Devils Insider Summer Series - Episode 1 - Starting off strong

WEBVTT
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Today's podcast is brought to you by Minerva Hearing.
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Hear the cheers, protect your ears.
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Shumai Pao Bakroisar.
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Hello, everybody, and welcome to a summer edition of Devil's Insider.
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We're back.
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We've had a month or so off.
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It's been a nice little chance to decompress to breathe, but it's but good to be back in the building and recording to bring you some podcasts over the summer.
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Dan Ruther, alongside Gareth Hewish and Neil Francis, as always.
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Guys, it's it's good to be back.
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Certainly is.
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Um, I've been struggling quite early in this off season.
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Uh, the most exciting thing that's happened is some of my donations to the charity shop made the window, which was uh very, you know, it's a big achievement.
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Well, if anyone wants some some good club up and art charity shops, I'll be uh be waiting for you.
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Franny, how are you doing?
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How's your summer been going?
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I'm good, thanks.
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We couldn't keep away, could we?
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Oh, yeah.
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So yeah, it's good to good to be back in the building.
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I was itching for it in the in the days leading up to this, but uh we've got a lot to cover.
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We there's there's been a hell of a lot of news in in Devil's Land over the last couple of weeks, and uh we're gonna cover as much as we can of it over the next little while.
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We will start, of course.
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I mean, it's hard not to really, with the re-signing of the captain, the goat, Joey Martin, back in Cardiff for season number 11 in Devil's Colours.
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Whoever would have thought that that would be the case when that young man signed here all those years ago.
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Franny, I mean, it's it's it's the name at the top of the list every summer, and it's good to have it signed again.
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It is, and he's still playing like a young man, isn't he?
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I mean, you look at his energy and drive right the way through the season, and you know, peeking in the playoffs, he was an absolute legend once again, and you know, God, it's uh it's so good to get him back because you always do worry about when does that day come.
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But you know, when you're playing as well as Joey Martin does, and you know, you've still got the um you know the love for the game that he's got, then yeah, we are so happy to have him back.
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Yeah, guys, I'm I'm waiting on the day where Joey's production winds down a little bit, but I don't think that's gonna happen, to be honest.
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So, you know, 52 points in all competitions last year.
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It's it's it's another near enough point of game season for him.
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He's still at the the peak of his powers.
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Yep, and you know, within that you don't take into account his work on the penalty kill, uh, you know, it's just all round contribution off ice uh as well.
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And this summer I was felt a little bit more comfortable.
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It almost felt like last summer it felt more of a worry that that it might be time.
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But just the body language of of Joey is as we approached the end of the season, and of course, all of the success uh we had in the playoffs, uh, etc.
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And the way that he was sort of talking at awards night, it just felt like he was as hungry as ever.
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Um, so yeah, great, great news.
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It just makes you that summer just even better than it already was.
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It really does, yeah.
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And for me, there were there was a little bit of of a happy moment at the end of the season, of course, as we've spoken at length about the devils win the playoffs, and and and I don't need to remind anybody listening that Devils won the playoffs, by the way.
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But um, Joey Martin, believe it or not, that that was his first domestic trophy as captain that he lifted, Franny.
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And that that is a big thing, I think, for him and for the team as well.
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That your your greatest player, as the captain, gets to lift his first trophy.
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Yeah, and I was so, so pleased for him for that moment.
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I actually said that to him on the ice.
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I said, you know, as delighted as I am for the whole team to win this, I'm you know, even more so delighted that you get to lift it because you know he deserves to lift a trophy.
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I mean, the last time he was captain, you know, he was injured and we didn't have that great season, I don't think.
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But um, yeah, for for such an icon of the club to not be the guy lifting that trophy, and you know, I'm sure he's quick to deflect it off to say, you know, well, it's the team trophy or whatever, but just that just that photo of him holding being presented with a trophy and lifting it up, and it's a great shot, isn't it?
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With all the team in the background, the champagne flowing and the and the fans in uh in the background too.
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I mean, that moment is I think that will always go down as an i iconic uh photograph.
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Yeah, like you like you say as well, and and he would very much deflect it and talk about the team.
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And the the when we chat about the the change in the devils towards the end of last season, we know that Joey was integral to that, and he is one of the voices in the room, one of the guys who speaks up and and he drives the standards here in Cardiff.
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And so, you know, when you consider all that, and then you also take into account he's gonna be 38 by the time the season rolls around, which you know, he's not a he's not a young man anymore, but he's still playing and is an integral part of this locker room.
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So I think that's massively important.
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And you know, as we look to now the devil's wanting to build on what they ended the season on, he's gonna be part of driving that.
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Yeah, and I think one thing that Joey has grown into is that leadership role.
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I mean, he's always been an excellent player, an excellent pro, um, lead by example kind of guy.
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But as the years have gone on, you know, he's found his voice within that locker room, and you know, he's got such a presence there, and he's he's learned how to utilize that more.
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So he really is, you know, the leader now that does not just lead by example, but is also the guy that kind of cajols the the rest of the team and and gets everyone going.
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So you know it's been amazing to see the growth of him as a player and a person um over the years, and you know, now he you know he's the complete package.
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He he really is.
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And and Gaz, we we we chatted obviously about him winning with the C on his chest.
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The the other time he wore that C was was the COVID shortened season.
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So a little bit of redemption for him in that aspect as well.
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Yeah, absolutely.
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Um it's uh will always be a bit of a stinger, that one.
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But uh he got what he and and others said they wanted to do, and that that, like you say, a bit of redemption for for that, and making sure that especially after dropping out of the title race, that the the Devils didn't, you know, leave the season without something that they believed is a team that they deserved.
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And Joey, as always, was at the forefront of that.
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You know, we hear so much, you know, not just on the ice, you know, Franny's talking about, you know, speaking up in the locker room, we also hear how well looked after the guys are with just something as silly as making sure the fridge is fully stocked and stuff.
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And I think that's important because it's just it shows to me an attention to detail.
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He knows the little things that everyone needs to be successful.
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It pushes the culture, doesn't it?
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And when you want to win, it's it is those little things that push you over the line.
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Yeah, and if your captain's gonna be, you know, detailed enough to worry about something as much as is the fridge full, then you better make sure that you're worried about uh the little details of things that you do day in and day out.
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Yeah, and just to correct myself, I said last time he was captain, the devils didn't have such a good year.
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I knew there was something neg there's I knew there was something negative in my mind, and of course it was that COVID-shortened season where we all know the Devils were the league champs, but there's a it wasn't to be, um, and that's still bitter for all of us.
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So that that's what I know he had an injury in that season, um, but then he came back and the Devils were having a great year, uh, only for COVID to cut short the rightful championship um that he should have lifted at that time.
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And uh it's gonna be a theme of this episode.
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I'm gonna bring up the fact it's the 40th year coming up this season, and to have Joey for 11 of those 40 years feels crazy, doesn't it?
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Like it it feels you know that that that's a special thing.
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That that that's a huge amount of time to be within the franchise.
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And when you're an old timer like myself who remembers the guys way back when who stayed for that amount of time, there seemed to be a gap in the middle where we couldn't retain people for as long as maybe we and they wanted.
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Um, so I think it is special that going into next season we've got a 40th year with someone who's given so much being at the sort of one of the figureheads of the season.
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Yeah, we we could wax lyrical about what we think of Joey Martin.
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Honestly, we could do a whole podcast and how how wonderful we think he is.
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Do you know what?
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Let's say you know, we'll we'll do one in this season.
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But we can sum it up by saying he's the greatest of all time.
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Full stop.
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And you know what?
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Why not let's hear from him as well?
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So uh I sat down with Joey a couple of days ago and chatted a little bit about being back in town for another year.
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A huge welcome on Devil's Insider to our latest re-signing, and it wouldn't be a summer if it wasn't Joey Martin re-signing with the Devils.
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Joey, thank you so much for coming down.
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Congratulations.
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It's another year in Cardiff.
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How do you feel?
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Thank you.
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Uh thanks for having me.
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I'm as excited as ever.
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It's you know, it's such I'm so fortunate to be able to play here for all these years.
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And uh the motivation is still very high to bring bring back championships here, as we just saw, um, how special that last one was.
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Can you believe it's it's season number 11 upcoming in Cardiff?
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Did did you ever imagine when you first signed here that it'd be 11 seasons and that you'd you'd be so ingrained in in the culture that is Cardiff, Devil's hockey these days?
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No, absolutely not.
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I've like I always say I came over here playing thinking I was gonna play a year or two, but I've always said this place has captured my heart.
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Like you said, it's ingrained in me, and uh it's the only club I want to play for.
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When we spoke last summer about your resign, I remember you saying that the previous year, before that year, you weren't 100% sure whether you really wanted to stick with it or if you thought about what would come after hockey.
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And and you know, with two seasons on now, you've been a point per game player, you've just won a playoff title as well.
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Clearly, sticking around was good for you.
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And do you feel like you've been justified in the decision to keep keep playing here in Cardiff?
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Yeah, I think at my age you you contemplate the the decisions you have to make post-career.
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Um but for me, the one thing I just keep falling back on is you know how much I I love playing this sport.
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It's like I'm so fortunate to be able to play a sport that I love in a city that means so much to me.
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And you know, with teammates that, you know, are my best friends every every year.
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So I'm so fortunate to do what I do.
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I still have that fire, that motivation.
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Um, you know, a lot of players that have retired will they kind of give me advice and say, you'll know one day, but I don't know if I will because I, you know, I I just love this game so much.
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So, you know, personally, it's just it's just um it's a pleasure to play here.
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And, you know, I'm just taking it year by year, and I I think I work really hard at trying to keep myself fit and able to play at a a standard that I'd like to be at.
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That ties into my next question quite nicely because it it's very easy to ask all the guys who come back to Cardiff why they do, and and and a lot of guys talk about the city, the club, how well they're treated here.
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But actually, what motivates you personally to keep coming back to Cardiff?
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I think there's there's so many reasons.
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You know, the biggest thing is this team.
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Every year we have such a great group of guys, and I love the guys in the locker room.
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Um, I love I love our fans, I love our management, our ownership, everybody that's involved in in this club.
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And then, you know, I've also formed a lot of relationships, you know, outside of of this team in the city.
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So, you know, this this place is my home.
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Something that um, you know, it's a place that means a lot to me.
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So I can't just say there's one reason, there's many.
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Let's chat a little bit about the end of last season now.
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Of course, uh we will look ahead to next season, but let's remind ourselves of of what we kind of ended on.
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And of course, the Devils win the playoffs.
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It was an incredible, not just weekend, but kind of the week leading up to it as well, and a great party after, I'm sure.
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So, but um, talk me through the the kind of feelings and emotions around that playoff weekend.
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Yeah, that's always such a fun weekend, especially for the new guys that come here.
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You know, we we kind of tell them try to inform them what to expect.
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But once you're there and you see that atmosphere, you know, you don't really know until you experience it.
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So, you know, obviously we fell short in the league.
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Um, and uh, you know, we were very highly motivated going into that playoff weekend that you know we really wanted to win a championship.
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We thought this group really deserved that.
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So, you know, I I commend everybody, all the guys, uh, the way that we went into playoffs because you know, we we were playing our best hockey, and and that was really important, I think.
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And uh, you know, to finally win that that playoff trophy after a few years of you know falling short was just such a relief.
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Felt so good, you know.
