Tough start for Devils hard to judge

CARDIFF,U.K- There’s no doubt that the Cardiff Devils have made a slower than expected start to the UK Elite League season. The Devils currently sit in seventh place in the league standings and while there were no illusions that this team would rout its opposition every week, it will be fully expected to improve its record as the season progresses.
However the Devils season so far is difficult to judge. Results show that they have played 15 games, winning five and losing three in overtime. Not a convincing start, but does it tell the whole story? The Devils are yet to play with a full roster of players in a league where this is crucial to the success of most teams.
Each team has about 15 skaters (including 10 or 11 imports) capable of playing at Elite League level. There are no farm teams churning out players to cover for injuries at Elite League teams. For most teams a short bench often results in a slump in form.
Before seeing leading goalscorer David Clarke sidelined with concussion, the Nottingham Panthers won eight of their opening ten games. In Clarke’s absence the Panthers achieved just one win in six games.

At the other end of the scale, Manchester Phoenix is exceeding expectations by sitting third in the standings after boasting a 10-3-1 record. With the exception of two games, Phoenix has played with a full roster and reaped the benefits.
Meanwhile, Cardiff Devils are yet to play a match with a full roster. It began the season without Jay Latulippe, whose visa application took forever and a day to clear. Latulippe’s much anticipated debut coincided with Brad Voth’s ban, while Voth’s return came shortly after an injury to Likit Andersson. Tyson Teplitsky flew in to replace Andersson, but only after Rod Hinks had played his final game for the Devils following a poor run of form.
The Devils have been a whisker away from a full strength roster all season and fans will be delighted with the announcement that talented forward Marc Fulton will fly in to complete the Devils roster.
Fulton looks to have bags of potential and with just the one professional season behind him, Coach Adams has continued his habit of signing young talented players with a point to prove at the outset of their professional careers.
However, just when fans thought that they would at last see a full roster on the ice, Devils captain and franchise player Brad Voth suffered an upper body injury against Manchester Phoenix. Vot’s absence was a huge blow, as the Devils went from controlling a 2-1 lead, to capitulating to a 6-2 loss after Voth’s departure.
Fans will be holding their breath that Voth will be back in the line up next weekend (Nov 8). As will Gerad Adams who could finally see his team compete on a level playing field with their opposition when Fulton arrives in Wales. Contact the author at Aled.lloyd@prohockeynews.com