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Ben's Back 2012/13
- Thread starter BeatBox
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What I like most about Ben is that even when big players smash him into the boards, he just gets straight back up and gets on with it. No winging, no whining, total commitment 100% of the time. This guy embodies everything it means to be a Devil. Great to see him getting that finished product (i.e. more goals) as the season went on and may that continue into next season.
We definitely need a chant for him though
:Banana ickle
We definitely need a chant for him though
:Banana ickle
Not unexpected but still delighted to see him sign up so early for next season.
I wasn't convinced that Ben chose the right option when he moved to Basingstoke and feared it would set his progress back. But he proved me wrong and made that 3rd line centre spot his own.
His puck retention is very good and I think we found towards the end of the season that if we stick a big guy alongside him it creates space for him to score.
His defensive work has also increased, but if I had one criticism of him in the final weeks it was that he doesn't look up enough. What made Matzka special was that he always seemed to know where his linemates were and could pass without breaking stride. A couple of times last season, one of Ben's linemates was free in front of goal but he didn't spot him.
But Ben is still young and has lots of time to improve even further.
I wasn't convinced that Ben chose the right option when he moved to Basingstoke and feared it would set his progress back. But he proved me wrong and made that 3rd line centre spot his own.
His puck retention is very good and I think we found towards the end of the season that if we stick a big guy alongside him it creates space for him to score.
His defensive work has also increased, but if I had one criticism of him in the final weeks it was that he doesn't look up enough. What made Matzka special was that he always seemed to know where his linemates were and could pass without breaking stride. A couple of times last season, one of Ben's linemates was free in front of goal but he didn't spot him.
But Ben is still young and has lots of time to improve even further.
For a few seasons I was calling for Ben to spend some time at a lower level. I get the feeling with a lot of the younger Brits the EIHL leaves them with limited ice time, and that can stunt their development. With the game in the balance, when the bench is shortened, the young guys will sit. Likewise with any mistakes. I think that is what was happening with Ben.
A season in the EPL as the go to guy gives a player the confidence, and the vital match experience. Ben has taken that experience, and come out of the other side twice the player he was when he left us. Like you say, he still has a lot to learn - but he now is a solid player and has the skills and chance to become a go to player.
I've often hoped that we could have a development system and relationship with an EPL team. Share the experience, and have an actual plan to improve the British talent. In some ways I would have liked to have seen Sam "sent down" for a few games to get him going. Maybe even a season in the EPL to get him the minutes, and bring him up to continue his development.
A season in the EPL as the go to guy gives a player the confidence, and the vital match experience. Ben has taken that experience, and come out of the other side twice the player he was when he left us. Like you say, he still has a lot to learn - but he now is a solid player and has the skills and chance to become a go to player.
I've often hoped that we could have a development system and relationship with an EPL team. Share the experience, and have an actual plan to improve the British talent. In some ways I would have liked to have seen Sam "sent down" for a few games to get him going. Maybe even a season in the EPL to get him the minutes, and bring him up to continue his development.
Massive signing for us and as others have said, the progress he made this year has been exceptional. He has the happy knack of being in the right place at the right time and as Finny says his defensive work is much better after his Bison stay.
I would like to see him specialise in face offs, he took a great deal in the later part of the season and it was one area where I felt we were slightly weak.
Welcome back, superb news. I'm delighted!
I would like to see him specialise in face offs, he took a great deal in the later part of the season and it was one area where I felt we were slightly weak.
Welcome back, superb news. I'm delighted!
Great news about Ben returning to Cardiff. Whilst he still has a way to go, he's definitely a keeper for future Elite Devils development. I think he really benefited from going to Basingstoke and getting more ice time there. And, if we lose him now, he could potentially become a player to fear on another Elite League team. Keep your enemies closer and all that.
" Good key signing" - yes definitely.
In the same "bracket as Clarke or Dowd " - gross over exaggeration !!!!!!! Those two win matches for their team by their individual shooting and stick handling. Ben Davies has made a very good contribution to this year's team and has improved a great deal but he has a massive improvement to make if he is to be compared alongside those two Brits whose record shows them to be as valuable as top end imports.
More realistic would be the promise of him next year proving as valuable as a Jonathan Phillips. Then maybe considerably further to match the Craig Peacocks and Farmers of the league. IMO the Dowds and Clarkes are even further along the ability spectrum and such possible comparisons are over ambitious.
In the same "bracket as Clarke or Dowd " - gross over exaggeration !!!!!!! Those two win matches for their team by their individual shooting and stick handling. Ben Davies has made a very good contribution to this year's team and has improved a great deal but he has a massive improvement to make if he is to be compared alongside those two Brits whose record shows them to be as valuable as top end imports.
More realistic would be the promise of him next year proving as valuable as a Jonathan Phillips. Then maybe considerably further to match the Craig Peacocks and Farmers of the league. IMO the Dowds and Clarkes are even further along the ability spectrum and such possible comparisons are over ambitious.
I think he meant in the coming 5 seasons.... Ben is 20 this year, Myers, Dowd and Clarke are in their mid/late twenties. In fairness, no, you can't predict how good Ben will become but from the looks of how much he's improved since last season, one can only hope that continues and if it does, he would likely be of a similar level to the above named by his mid twenties.
I've openly criticised Ben in previous years - his blooper reel is something special - but I have certainly noticed a significant positive difference/improvement in his hockey sense since he returned from Basingstoke and this can only be a good thing.
I've openly criticised Ben in previous years - his blooper reel is something special - but I have certainly noticed a significant positive difference/improvement in his hockey sense since he returned from Basingstoke and this can only be a good thing.