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Best part is looking around and seeing how happy your teammates are, you know, the guys that you've worked so hard with, but also looking up and our amazing fans that were there supporting us.
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You're just so happy for everybody involved.
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Yeah, that that end of the season was an interesting one because there seemed to be a bit of a switch about a month before the end of the season, and something changed, and the devils from that point just seemed very locked into to going and winning that playoff title.
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And Tomo spoke about it and said, you know, things were said, and people were very honest with each other, and and you recognized maybe that missing out on the league was was a disappointment and that you should have competed for that.
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And what was the click?
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And we not necessarily don't have to go into detail on what was exactly said, but how did the locker room change around that time?
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Yeah, I think for a little bit there, we were playing some average hockey, definitely not up to our standards.
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And, you know, I think there was a moment in our locker room where we drew a line in the sand and we said, you know, what are we gonna be here?
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Are we gonna, are we just gonna go through the motions at the end of the year, or are we gonna progress and start playing our best hockey leading into playoffs?
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Because I, you know, I don't think you can just flip a switch and start playing your best hockey, especially when you have to win four games.
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It's pretty it's very short.
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So, you know, I give a lot of credit to the guys in the room.
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Everybody bought in and we knew our potential and we weren't we weren't hitting it.
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So, you know, I'm just very very pleased with how everybody responded to words that were maybe said in the locker room.
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And um, you know, I think it you know made us successful in the end.
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Of course, you as well lifted the trophy as the captain.
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I asked you straight after the game on the ice how that felt.
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And and with with a couple of uh weeks or a month or so now of of of kind of being able to depress and then kind of step away from it, how does it feel?
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How important was it and how good was it to do it as the captain of the devils?
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Yeah, certainly something I'll always remember.
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Um, it's you know, after a week or two after it's all the dust is settled, reflecting and looking at all the videos and photos, it just makes me very happy.
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Um I think the main thing is I just wanted to grab the trophy and bring it with my teammates and be in that circle there.
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That's you know, one of the best feelings.
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It's hard to really describe that.
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So it definitely means a lot.
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Um, and you know, winning championships as one of the leaders on the team, a lot of weight falls on your shoulders.
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So, you know, that was uh a big relief.
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Domestically, as well.
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It was actually the first I couldn't believe this when I saw it, it was the first trophy you've won for the Devils domestically since pre-COVID, which is which is crazy when you think about it.
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And for for you personally, was that a little bit of maybe redemption, a little bit of feeling of it had been too long coming to to get another one on on the board?
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Certainly, yes.
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Um, especially, you know, my early years with Cardiff, we won quite a few championships and we didn't go many years without winning.
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So this one was uh extremely relieving.
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And I, you know, I if I look at the trophies that I've won here with Cardiff on these teams, this is probably one of the more enjoyable ones because it took it took a few years.
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Um, you know, we experienced some lows, and I think you have to go through those to really enjoy the highs.
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And so certainly this was one of my most memorable uh personal championships with Cardiff.
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I spoke on on the podcast just after the playoffs about how the the the atmosphere around the team reminds me a lot of the way people speak about the very first kind of new era, we'll say it, Devil's team, which of course you were part of as well.
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And and are there similarities between the two?
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There definitely feels like there's a a togetherness or an atmosphere in a locker room that is very similar between the two teams.
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Yeah, I would definitely agree with that.
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I think we were a very tight-knit group this year, and I I think it resembled teams that I've been on pre-COVID.
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So I think that's a a big similarity.
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Obviously, you know, Tomo coming in, Nicholas, you know, they did a great job.
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They're, you know, they're we're very fortunate to have them and our coaching staff, and obviously you and King as well.
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So, you know, I definitely think there are certainly are some uh similarities, and I think that's why we tasted some successes here.
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You were at awards night, I remember you spoke when you received your award, and and in in true Joey form, you were very kind of complimentary of your teammates as opposed to yourself, but uh but you you you seemed quite emotional about how you felt about though that group of guys, and and was that maybe the the spark that led to that playoff success?
00:16:00.559 --> 00:16:02.639
Was it like you say, they were a very together group?
00:16:02.879 --> 00:16:06.559
Yeah, it's uh like we had a very close group.
00:16:06.720 --> 00:16:09.759
I think you know, we did a lot off the ice as well.
00:16:09.840 --> 00:16:19.759
You know, anytime anyone is going for lunch or there's a function going on, you might had mostly everybody involved, and that's a sign of a team with great chemistry and that truly like each other.
00:16:19.919 --> 00:16:23.279
And in my experiences, those are the teams that usually have success.
00:16:23.440 --> 00:16:36.879
So um it was just such an enjoyable year for myself, and maybe just reflecting on it, you know, that there's not many of these years left, so I think maybe that's why I felt a little emotional, just so happy to be a part of this group.
00:16:37.120 --> 00:16:44.960
You mentioned Tomo as well, obviously came in, wins a trophy to end his first year, arguably, like we say, could have been more than just one, but got got a playoff trophy on the board.
00:16:45.039 --> 00:16:46.240
What was it like playing for him this year?
00:16:46.320 --> 00:16:51.759
You know, I ask a lot of the guys who have have known of Tomo for years what what it's like, and everyone's very complimentary.
00:16:52.080 --> 00:16:52.960
Yeah, it was great.
00:16:53.039 --> 00:16:55.200
It was it was nice being on the same side as him.
00:16:55.279 --> 00:17:01.600
You know, I remember the days, him across the bench in Sheffield, and you know, you always wonder what that coach is like and whatnot.
00:17:01.679 --> 00:17:04.319
But um, you know, it's been such a pleasure playing for him.
00:17:04.400 --> 00:17:06.000
He's very demanding.
00:17:06.240 --> 00:17:10.240
Uh, you know, he he works as hard and and that's what we want at the end of the day.
00:17:10.400 --> 00:17:16.240
So, you know, um Cardiff's uh very they're in they're in a good spot having him behind the bench for sure.
00:17:16.480 --> 00:17:17.839
Let's look ahead quickly now.
00:17:17.920 --> 00:17:22.240
I I know there's there's a lot of off-season to enjoy before we are back here and and playing hockey.
00:17:22.319 --> 00:17:24.880
But uh what what can we expect from the Devils next season?
00:17:24.960 --> 00:17:27.920
How do you build now on on obviously the success at the end of last?
00:17:28.799 --> 00:17:50.400
Yeah, I mean, I'm not I'm not exactly sure who's back, that's up to management, but I think we have a lot of core pieces here that I hope do come back because you know that we had a lot of great individual players who had such character, you know, there was no egos, everybody was bought in playing the same, you know, wanted to play the same way to to be successful.
00:17:50.559 --> 00:18:02.480
So, you know, I hope hopefully we bring we can retain a lot of these same players, and I think you know, you win a championship, you should you should carry that confidence over, but also learn from our shortcomings like in the league.
00:18:02.720 --> 00:18:18.160
You know, I think we were right there most of the year, and we had one month where we kind of fell off once stale, and I think you know, we have to learn that it's it's a long season and you have to be completely consistent and disciplined, and there's so many things that go into that.
00:18:18.240 --> 00:18:20.720
So hopefully we've learned from those uh mistakes.
00:18:21.200 --> 00:18:25.519
Like I say, a long summer ahead, but I'm sure before we know it, we'll be in back in this building for hockey.
00:18:25.599 --> 00:18:27.759
Just a message to the fans as as well about you being back.
00:18:29.119 --> 00:18:31.039
Just thank you so much.
00:18:31.200 --> 00:18:41.920
Uh, since I my first year here, you've welcomed me here, and um I just I I always astounded by the support we get on the road, at home, around town.
00:18:42.160 --> 00:18:45.359
It's it means so much to me, and uh, you know, you guys are the best.
00:18:45.440 --> 00:18:45.920
So thank you.
00:18:46.240 --> 00:18:48.960
Joey, I dread the day where we don't do one of these interviews of the summer.
00:18:49.039 --> 00:18:49.519
Thank you so much.
00:18:49.599 --> 00:18:50.799
Welcome back, congratulations.
00:18:50.880 --> 00:18:51.839
Another year in Cardiff.
00:18:52.079 --> 00:18:52.880
Thank you, Dan.
00:18:53.920 --> 00:18:55.519
Great to hear from Joey.
00:18:55.599 --> 00:19:04.559
And and you know, we we we spoke a little bit before we heard from him about how you know he continues to come back year after year and is is just as motivated and as energized as it.
00:19:04.640 --> 00:19:10.319
And just listening to him, you can hear that there's there's not only that energy, but there's also that little bit of a chip on the show.
00:19:10.400 --> 00:19:17.200
I think he knows that the devils can build from here, and this could go on, that playoff wing could go on to be something very special.
00:19:17.440 --> 00:19:24.079
Yeah, um, and I think there was there was a point in the interview where you know things had crossed his mind a couple of years ago.
00:19:24.160 --> 00:19:27.440
He didn't have quite the year and he had an injury and stuff like that.
00:19:27.599 --> 00:19:37.039
Um, so maybe he was thinking that time had come, but so refreshing to hear him say that when he speaks to players that have retired said, you know, you know when the time will come.
00:19:37.119 --> 00:19:46.480
And he's saying, Well, I don't know if it will because I love the game, I love this club, I love this city, and you know, referencing Cardiff as his home, you know, that that's huge.
00:19:46.559 --> 00:19:52.160
And it just you can just see that on the ice every time Joey Martin laces up for the Cardiff Devils.
00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:58.799
Yeah, and as we chat now about the coming year, and of course there's there's a lot of off-season to come before that, but Franny, what what is the Martin role?
00:19:58.960 --> 00:20:01.519
How do the Devils now use him going into next season?
00:20:01.680 --> 00:20:06.400
Because, like I say, he is 38, he's not gonna be, you know, 25 minutes a night forever.
00:20:06.480 --> 00:20:07.119
No, nobody can be.
00:20:07.279 --> 00:20:10.079
Father time is undefeated, but he's still incredibly effective.
00:20:10.160 --> 00:20:12.880
So, how are the devils planning on using him now into next season?
00:20:13.119 --> 00:20:22.480
Well, I mean, I think if you'd have asked the question at the start of last year, you wouldn't have had him down as the second top scorer in the team, and he was.
00:20:22.799 --> 00:20:26.160
So, one thing I've learned is you never write off Joey Martin.
00:20:26.400 --> 00:20:36.640
Um, yeah, the the kind of sensible thing to say would be, yeah, okay, reduces minutes, reduces role, but Joey Martin will always push the others around him to be better.
00:20:36.880 --> 00:20:45.599
And um I think we all know from Paul Thompson's style is it the ice time goes to those that deserve it the most.
00:20:45.839 --> 00:20:46.799
So who knows?
00:20:46.960 --> 00:20:49.759
Who knows what the role is because you can never write off Joey Martin.
00:20:50.000 --> 00:20:50.559
You can't, guys.
00:20:50.640 --> 00:20:53.039
We're gonna be enjoying every single minute of Joey while he's here.
00:20:53.359 --> 00:21:06.960
Very, very special uh to get uh keep calling uh Joey's games, and uh I've been privileged to be able to be on the call for this entire time here, which is uh again another really cool uh stat.
00:21:07.200 --> 00:21:11.039
So yeah, just I you just love talking about him, don't you?
00:21:11.519 --> 00:21:22.000
And you love watching him play, and uh you just you you gotta I think I said something similar last season when we uh interviewed Joey for the for the first Devil's Insider that we did.
