Next years team.
- Thread starter Doc97
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This season really has been a major disappointment, we were looking good to win more silverware until the wheels fell off in February. Were the players tired? Were Sheffield's? Were Coventry's?
Looking at the roster fom my post above i would also offer Haddad a new contract, he works hard every night and maybe also Culligan.
But....the bottom line is whoever is on the roster next season i expect and demand trophies!
I work hard in my job with demands upon me so i work hard for my ££s i think it is only fair hat i demand the same from my beloved Cardiff Devils, my passion and love since '89.
I am also starting to lean towards Lord moving to bench coach in a suit to coach the Devils with a tougher attitude towards the players. Perhaps this is an area that the Devils do need to look at.
Whatever happens i think this will be an interesting off season for the Devils and perhaps losing badly in the semi final today is a watershed moment that will demand change or the better.
Looking at the roster fom my post above i would also offer Haddad a new contract, he works hard every night and maybe also Culligan.
But....the bottom line is whoever is on the roster next season i expect and demand trophies!
I work hard in my job with demands upon me so i work hard for my ££s i think it is only fair hat i demand the same from my beloved Cardiff Devils, my passion and love since '89.
I am also starting to lean towards Lord moving to bench coach in a suit to coach the Devils with a tougher attitude towards the players. Perhaps this is an area that the Devils do need to look at.
Whatever happens i think this will be an interesting off season for the Devils and perhaps losing badly in the semi final today is a watershed moment that will demand change or the better.
I don't think it's realistic to demand trophies, even though that's what we all want as fans. However I think it's entirely appropriate to demand players show pride in their performance, passion, heart and give their best every night. Those attributes have been sadly lacking in way too many of the team this year.
First thing id like to say is that i believe Lordo & Todd are the right guys for the job. No player goes onto the ice wanting to lose, however today so many of team didnt want to win as much as Blaze.
As for next seasons team id keep Bownsy, Batchy, Hendo, Hotham, Fournier, Ritchie, Lord, Martin, Doucet, Haddad.
Ones i wouldnt lose sleep over not coming back Salters, Kurka, Russell, Mo.
Others are either way.
Id like to see Lord stay as player coach but to get some strong on ice leaders who are not worried about saying things as they are & ruffling feathers when needed.
As for next seasons team id keep Bownsy, Batchy, Hendo, Hotham, Fournier, Ritchie, Lord, Martin, Doucet, Haddad.
Ones i wouldnt lose sleep over not coming back Salters, Kurka, Russell, Mo.
Others are either way.
Id like to see Lord stay as player coach but to get some strong on ice leaders who are not worried about saying things as they are & ruffling feathers when needed.
I think the biggest question for Kelman and Lord next season, is do we go with 4 full lines next season or stick with what we have now?
If it's 4 full lines then we are going to need two new Brits. Can we convince two players of a good enough quality to come here and play on a 4th line?
The alternative is to keep it similar to what we have now. Sign a 10th import forward who plays on a checking line with Jones and Piggott. They could be an out and out enforcer, or someone like Hervato who can slot into one of the top 3 lines due to penalties or injuries when needed.
If it's 4 full lines then we are going to need two new Brits. Can we convince two players of a good enough quality to come here and play on a 4th line?
The alternative is to keep it similar to what we have now. Sign a 10th import forward who plays on a checking line with Jones and Piggott. They could be an out and out enforcer, or someone like Hervato who can slot into one of the top 3 lines due to penalties or injuries when needed.
Panthers' 4th line gave them the depth and energy to win the CC final. The top teams rich with British players and an extra import will be able to run with that option. It could be a major decision if a team is serious about challenging.
And tberein lies our problem. Devils have 3 outstanding Britisb defencemen (hope Devils secure multi-year deals with these guys) but our rivals all have good British forwards to add depth. Pipe dreams to imagine any of them will uproot home and family to come here. Next option is EPL where many Brits have jobs where they play. After that it's the 3rd tier NIHL....their players just wouldn't cope at this level. Addding to our British players wl be a massive challenge this year.
And tberein lies our problem. Devils have 3 outstanding Britisb defencemen (hope Devils secure multi-year deals with these guys) but our rivals all have good British forwards to add depth. Pipe dreams to imagine any of them will uproot home and family to come here. Next option is EPL where many Brits have jobs where they play. After that it's the 3rd tier NIHL....their players just wouldn't cope at this level. Addding to our British players wl be a massive challenge this year.
Could we not put together a 4th line of the best young brits we have available? No disrespect to piggsy or cj but they didn't put up numbers. I know they did a good job and gave it their all but for me, at this level, that's not enough. Some rising stars on that line could be beneficial also for their and the club's future.
The fourth line in Nottingham is Lawrence-Farmer-Jansen
Matthew, it was rumoured, was offered 10th forward position at Devils last season which would have meant limited ice time. At Panthers he plays every game. As does Ben at the Clan.
Does anyone honestly and realistically believe either of those good players will return to the Devils?
Matthew, it was rumoured, was offered 10th forward position at Devils last season which would have meant limited ice time. At Panthers he plays every game. As does Ben at the Clan.
Does anyone honestly and realistically believe either of those good players will return to the Devils?
That is exactly what CJ and Piggott were/are, the best young and upcoming Brits in the club. You're living in a fairytale if you think anyone currently in the junior/senior teams could step up and do a better job than those 2! All you have to do is look at their previous point production at NIHL level to understand that.
I would have them back in a heartbeat. They play a thankless role and there is simply no chance a top level Brit would come to Cardiff to play 4th line hockey.
I would have them back in a heartbeat. They play a thankless role and there is simply no chance a top level Brit would come to Cardiff to play 4th line hockey.