Devils Insider Summer Series - Episode 1 - Starting off strong

Welcome to the Summer Series of Devils Insider! On today's show... 

Return of the GOAT: Joey Martin is back in Cardiff for his eleventh season! Dan, Gaz and Franny chat about it, and we hear from Joey himself about being back (00:00)

Welsh by name: One of the new signings for the upcoming season Nick Welsh joins the show, and the guys discuss what we can expect from the Devils newest defenceman (21:40) 

Here's Jimmy: Hot off his first championship, Jimmy Oligny is back in Cardiff and the guys chat about having a top pair defenceman back for two years (38:45) 

Kinger moves on: Having got a new job with Ice Hockey UK, Euan King is leaving the Devils. The trio chat through a sad but also exciting chance for the Devils coach (44:40) 

A familiar name: Jake Sacratini has signed with the Devils, we hear from him and the guys take the chance to chat all things Devils hockey in the Sacratini family (51:35) 

Transcript

SPEAKER_03 0:00

Today's podcast is brought to you by Minerva Hearing. Hear the cheers, protect your ears. Shumai Pao Bakroisar. Hello, everybody, and welcome to a summer edition of Devil's Insider. We're back. We've had a month or so off. It's been a nice little chance to decompress to breathe, but it's but good to be back in the building and recording to bring you some podcasts over the summer. Dan Ruther, alongside Gareth Hewish and Neil Francis, as always. Guys, it's it's good to be back.

SPEAKER_01 0:28

Certainly is. Um, I've been struggling quite early in this off season. Uh, the most exciting thing that's happened is some of my donations to the charity shop made the window, which was uh very, you know, it's a big achievement.

SPEAKER_03 0:39

Well, if anyone wants some some good club up and art charity shops, I'll be uh be waiting for you. Franny, how are you doing? How's your summer been going?

SPEAKER_02 0:45

I'm good, thanks. We couldn't keep away, could we? Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_03 0:48

So yeah, it's good to good to be back in the building. I was itching for it in the in the days leading up to this, but uh we've got a lot to cover. We there's there's been a hell of a lot of news in in Devil's Land over the last couple of weeks, and uh we're gonna cover as much as we can of it over the next little while. We will start, of course. I mean, it's hard not to really, with the re-signing of the captain, the goat, Joey Martin, back in Cardiff for season number 11 in Devil's Colours. Whoever would have thought that that would be the case when that young man signed here all those years ago. Franny, I mean, it's it's it's the name at the top of the list every summer, and it's good to have it signed again.

SPEAKER_02 1:18

It is, and he's still playing like a young man, isn't he? I mean, you look at his energy and drive right the way through the season, and you know, peeking in the playoffs, he was an absolute legend once again, and you know, God, it's uh it's so good to get him back because you always do worry about when does that day come. But you know, when you're playing as well as Joey Martin does, and you know, you've still got the um you know the love for the game that he's got, then yeah, we are so happy to have him back.

SPEAKER_03 1:50

Yeah, guys, I'm I'm waiting on the day where Joey's production winds down a little bit, but I don't think that's gonna happen, to be honest. So, you know, 52 points in all competitions last year. It's it's it's another near enough point of game season for him. He's still at the the peak of his powers.

SPEAKER_01 2:02

Yep, and you know, within that you don't take into account his work on the penalty kill, uh, you know, it's just all round contribution off ice uh as well. And this summer I was felt a little bit more comfortable. It almost felt like last summer it felt more of a worry that that it might be time. But just the body language of of Joey is as we approached the end of the season, and of course, all of the success uh we had in the playoffs, uh, etc. And the way that he was sort of talking at awards night, it just felt like he was as hungry as ever. Um, so yeah, great, great news. It just makes you that summer just even better than it already was.

SPEAKER_03 2:41

It really does, yeah. And for me, there were there was a little bit of of a happy moment at the end of the season, of course, as we've spoken at length about the devils win the playoffs, and and and I don't need to remind anybody listening that Devils won the playoffs, by the way. But um, Joey Martin, believe it or not, that that was his first domestic trophy as captain that he lifted, Franny. And that that is a big thing, I think, for him and for the team as well. That your your greatest player, as the captain, gets to lift his first trophy.

SPEAKER_02 3:03

Yeah, and I was so, so pleased for him for that moment. I actually said that to him on the ice. I said, you know, as delighted as I am for the whole team to win this, I'm you know, even more so delighted that you get to lift it because you know he deserves to lift a trophy. I mean, the last time he was captain, you know, he was injured and we didn't have that great season, I don't think. But um, yeah, for for such an icon of the club to not be the guy lifting that trophy, and you know, I'm sure he's quick to deflect it off to say, you know, well, it's the team trophy or whatever, but just that just that photo of him holding being presented with a trophy and lifting it up, and it's a great shot, isn't it? With all the team in the background, the champagne flowing and the and the fans in uh in the background too. I mean, that moment is I think that will always go down as an i iconic uh photograph.

SPEAKER_03 3:54

Yeah, like you like you say as well, and and he would very much deflect it and talk about the team. And the the when we chat about the the change in the devils towards the end of last season, we know that Joey was integral to that, and he is one of the voices in the room, one of the guys who speaks up and and he drives the standards here in Cardiff. And so, you know, when you consider all that, and then you also take into account he's gonna be 38 by the time the season rolls around, which you know, he's not a he's not a young man anymore, but he's still playing and is an integral part of this locker room. So I think that's massively important. And you know, as we look to now the devil's wanting to build on what they ended the season on, he's gonna be part of driving that.

SPEAKER_02 4:31

Yeah, and I think one thing that Joey has grown into is that leadership role. I mean, he's always been an excellent player, an excellent pro, um, lead by example kind of guy. But as the years have gone on, you know, he's found his voice within that locker room, and you know, he's got such a presence there, and he's he's learned how to utilize that more. So he really is, you know, the leader now that does not just lead by example, but is also the guy that kind of cajols the the rest of the team and and gets everyone going. So you know it's been amazing to see the growth of him as a player and a person um over the years, and you know, now he you know he's the complete package.

