DURHAM, UK – Cardiff Devils had a superb campaign last season just missing out on glory in both the league and play offs however this term the Welsh side have not been able to match last season’s exploits as they are currently 16 points behind the Belfast Giants who top the Elite League.
Devils have however progressed to the semi finals of the Challenge Cup where they hold a slim 2-1 advantage over the Giants after the first leg of the tie. Pro Hockey News recently got the opportunity to speak to Cardiff’s young British forward Ben Davies about the Devils season so far and his thoughts on his own form this campaign and his future career.
Ben initially spoke of the position Devils are currently in and their progression to the latter stages of the Challenge Cup.
“I think at the start of the new year being in the semi final of the cup is a big thing and something the whole team is looking forward to. With the League we are a number of points off the top teams which is tough because we haven’t been outplayed an awful lot.
“We have had a big number of top team games meaning we have dropped more points that we would have hoped. Hopefully we will be able to climb up the table a little and put more pressure on the top 3 with getting guys back into the line up as soon as possible.
“It was a tough group which came down to the wire but it would be lovely to top that off with winning the cup this year.”
Taking on the Fife Flyers
The young Welshman went onto speak about hi sides objectives over the remainder of the 2011/12 season.
“Just to try and close the gap on the top couple teams by winning as much as we can, just taking each game as it comes and getting guys back into the roster to strengthen the team as much as possible.”
After a great campaign last time round Pro Hockey News asked Ben whether the Devils form this season had been a little disappointing and how much the loss of NHL veteran Craig Weller had affected the team.
“I think to a certain extent there is pressure because of what happened last year but just learning from last year and going about things the right way for every game and practice session and the team will be fine.
“Weller was incredible and a huge part of the team last year and an asset that helped push the team to the success they enjoyed so they are big shoes to fill but I think the team we have here this year is also very strong and looking forward to winning something together.”
Ben went onto chat about his own role on the Devils roster and the increased responsibilities that have come his way this season.
Ben in action
“I’m a guy who is going to work hard all over the ice and be reliable defensively, chase pucks, work hard in the corners, create offensive chances and be a nuisance for defenders. I aim to be as strong as possible in the defensive zone to work hard all over the ice creating space and chances for the team. Getting a couple more goals under my belt probably wouldn’t hurt either.
“I’ve probably played about half the games as a centre and through injuries we’ve had to mix and match the lines, I feel playing centre is good for me. Having a role as a killer too is awesome which is a big responsibility which i think has brought my defensive game on and improved my composure.”
Pro Hockey News went onto ask Ben whether his spell in the EPL with Basingstoke Bison towards the end of last season had helped bring his overall game on.
“I think it just helped playing a good role in the team, playing with some great players and getting some confidence again scoring some goals and enjoying the hockey. The fans and staff were all great too.
“I wasn’t getting the ice time with the Devils for one reason or another and tried for a 2-way deal but that wasn’t to be the case. I wanted to be playing to get some regular ice with powerplay and penalty kill experience. Being at the Bison and playing with some great players was a huge experience for me last year which I thoroughly enjoyed.”
Davies waiting for the killer pass
Ben went onto chat about the best players he had played alongside in his career to date and about the promising youngsters currently breaking through into the senior set up.
“I’ve learnt a lot an awful lot on and off the ice through many great players but to name a few; Steve Moria, Craig Weller and Matt Elich.
“All the guys my age and the year above are doing great, then you’ve got Dan Scott, Josh Ward, Griffin and Watkins. It’s fun playing against the guys you’ve grown up with.”
As the interview was coming to a close Ben spoke of his ambitions to play for the GB senior side in the future and how he thought the remainder of the Elite League season would pan out.
“I’ve been lucky enough to go to 5 world championships with the juniors and would love to be in contention for the seniors but for now even being considered or included in a preliminary squad would be awesome and something I could build on.
“It’s tough to say as it’s all up for grabs still, so it will be an exciting end to the season, then Cardiff for the cup and playoffs.”
Thanks to Ben Davies for sparing the time to take part in this interview.
Images courtesy of Ian Buchan
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
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