00:21:22.160 --> 00:21:30.720
You just gotta keep cherishing guys like Joey Martin while while they're on the ice and make sure that you take in each and every game because uh it sadly won't be forever.
00:21:30.880 --> 00:21:35.200
But uh I'm also banking on uh maybe another 11 years to see you see what he can do.
00:21:35.279 --> 00:21:37.440
But after that, we may have to call time.
00:21:37.680 --> 00:21:41.279
Yeah, we could give him some of the Mark Richardson serum and have him go forever somehow.
00:21:41.440 --> 00:21:42.720
But um, yeah, who knows?
00:21:42.880 --> 00:21:54.559
We're gonna now a little move on uh very quickly and we're gonna talk uh not only about then a guy who's been here for 11 years and is is well into his devil's career, we're gonna talk about a guy who's gonna be starting his first year in Cardiff come August, and that is Nick Welsh.
00:21:54.640 --> 00:22:07.599
The devil's an absolute coup of assigning over the offseason to get him in and and a guy that I'm Very excited to see in a Devils jersey, a guy that I really liked watching in a Manchester one this season and uh a big signing for the Devils.
00:22:07.920 --> 00:22:19.759
Absolutely, yeah, a huge signing for uh the team, and uh, you know, we eventually got the power play right last year, uh, once we got over the new year.
00:22:20.079 --> 00:22:34.319
I'm a bit more optimistic that A, we already kind of know what we're doing from that, but to add Nick Welsh on to that power play unit is something I'm really excited about because he punished us a fair few times uh in Storm Colours.
00:22:34.480 --> 00:22:37.119
And I just I love that type of defenceman.
00:22:37.279 --> 00:22:42.240
I love a smooth skating, all action, uh attacking uh defenseman.
00:22:42.319 --> 00:22:44.480
And uh yeah, I I think it makes perfect sense.
00:22:44.720 --> 00:22:48.960
Franny, this is a man who he wouldn't have been short on offers, I don't think, after the season he had in Manchester.
00:22:49.119 --> 00:22:55.519
So tell us a little bit about how the move came about and and how you kind of decided and settled on Welsh as a as a as a new player for the Devils.
00:22:55.759 --> 00:23:02.799
Yeah, so his name came across our desk very late in the summer last year when we didn't have any room for him.
00:23:02.880 --> 00:23:18.160
And it was one of those when you look at it and you look at his resume and his age, you know, he was 27 last uh last year and had three years in the DL, two years in the Finnish Elite League, and you're like, oh, that's you know, that that's one that I would love to have on our side.
00:23:18.319 --> 00:23:24.960
So we couldn't fit him in last year, but obviously kept a close eye to see how he transitioned into this league.
00:23:25.119 --> 00:23:27.839
And every game you're just impressed by him.
00:23:27.920 --> 00:23:33.440
Uh he's just such a complete uh defenseman that he's a very good skater.
00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:38.640
His first pass is accurate and pinpoint and quick to get it away.
00:23:38.799 --> 00:23:44.079
He's got a big bomb of a shot, he plays well defensively, and he also plays with that little bit of a chip as well.
00:23:44.160 --> 00:23:48.640
You know, he's he's kind of he's spirited, isn't he, in the in the way he plays.
00:23:48.799 --> 00:23:53.599
So you know, we were keeping a close eye out on him um this year just to to see how he was.
00:23:53.680 --> 00:23:59.200
And obviously, he excelled and uh in every game against us and against the rest of the league as well.
00:23:59.440 --> 00:24:08.160
And it happened so quickly, right at the end of the season, uh, after the season finished, it we literally still had champagne in our eyes from the from the playoff win.
00:24:08.240 --> 00:24:16.240
And um, you know, we looked into it and uh it happened very, very quickly and delighted to get him here.
00:24:16.319 --> 00:24:20.240
And I just think he's gonna fit in so well to the way we play.
00:24:20.400 --> 00:24:33.359
Um the Tomo systems, uh, you know, in terms of you've got to move the puck quickly, you can join the rush, and you know, and he also gives us a little bit of something that maybe we didn't have that big, big shot uh from the point.
00:24:33.440 --> 00:24:38.720
Um, like you say, the power play capability, so just so many things that he can add to this team.
00:24:38.880 --> 00:24:48.640
Uh, and what is exciting is you know, the decor was probably our strength last year, and then to add a guy like um Nick Welsh to it is you know is fantastic.
00:24:48.880 --> 00:24:52.960
Plus, the name just says that you always should be playing for Cardiff, doesn't it?
00:24:53.599 --> 00:25:23.279
Well uh one thing I really like as well is it was clear that Manchester had a good group last year, and uh you know they I don't know if they if overachieved his fee, I but I I think what they did was they asserted themselves as the best of the rest, I guess, uh outside of that top four, which which was you know, I waxed lyrical a lot about Cam Critshaw and what he'd done there, and to have a guy that was obviously such a big part of that to me suggest that he's gonna be a good fit in and around the room as well.
00:25:23.599 --> 00:25:29.759
Yeah, and and and for me, that like you say, Franny, the the devil's defensive unit last year was the best it's been in over a decade, I thought.
00:25:29.839 --> 00:25:33.359
You know, you look at the numbers, 122 goals conceded over the season, I think it was, which is already great.
00:25:33.440 --> 00:25:36.000
You bring in an offensive guy, which adds to that as well.
00:25:36.079 --> 00:25:46.880
And and I think what we're gonna see isn't a bit of an evolution of the style which Tom had brought in last year, and and I think the the maybe the asset that Welsh is best at is the speed in transition, like you said, the skating.
00:25:46.960 --> 00:25:49.920
That's gonna click really nicely into what was already a very good D group.
00:25:50.240 --> 00:25:50.880
Yeah, definitely.
00:25:50.960 --> 00:26:05.039
And I even you know, I was watching him closely in that playoff weekend, it was a big occasion for Manchester, and I think it got the best of a lot of that team, but he stood out to me as that he remained calm in that big pressure environment.
00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:12.559
You know, he was hitting his passes, he was doing everything that he's done so well over the year, and that just showed you know the character of him as well.
00:26:12.720 --> 00:26:21.680
So yeah, I I think that he's he looks like a Cardiff Towels player, he's got the assets um that will fit in so well to this side.
00:26:21.759 --> 00:26:30.960
Um, and I think you know he will enjoy being around you know this locker room that we've talked strongly about and the the quality of players that we've got.
00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:36.960
And I'm you know, we're hoping that he can kind of jump on the back of his great season last year and push it even further.
00:26:37.119 --> 00:26:39.359
Well, Franny, you mentioned that things happen quickly.
00:26:39.440 --> 00:26:46.079
The when the storm announced that Nick Welsh was leaving, we have a little group chat, the three of us, and and we talked about it, and Gaz said, Well, can we have Welsh please?
00:26:46.160 --> 00:26:46.720
And then there was nothing.
00:26:46.799 --> 00:26:50.559
You were very coy about it, and then about three hours later, the devil's announced, and you said, Yeah, of course you can.
00:26:50.640 --> 00:26:51.279
There you go.
00:26:51.920 --> 00:26:54.160
So our wish was granted by you guys.
00:26:55.039 --> 00:27:02.640
Thank you very much for uh obviously Todd must have some sort of like attachment in the group to make sure we're uh we're all right and granting my wish.
00:27:02.720 --> 00:27:06.640
So uh I'll have a think about what other people I might want, and we'll see if we can sort that out for me.
00:27:06.799 --> 00:27:08.960
If you'd asked for a million dollars, that'd be uh that'd be great as well.
00:27:09.039 --> 00:27:10.079
I would really appreciate it.
00:27:10.160 --> 00:27:16.160
But uh yeah, it's good to have Nick Welsh and Cardiff, and uh I was lucky enough to sit down and have another with a chat to him earlier this week.
00:27:17.359 --> 00:27:22.480
Ladies and gents, a huge welcome on Devil's Insider to a new signing for the Devils this coming season.
00:27:22.559 --> 00:27:23.200
Nick Welsh.
00:27:23.279 --> 00:27:24.720
Nick, thank you so much for chatting to me.
00:27:24.799 --> 00:27:25.279
How are you doing?
00:27:25.359 --> 00:27:27.519
Congratulations on being uh being a Cardiff Devil.
00:27:28.000 --> 00:27:28.960
Good, yeah, thank you.
00:27:29.519 --> 00:27:30.319
Happy to be here.
00:27:30.559 --> 00:27:33.759
How does it feel to sign for the Devils for the upcoming season?
00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:35.119
Uh it feels great.
00:27:35.279 --> 00:27:41.039
Um, really excited about the upcoming season and looking forward to getting there in August and meeting everybody.
00:27:41.279 --> 00:27:42.319
How did the move come about?
00:27:42.400 --> 00:27:42.960
Tell me a little bit.
00:27:43.039 --> 00:27:51.200
We know you played in in Manchester last season, so you're familiar with with playing in in the elite league and stuff, but but where did the decision to come to Cardiff kind of come from and how did that come about?
00:27:52.000 --> 00:28:03.599
Um when it well, when it got time to the end of the year, it was just kind of exploring my options and uh, you know, uh the opportunity to go to Cardiff kind of was talked about and was thinking about it.
00:28:03.759 --> 00:28:12.720
And um it was always a tough battle playing them this year, and that kind of led to my decision to to take the deal and and go there to Cardiff.
00:28:13.119 --> 00:28:16.400
Of course, you know, we I mentioned you had a great season in Manchester last year.
00:28:16.480 --> 00:28:17.680
Let's chat a little bit about that.
00:28:17.759 --> 00:28:20.480
And you know, 50 points for yourself, uh a second team all-star.
00:28:20.559 --> 00:28:21.519
What worked so well for you?
00:28:21.599 --> 00:28:26.799
What what how where did this kind of productive season come from last year with with the storm?
00:28:27.519 --> 00:28:28.720
Um, I don't know.
00:28:28.880 --> 00:28:31.680
Uh I've always been confident in my own abilities, you know.
00:28:31.839 --> 00:28:38.319
Um had a it was coming off a couple years that weren't necessarily that great for me offensively.
00:28:38.400 --> 00:28:49.359
I didn't put up too many points, stuff like that, but um kind of just worked hard over the summer and came in with a bit of a chip on my shoulder to prove to myself that like I am a good player.
00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:57.599
Um so just kind of worked hard as and uh got back to to my game and how I know I can play and kind of all went right that last year.
00:28:57.680 --> 00:28:59.519
So hopefully do it again this year.
00:28:59.759 --> 00:29:01.119
Yeah, good to hear, good to hear.
00:29:01.200 --> 00:29:04.799
And and you played for Cam Critshow as well, first year coach in Manchester.
00:29:04.880 --> 00:29:06.319
He's admired around the league.
00:29:06.400 --> 00:29:08.000
What was it like playing playing for him?
00:29:08.319 --> 00:29:09.359
He was awesome.
00:29:09.519 --> 00:29:18.400
Uh uh obviously a a difficult transition, probably for a first-time head coach, but uh no, I I really thought he was great.
00:29:18.559 --> 00:29:24.559
Um, all the guys in the room really respected him and and his voice and all the systems that they wanted to implement.
00:29:24.640 --> 00:29:27.359
And I think that was huge in our success over the year.
00:29:27.519 --> 00:29:35.759
He really uh got us prepared to play, and we all wanted to go out there and do a job together, and he was a big part of that for sure.