SPEAKER_03 5:12

He he really is. And and Gaz, we we we chatted obviously about him winning with the C on his chest. The the other time he wore that C was was the COVID shortened season. So a little bit of redemption for him in that aspect as well.

SPEAKER_01 5:22

Yeah, absolutely. Um it's uh will always be a bit of a stinger, that one. But uh he got what he and and others said they wanted to do, and that that, like you say, a bit of redemption for for that, and making sure that especially after dropping out of the title race, that the the Devils didn't, you know, leave the season without something that they believed is a team that they deserved. And Joey, as always, was at the forefront of that. You know, we hear so much, you know, not just on the ice, you know, Franny's talking about, you know, speaking up in the locker room, we also hear how well looked after the guys are with just something as silly as making sure the fridge is fully stocked and stuff. And I think that's important because it's just it shows to me an attention to detail. He knows the little things that everyone needs to be successful.

SPEAKER_03 6:12

It pushes the culture, doesn't it? And when you want to win, it's it is those little things that push you over the line.

SPEAKER_01 6:17

Yeah, and if your captain's gonna be, you know, detailed enough to worry about something as much as is the fridge full, then you better make sure that you're worried about uh the little details of things that you do day in and day out.

SPEAKER_02 6:28

Yeah, and just to correct myself, I said last time he was captain, the devils didn't have such a good year. I knew there was something neg there's I knew there was something negative in my mind, and of course it was that COVID-shortened season where we all know the Devils were the league champs, but there's a it wasn't to be, um, and that's still bitter for all of us. So that that's what I know he had an injury in that season, um, but then he came back and the Devils were having a great year, uh, only for COVID to cut short the rightful championship um that he should have lifted at that time.

SPEAKER_01 7:01

And uh it's gonna be a theme of this episode. I'm gonna bring up the fact it's the 40th year coming up this season, and to have Joey for 11 of those 40 years feels crazy, doesn't it? Like it it feels you know that that that's a special thing. That that that's a huge amount of time to be within the franchise. And when you're an old timer like myself who remembers the guys way back when who stayed for that amount of time, there seemed to be a gap in the middle where we couldn't retain people for as long as maybe we and they wanted. Um, so I think it is special that going into next season we've got a 40th year with someone who's given so much being at the sort of one of the figureheads of the season.

SPEAKER_03 7:43

Yeah, we we could wax lyrical about what we think of Joey Martin. Honestly, we could do a whole podcast and how how wonderful we think he is. Do you know what? Let's say you know, we'll we'll do one in this season. But we can sum it up by saying he's the greatest of all time. Full stop. And you know what? Why not let's hear from him as well? So uh I sat down with Joey a couple of days ago and chatted a little bit about being back in town for another year. A huge welcome on Devil's Insider to our latest re-signing, and it wouldn't be a summer if it wasn't Joey Martin re-signing with the Devils. Joey, thank you so much for coming down. Congratulations. It's another year in Cardiff. How do you feel? Thank you.

SPEAKER_04 8:13

Uh thanks for having me. I'm as excited as ever. It's you know, it's such I'm so fortunate to be able to play here for all these years. And uh the motivation is still very high to bring bring back championships here, as we just saw, um, how special that last one was.

SPEAKER_03 8:28

Can you believe it's it's season number 11 upcoming in Cardiff? Did did you ever imagine when you first signed here that it'd be 11 seasons and that you'd you'd be so ingrained in in the culture that is Cardiff, Devil's hockey these days?

SPEAKER_04 8:39

No, absolutely not. I've like I always say I came over here playing thinking I was gonna play a year or two, but I've always said this place has captured my heart. Like you said, it's ingrained in me, and uh it's the only club I want to play for.

SPEAKER_03 8:52

When we spoke last summer about your resign, I remember you saying that the previous year, before that year, you weren't 100% sure whether you really wanted to stick with it or if you thought about what would come after hockey. And and you know, with two seasons on now, you've been a point per game player, you've just won a playoff title as well. Clearly, sticking around was good for you. And do you feel like you've been justified in the decision to keep keep playing here in Cardiff?

SPEAKER_04 9:14

Yeah, I think at my age you you contemplate the the decisions you have to make post-career. Um but for me, the one thing I just keep falling back on is you know how much I I love playing this sport. It's like I'm so fortunate to be able to play a sport that I love in a city that means so much to me. And you know, with teammates that, you know, are my best friends every every year. So I'm so fortunate to do what I do. I still have that fire, that motivation. Um, you know, a lot of players that have retired will they kind of give me advice and say, you'll know one day, but I don't know if I will because I, you know, I I just love this game so much. So, you know, personally, it's just it's just um it's a pleasure to play here. And, you know, I'm just taking it year by year, and I I think I work really hard at trying to keep myself fit and able to play at a a standard that I'd like to be at.

SPEAKER_03 10:05

That ties into my next question quite nicely because it it's very easy to ask all the guys who come back to Cardiff why they do, and and and a lot of guys talk about the city, the club, how well they're treated here. But actually, what motivates you personally to keep coming back to Cardiff?

SPEAKER_04 10:18

I think there's there's so many reasons. You know, the biggest thing is this team. Every year we have such a great group of guys, and I love the guys in the locker room. Um, I love I love our fans, I love our management, our ownership, everybody that's involved in in this club. And then, you know, I've also formed a lot of relationships, you know, outside of of this team in the city. So, you know, this this place is my home. Something that um, you know, it's a place that means a lot to me. So I can't just say there's one reason, there's many.

