CARDIFF,U.K- Cardiff Devils coach Gerad Adams has moved quickly to keep Canadian Jason Silverthorn at the Devils. Silverthorn is a crucial signing for the Devils if they are to mount a challenge for the 2008-09 league championship. Last season Silverthorn centred the Devils’ first line between Sylvain Deschatelets and Max Birbraer. That line was touted by fans as possibly the best forward combination ever to wear a Devils’ uniform until injuries to other players led to its break up. Silverthorn scored an impressive 25 goals despite missing two months at the end of the regular season
Photo by Helen Fryer (Official Cardiff Devils photographer)
through injury. Aside from goaltender Phil Osaer, his injury was the most serious blow to the Devils last season. Silverthorn suffered a shoulder injury against Newcastle Vipers at a time when he led his team in scoring. Furthermore the Devils’ powerplay faded without Silverthorn in control. “Jason will run our powerplay this year, but he has team-leading qualities in all areas,” Adams said “Not only did he lead us in scoring until his injury, but he is an excellent two-way player, Jason was one of my main players last season.” Devils fans will no doubt share Adams’ enthusiasm and will be excited to see what he can achieve over a full season. Although tallying an impressive 57 points from 53 games, Silverthorn offers more than just points scoring. “Jason has an incredible work ethic and this attitude rubs off on the other guys on our team,’ Adams said “He’s a great guy to have in the changing room.” Adams has been shown to value this quality very highly when signing players and Silverthorn has it in abundance. The Devils will be hoping there team is not decimated by injuries for a second year running. Providing there is no repeat, with a full season on the Devils first line, fans will be hoping for Silverthorn to build on last year’s points tally. He will play alongside new signing Derek Campbell and another import signing. Contact the author at
Aled.lloyd@prohockeynews.com Photo: Gerad Adams working the bench
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