00:29:36.079 --> 00:29:49.759
And of course, the the the success of the storm last season and and and now it has meant that they're gonna be moving arenas, but actually the the storm shelter has a bit of an affinity to Cardiff in a strange way because uh the Devils played in a very similar rink about 10 years ago now for a number of years.
00:29:49.839 --> 00:29:52.720
And and and so what what did you make of the storm shelter?
00:29:52.799 --> 00:29:57.359
The devils fans when they had their version of it always speak with such reverence about it and talk about the atmosphere.
00:29:57.440 --> 00:30:00.079
What was it like playing playing at the storm shelter?
00:30:00.400 --> 00:30:02.480
I mean, I loved it, honestly.
00:30:02.640 --> 00:30:05.359
The atmosphere was great, our fans were awesome.
00:30:05.519 --> 00:30:11.519
Um, the ice conditions were tough at best to deal with, uh for sure.
00:30:11.839 --> 00:30:15.759
But as the home team, we were used to it, we practiced on it every day.
00:30:15.839 --> 00:30:20.640
So, as frustrated as we were, the other team was usually twice as frustrated.
00:30:20.880 --> 00:30:24.079
So we definitely had the advantage of that at least.
00:30:24.160 --> 00:30:27.920
And uh no, I I really I really enjoyed it to be honest.
00:30:28.000 --> 00:30:37.759
Um, but as an away team now, I'm definitely happy they're moving because I think the experience wouldn't be as much fun for sure.
00:30:38.000 --> 00:30:47.680
Yeah, and of course, you know, uh, I'm sure despite the fight you have moved on to to come hit a card, if you there must be you must feel really glad that the storm for all their hard work now are getting that that chance in a in a new rink.
00:30:48.000 --> 00:30:48.640
Absolutely.
00:30:48.799 --> 00:30:54.799
Yeah, um, they definitely deserve it for sure, and I think they're gonna enjoy that a lot next year.
00:30:55.039 --> 00:31:00.960
You of course you came to the elite league last season, having played across Europe, you played in in Germany, in Finland, in Slovakia and stuff.
00:31:01.039 --> 00:31:04.240
So, where did the elite league match up in terms of your expectations?
00:31:04.319 --> 00:31:06.640
Did you know much about the league before you arrived here?
00:31:07.119 --> 00:31:09.039
Um, I knew a little bit about it.
00:31:09.200 --> 00:31:15.039
Um, I knew some players across the league, um, just haven't played with and against them in the past.
00:31:15.200 --> 00:31:18.079
So I I was expecting it to be good hockey.
00:31:18.319 --> 00:31:21.359
Um, and then when I got here, I I was blown away.
00:31:21.440 --> 00:31:25.200
Like I think the the quality of the league is is very good.
00:31:25.680 --> 00:31:28.960
Um, it's very fast, it's extremely physical for sure.
00:31:29.039 --> 00:31:32.480
It's probably the most physical league I've played in across Europe.
00:31:32.960 --> 00:31:40.079
Um, but yeah, I was I was really happy with uh the quality of the game and and how how good the hockey was.
00:31:40.319 --> 00:31:43.680
And of course, differently maybe in the elite league to to other leagues you've played in.
00:31:43.759 --> 00:31:51.519
I always ask the the guys who are kind of relatively new to the elite league about this, is is of course the the regular season being the the big title, the big prize in the elite league.
00:31:51.599 --> 00:31:56.880
What was it like kind of you know playing what are effectively game sevens from from the autumn onwards?
00:31:57.200 --> 00:31:59.119
Yeah, it was different for sure.
00:31:59.359 --> 00:32:02.319
Um never experienced that before.
00:32:02.480 --> 00:32:09.119
Uh usually you get the long regular season buildup, but then you dial it in for playoff because that would that's when it really matters.
00:32:09.279 --> 00:32:15.279
But you really need to be dialed in from game one right at the start, and uh it's definitely a different mindset for sure.
00:32:15.359 --> 00:32:22.160
Um coming in, it's the beginning, middle September, and you're basically playing playoff games already.
00:32:22.400 --> 00:32:30.559
Um, so that was a different uh mindset for sure, but I think I'll definitely be a little more ready for it going into the my second season here with Carter.
00:32:31.039 --> 00:32:36.799
Of course, the Devils ended the season as well, you know, winning the playoffs, the hottest team in the league going into the final stretch.
00:32:36.960 --> 00:32:41.920
Manchester and Cardiff did play each other about a month before the end of the season, and uh and then the Devils came out on winners.
00:32:42.000 --> 00:32:44.480
And what did you make of the Devils team towards the end of the season?
00:32:44.559 --> 00:32:48.240
Obviously, you're only playing them once and then you headed into the playoffs and you ended up playing Sheffield and stuff.
00:32:48.319 --> 00:32:52.240
Did you keep half an eye maybe on the other teams around the league and Cardiff in particular?
00:32:52.640 --> 00:32:55.519
Yeah, we were definitely looking at the other teams around the league.
00:32:55.680 --> 00:32:58.400
Um, going into playoffs, it was so up in the air.
00:32:58.480 --> 00:33:00.640
We had no idea who we were gonna match up against.
00:33:00.720 --> 00:33:02.880
So Cardiff was always on the board.
00:33:03.119 --> 00:33:09.119
Um, I think we were happy we didn't end up playing Cardiff in that first playoffs uh weekend.
00:33:09.440 --> 00:33:12.960
But uh no, I mean they were always a really tough team to play against.
00:33:13.119 --> 00:33:14.720
Uh, very, very physical.
00:33:14.880 --> 00:33:17.759
They like to get in your face, fore check hard.
00:33:18.079 --> 00:33:22.640
Um yeah, I think we had a lot of good battles over the over the year.
00:33:22.799 --> 00:33:28.480
Um and and yeah, looking forward to being on the other side of that battle next year.
00:33:28.720 --> 00:33:33.920
Yeah, well, what do you think you're gonna bring to to the Devil's team, maybe differently or kind of add to what they already have?
00:33:35.119 --> 00:33:38.160
Um well, same thing I brought to Manchester this year, honestly.
00:33:38.319 --> 00:33:43.440
Just uh, I mean, the the big biggest asset I have is my skating ability, I think.
00:33:43.839 --> 00:33:47.680
Um and then the ability to move pucks from the back end as well.
00:33:48.000 --> 00:33:56.400
Um you know, first pass, headmanning it, joining the rush, trying to create as much offense as I can from the uh the back end.
00:33:56.720 --> 00:33:58.880
Um and then power play as well.
00:33:58.960 --> 00:34:00.640
It's definitely a big part of my game.
00:34:00.720 --> 00:34:06.880
Um, hopefully go in and be confident on that and and get the power play running smoothly.
00:34:06.960 --> 00:34:08.559
And yeah, that's kind of my role.
00:34:08.719 --> 00:34:15.199
I think the Devils fans will be very relieved to hear the uh the the power play hopefully will be going a little bit better than it was for the first six months of of last season.
00:34:15.280 --> 00:34:18.000
But um, have you had the chance to chat with any of the guys in Cardiff yet?
00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:21.760
Have you had a chance to tear down to rink, or has it kind of just been a bit of a whirlwind getting getting signed?
00:34:22.239 --> 00:34:30.400
Uh no, I I went down one of the days before I came home for summer and uh I met uh the captain Joey Martin.
00:34:30.559 --> 00:34:38.480
Um but he was the only guy I met, and then I met uh Neil Francis, the the GM, and then I didn't end up meeting the coach.
00:34:38.559 --> 00:34:42.159
He was he was already gone home, but I think those were the only people I ended up meeting.
00:34:42.239 --> 00:34:47.599
But uh definitely looking forward to getting there in August and meeting the rest of the guys and all the staff and everything.
00:34:47.840 --> 00:34:57.280
Yeah, well, what did you make of of I mean we we know Franny very well on the podcast, but of course, but uh but also Joey, you know, uh a guy who's kind of been here for years is is is is loved by Cardiff fans.
00:34:57.360 --> 00:35:00.079
And uh are you excited to get the chance to line up with him as well?
00:35:00.480 --> 00:35:01.760
Absolutely, very excited.
00:35:01.840 --> 00:35:04.960
Yeah, he's obviously a cornerstone of the franchise there.
00:35:05.119 --> 00:35:09.599
He's been there a while, so um should be fun uh yeah to play with him.
00:35:09.920 --> 00:35:16.320
You'll be coming into what was a very strong defensive group as well for the Devils last year, one of the best decors that they've had in years.
00:35:16.400 --> 00:35:21.280
Are you excited to kind of join those ranks and see what works so well for them last season?
00:35:21.840 --> 00:35:22.719
Absolutely.
00:35:22.880 --> 00:35:26.719
Um they're definitely one of the better decors in the league for sure.
00:35:26.960 --> 00:35:31.280
Uh they're very deep, they they roll six guys and all of them can play.
00:35:31.519 --> 00:35:37.920
Um, so yeah, definitely excited to be joining that and uh looking forward to see what I can add to it.
00:35:38.239 --> 00:35:41.119
Just finally, uh a message to the fans ahead of the year.
00:35:41.199 --> 00:35:46.559
I know we're still a little way off coming coming back to Cardiff in in August, but uh a message to the fans ahead of next season.
00:35:47.119 --> 00:35:49.760
Uh just can't wait to get over there and get to work.
00:35:49.920 --> 00:35:55.519
Um, our goal next year is just to win trophies and hopefully we can accomplish that.
00:35:55.840 --> 00:35:56.960
Nick, thank you very much.
00:35:57.119 --> 00:35:58.559
Congratulations on your move to Cardiff.
00:35:58.639 --> 00:35:59.920
I really appreciate you taking the time.
00:36:00.159 --> 00:36:00.960
Thanks for having me.
00:36:01.119 --> 00:36:01.920
Appreciate it.
00:36:02.639 --> 00:36:06.800
Big thank you to Nick Wells for taking the time to chat to me, and it was uh lovely to meet him.
00:36:06.880 --> 00:36:08.639
He seems like a very down-to-earth, very nice guy.
00:36:08.719 --> 00:36:12.239
Franny, you mentioned that he came and saw you just very quickly at the end of last season.
00:36:12.320 --> 00:36:12.880
How did that go?
00:36:13.119 --> 00:36:14.559
What did you make of him in person?
00:36:14.800 --> 00:36:20.159
Yeah, he came down to drop some things off down here at the end of the season before flying home.
00:36:20.320 --> 00:36:25.119
Um, so I got to meet him and his fiancee, Emily, and just absolutely great people.
00:36:25.280 --> 00:36:30.400
You know, he's from Halifax, uh, she's from Newfoundland, and they're very laid-back people.
00:36:30.559 --> 00:36:42.719
You know, we've had some great, great devils from those areas of Canada, and they've all got that kind of zest for life and you know, very take everything in their stride, and it was really great to meet the pair of them.
00:36:42.880 --> 00:36:45.840
You know, they were excited about the new chapter ahead of them.
00:36:46.000 --> 00:36:55.440
Um, and yeah, it just kind of reaffirmed everything that I thought that I was seeing on the ice was that they're gonna fit in very, very nicely into this uh into this club.
00:36:55.679 --> 00:37:03.519
Yeah, and guys, the he he obviously spoke about what he thought he'd bring, and I think there's a very positive mindset there, which as we've spoken about already, will will suit the devil's locker room quite nicely.