SPEAKER_03 10:49

Let's chat a little bit about the end of last season now. Of course, uh we will look ahead to next season, but let's remind ourselves of of what we kind of ended on. And of course, the Devils win the playoffs. It was an incredible, not just weekend, but kind of the week leading up to it as well, and a great party after, I'm sure. So, but um, talk me through the the kind of feelings and emotions around that playoff weekend.

SPEAKER_04 11:08

Yeah, that's always such a fun weekend, especially for the new guys that come here. You know, we we kind of tell them try to inform them what to expect. But once you're there and you see that atmosphere, you know, you don't really know until you experience it. So, you know, obviously we fell short in the league. Um, and uh, you know, we were very highly motivated going into that playoff weekend that you know we really wanted to win a championship. We thought this group really deserved that. So, you know, I I commend everybody, all the guys, uh, the way that we went into playoffs because you know, we we were playing our best hockey, and and that was really important, I think. And uh, you know, to finally win that that playoff trophy after a few years of you know falling short was just such a relief. Felt so good, you know. Best part is looking around and seeing how happy your teammates are, you know, the guys that you've worked so hard with, but also looking up and our amazing fans that were there supporting us. You're just so happy for everybody involved.

SPEAKER_03 12:03

Yeah, that that end of the season was an interesting one because there seemed to be a bit of a switch about a month before the end of the season, and something changed, and the devils from that point just seemed very locked into to going and winning that playoff title. And Tomo spoke about it and said, you know, things were said, and people were very honest with each other, and and you recognized maybe that missing out on the league was was a disappointment and that you should have competed for that. And what was the click? And we not necessarily don't have to go into detail on what was exactly said, but how did the locker room change around that time?

SPEAKER_04 12:31

Yeah, I think for a little bit there, we were playing some average hockey, definitely not up to our standards. And, you know, I think there was a moment in our locker room where we drew a line in the sand and we said, you know, what are we gonna be here? Are we gonna, are we just gonna go through the motions at the end of the year, or are we gonna progress and start playing our best hockey leading into playoffs? Because I, you know, I don't think you can just flip a switch and start playing your best hockey, especially when you have to win four games. It's pretty it's very short. So, you know, I give a lot of credit to the guys in the room. Everybody bought in and we knew our potential and we weren't we weren't hitting it. So, you know, I'm just very very pleased with how everybody responded to words that were maybe said in the locker room. And um, you know, I think it you know made us successful in the end.

SPEAKER_03 13:17

Of course, you as well lifted the trophy as the captain. I asked you straight after the game on the ice how that felt. And and with with a couple of uh weeks or a month or so now of of of kind of being able to depress and then kind of step away from it, how does it feel? How important was it and how good was it to do it as the captain of the devils?

SPEAKER_04 13:33

Yeah, certainly something I'll always remember. Um, it's you know, after a week or two after it's all the dust is settled, reflecting and looking at all the videos and photos, it just makes me very happy. Um I think the main thing is I just wanted to grab the trophy and bring it with my teammates and be in that circle there. That's you know, one of the best feelings. It's hard to really describe that. So it definitely means a lot. Um, and you know, winning championships as one of the leaders on the team, a lot of weight falls on your shoulders. So, you know, that was uh a big relief.

SPEAKER_03 14:04

Domestically, as well. It was actually the first I couldn't believe this when I saw it, it was the first trophy you've won for the Devils domestically since pre-COVID, which is which is crazy when you think about it. And for for you personally, was that a little bit of maybe redemption, a little bit of feeling of it had been too long coming to to get another one on on the board?

SPEAKER_04 14:20

Certainly, yes. Um, especially, you know, my early years with Cardiff, we won quite a few championships and we didn't go many years without winning. So this one was uh extremely relieving. And I, you know, I if I look at the trophies that I've won here with Cardiff on these teams, this is probably one of the more enjoyable ones because it took it took a few years. Um, you know, we experienced some lows, and I think you have to go through those to really enjoy the highs. And so certainly this was one of my most memorable uh personal championships with Cardiff.

SPEAKER_03 14:54

I spoke on on the podcast just after the playoffs about how the the the atmosphere around the team reminds me a lot of the way people speak about the very first kind of new era, we'll say it, Devil's team, which of course you were part of as well. And and are there similarities between the two? There definitely feels like there's a a togetherness or an atmosphere in a locker room that is very similar between the two teams.

SPEAKER_04 15:15

Yeah, I would definitely agree with that. I think we were a very tight-knit group this year, and I I think it resembled teams that I've been on pre-COVID. So I think that's a a big similarity. Obviously, you know, Tomo coming in, Nicholas, you know, they did a great job. They're, you know, they're we're very fortunate to have them and our coaching staff, and obviously you and King as well. So, you know, I definitely think there are certainly are some uh similarities, and I think that's why we tasted some successes here.

SPEAKER_03 15:43

You were at awards night, I remember you spoke when you received your award, and and in in true Joey form, you were very kind of complimentary of your teammates as opposed to yourself, but uh but you you you seemed quite emotional about how you felt about though that group of guys, and and was that maybe the the spark that led to that playoff success? Was it like you say, they were a very together group?

SPEAKER_04 16:02

Yeah, it's uh like we had a very close group. I think you know, we did a lot off the ice as well. You know, anytime anyone is going for lunch or there's a function going on, you might had mostly everybody involved, and that's a sign of a team with great chemistry and that truly like each other. And in my experiences, those are the teams that usually have success. So um it was just such an enjoyable year for myself, and maybe just reflecting on it, you know, that there's not many of these years left, so I think maybe that's why I felt a little emotional, just so happy to be a part of this group.

SPEAKER_03 16:37

You mentioned Tomo as well, obviously came in, wins a trophy to end his first year, arguably, like we say, could have been more than just one, but got got a playoff trophy on the board. What was it like playing for him this year? You know, I ask a lot of the guys who have have known of Tomo for years what what it's like, and everyone's very complimentary.

