01:24:14.399 --> 01:24:29.520
You know, Emadal is someone who Fife fans say is are one of those guys who who were were were glue there, who who wanted to go above and beyond just being a player and a leader on the ice, but also keeping things, you know, in check everywhere and and cared about it.
01:24:29.600 --> 01:24:32.880
And I think that sort of character to me is really important.
01:24:32.960 --> 01:24:55.760
And now I think he's coming into a situation where you know we've got a full D unit now of three lines, he's gonna be not expected to play 35 to 40 minutes where you know you're never gonna be able to give the the best of yourself, he's gonna be able to play a solid, concentrated role, and at six foot four he adds some size at the back end as well, which I really like.
01:24:55.920 --> 01:25:04.079
So, you know, at this time of year to get a captain, to get someone with size, to get someone who's uh familiar with the league absolutely all day long.
01:25:04.239 --> 01:25:18.800
Yeah, and I think just kind of uh building on what you said there, what stuck out stood out for me, sorry, um for Jonas when he played him for Fife was that he was one of the guys that never threw in the towel.
01:25:18.960 --> 01:25:23.119
No matter what situation they were in, you always had a hard game out of him.
01:25:23.279 --> 01:25:26.720
You know, speaking to some of our guys, they said he's really hard to play against.
01:25:26.880 --> 01:25:30.960
You know, he is gritty, he he battles hard, he boxes out in front of the net.
01:25:31.199 --> 01:25:37.520
And no matter you know whether Fife were dead and buried, he would still play that way and you know continue.
01:25:37.680 --> 01:25:40.800
You know, he came back when they were in a sticky situation, didn't he?
01:25:41.039 --> 01:25:43.279
Mid season and came to help them out.
01:25:43.520 --> 01:25:49.760
And yeah, he to me he just never quit when a lot of players on that team did quit.
01:25:50.000 --> 01:25:58.239
The the the one thing I want to add on this, Fanny, as well, is is obviously in the situation you're in where you lose Mosey, you you've kept or the devils have kept that top four.
01:25:58.319 --> 01:26:07.199
And so when recruiting, it was important maybe not to look for a guy who was gonna come in and just demand top line minutes and a guy who's maybe content playing the role you were gonna assign him.
01:26:07.439 --> 01:26:09.119
Yeah, it's it's a really good point, Dan.
01:26:09.439 --> 01:26:22.000
Um I think if you are looking at somebody who is top line caliber, I think they are they would look at our roster and say, Okay, well, where do I fit in?
01:26:22.239 --> 01:26:24.399
Where do I get my big minutes?
01:26:24.560 --> 01:26:26.640
Where do I get my special team minutes?
01:26:26.880 --> 01:26:35.039
Because he they would look at the four that are in those spots right now, and it it's off putting, and guys turn it down on that basis.
01:26:35.279 --> 01:26:37.199
Well, they wouldn't probably get those minutes.
01:26:37.359 --> 01:26:41.520
They exactly well, they know they wouldn't get those minutes because they know what they'd be up against.
01:26:41.760 --> 01:27:01.600
So it yeah, it was important to have a guy, and and this is why you know Jonas is one of the first names that came up when we didn't really look that much further, because it's someone that's got the capability to play top four, but also is accepting of whatever role is given to him.
01:27:01.760 --> 01:27:15.279
So he's got the ability to play those special teams, like I said, but also you know, he's coming in on a third deep airing, you know, he is 34 now, and you know, he is just happy to play whatever role we need him to play.
01:27:15.439 --> 01:27:19.199
And you know, there is something to be said about keeping the harmony.
01:27:19.359 --> 01:27:28.560
Um, you know, if we brought somebody in and they weren't on special teams or they weren't playing top four and they weren't getting the big minutes, they'd probably start looking for another club.
01:27:30.000 --> 01:27:36.800
And one thing I I think as well, I that kind of struck me earlier when I was thinking about his time at Fife and sort of coming over to us.
01:27:36.960 --> 01:27:51.039
He's coming into a situation here where the the structure that we have in Cardiff is conducive more to getting the best out of people in the sense of we've got a dedicated coach for uh at defence in Nicholas who who really strives there.
01:27:51.359 --> 01:27:57.680
It just it feels to me at the moment that you know we've got a guy who maybe we haven't seen his full potential at where he's been at.
01:27:57.760 --> 01:28:02.319
I think we have the the sort of atmosphere here that we will see him go up a level or so.
01:28:02.479 --> 01:28:06.159
And it's nice to see Mark Richardson add another name to defensive partners he's played with.
01:28:06.880 --> 01:28:10.399
Jonas, we're expecting him to be in the lineup for Saturday and Sunday, Franny.
01:28:10.640 --> 01:28:13.359
Yep, um, as long as the paperwork gets done.
01:28:13.439 --> 01:28:19.760
I mean, we're on top of that, so it would have to be something out of the ordinary to keep him out.
01:28:19.920 --> 01:28:27.279
But uh number four, I think, Jonas, um is going to well, hopefully, all being well.
01:28:27.359 --> 01:28:31.920
We'll be in the lineup this weekend, and you know, it'll be uh a very welcome addition for the guys.
01:28:32.239 --> 01:28:33.039
It will indeed.
01:28:33.199 --> 01:28:34.640
Lots to look forward to this weekend.
01:28:34.720 --> 01:28:37.760
Two home games, Manchester on Saturday, Glasgow on Sunday.
01:28:37.920 --> 01:28:40.159
If you haven't got tickets, join us on the stream.
01:28:40.239 --> 01:28:44.399
We'll be bringing you all of the action and we'll be bringing you debriefs as well for both of the games.
01:28:44.479 --> 01:28:50.239
And then, of course, we'll be back with Insider next week with our final 40th anniversary episode, which is going to be great.
01:28:50.640 --> 01:28:52.640
That's all for Insider for tonight.
01:28:52.720 --> 01:28:54.640
Thank you so much for listening in once again, Gareth.
01:28:54.800 --> 01:28:55.359
Gareth?
01:28:55.439 --> 01:28:56.399
I just called you Gareth.
01:28:56.479 --> 01:28:57.520
I've never called you Gareth.
01:28:57.760 --> 01:28:58.159
Gareth.
01:28:59.920 --> 01:29:02.800
Garzett for calling me Neil, and I know it's something.
01:29:03.279 --> 01:29:04.239
Goodness me, guys.
01:29:04.319 --> 01:29:05.760
Thank you so much for joining me.
01:29:06.000 --> 01:29:09.039
Huge thank you to Angela Lord for sitting down with us a couple of weeks ago.
01:29:09.119 --> 01:29:11.600
It was wonderful to chat to him, and thank you everyone for listening at home.
01:29:11.760 --> 01:29:16.079
I won't name all of you guys, especially if I'm going to give the wrong names, but uh, thank you so much for listening.
01:29:16.159 --> 01:29:17.039
We'll catch you very soon.
01:29:17.199 --> 01:29:17.600
Goodbye.
01:29:17.760 --> 01:29:19.279
Keep your Welsh cakes coming.
01:29:20.000 --> 01:29:24.319
Thank you very much once again to our sponsor, Minerva Hearing, for today's podcast.
01:29:24.399 --> 01:29:28.079
And remember, Minerva Hearing, hear the cheers, protect your ears.