00:37:03.679 --> 00:37:06.800
Yeah, the word I'd use to describe that interview is assured.
00:37:06.960 --> 00:37:09.280
I think that that's what I took from that.
00:37:09.440 --> 00:37:19.519
I I feel very reassured that you know he's a man who knows uh, you know, he backs himself, he knows what he's good at, he knows what he can bring, and he's confident he's gonna deliver on that.
00:37:19.679 --> 00:37:32.079
So uh, you know, it's very exciting in the offseason, isn't it, when you get a new face that's gonna be coming into the team, and even more exciting when you've seen kind of the impact that someone uh might have the ability to bring.
00:37:32.239 --> 00:37:37.039
So, yeah, like I say, you sounded very assured, uh, and uh I'm very confident you'll be a success.
00:37:37.280 --> 00:37:41.599
Fanny, the the Devils, this isn't a criticism, but the Devils last season were an older group.
00:37:41.679 --> 00:37:43.760
There are a lot of guys kind of in their early to mid-30s.
00:37:43.840 --> 00:37:51.679
And Nick Walsh comes in, he's 29, he's a little bit younger, and I think that refresh maybe in a second kind of generation now into the Tomo years is important as well to have.
00:37:52.000 --> 00:38:04.400
Yeah, I mean, this league is one of the toughest to play in across the whole of Europe because of the back-to-back games and no Olympic breaks and that kind of thing, and it does catch up with older legs.
00:38:04.480 --> 00:38:05.920
There's there's no question about that.
00:38:06.079 --> 00:38:15.440
Um, I mean, we're fortunate that you know some of our older guys are also our um best athletes and uh the ones that look after themselves really well.
00:38:15.679 --> 00:38:26.880
But you know, there is um it's tough, it's a grind, and something we've always got to be conscious of is just getting some younger legs into the group.
00:38:27.039 --> 00:38:37.119
And you know, again, that's why that he ticked the box so well because of his age, his experience playing in those leagues, you know, like Finland, which we know is a great skating league.
00:38:37.280 --> 00:38:46.480
Um, so just having you know the energy that uh that Nick is gonna bring is again something else that um we're excited to add to the group.
00:38:46.639 --> 00:38:49.679
Yeah, and you pair that with experience, and you're onto a bit of a winner.
00:38:49.760 --> 00:39:00.800
And the devils are looking to pair that with some experience in that D group because the very first uh signing of the off-season, maybe not as much of a surprise to those who are in the know a little bit more, but Jimmy Alini back in Cardiff.
00:39:00.960 --> 00:39:07.199
And I think you know, we we we talk about the the shopping list, I guess, of guys you wanted back, guys you wanted to see again.
00:39:07.280 --> 00:39:12.719
And uh not only do we get Jimmy Alini for another year, we get Jimmy Alini for another two years, which is massive, I think.
00:39:12.800 --> 00:39:15.360
And and a guy who settled very well in Cardiff.
00:39:15.519 --> 00:39:21.840
And for me, the Devils D group isn't as good as it is if they don't have Jimmy Alini paired with Brandon Estes on the top line.
00:39:21.920 --> 00:39:27.199
And and I think that's a really exciting re-signing for the Devils and great to have him back in Cardiff, Franny.
00:39:27.440 --> 00:39:32.960
Yeah, I I thought it was um a huge coup last uh summer to get him.
00:39:33.119 --> 00:39:41.440
Um, you know, we were really struggling to get the partner for Esters that would complement him, but also be able to add something of their own.
00:39:41.599 --> 00:39:51.280
Um, so we were patient, and you know, sometimes with patience it doesn't pay off because you see all players that you know would have fitted the role sign elsewhere.
00:39:51.440 --> 00:39:55.840
Um, but when Alini kind of came across our desk, we were really excited about it.
00:39:56.000 --> 00:39:58.079
We weren't sure if we'd be able to get him.
00:39:58.239 --> 00:40:12.800
We did, and then when he came in, he absolutely loved it, his family loved it, and you know, he said it felt like home to him, and you know, he felt really um really good about the environment in Cardiff and the the locker room and everything about it.
00:40:12.960 --> 00:40:16.400
Um, and I just thought a total warrior on the ice.
00:40:16.559 --> 00:40:20.000
You can see why that guy is worn the sea at American League level.
00:40:20.239 --> 00:40:41.519
Um it it was summed him up at the end of last year where nobody knew but he'd broken his thumb, and we'd actually spoke to him and said, Look, we're probably gonna sit you out of the weekend because um you know you've broken your thermal, we've got the playoffs to look forward to, and we want to make sure you're right for that, and we don't want to jeopardize that.
00:40:41.679 --> 00:40:45.199
And he said, But we're still playing for second place, so I'm not sitting out.
00:40:45.280 --> 00:40:49.519
I I I don't want I'd rather not sit out, so okay, fine.
00:40:49.599 --> 00:40:52.400
If if that's the way that you're gonna do it, then goes ahead.
00:40:52.559 --> 00:40:53.280
And what does he do?
00:40:53.360 --> 00:41:04.639
He gets into a fight with Mitch Heard, and that wasn't what we had planned to try and protect him for the playoffs, but you know, fighting a renowned tough guy while you've got a broken thumb with a splint on it.
00:41:04.719 --> 00:41:14.480
Uh, I mean, it's not the not the best thing, and it, you know, it kind of set kittens amongst us, but it just shows his character that he's all in it for the team.
00:41:14.639 --> 00:41:22.800
Um, I love the way he played, you know, every time there was that kind of bit of confrontation out there, you know he's gonna be one of the first in there.
00:41:23.039 --> 00:41:28.000
Um, in terms of a partner for a guy like Esther's, uh, the perfect foil.
00:41:28.400 --> 00:41:32.800
If if players try to mark Esther's, then he just carried the puck.
00:41:32.880 --> 00:41:35.519
And he's talented offensively as well.
00:41:35.760 --> 00:41:40.320
So it's so hard to play when you've got like uh you know a pairing like that.
00:41:40.400 --> 00:41:45.039
And yeah, just throughout the course of the year, I just thought he showed his absolute class on the ice.
00:41:45.199 --> 00:41:52.400
Guys, uh, not only a great guy and a great character, exceptional hockey player, one of the best offensive guys I think we've had in Cardiff in a very long time.
00:41:52.559 --> 00:42:09.920
Yeah, he is uh you know, when I think back of previous Devil's teams, it strikes me them all of like a Tyson Strachan or uh a Shea Morrison or Mickelson, uh Martin, uh it's just well sorry about William, not Martin, or Joe Martin on the brain.
00:42:10.079 --> 00:42:19.280
Uh Andrew Williams, well, just that sort of experienced, tough, gritty, no-nonsense defenseman who just knows how to defend.
00:42:19.440 --> 00:42:33.519
You know, if you're in and around that crease, you have to battle extremely hard to beat Jimmy Alini to a pack, or you need to be nowhere near uh whoever the netminder is in that crease because they've got a protector out there, just who's his class.
00:42:33.599 --> 00:42:37.519
And uh you've seen that straight from sort of game one right the way through.
00:42:37.679 --> 00:42:45.440
And the fact that he managed to win that championship that he told us uh he was you know aching to achieve, I I was just so happy for him.
00:42:45.519 --> 00:42:50.000
And I think when you win a championship, you you just get hungry for more and more.
00:42:50.159 --> 00:42:57.360
So uh a renewed Jimmy Alini in the in the new season is uh some worry for the rest of the league, I'd uh suggest.
00:42:57.599 --> 00:43:16.000
Yeah, and that and that's a good point you make about that being his first championship because as pleased as I was for Joey Martin to lift his first championship as captain, also delighted for a guy like Jimmy Alini, who's been such a great pro, a warrior for every team he's played on, like we say, captain in the American League.
00:43:16.400 --> 00:43:26.400
And it just I always got to remind myself that players go their whole career without winning championships, they never have that moment to lift that trophy and get the champagne flowing.
00:43:26.480 --> 00:43:33.599
And you know, if he didn't come to us, maybe that would have been Jimmy Alini that would have retired in a few years' time without having a trophy.
00:43:33.679 --> 00:43:36.480
So, you know, that was a huge moment and meant a lot for him.
00:43:36.559 --> 00:43:38.880
And yeah, I'm sure he's hungry to repeat that.
00:43:39.039 --> 00:43:46.079
And you know, he talked about toughness, he managed to do all that celebrate and almost knocked himself out on a penalty box door in the final bless him.
00:43:46.239 --> 00:43:49.119
So uh yeah, glad he he got away with that one.
00:43:49.199 --> 00:43:53.360
But uh he did uh manage to lift a fair few champagne bottles afterwards.
00:43:53.599 --> 00:43:55.119
Oh, just a couple, I think awards night.
00:43:55.199 --> 00:43:59.760
There was there was a there's a wonderful photo that I'm sure I'll put on Twitter at some point where Jimmy Alini is he's received his defense from.
00:44:00.159 --> 00:44:01.519
The year awards, and he's up on stage.
00:44:01.599 --> 00:44:05.199
And in the photo, he's he's celebrating and he's holding his trophy and his big smile on his face.
00:44:05.280 --> 00:44:09.360
And then next to him is me kind of looking over at Franny thinking, we've got to get this guy off stage somehow.
00:44:10.159 --> 00:44:15.199
I think we probably need to, but um, yeah, great, great to have Jimmy Leaney back in Cardiff.
00:44:15.280 --> 00:44:17.519
Unfortunately, we haven't had the chat the chance to chat to him yet.
00:44:17.599 --> 00:44:21.679
He is a very busy man, of course, a family guy and a lot going on this offseason.
00:44:21.760 --> 00:44:26.559
So we will hopefully over the coming weeks be able to sit down with him and bring you an interview with Jimmy.
00:44:26.719 --> 00:44:29.280
But um, yeah, great news to have him back in Cardiff.
00:44:29.360 --> 00:44:35.280
Like you say, you guys, good to have him back in Cardiff after that worrying end to the playoffs as well, because it was a nervy moment when he went down.
00:44:35.360 --> 00:44:39.920
But uh yeah, great news, and uh, and I'm sure everybody in Cardiff is glad to see that.
00:44:40.159 --> 00:44:50.719
The next bit of news we want to chat about, and this is actually somebody leaving the Devils, unfortunately, and and and you never like to see guys moving on, but sometimes it's it's to to pastures new and to into great opportunities.
00:44:50.800 --> 00:45:01.679
And and Ewan King is leaving the Devils, and I think, first of all, really, really sad to see him move on because a big part of the locker from a big part of this management team and uh and a big asset to the devils, I think, Franny.
00:45:01.840 --> 00:45:08.400
Yeah, I'm absolutely gutted that he's leaving, uh, as are all the staff, the you know, the coaches and management and the team.
00:45:08.559 --> 00:45:17.039
Um, he has been uh a very kind of um under the radar part of our success and a huge part of this club, and he's done a brilliant job.
00:45:17.119 --> 00:45:21.760
He he's a he's got a brilliant hockey brain on him, he's got a brilliant manner with him.
00:45:22.000 --> 00:45:41.920
Um the only thing that kind of tempers my sadness about it is the fact that he's going on to such a big role, uh, which is great for him and great for his family too, because we've got his family's in Peterborough, and you know, he spends the season down here in Cardiff away from you know his wife and his three girls, and that's that's tough.