SPEAKER_04 16:52

Yeah, it was great. It was it was nice being on the same side as him. You know, I remember the days, him across the bench in Sheffield, and you know, you always wonder what that coach is like and whatnot. But um, you know, it's been such a pleasure playing for him. He's very demanding. Uh, you know, he he works as hard and and that's what we want at the end of the day. So, you know, um Cardiff's uh very they're in they're in a good spot having him behind the bench for sure.

SPEAKER_03 17:16

Let's look ahead quickly now. I I know there's there's a lot of off-season to enjoy before we are back here and and playing hockey. But uh what what can we expect from the Devils next season? How do you build now on on obviously the success at the end of last?

SPEAKER_04 17:28

Yeah, I mean, I'm not I'm not exactly sure who's back, that's up to management, but I think we have a lot of core pieces here that I hope do come back because you know that we had a lot of great individual players who had such character, you know, there was no egos, everybody was bought in playing the same, you know, wanted to play the same way to to be successful. So, you know, I hope hopefully we bring we can retain a lot of these same players, and I think you know, you win a championship, you should you should carry that confidence over, but also learn from our shortcomings like in the league. You know, I think we were right there most of the year, and we had one month where we kind of fell off once stale, and I think you know, we have to learn that it's it's a long season and you have to be completely consistent and disciplined, and there's so many things that go into that. So hopefully we've learned from those uh mistakes.

SPEAKER_03 18:21

Like I say, a long summer ahead, but I'm sure before we know it, we'll be in back in this building for hockey. Just a message to the fans as as well about you being back.

SPEAKER_04 18:29

Just thank you so much. Uh, since I my first year here, you've welcomed me here, and um I just I I always astounded by the support we get on the road, at home, around town. It's it means so much to me, and uh, you know, you guys are the best. So thank you.

SPEAKER_03 18:46

Joey, I dread the day where we don't do one of these interviews of the summer. Thank you so much. Welcome back, congratulations. Another year in Cardiff. Thank you, Dan. Great to hear from Joey. And and you know, we we we spoke a little bit before we heard from him about how you know he continues to come back year after year and is is just as motivated and as energized as it. And just listening to him, you can hear that there's there's not only that energy, but there's also that little bit of a chip on the show. I think he knows that the devils can build from here, and this could go on, that playoff wing could go on to be something very special.

SPEAKER_02 19:17

Yeah, um, and I think there was there was a point in the interview where you know things had crossed his mind a couple of years ago. He didn't have quite the year and he had an injury and stuff like that. Um, so maybe he was thinking that time had come, but so refreshing to hear him say that when he speaks to players that have retired said, you know, you know when the time will come. And he's saying, Well, I don't know if it will because I love the game, I love this club, I love this city, and you know, referencing Cardiff as his home, you know, that that's huge. And it just you can just see that on the ice every time Joey Martin laces up for the Cardiff Devils.

SPEAKER_03 19:52

Yeah, and as we chat now about the coming year, and of course there's there's a lot of off-season to come before that, but Franny, what what is the Martin role? How do the Devils now use him going into next season? Because, like I say, he is 38, he's not gonna be, you know, 25 minutes a night forever. No, nobody can be. Father time is undefeated, but he's still incredibly effective. So, how are the devils planning on using him now into next season?

SPEAKER_02 20:13

Well, I mean, I think if you'd have asked the question at the start of last year, you wouldn't have had him down as the second top scorer in the team, and he was. So, one thing I've learned is you never write off Joey Martin. Um, yeah, the the kind of sensible thing to say would be, yeah, okay, reduces minutes, reduces role, but Joey Martin will always push the others around him to be better. And um I think we all know from Paul Thompson's style is it the ice time goes to those that deserve it the most. So who knows? Who knows what the role is because you can never write off Joey Martin.

SPEAKER_03 20:50

You can't, guys. We're gonna be enjoying every single minute of Joey while he's here.

SPEAKER_01 20:53

Very, very special uh to get uh keep calling uh Joey's games, and uh I've been privileged to be able to be on the call for this entire time here, which is uh again another really cool uh stat. So yeah, just I you just love talking about him, don't you? And you love watching him play, and uh you just you you gotta I think I said something similar last season when we uh interviewed Joey for the for the first Devil's Insider that we did. You just gotta keep cherishing guys like Joey Martin while while they're on the ice and make sure that you take in each and every game because uh it sadly won't be forever. But uh I'm also banking on uh maybe another 11 years to see you see what he can do. But after that, we may have to call time.

SPEAKER_03 21:37

Yeah, we could give him some of the Mark Richardson serum and have him go forever somehow. But um, yeah, who knows? We're gonna now a little move on uh very quickly and we're gonna talk uh not only about then a guy who's been here for 11 years and is is well into his devil's career, we're gonna talk about a guy who's gonna be starting his first year in Cardiff come August, and that is Nick Welsh. The devil's an absolute coup of assigning over the offseason to get him in and and a guy that I'm Very excited to see in a Devils jersey, a guy that I really liked watching in a Manchester one this season and uh a big signing for the Devils.

SPEAKER_01 22:07

Absolutely, yeah, a huge signing for uh the team, and uh, you know, we eventually got the power play right last year, uh, once we got over the new year. I'm a bit more optimistic that A, we already kind of know what we're doing from that, but to add Nick Welsh on to that power play unit is something I'm really excited about because he punished us a fair few times uh in Storm Colours. And I just I love that type of defenceman. I love a smooth skating, all action, uh attacking uh defenseman. And uh yeah, I I think it makes perfect sense.

SPEAKER_03 22:44

Franny, this is a man who he wouldn't have been short on offers, I don't think, after the season he had in Manchester. So tell us a little bit about how the move came about and and how you kind of decided and settled on Welsh as a as a as a new player for the Devils.

