Devils Forward thinking

CARDIFF, UK – The 09/10 Devils forward unit consists of a blend of key players from last season, some new names, and the return of some familiar faces.

1st Line Those familiar faces are Mark Smith and Max Birbraer who will be aiming to re-ignite their highly potent partnership of three seasons ago. That partnership was so successful that each player would only return to the Devils on the condition that the other also signed. Smith and Birbraer will be joined by new Devil Matt Miller in what fans have dubbed ‘The M Line.’ This line will be the key game-breaking scoring threat for the Devils that the club has lacked for the past two seasons. Based primarily on speed and skill, ‘The M Line’ also contains toughness through the checking ability of Birbraer and fighting skills of Miller.   Mark Smith Smith enjoyed a career season during his time with the Devils in 2006/07, which earned him the prestigious title of league MVP. His success last time around means that Smith will have a weight of expectation on his shoulders and he’ll need to match those expectations if the Devils are to challenge for the league title. Smith was an unknown quantity in his first season with the Devils and along with Birbraer will command close attention from the oppositions’ top defensive d men. This could however, be a situation the Devils’ 2nd and 3rd line forwards prosper from. Despite his offensive ability, Smith is a committed two-way player and will log time on the penalty kill. Max Birbraer Birbraer’s instant chemistry with Smith meant he also enjoyed a career season in his first year at the Devils. He recorded around 150 games in the AHL meaning he brings a class and experience matched by few players in the UK Elite League. Birbraer spent last season away from Cardiff in the Russian and then German second divisions leading Devils captain Brad Voth to comment that he is even better than when he was last in Cardiff. Birbraer is expected to provide the main offensive threat alongside Mark Smith and their form will be a big factor in how successful a season the Devils enjoy. Like Smith, Birbraer will also log time on the penalty kill. Matt Miller Miller returns to the UK after a short stay at Basingstoke Bison last season. Miller returned to North America when the Bison hit financial trouble, but not before he managed to score 12 goals in just 14 games. Miller has spent much of his career as a fighter who has consistently gone toe-to-toe with players much bigger than his 6’ 195lbs frame. However, his speedy skating and quick shot have added a potent scoring element to his game. Miller’s success in allowing his line-mates to produce their best hockey will be crucial for his teams’ chances this season.   2nd Line The Devils’ second line is arguably the most unpleasant line to play against in the league thanks to the high level of physicality it possesses. The partnership of Jay Latulippe, Brad Voth and Phil Hill enjoyed success and consistency last season and Coach Gerad Adams was determined to re-unite all three component players. While physicality is undoubtedly this lines most noticeable asset, its success is based upon an all-round strength in shooting, skating and physical play.   Jay Latulippe At 5’9 and 180lbs, Latulippe’s strengths lie in his puck-handling and skating; qualities which are allowed to flourish thanks to the two highly physical players on his flanks. His ability to draw opposition players into penalties is also aided by the protection he receives from Voth, but Latulippe can be susceptible to giving away ‘cheap’ penalties himself. Retaining the services of last seasons’ top points’ scorer for the second line was a crucial signing for Gerad Adams in his quest to achieve a greater scoring depth than has existed at Cardiff for years. Brad Voth Brad Voth is the Devils and League’s franchise player. If EA Sports were to make a game based on UK hockey, Voth’s picture would be on the front of the box. He hits, he scores, he fights and he’s also team captain. Voth’s importance to his team has on occasion been its weakness over the past two seasons, as the team has had a tendency to over rely on him at times. When he plays well so does the team, but if he has a quiet game the team can struggle. As the Devils main enforcer Voth is charged with the difficult task of balancing his enforcing role with that of team captain. Phil Hill Hometown power-forward Phil Hill enjoyed a vast improvement last season and took full advantage of his opportunity to play with two imports. He has started this year in even greater form, even briefly leading the league in points. Hill is arguably the fittest player on the team and one of its strongest hitters – a quality he has continued to show despite his new-found scoring ability. Hill has been appointed as an alternate and could be a future Devils captain. 3rd Line Consisting of two import players, this seasons’ third line illustrates the strength in-depth the Devils have acquired. Tylor Michel, Matt Towe and Gerad Adams will likely be matched up against the opposition’s top offensive lines. This line will present a physical challenge and includes a mix of experience, speed and checking. Tylor Michel Michel will bring grit and physical play to the Devils line-up. Along with Voth, he’ll likely be the heaviest hitter on the team. He’ll aim to be a spark-plug should his team hit a slump during a game. Michel will be one of the Devils top penalty killers and comes to Cardiff with a reputation for being an excellent shot-blocker. This quality will take valuable pressure off his teams ‘scoring forwards.’ However, Michel’s speed and shot mean he can play an effective role on any line should his team encounter injury problems. Matt Towe Like Michel, Towe will play a prominent role on the Devils penalty kill. He’s a young forward who puts his defensive responsibilities first, but will be looking to have a breakout year offensively having been given the opportunity to play alongside two import forwards. Gerad Adams Adams retired from playing last season to coach, but came back into the line-up when injuries hit his team. He’s clearly decided that at just 31 he’s not ready for retirement and will add aggression and scoring depth to his team’s line-up. Adams has made a strong start offensively scoring at a point per game and if he continues at that pace will give his team valuable offensive depth.  He’ll play the point on the Devils powerplay. Additional Forwards Ben Davies At just 18 years old, Davies is the next big hope for home-grown talent in Cardiff. He’s not quite earned a place on the main three lines, but is the first player called upon to fill a spot left open by injury and suspension to his team mates. Davies’ wealth of speed and strong puck-handling ability has allowed him to adapt to Elite League hockey with relative ease. Jamie Hayes Hayes begins his first season in Elite League hockey, having played in the EPL last season. He’ll offer good physicality for a young player and the organisation will be hoping he develops similarly to Phil Hill in the next few years. Contact aled.lloyd@prohockeynews.com