00:45:42.000 --> 00:45:48.480
Um, but such is his commitment to it to his role that you know he never um he never misses a beat on that.
00:45:48.639 --> 00:46:02.239
So to get a role where he can combine it with living at home, but also an opportunity to grow the game in Britain and use his expertise to bring on the next generation, uh, Ice Hockey UK have got an absolutely fantastic asset.
00:46:02.480 --> 00:46:03.119
Yeah, exactly.
00:46:03.199 --> 00:46:14.960
And he his role is he's gonna be the national manager of goaltending development and then the co-national manager of hockey development, like you say, Ice hockey UK, which you know, as as opportunities come, and like you say, Franny, a chance to to bring through the next generation of Brits.
00:46:15.039 --> 00:46:19.280
I think Gaz it this is great for him, and this is exactly what he deserves because he is fantastic.
00:46:19.519 --> 00:46:22.079
Yeah, it's the it's the other side of off-season, isn't it?
00:46:22.400 --> 00:46:32.400
We're just sat here talking about how excited we are for returners and new sign-ins, but you know, the off-season also brings bad news as well, and people uh move on to pastures new.
00:46:32.559 --> 00:46:43.599
And when it is someone like you, and you know, we've got a a great team on the gantry between all of the different departments up there, and you know, when you come in on a weekend and see everyone and have a chat, you really look forward to it.
00:46:43.760 --> 00:46:47.519
It's there's a great camaraderie up there, and Ewan was always a big part of that.
00:46:47.599 --> 00:46:59.280
While you guys are doing the uh analysis of the highlights, if there was a stat or something I wanted a quick check on, Ewan would be scurrying past me from the locker room, and I'd get to pick his brains a little bit.
00:46:59.360 --> 00:47:05.440
And uh yeah, it's just it is gonna be a a real sad moment next year when he when he isn't there.
00:47:05.599 --> 00:47:12.880
Um, but just to echo everything you guys said, fantastic opportunity for him, and I've got no doubt that he will smash that new role.
00:47:12.960 --> 00:47:17.280
And it's uh it's a big plus for everyone in the UK, not just Cardiff.
00:47:17.519 --> 00:47:19.360
And and you guys have seen him in action.
00:47:19.519 --> 00:47:23.599
Uh, so he's up on the gantry during the game, he live tags the game.
00:47:23.760 --> 00:47:54.079
So just to explain what that is, he is watching the game uh with his laptop in front of him, and every single event that happens on the ice, whether it's a control breakout, uh for check, uh block shot, whatever it is, he's tagging that as it happens, and it it's an amazing skill uh that he does, so that when he goes down to the locker room between periods, Tom O can quickly look back at those things just to see any patterns so he can change the game plan or adjust something, and that's a huge part.
00:47:54.320 --> 00:48:03.039
I know Tom O you know really values that, but the other thing that Ewan is absolutely king at that's the the pun, didn't mean that, but it worked.
00:48:03.199 --> 00:48:11.920
Um, is coaches' challenges for uh goals uh uh but the putt crossing the line or um it's it's more goalie interference.
00:48:12.079 --> 00:48:24.159
Um so he will we've seen him in action where he's quickly looking at the video and he's got a split second to raid you down to the bench to say challenge or don't challenge, and he's he's absolutely brilliant at it.
00:48:24.239 --> 00:48:27.199
And you know, currently doing that in the world championships with Great Britain as well.
00:48:27.360 --> 00:48:33.760
Yeah, and there's no surprise for that because we we we've been in those situations where a goal goes in and you've got no longer than maybe 30 seconds to decide what you're gonna do after that.
00:48:33.920 --> 00:48:42.719
And there are times where he will run down along the gantry and and and say, I need to see that, and Argogs and have to find a replay for him and something, and he makes those calls so quickly, and he's so great.
00:48:42.800 --> 00:48:45.840
But um, yeah, I I think uh great to see him get this role.
00:48:46.000 --> 00:48:47.199
Just uh a final couple of notes.
00:48:47.280 --> 00:48:56.320
I'm gutted that he's moving on for one reason, actually, uh among many, which is we never actually got him on the podcast, and I think he would have been a fantastic guy, he would have hated it because he does not like doing interviews.
00:48:56.800 --> 00:49:05.599
But I've I've seen a couple of clips of him doing video sessions with the guys, and the way he expresses and is able to communicate things, I think is so, so good.
00:49:05.679 --> 00:49:11.199
And and it's another reason why there's no shock that he's got the role he has because he is so good and so skilled at his role.
00:49:11.360 --> 00:49:20.159
But um, yeah, I think you know that then ties in with the fact that Ben Bounce has been putting up career numbers for the past two or three years, and that that's coincided with him being here in Cardiff.
00:49:20.639 --> 00:49:21.840
Those guys work so well together.
00:49:22.079 --> 00:49:33.760
Well, Ewan would be quick to point out that it's every year since Ewan has been here, there has been a step increase in Bounce's performance, and it's continued right the way through those years.
00:49:33.920 --> 00:49:41.519
So every single year there's been an improvement year on year, and uh yeah, I mean Bounsey's got to take a lot of credit for that, but so is Ewan.
00:49:41.840 --> 00:49:46.960
Uh, you know, working with a veteran goalie like like Bounsey, uh, you know, they get on really well.
00:49:47.119 --> 00:49:50.480
And then the flip side of the coin, he had a rookie goalie like Christian Stover.
00:49:50.800 --> 00:49:53.679
And look how Stover developed as the season went on.
00:49:53.760 --> 00:50:00.320
And again, um, you know, we'll put a lot of credit down to Stover, but also to Kinger for that.
00:50:00.559 --> 00:50:06.400
And uh uh Presley said uh Ewan is gonna help find the replacement that's gonna come in.
00:50:06.480 --> 00:50:09.920
So, you know, if he's got a Ewan King seal of approval, that's good enough for me.
00:50:10.159 --> 00:50:15.920
Yeah, and the other thing that Ewan helped uh a lot with was uh the prank that I played on you down at the end of the year.
00:50:16.639 --> 00:50:29.760
So for the for those of you that weren't there at the end awards night, um it started off with a just a jokey challenge from Ewan for me to get a song title in to the commentary, and it was uh a Tom Jones song.
00:50:29.840 --> 00:50:44.559
So it happened once, and then the next week he goes, I got another one for you, so we got that one in, and it uh cumulated in about 10 different references over the last four or five weeks of the season, which we played at uh at the Devil's Award night.
00:50:44.639 --> 00:50:46.880
So maybe we'll get that on the on the webcast at some point.
00:50:47.039 --> 00:50:48.239
Yeah, thanks, King, for that one.
00:50:48.320 --> 00:50:48.960
I really appreciate that.
00:50:49.440 --> 00:51:02.480
And I forgot to crack one on the night, and I felt really bad because he did all the hard work, but uh yeah, so thanks, Kinger, for I mean we had so much fun doing it, but uh and he and he he came over to me at awards night, big smile on his face, and I said, Why?
00:51:02.559 --> 00:51:04.719
And he went, Well, it was really funny, one that you had no idea.
00:51:04.800 --> 00:51:08.000
And I thought, oh great, thanks, King, making me look like a numptie.
00:51:08.159 --> 00:51:13.360
Yeah, but um he leaves with the well-wishes the entire organization, absolutely top bloke.
00:51:13.440 --> 00:51:16.559
And and I'm sure it won't be the last time we see him in Cardiff, that's for sure.
00:51:16.800 --> 00:51:21.119
He's always got a home here and has always got a chance to come back if and when he wants to do that.
00:51:21.599 --> 00:51:35.199
And he's and he's genuinely sad to be leaving, absolutely gutted, but he knows it's the right thing for his career, for his family, and I think he'll always have that kind of affinity with the devils, and no doubt that if we do need anything from him, he'll be on hand as he always has been.
00:51:35.519 --> 00:51:36.159
That he will.
00:51:36.320 --> 00:52:04.320
The last thing I want to talk about on today's show, and it's uh an announcement that went out on Saturday morning, and it's one that caught out a lot of people, and one that I think is has sent a bit of a shockwave through the Devils fan base because it's a new player, but a very familiar name, in that Jake Sacratini has signed with the Devils for the upcoming season, and uh, you know, uh his father Vezio played for the Devils for eight seasons, I think it was for over 400 games, a huge amount of points, cult hero here in Cardiff.
00:52:04.480 --> 00:52:12.159
Guys, I'm gonna let you take over on this one because you you saw him uh from a fan's perspective from that point of view, really in the pump of his career.
00:52:12.480 --> 00:52:19.679
One of the most popular uh devils players of all time, one of the best devils players uh of all time.
00:52:19.840 --> 00:52:27.679
Uh Sagrutini is one of the most fun characters to watch uh on the ice, I think anyone's ever seen.
00:52:27.760 --> 00:52:30.639
And like I say, he backed it up with points as well.
00:52:30.880 --> 00:52:34.880
Um this is I'm gonna go back again, the 40th year.
00:52:34.960 --> 00:52:40.480
How exciting is it that the son of a devil's legend is gonna make his devil's debut in the 40th year?
00:52:40.559 --> 00:52:44.480
That feels written in the stars type of thing, doesn't it?
00:52:44.639 --> 00:52:47.280
And uh I'd say a little bit of caution.
00:52:47.440 --> 00:52:53.519
Jay Satini is his own man, and he will have his own playing style and he will have his own impact on the devils.
00:52:53.840 --> 00:52:56.880
Um, he's taking his dad's number, which I think is cool as well.
00:52:56.960 --> 00:52:58.079
We're in the 28.
00:52:58.400 --> 00:53:07.119
Um, and you know, hopefully I will finally uh achieve a boy who dream of calling a Sacrettini goal uh in Cardiff Devil's colours.
00:53:07.280 --> 00:53:10.239
Yeah, and and I think that's the really important thing to emphasize here.
00:53:10.320 --> 00:53:14.639
While there's of course so much nostalgia around the Sacrettini name, such a loved guy here.
00:53:14.719 --> 00:53:18.239
This is Jake Sanny and Cardiff, and Jake will come and he will be here to play for Annie.
00:53:18.400 --> 00:53:21.599
Yeah, I I was gonna make exactly that point, so I'm glad you did.
00:53:21.760 --> 00:53:25.679
Um, yeah, it's we've signed Jake Sacratini, not Vez Sacrettini.
00:53:25.920 --> 00:53:33.760
Um, and he is his own player, but yeah, brilliant um to to you know the kind of full 360 of this.
00:53:33.840 --> 00:53:43.679
And for me personally as well, you know, I've I've got a lot of affinities with the the Sacratinis, and um I was the first person ever to meet Vez from Cardiff.
00:53:43.840 --> 00:53:47.039
So I volunteered to go and pick up players from the airport.
00:53:47.119 --> 00:53:49.440
So I thought, okay, you're picking up this guy, Jake.
00:53:49.519 --> 00:53:51.440
Uh sorry, Vez Sacratini.
00:53:51.760 --> 00:53:55.519
Um, so drove down to the airport and um picked up.
00:53:55.760 --> 00:54:01.519
I didn't know who I was looking for, but then when you see somebody with a hockey bag, a baseball cap and hockey sticks, I was like, right, you must be him.
00:54:01.679 --> 00:54:07.440
So we then had that kind of two hours on the way back from Heathrow, just chatting about Cardiff and all things.
00:54:07.519 --> 00:54:09.760
And then he got on to um numbers.