SPEAKER_02 22:55

Yeah, so his name came across our desk very late in the summer last year when we didn't have any room for him. And it was one of those when you look at it and you look at his resume and his age, you know, he was 27 last uh last year and had three years in the DL, two years in the Finnish Elite League, and you're like, oh, that's you know, that that's one that I would love to have on our side. So we couldn't fit him in last year, but obviously kept a close eye to see how he transitioned into this league. And every game you're just impressed by him. Uh he's just such a complete uh defenseman that he's a very good skater. His first pass is accurate and pinpoint and quick to get it away. He's got a big bomb of a shot, he plays well defensively, and he also plays with that little bit of a chip as well. You know, he's he's kind of he's spirited, isn't he, in the in the way he plays. So you know, we were keeping a close eye out on him um this year just to to see how he was. And obviously, he excelled and uh in every game against us and against the rest of the league as well. And it happened so quickly, right at the end of the season, uh, after the season finished, it we literally still had champagne in our eyes from the from the playoff win. And um, you know, we looked into it and uh it happened very, very quickly and delighted to get him here. And I just think he's gonna fit in so well to the way we play. Um the Tomo systems, uh, you know, in terms of you've got to move the puck quickly, you can join the rush, and you know, and he also gives us a little bit of something that maybe we didn't have that big, big shot uh from the point. Um, like you say, the power play capability, so just so many things that he can add to this team. Uh, and what is exciting is you know, the decor was probably our strength last year, and then to add a guy like um Nick Welsh to it is you know is fantastic. Plus, the name just says that you always should be playing for Cardiff, doesn't it?

SPEAKER_01 24:53

Well uh one thing I really like as well is it was clear that Manchester had a good group last year, and uh you know they I don't know if they if overachieved his fee, I but I I think what they did was they asserted themselves as the best of the rest, I guess, uh outside of that top four, which which was you know, I waxed lyrical a lot about Cam Critshaw and what he'd done there, and to have a guy that was obviously such a big part of that to me suggest that he's gonna be a good fit in and around the room as well.

SPEAKER_03 25:23

Yeah, and and and for me, that like you say, Franny, the the devil's defensive unit last year was the best it's been in over a decade, I thought. You know, you look at the numbers, 122 goals conceded over the season, I think it was, which is already great. You bring in an offensive guy, which adds to that as well. And and I think what we're gonna see isn't a bit of an evolution of the style which Tom had brought in last year, and and I think the the maybe the asset that Welsh is best at is the speed in transition, like you said, the skating. That's gonna click really nicely into what was already a very good D group.

SPEAKER_02 25:50

Yeah, definitely. And I even you know, I was watching him closely in that playoff weekend, it was a big occasion for Manchester, and I think it got the best of a lot of that team, but he stood out to me as that he remained calm in that big pressure environment. You know, he was hitting his passes, he was doing everything that he's done so well over the year, and that just showed you know the character of him as well. So yeah, I I think that he's he looks like a Cardiff Towels player, he's got the assets um that will fit in so well to this side. Um, and I think you know he will enjoy being around you know this locker room that we've talked strongly about and the the quality of players that we've got. And I'm you know, we're hoping that he can kind of jump on the back of his great season last year and push it even further.

SPEAKER_03 26:37

Well, Franny, you mentioned that things happen quickly. The when the storm announced that Nick Welsh was leaving, we have a little group chat, the three of us, and and we talked about it, and Gaz said, Well, can we have Welsh please? And then there was nothing. You were very coy about it, and then about three hours later, the devil's announced, and you said, Yeah, of course you can. There you go. So our wish was granted by you guys.

SPEAKER_01 26:55

Thank you very much for uh obviously Todd must have some sort of like attachment in the group to make sure we're uh we're all right and granting my wish. So uh I'll have a think about what other people I might want, and we'll see if we can sort that out for me.

SPEAKER_03 27:06

If you'd asked for a million dollars, that'd be uh that'd be great as well. I would really appreciate it. But uh yeah, it's good to have Nick Welsh and Cardiff, and uh I was lucky enough to sit down and have another with a chat to him earlier this week. Ladies and gents, a huge welcome on Devil's Insider to a new signing for the Devils this coming season. Nick Welsh. Nick, thank you so much for chatting to me. How are you doing? Congratulations on being uh being a Cardiff Devil.

SPEAKER_05 27:28

Good, yeah, thank you. Happy to be here.

SPEAKER_03 27:30

How does it feel to sign for the Devils for the upcoming season?

SPEAKER_05 27:34

Uh it feels great. Um, really excited about the upcoming season and looking forward to getting there in August and meeting everybody.

SPEAKER_03 27:41

How did the move come about? Tell me a little bit. We know you played in in Manchester last season, so you're familiar with with playing in in the elite league and stuff, but but where did the decision to come to Cardiff kind of come from and how did that come about?

SPEAKER_05 27:52

Um when it well, when it got time to the end of the year, it was just kind of exploring my options and uh, you know, uh the opportunity to go to Cardiff kind of was talked about and was thinking about it. And um it was always a tough battle playing them this year, and that kind of led to my decision to to take the deal and and go there to Cardiff.

SPEAKER_03 28:13

Of course, you know, we I mentioned you had a great season in Manchester last year. Let's chat a little bit about that. And you know, 50 points for yourself, uh a second team all-star. What worked so well for you? What what how where did this kind of productive season come from last year with with the storm?

SPEAKER_05 28:27

Um, I don't know. Uh I've always been confident in my own abilities, you know. Um had a it was coming off a couple years that weren't necessarily that great for me offensively. I didn't put up too many points, stuff like that, but um kind of just worked hard over the summer and came in with a bit of a chip on my shoulder to prove to myself that like I am a good player. Um so just kind of worked hard as and uh got back to to my game and how I know I can play and kind of all went right that last year. So hopefully do it again this year.

