The year it got better

CARDIFF,U.K-Will the 2008-09 season appear as a glittering year in the Devils enviable history? Probably not. The record will show a mid-table finish in front of crowds still below those of the ‘glory days.’ But, for those with a passion for this club something feels very good, perhaps better than it has ever felt before?

There is an air of optimism that has swept through the organisation and all its stakeholders, whatever their level involvement. That optimism has grown throughout the season, and has been built on each successful initiative, approach or idea. Even when things have not quite worked, or needed to be tweaked, increasingly and now entirely, the fans have been patient. A luxury not afforded to many sporting organisations, but one which the Next Generation Devils have earned. How? Because they instilled a relationship based on honesty with the fans right at the start. This culture of honesty has ensured that the fans trust the Next Generation with that which they hold so dear. Those of you who have read my columns at Prohockeynews will know I’m a fan of the new regime at Cardiff. But, my support has been earned from very early on, as has that of the fans.I met and interviewed Shannon Hope for the first time very shortly after Matt Burge had taken over the club. I’d asked Brent Pope if he could set me up an interview with Shannon to talk about the Next Generations’ plans. Pope called Hope and about 10 minutes later I was sat in Starbucks conducting my first interview for PHN. The fact that Shannon just had to walk across the road from the Devils’ new city centre offices caught my attention and gave one clear message. ‘The Next Generation is here to stay and it means business.’ I didn’t have to ask a lot of questions as Shannon was keen to tell me the clubs’ vision. He talked of integrating the club back into South Wales’ communities, bringing the juniors back into the Devils fold, exciting sponsors about the Devils brand. All of which have been delivered. On a separate occasion Brent told me about his vision for the Devils Community Foundation, a vision which he has made a reality in less than a year also. There’s also the small matter of a sharp rise in attendances despite the recession. No small feat in itself. The fans support has not been built on false ambition, but a realistic one. Matt Burge has been open and honest about his goals and has consistently achieved them. The club has delivered with a refreshing consistency.That’s why when he says that his ambition is to make the Cardiff Devils the number one club in British Ice hockey the fans believe him and will probably cut him a few breaks along the way. As I have said, this season will not stand out when people look back over the record books, and those looking back may wonder what on earth the fans were so excited about. But, those who have witnessed the progress first hand will look back on this season with great fondness; perhaps more than any other (whether the devils win the playoffs or not). This was the season when things got a lot better. And, one thing you can be confident in…… is that things will be even better next year. Contact the author at Aled.lloyd@prohockeynews.com