00:54:09.840 --> 00:54:11.760
I was like, what number are you gonna wear, Vez?
00:54:12.000 --> 00:54:13.599
And he goes, Oh, I wear number 27.
00:54:13.679 --> 00:54:17.599
I was like, Oh, we signed Frank Caprice and uh he's wearing 27.
00:54:17.760 --> 00:54:19.360
And he's like, Well, what number do you wear?
00:54:19.440 --> 00:54:20.320
And I said, 29.
00:54:20.480 --> 00:54:22.960
He goes, I'll go 28, right next to you.
00:54:23.119 --> 00:54:25.760
So that's literally how he became 28.
00:54:25.920 --> 00:54:34.800
We had that discussion in the car, and then um we had that training camp in Brest in France, which was the best bonding experience ever.
00:54:34.960 --> 00:54:46.880
Um, I remember on the bench in a game when Vez is stood next to me and he starts telling me about how he started dating a local girl, uh, and then points out Ruth in the crowd to me.
00:54:46.960 --> 00:54:55.920
So, you know, from day one, I got to know uh um Ruth uh and obviously then they became married and had uh two children.
00:54:56.159 --> 00:55:06.559
Um and yeah, and now it's just wild that uh Vez's son is now going to be playing on the Devil's team, and you know, they're super excited, they're super proud.
00:55:06.719 --> 00:55:27.920
Um, you know, Vez uh Jake, sorry, was born here, so another Welsh guy on the team, and that's yeah, it's just an immensely proud moment, as you'll have seen from the socials and the emotion in the video from Ves about how proud he is to have his son play in you know in his home country, and for the team that that Ves served so well in those eight years.
00:55:28.239 --> 00:55:35.599
Little bit of background on Jake, of course, uh signs straight out of the uh college leagues, NCAA3, played at the State University of New York in Plattsburgh.
00:55:35.679 --> 00:55:40.079
So that's where he's been for the last couple of years, and then he was in the college system for a few years before that as well.
00:55:40.239 --> 00:55:45.440
Uh through 54 games in Plattsburgh, he's 20 goals, 29 assists, so for 49 points.
00:55:45.599 --> 00:55:49.599
A guy who I'm sure is going to be looking to replicate that kind of output here in Cardiff.
00:55:49.760 --> 00:55:54.480
And and I think uh what kind of game are we looking at seeing him bring in, Franny?
00:55:54.719 --> 00:55:58.960
Yeah, I mean he's a good skater, uh, very talented uh offensively.
00:55:59.119 --> 00:56:05.119
Um you see some of the clips on the highlight reel we've got there that he's got those kind of little way you know drags inside.
00:56:05.280 --> 00:56:15.440
Um for those of you that followed Great Britain in the three-on-three tournament, uh he he yiked for Great Britain in that and was among the top scorers uh in that group.
00:56:15.679 --> 00:56:18.480
And uh, you know, you saw that offensive side to his game.
00:56:18.639 --> 00:56:20.719
Um, you know, this will be his first year pro.
00:56:20.800 --> 00:56:23.199
So there's a big learning curve ahead of him.
00:56:23.360 --> 00:56:34.239
Um, but I know him, he's a he's a great kid, he's absolutely looking forward to the challenge, and I know he's gonna just absorb everything from the great coaches that he'll have, you know, Paul Thompson, Nicholas.
00:56:34.320 --> 00:56:36.559
Um, he'll absorb that like a sponge as well.
00:56:36.719 --> 00:56:42.719
So, yeah, he's got some growing to do in terms of the pro game, but he's definitely got all the tools to succeed.
00:56:42.960 --> 00:56:47.119
And you know, you you saw those pictures of him on the ice as a young kid.
00:56:47.199 --> 00:57:05.519
Uh, you know, it's you've got someone with an inbuilt passion for the Cardiff Devils, you know, we've got plenty of players that we bring in that that sort of gain that over time, but you've got someone who knows exactly what the Cardiff Devils are all about straight from the off, and I think that's a big bonus uh for him as well.
00:57:05.599 --> 00:57:07.280
Uh just just really exciting, isn't it?
00:57:07.440 --> 00:57:22.239
Just you know, to to see the impact of this club over so much time that we've got to this point now where we're sort of joining back through, you know, people who've loved this club, we've loved them, and now we get to kind of do it all over again.
00:57:22.400 --> 00:57:28.639
Yeah, I mean Fez and I have talked about this for probably over 10 years, and he's saying, like, Frank, he's gonna be a devil one day.
00:57:28.719 --> 00:57:29.920
He wants that's what he wants to do.
00:57:30.000 --> 00:57:31.679
He wants to play for the devils one day.
00:57:31.840 --> 00:57:34.239
Um, I mean, like, we've got to make it happen, we've got to make it happen.
00:57:34.400 --> 00:57:41.679
And you know, that was when he was a little kid, you know, he grew up and he just wanted to play for the devils, similar to the Bailey Howard story.
00:57:41.840 --> 00:57:53.199
Um, but you know, he's always always had that on as his focus to do whatever he can to get himself into a position where he can play for the devils, and you know, and now that gets to come true.
00:57:53.519 --> 00:57:58.079
How did you manage to get Vez to make a video where he didn't swear to say how proud he was?
00:57:58.320 --> 00:58:03.360
Yeah, I don't know how many uh takes it was, but may but uh yeah, I mean I I loved that video.
00:58:03.519 --> 00:58:05.840
Just uh you could see how much Cardiff means to Vez.
00:58:06.000 --> 00:58:11.760
You know, he always tells me that you know, without doubt, the best years of his life, um, great times.
00:58:11.840 --> 00:58:14.719
You know, he's got a massive affinity with the city.
00:58:14.960 --> 00:58:23.519
Obviously, he married a Welsh girl, Ruth, um, Welsh kids, and now gets to son, get to see his son lace up for the team that he loves so dearly.
00:58:23.679 --> 00:58:30.400
And a big point in all of this, Franny, is the fact that Jake will qualify as a homegrown player in the Elite League, which is which is a massive benefit to the Devils.
00:58:30.480 --> 00:58:34.400
Of course, came through the Devils junior system just before he then went and moved back home with with Vez.
00:58:34.800 --> 00:58:39.679
Yeah, I mean it's uh it's great that you know he comes in and joins our Brit pack.
00:58:39.840 --> 00:58:49.920
Um, yeah, he was uh you know from that young age where you see him skating in that NHL All-Stars uh game and uh Ves's testimonial as well.
00:58:50.000 --> 00:59:00.559
Uh he was out there as a tiny little kid, uh, and then he came through you know a few years in the Devil's Junior system um before obviously uh they headed uh to Canada.
00:59:00.880 --> 00:59:10.719
So yeah, it's uh it does feel like you know one of our own is has made the lineup in you know a bit of an unorthodox way, but um great nonetheless.
00:59:11.119 --> 00:59:16.320
It's just one of those signs that no one I don't think had Jigs actually on their radar.
00:59:16.400 --> 00:59:22.239
You know, you comb through elite prospects and there are whispers of people and talks here, there, and everywhere.
00:59:22.400 --> 00:59:29.360
This is one of those really cool off-season surprises that just kind of galvanizes you during an off-season, doesn't it?
00:59:29.440 --> 00:59:33.760
It reminds you that you're missing hockey and you can't wait for it to start again.
00:59:34.000 --> 00:59:39.599
Um, you know, Vez was one of one, one of the most unique uh players and people uh that we've ever seen.
00:59:39.679 --> 00:59:44.800
And I just can't wait to see what legacy Jake Sacrutini forges for himself in Devil's Colours.
00:59:44.960 --> 00:59:49.199
Yeah, proper feel-good story, a real positive one early on in the off-season.
00:59:49.280 --> 00:59:54.159
And uh, it's so early in the off-season that uh we wanted to speak to Jake before we recorded this podcast.
00:59:54.239 --> 00:59:59.599
Unfortunately, he has the small matter of a graduation this weekend, so it was a little bit unavailable, which you can forgive.
00:59:59.760 --> 01:00:07.840
But I am chatting to him on the Monday coming, and so uh through the magic of editing and and and and the magic of podcasting, that's what you're gonna hear in just a moment's time.
01:00:07.920 --> 01:00:09.840
But uh yeah, we I am gonna sit down with Jake.
01:00:09.920 --> 01:00:10.639
So here it is.
01:00:11.360 --> 01:00:16.559
Ladies and gents, I'm delighted to be joined by the newest devil signing here in Cardiff, Jake Sacratini.
01:00:16.800 --> 01:00:18.400
Jake, thank you so much for chatting to me.
01:00:18.480 --> 01:00:19.840
Congratulations on being a devil.
01:00:19.920 --> 01:00:20.559
How do you feel?
01:00:20.880 --> 01:00:21.920
Yeah, thank you so much.
01:00:22.079 --> 01:00:23.360
Uh thanks for having me.
01:00:23.440 --> 01:00:25.119
And uh I'm ecstatic.
01:00:25.199 --> 01:00:26.800
I'm super excited to get back.
01:00:26.960 --> 01:00:30.800
Um it's been too long since I've been home, so just excited to be back.
01:00:31.119 --> 01:00:35.119
Before we chat further, I need to ask, uh we need to give you more congratulations, actually, if anything.
01:00:35.199 --> 01:00:36.559
You you graduated this weekend.
01:00:36.639 --> 01:00:37.599
How was that?
01:00:38.000 --> 01:00:45.039
Yeah, it was uh it was always a goal of mine to play college hockey, not only for the hockey, but also the academic side of it.
01:00:45.119 --> 01:00:51.920
So it was awesome to to finally get rewarded with the graduation there and uh move on to the next chapter of my life.
01:00:52.400 --> 01:00:57.920
You like you say, you you you you've been in college for the last few years, you've been at S U N Y, and and before that you were at the American International College.
01:00:58.000 --> 01:01:00.960
How was your time in in college been both both on and off the ice?
01:01:01.280 --> 01:01:02.320
Yeah, it was awesome.
01:01:02.480 --> 01:01:10.239
I uh I didn't go the major junior route like uh most people do here because I was kind of a late bloomer.
01:01:10.400 --> 01:01:20.800
So I uh I took my time, went to college at uh 21, and then uh like most hockey guys do there, and uh really found myself really developed.
01:01:20.960 --> 01:01:24.000
Unfortunately, the program at AIC there folded.
01:01:24.239 --> 01:01:26.400
So uh a lot of guys were looking for new homes.
01:01:26.480 --> 01:01:36.559
I was lucky enough to find uh Plattsburgh and they welcomed me, open arms, gave me everything I I needed to succeed, and uh yeah, I couldn't be more grateful for my time there.
01:01:36.880 --> 01:01:40.079
You had a great points return while you were in Plattsburgh over those two years.
01:01:40.159 --> 01:01:42.159
Uh what what kind of game was it like over there?
01:01:42.239 --> 01:01:43.360
How how do how did you play?
01:01:43.519 --> 01:01:44.159
Did you enjoy it?
01:01:44.239 --> 01:01:45.039
Was it good?
01:01:45.519 --> 01:01:46.719
Yeah, it was awesome.
01:01:46.880 --> 01:01:51.280
I uh I really was able to kind of find my game there.
01:01:51.519 --> 01:01:56.400
Um I I loved uh how the coaching staff was playing me.
01:01:56.559 --> 01:02:00.320
I loved how my teammates were were playing, like it was awesome.