SPEAKER_03 28:59

Yeah, good to hear, good to hear. And and you played for Cam Critshow as well, first year coach in Manchester. He's admired around the league. What was it like playing playing for him?

SPEAKER_05 29:08

He was awesome. Uh uh obviously a a difficult transition, probably for a first-time head coach, but uh no, I I really thought he was great. Um, all the guys in the room really respected him and and his voice and all the systems that they wanted to implement. And I think that was huge in our success over the year. He really uh got us prepared to play, and we all wanted to go out there and do a job together, and he was a big part of that for sure.

SPEAKER_03 29:36

And of course, the the the success of the storm last season and and and now it has meant that they're gonna be moving arenas, but actually the the storm shelter has a bit of an affinity to Cardiff in a strange way because uh the Devils played in a very similar rink about 10 years ago now for a number of years. And and and so what what did you make of the storm shelter? The devils fans when they had their version of it always speak with such reverence about it and talk about the atmosphere. What was it like playing playing at the storm shelter?

SPEAKER_05 30:00

I mean, I loved it, honestly. The atmosphere was great, our fans were awesome. Um, the ice conditions were tough at best to deal with, uh for sure. But as the home team, we were used to it, we practiced on it every day. So, as frustrated as we were, the other team was usually twice as frustrated. So we definitely had the advantage of that at least. And uh no, I I really I really enjoyed it to be honest. Um, but as an away team now, I'm definitely happy they're moving because I think the experience wouldn't be as much fun for sure.

SPEAKER_03 30:38

Yeah, and of course, you know, uh, I'm sure despite the fight you have moved on to to come hit a card, if you there must be you must feel really glad that the storm for all their hard work now are getting that that chance in a in a new rink.

SPEAKER_05 30:48

Absolutely. Yeah, um, they definitely deserve it for sure, and I think they're gonna enjoy that a lot next year.

SPEAKER_03 30:55

You of course you came to the elite league last season, having played across Europe, you played in in Germany, in Finland, in Slovakia and stuff. So, where did the elite league match up in terms of your expectations? Did you know much about the league before you arrived here?

SPEAKER_05 31:07

Um, I knew a little bit about it. Um, I knew some players across the league, um, just haven't played with and against them in the past. So I I was expecting it to be good hockey. Um, and then when I got here, I I was blown away. Like I think the the quality of the league is is very good. Um, it's very fast, it's extremely physical for sure. It's probably the most physical league I've played in across Europe. Um, but yeah, I was I was really happy with uh the quality of the game and and how how good the hockey was.

SPEAKER_03 31:40

And of course, differently maybe in the elite league to to other leagues you've played in. I always ask the the guys who are kind of relatively new to the elite league about this, is is of course the the regular season being the the big title, the big prize in the elite league. What was it like kind of you know playing what are effectively game sevens from from the autumn onwards?

SPEAKER_05 31:57

Yeah, it was different for sure. Um never experienced that before. Uh usually you get the long regular season buildup, but then you dial it in for playoff because that would that's when it really matters. But you really need to be dialed in from game one right at the start, and uh it's definitely a different mindset for sure. Um coming in, it's the beginning, middle September, and you're basically playing playoff games already. Um, so that was a different uh mindset for sure, but I think I'll definitely be a little more ready for it going into the my second season here with Carter.

SPEAKER_03 32:31

Of course, the Devils ended the season as well, you know, winning the playoffs, the hottest team in the league going into the final stretch. Manchester and Cardiff did play each other about a month before the end of the season, and uh and then the Devils came out on winners. And what did you make of the Devils team towards the end of the season? Obviously, you're only playing them once and then you headed into the playoffs and you ended up playing Sheffield and stuff. Did you keep half an eye maybe on the other teams around the league and Cardiff in particular?

SPEAKER_05 32:52

Yeah, we were definitely looking at the other teams around the league. Um, going into playoffs, it was so up in the air. We had no idea who we were gonna match up against. So Cardiff was always on the board. Um, I think we were happy we didn't end up playing Cardiff in that first playoffs uh weekend. But uh no, I mean they were always a really tough team to play against. Uh, very, very physical. They like to get in your face, fore check hard. Um yeah, I think we had a lot of good battles over the over the year. Um and and yeah, looking forward to being on the other side of that battle next year.

SPEAKER_03 33:28

Yeah, well, what do you think you're gonna bring to to the Devil's team, maybe differently or kind of add to what they already have?

SPEAKER_05 33:35

Um well, same thing I brought to Manchester this year, honestly. Just uh, I mean, the the big biggest asset I have is my skating ability, I think. Um and then the ability to move pucks from the back end as well. Um you know, first pass, headmanning it, joining the rush, trying to create as much offense as I can from the uh the back end. Um and then power play as well. It's definitely a big part of my game. Um, hopefully go in and be confident on that and and get the power play running smoothly. And yeah, that's kind of my role.

SPEAKER_03 34:08

I think the Devils fans will be very relieved to hear the uh the the power play hopefully will be going a little bit better than it was for the first six months of of last season. But um, have you had the chance to chat with any of the guys in Cardiff yet? Have you had a chance to tear down to rink, or has it kind of just been a bit of a whirlwind getting getting signed?

SPEAKER_05 34:22

Uh no, I I went down one of the days before I came home for summer and uh I met uh the captain Joey Martin. Um but he was the only guy I met, and then I met uh Neil Francis, the the GM, and then I didn't end up meeting the coach. He was he was already gone home, but I think those were the only people I ended up meeting. But uh definitely looking forward to getting there in August and meeting the rest of the guys and all the staff and everything.

SPEAKER_03 34:47

Yeah, well, what did you make of of I mean we we know Franny very well on the podcast, but of course, but uh but also Joey, you know, uh a guy who's kind of been here for years is is is is loved by Cardiff fans. And uh are you excited to get the chance to line up with him as well?

