CARDIFF,U.K-Goaltending hero Peter Aubry has returned to the Cardiff Devils after two seasons away from the club. With much anticipation surrounding the ‘Next Generation’ era at Cardiff, Head Coach Gerad Adams has entrusted Aubry with the pivotal role of goaltending. What brought Aubry back to Cardiff? In 2006 Aubry gained hero status amongst Devils fans when he back-stopped the club to the Challenge Cup championship, their first piece of major Silverware since 1999. Aubry’s goaltending, along with Nathan Rempel’s hat-trick and Rejean Stringer’s game-winning shootout goal, were the key features of the win over Coventry Blaze. They were part of what is often regarded as the greatest night in the now demolished Wales National Ice Rink. That night of high emotion has become a fitting send-off for what is still regarded as the spiritual home of hockey in Wales. Every Devils fan in attendance will certainly be thankful for the memories from that night. Aubry stopped all six shots in a penalty shootout to claim victory, which capped off a remarkable fight-back from the Devils. The Devils entered the second of the two game series on home ice trailing three goals to zero, but were backed by a sell-out home crowd willing them to get the better of the Blaze. Aubry allowed just one goal as the Devils forced overtime with a 4-1 victory in the second game. I asked Aubry how that victory felt. ‘It was one of, if not the most exciting night’s of my career, the whole night was fantastic we even had a full building for the warm-up, It was one of those huge games you love to be involved in as a professional,” said Aubry. “We didn’t have the greatest season in the league, but we showed up when we needed to.” Aubry spoke to me via telephone from Rochester in New York, but his immense pride was clearly evident when he spoke about the game. Pride and professionalism are two words that Aubry is associated with. His new coach Gerad Adams has commented that, “Peter takes his job as a professional very seriously and will be an excellent influence in our dressing room.”
Photo by Helen Fryer
Playing alongside Adams who was the Devils’ captain during Aubry’s first spell with the club. Now the head coach, Adams is a crucial reason for Aubry’s return. “We know each other well professionally and as friends, he knows my game inside out and knows what I can do for the team next season,” Aubry said. Aubry’s style is to play the percentages, which is based on a strong technical game. In our short conversation he gave me a valuable insight into his approach to goaltending. “If I have to make a huge save I’m obviously happy, but I ask myself why I had to make the save in the first place,” Aubry said “If I’d improved something initially, perhaps I could have made an easier save.” This is just one example of how personable I found Aubry. It was the first time I had spoken to him, but I soon found myself veering away from my pre-written questions as there was no likelihood of the conversation drying up. Adams often talks about having ‘good people’ in the changing room and it is clear that Aubry fulfils that quality. He was widely praised during his last spell with the Devils for his work with then back-up goaltender Mike Brabon. “Mike is a great kid” said Aubry. “Mike comes out to Pittsburgh and helps with the goalie camps I’m involved with and he is always the kid’s favorite tutor.” It is easy to see why Aubry will be a great influence for his teammates. In this instance he had quickly turned a compliment I had paid him into an opportunity to praise somebody else. Aubry clearly places a high value on his relationships with the people he goes to work with. He knows new Devils Director of Hockey Shannon Hope well and is looking forward to being a part of the progress made at Cardiff. “I think the “Next Generation” team means we’re going to see an influx of new ideas, but it’s also important to retain the ties with the past, this has happened with Shannon and Gerad’s involvement.” Aubry said. However, people aren’t the only reason. Aubry explains, “My wife and I got married the summer before we last came to Cardiff and we have such great memories of the city It’s always been in the back of our minds to return, It feels as much a European city as a British city, which is a great experience,” Aubry said. “We loved the Bay last time and I’m looking forward to living and playing there.” Aubry’s return to Cardiff has come as welcome news to the Devils’ fan base which was conscious of the gap left by departing goaltender Phil Osaer. Devils’ coach Gerad Adams welcomed Aubry back to the club by declaring his faith in him to ‘get the job done.’ During his previous season at the Devils, Aubry recorded a 94.0 save percentage during the successful Challenge Cup campaign. He also recorded 91.9 and 94.7 save percentages in the regular season and playoffs respectively. Fans will be hoping for similar performances on his return. Contact the author at
Aled.lloyd@prohockeynews.com Photo: Peter Aubry in action for former club Newcastle Vipers
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