01:02:00.559 --> 01:02:02.800
Um the game was was pretty fast.
01:02:02.960 --> 01:02:13.760
I know it's a it's a smaller rank than over in Europe, so I'm excited to get to the big sheet where I could really use uh use my speed and stuff a bit more, but uh no, it was it was good.
01:02:14.159 --> 01:02:16.719
Yeah, let's let's chat now about about the move here to Cardiff.
01:02:16.800 --> 01:02:18.159
You you interestingly you you called it home.
01:02:18.239 --> 01:02:20.800
You said you're looking forward to going home when you jumped on this call.
01:02:20.880 --> 01:02:28.800
And uh I find that really interesting because of course you you you grew up, you're born in Cardiff, grew up here, but uh you must be very excited to now yeah go back to to what you consider home.
01:02:29.119 --> 01:02:36.400
Yeah, um I mean growing up uh the the elite league was kind of my my NHL growing up.
01:02:36.480 --> 01:02:47.840
I didn't really know anything about that, so um yeah, I'm super excited to come back and uh I'm very excited to see my grandparents get some roast dinners and maybe some wealth freaks from her.
01:02:48.079 --> 01:02:49.519
They're not really the same over here.
01:02:50.000 --> 01:02:51.599
Oh yeah, I like I like the sound of that.
01:02:51.760 --> 01:02:54.320
But um tell me a little bit about the the emotions when you signed.
01:02:54.400 --> 01:02:55.679
How did the move come about, first of all?
01:02:55.760 --> 01:03:00.639
We we we know Chanter Neil Francis, who of course speaks about you know being contact with your dad.
01:03:00.719 --> 01:03:03.039
This has been something that the devils have been looking at for a number of years now.
01:03:03.119 --> 01:03:05.360
So tell me about the process of signing here in Cardiff.
01:03:05.679 --> 01:03:08.639
Yeah, it was uh I really didn't know what to expect.
01:03:08.719 --> 01:03:14.079
It was pretty stressful after school, not really knowing what my what my next move was gonna be.
01:03:14.400 --> 01:03:21.840
But uh as soon as uh you know the devils offered, it was kind of a no-brainer just to automatically say yes.
01:03:22.000 --> 01:03:36.800
I mean, like I said, growing up, the the devils were my uh NHL team, idling guys like uh my dad, my uncle, Jeff Burgoyne, like guys like Ivan Matullik and stuff, just growing up, those were my uh like superstars looking up to.
01:03:37.119 --> 01:03:42.639
So just to be able to be one of them is a huge thing for me.
01:03:42.880 --> 01:03:45.119
And uh yeah, just super excited.
01:03:45.360 --> 01:03:48.960
Um I mean, it was a no-brainer to say yes, honestly.
01:03:49.280 --> 01:03:50.079
Oh, I bet, yeah.
01:03:50.159 --> 01:03:56.480
And and you talk about those guys you kind of grew up idolizing, and there'll be devils fans who love hearing those names, of course, who remember them well.
01:03:56.559 --> 01:03:59.679
And how how many memories do you have of of growing up in Cardiff?
01:03:59.760 --> 01:04:03.039
Because you know, you you left when what were you about six or seven when you left left Cardiff?
01:04:03.440 --> 01:04:04.320
Yeah, a bit older than that.
01:04:04.400 --> 01:04:12.480
I was I think 11, 12, but um I remember I remember growing up with uh Ed Patterson's kids, Max and Maz.
01:04:12.800 --> 01:04:14.559
I had to rank around with them.
01:04:14.719 --> 01:04:24.559
Um I honestly don't remember much, maybe like mini sticks in the apartment in the flats, and uh just being I remember being on the the parade bus.
01:04:24.639 --> 01:04:26.480
I think it was a challenge cup they won.
01:04:26.639 --> 01:04:39.840
I remember I have some pictures of me on the on the parade bus with them, but uh yeah, I I don't have much memory of it because I was younger, but uh the memory the memories are brought back by the the good pictures I have.
01:04:40.159 --> 01:04:49.920
Yeah, and the devils they they tweeted out a couple of photos uh around your signing, and and then I think the moment that one of them went out, a few people started to realize what was going on and knew that that you were gonna be signing.
01:04:50.000 --> 01:04:58.400
And uh you you must be really uh appreciative of of the kind of reaction that we've had in Cardiff as well, because so many people, it it's been like a really good surprise for everybody.
01:04:58.800 --> 01:05:01.360
Yeah, uh, I mean the support's been crazy.
01:05:01.440 --> 01:05:17.280
Uh I was not expecting that much uh of a response from it, but the texts and all the stories that I've been getting, like uh I know it's kind of hard to answer all of them, but uh they definitely don't go unnoticed, and I'm super grateful for for all the support already.
01:05:17.679 --> 01:05:24.000
Of course, you your dad played it for a very long time, and and and he's he kind of began the the Sacratini legacy here, and you're now gonna pick it up.
01:05:24.079 --> 01:05:30.880
Are you excited to get that chance and kind of pick up a little bit where he left off and and and take your family name and continue on the story?
01:05:31.280 --> 01:05:32.000
Yeah, for sure.
01:05:32.159 --> 01:05:36.960
And uh like 28's been my number my whole life, and it just so happens he wore it there also.
01:05:37.119 --> 01:05:40.239
So taking that number is pretty special to me.
01:05:40.480 --> 01:05:47.199
And uh yeah, I mean, uh I want to make my my own kind of legacy there.
01:05:47.440 --> 01:05:50.320
Maybe make uh make a new name for myself.
01:05:50.559 --> 01:05:55.760
But uh yeah, I'm definitely if I could do half the stuff he did there, I'll be super proud of myself.
01:05:56.079 --> 01:05:56.719
Yeah, for sure.
01:05:56.800 --> 01:05:58.400
And and and and what what are you gonna bring?
01:05:58.480 --> 01:05:59.760
What what what kind of expectations?
01:06:00.480 --> 01:06:02.239
you have on yourself coming into Cardiff?
01:06:02.559 --> 01:06:22.159
Yeah, I mean, uh I'm not really sure what to expect from from other people, but uh from myself, I'm just expecting myself to carry on where I where I left off in in college, kinda just bring be a be a sponge and taking everything from from the guys that have been there before.
01:06:23.039 --> 01:06:27.119
Like just learn learn new things, learn to play the right way.
01:06:27.519 --> 01:06:31.280
It's a different brand of hockey, so kind of have to uh to adjust.
01:06:31.519 --> 01:06:34.480
I'm gonna try and uh adapt as quick as I can.
01:06:34.800 --> 01:06:54.639
And uh yeah I mean I I look up to I was watching a lot of devil's hockey this year so I I really want to I really like Brandt and uh Sanford's games so I want to kind of model myself around those two uh a little on the shorter side but they don't play like it at all and that's kind of my motto also.
01:06:54.960 --> 01:06:57.119
Yeah I mean you've kind of you've kind of answered my next question.
01:06:57.199 --> 01:07:04.480
I was going to say you know since being back uh back over there have you have you kept you know your eye on the devils but clearly have what did you make of them at the end at the end of last season?
01:07:04.719 --> 01:07:49.519
Yeah I mean uh my my roommates are also pretty big hockey nuts like myself so we uh we would sit down obviously with the time change the games were were around like uh lunchtime so we would just sit there and what to put on some European hockey games and it would sometimes be the devils and uh yeah I mean it was awesome watching them uh like I said the I kinda wanna if I could be anything like him but compare myself a bit to Sanford like I love his game uh kind of on the smaller side righty but not as scared not scared at all to get in the corners like he mixes it up like guys like Brandt like just awesome I love the brand of the devil's hockey and uh yeah I'm excited to be an addition to it.
01:07:49.840 --> 01:08:40.960
Yeah I found that fascinating that you you talk about watching you know European hockey and calling yourself a bit of a hockey nut and stuff and and it is that I think do you get that love of the game not only from obviously your dad and growing up in a hockey family but but kind of developing your own interest in the game as well yeah I mean uh just growing up uh my friend Blake I mentioned like all we all we would do is hockey we whether it's watching it playing it video games uh street hockey playing it together growing up like uh from the ages of 12 to 16 whatever playing together it's kind of just in our life we haven't we never were those guys that would uh like in in high school that would uh go off smoking or partying whatever our our mindset was always hockey and uh yeah I mean I'm super happy for it now because it uh it definitely paid off.
01:08:41.199 --> 01:08:56.640
Yeah and you you must be I mean so excited to come back to Cardiff obviously for for all the reasons you've you you've said but also you know when we talk about the rink you your family were here in in the old generation rinks in the WNIR and when the Big Blue 10 was around and and and you're now going to come and play at the Vindico as well that must be very exciting.
01:08:56.960 --> 01:09:10.960
Yeah super excited um we uh we visited uh I think it was 2019 we visited my grandparents and uh we were able to stop by the rink but super cool and just like yeah I can't wait to get back.
01:09:11.199 --> 01:09:16.720
Well Jake I I I can tell you that the fans are absolutely buzzing to have you here and uh and I hope you're uh you're ready for it.
01:09:16.960 --> 01:09:19.359
Enjoy your summer and we're looking forward to seeing you in August.
01:09:19.760 --> 01:09:20.880
Thank you so much for chatting to me.
01:09:20.960 --> 01:09:21.760
I really appreciate it.
01:09:21.920 --> 01:09:28.159
Yeah thank you so much have a have a great summer and uh yeah thank you to everyone that's reached out so far and and supported me.
01:09:28.239 --> 01:09:46.319
So uh thank you guys have a good summer big thank you to Jake uh I'm I'm sure I enjoy chatting to him listen back to that one and uh and it's great and excited to have him in Cardiff but uh yeah that guys that's kind of all the news all the roundup for us for this episode of Devil's Insider it's good to be back in the building with you.
01:09:46.399 --> 01:09:53.520
I mean as we look at the names that we talked about today Martin Alini Welsh Sacratini that's a pretty good start to the offseason.
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It certainly is and we didn't even have time to talk about what's going on around the rest of the league and there's all sorts going there.
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So uh excuse to come back together and have a discussion about that as well.
01:10:02.800 --> 01:10:09.600
Yeah Franny I'm sure we'll have some more names to chat about you you're remarkably coy in keeping everything quiet so uh we'll try and drag some more names out of you at some point.
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I know I just got to keep catching myself when I'm speaking because I get carried away when I got a microphone in front of me just not to give anything away.
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But um yeah I mean off season I love the off season I mean it's uh it's one of my passions in terms of getting involved in the the recruitment side of things um I think we got an absolutely fantastic base to work with in terms of the Devil's roster and you know a few uh bit of tinkering here and there and um it's the league championship that we want to put in our sight.
01:10:39.920 --> 01:10:46.960
I mean there's there's no doubt about that anyone that you speak to um that's the the one that we're aiming for next year.
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Not to say we're not aiming for the other competitions but that league championship is the big one because we haven't won it for a while and uh we want to get back on top of that.
01:10:56.079 --> 01:11:21.680
Plenty of work to do plenty of off season to come but it's been good to chat with you guys again it's been good to be back down here at the rink and be back on Devil's Insider thank you so much for listening today guys thank you to everybody who joined the show we really appreciate you taking the time and uh yeah we will be back with you before you know it for some more devil's news so we will see you then goodbye thank you very much once again to our sponsor Minerva Hearing for today's podcast and remember Minerva Hearing hear the cheers protect your ears