SPEAKER_05 35:00

Absolutely, very excited. Yeah, he's obviously a cornerstone of the franchise there. He's been there a while, so um should be fun uh yeah to play with him.

SPEAKER_03 35:09

You'll be coming into what was a very strong defensive group as well for the Devils last year, one of the best decors that they've had in years. Are you excited to kind of join those ranks and see what works so well for them last season?

SPEAKER_05 35:21

Absolutely. Um they're definitely one of the better decors in the league for sure. Uh they're very deep, they they roll six guys and all of them can play. Um, so yeah, definitely excited to be joining that and uh looking forward to see what I can add to it.

SPEAKER_03 35:38

Just finally, uh a message to the fans ahead of the year. I know we're still a little way off coming coming back to Cardiff in in August, but uh a message to the fans ahead of next season.

SPEAKER_05 35:47

Uh just can't wait to get over there and get to work. Um, our goal next year is just to win trophies and hopefully we can accomplish that.

SPEAKER_03 35:55

Nick, thank you very much. Congratulations on your move to Cardiff. I really appreciate you taking the time.

SPEAKER_05 36:00

Thanks for having me. Appreciate it.

SPEAKER_03 36:02

Big thank you to Nick Wells for taking the time to chat to me, and it was uh lovely to meet him. He seems like a very down-to-earth, very nice guy. Franny, you mentioned that he came and saw you just very quickly at the end of last season. How did that go? What did you make of him in person?

SPEAKER_02 36:14

Yeah, he came down to drop some things off down here at the end of the season before flying home. Um, so I got to meet him and his fiancee, Emily, and just absolutely great people. You know, he's from Halifax, uh, she's from Newfoundland, and they're very laid-back people. You know, we've had some great, great devils from those areas of Canada, and they've all got that kind of zest for life and you know, very take everything in their stride, and it was really great to meet the pair of them. You know, they were excited about the new chapter ahead of them. Um, and yeah, it just kind of reaffirmed everything that I thought that I was seeing on the ice was that they're gonna fit in very, very nicely into this uh into this club.

SPEAKER_03 36:55

Yeah, and guys, the he he obviously spoke about what he thought he'd bring, and I think there's a very positive mindset there, which as we've spoken about already, will will suit the devil's locker room quite nicely.

SPEAKER_01 37:03

Yeah, the word I'd use to describe that interview is assured. I think that that's what I took from that. I I feel very reassured that you know he's a man who knows uh, you know, he backs himself, he knows what he's good at, he knows what he can bring, and he's confident he's gonna deliver on that. So uh, you know, it's very exciting in the offseason, isn't it, when you get a new face that's gonna be coming into the team, and even more exciting when you've seen kind of the impact that someone uh might have the ability to bring. So, yeah, like I say, you sounded very assured, uh, and uh I'm very confident you'll be a success.

SPEAKER_03 37:37

Fanny, the the Devils, this isn't a criticism, but the Devils last season were an older group. There are a lot of guys kind of in their early to mid-30s. And Nick Walsh comes in, he's 29, he's a little bit younger, and I think that refresh maybe in a second kind of generation now into the Tomo years is important as well to have.

SPEAKER_02 37:52

Yeah, I mean, this league is one of the toughest to play in across the whole of Europe because of the back-to-back games and no Olympic breaks and that kind of thing, and it does catch up with older legs. There's there's no question about that. Um, I mean, we're fortunate that you know some of our older guys are also our um best athletes and uh the ones that look after themselves really well. But you know, there is um it's tough, it's a grind, and something we've always got to be conscious of is just getting some younger legs into the group. And you know, again, that's why that he ticked the box so well because of his age, his experience playing in those leagues, you know, like Finland, which we know is a great skating league. Um, so just having you know the energy that uh that Nick is gonna bring is again something else that um we're excited to add to the group.

SPEAKER_03 38:46

Yeah, and you pair that with experience, and you're onto a bit of a winner. And the devils are looking to pair that with some experience in that D group because the very first uh signing of the off-season, maybe not as much of a surprise to those who are in the know a little bit more, but Jimmy Alini back in Cardiff. And I think you know, we we we talk about the the shopping list, I guess, of guys you wanted back, guys you wanted to see again. And uh not only do we get Jimmy Alini for another year, we get Jimmy Alini for another two years, which is massive, I think. And and a guy who settled very well in Cardiff. And for me, the Devils D group isn't as good as it is if they don't have Jimmy Alini paired with Brandon Estes on the top line. And and I think that's a really exciting re-signing for the Devils and great to have him back in Cardiff, Franny.

SPEAKER_02 39:27

Yeah, I I thought it was um a huge coup last uh summer to get him. Um, you know, we were really struggling to get the partner for Esters that would complement him, but also be able to add something of their own. Um, so we were patient, and you know, sometimes with patience it doesn't pay off because you see all players that you know would have fitted the role sign elsewhere. Um, but when Alini kind of came across our desk, we were really excited about it. We weren't sure if we'd be able to get him. We did, and then when he came in, he absolutely loved it, his family loved it, and you know, he said it felt like home to him, and you know, he felt really um really good about the environment in Cardiff and the the locker room and everything about it. Um, and I just thought a total warrior on the ice. You can see why that guy is worn the sea at American League level. Um it it was summed him up at the end of last year where nobody knew but he'd broken his thumb, and we'd actually spoke to him and said, Look, we're probably gonna sit you out of the weekend because um you know you've broken your thermal, we've got the playoffs to look forward to, and we want to make sure you're right for that, and we don't want to jeopardize that. And he said, But we're still playing for second place, so I'm not sitting out. I I I don't want I'd rather not sit out, so okay, fine. If if that's the way that you're gonna do it, then goes ahead. And what does he do? He gets into a fight with Mitch Heard, and that wasn't what we had planned to try and protect him for the playoffs, but you know, fighting a renowned tough guy while you've got a broken thumb with a splint on it. Uh, I mean, it's not the not the best thing, and it, you know, it kind of set kittens amongst us, but it just shows his character that he's all in it for the team. Um, I love the way he played, you know, every time there was that kind of bit of confrontation out there, you know he's gonna be one of the first in there. Um, in terms of a partner for a guy like Esther's, uh, the perfect foil. If if players try to mark Esther's, then he just carried the puck. And he's talented offensively as well. So it's so hard to play when you've got like uh you know a pairing like that. And yeah, just throughout the course of the year, I just thought he showed his absolute class on the ice.

SPEAKER_03 41:45

Guys, uh, not only a great guy and a great character, exceptional hockey player, one of the best offensive guys I think we've had in Cardiff in a very long time.

SPEAKER_01 41:52

Yeah, he is uh you know, when I think back of previous Devil's teams, it strikes me them all of like a Tyson Strachan or uh a Shea Morrison or Mickelson, uh Martin, uh it's just well sorry about William, not Martin, or Joe Martin on the brain. Uh Andrew Williams, well, just that sort of experienced, tough, gritty, no-nonsense defenseman who just knows how to defend. You know, if you're in and around that crease, you have to battle extremely hard to beat Jimmy Alini to a pack, or you need to be nowhere near uh whoever the netminder is in that crease because they've got a protector out there, just who's his class. And uh you've seen that straight from sort of game one right the way through. And the fact that he managed to win that championship that he told us uh he was you know aching to achieve, I I was just so happy for him. And I think when you win a championship, you you just get hungry for more and more. So uh a renewed Jimmy Alini in the in the new season is uh some worry for the rest of the league, I'd uh suggest.

SPEAKER_02 42:57

Yeah, and that and that's a good point you make about that being his first championship because as pleased as I was for Joey Martin to lift his first championship as captain, also delighted for a guy like Jimmy Alini, who's been such a great pro, a warrior for every team he's played on, like we say, captain in the American League. And it just I always got to remind myself that players go their whole career without winning championships, they never have that moment to lift that trophy and get the champagne flowing. And you know, if he didn't come to us, maybe that would have been Jimmy Alini that would have retired in a few years' time without having a trophy. So, you know, that was a huge moment and meant a lot for him. And yeah, I'm sure he's hungry to repeat that.

SPEAKER_01 43:39

And you know, he talked about toughness, he managed to do all that celebrate and almost knocked himself out on a penalty box door in the final bless him. So uh yeah, glad he he got away with that one. But uh he did uh manage to lift a fair few champagne bottles afterwards.

SPEAKER_03 43:53

Oh, just a couple, I think awards night. There was there was a there's a wonderful photo that I'm sure I'll put on Twitter at some point where Jimmy Alini is he's received his defense from. The year awards, and he's up on stage. And in the photo, he's he's celebrating and he's holding his trophy and his big smile on his face. And then next to him is me kind of looking over at Franny thinking, we've got to get this guy off stage somehow. I think we probably need to, but um, yeah, great, great to have Jimmy Leaney back in Cardiff. Unfortunately, we haven't had the chat the chance to chat to him yet. He is a very busy man, of course, a family guy and a lot going on this offseason. So we will hopefully over the coming weeks be able to sit down with him and bring you an interview with Jimmy. But um, yeah, great news to have him back in Cardiff. Like you say, you guys, good to have him back in Cardiff after that worrying end to the playoffs as well, because it was a nervy moment when he went down. But uh yeah, great news, and uh, and I'm sure everybody in Cardiff is glad to see that. The next bit of news we want to chat about, and this is actually somebody leaving the Devils, unfortunately, and and and you never like to see guys moving on, but sometimes it's it's to to pastures new and to into great opportunities. And and Ewan King is leaving the Devils, and I think, first of all, really, really sad to see him move on because a big part of the locker from a big part of this management team and uh and a big asset to the devils, I think, Franny.

SPEAKER_02 45:01

Yeah, I'm absolutely gutted that he's leaving, uh, as are all the staff, the you know, the coaches and management and the team. Um, he has been uh a very kind of um under the radar part of our success and a huge part of this club, and he's done a brilliant job. He he's a he's got a brilliant hockey brain on him, he's got a brilliant manner with him. Um the only thing that kind of tempers my sadness about it is the fact that he's going on to such a big role, uh, which is great for him and great for his family too, because we've got his family's in Peterborough, and you know, he spends the season down here in Cardiff away from you know his wife and his three girls, and that's that's tough. Um, but such is his commitment to it to his role that you know he never um he never misses a beat on that. So to get a role where he can combine it with living at home, but also an opportunity to grow the game in Britain and use his expertise to bring on the next generation, uh, Ice Hockey UK have got an absolutely fantastic asset.

SPEAKER_03 46:02

Yeah, exactly. And he his role is he's gonna be the national manager of goaltending development and then the co-national manager of hockey development, like you say, Ice hockey UK, which you know, as as opportunities come, and like you say, Franny, a chance to to bring through the next generation of Brits. I think Gaz it this is great for him, and this is exactly what he deserves because he is fantastic.

SPEAKER_01 46:19

Yeah, it's the it's the other side of off-season, isn't it? We're just sat here talking about how excited we are for returners and new sign-ins, but you know, the off-season also brings bad news as well, and people uh move on to pastures new. And when it is someone like you, and you know, we've got a a great team on the gantry between all of the different departments up there, and you know, when you come in on a weekend and see everyone and have a chat, you really look forward to it. It's there's a great camaraderie up there, and Ewan was always a big part of that. While you guys are doing the uh analysis of the highlights, if there was a stat or something I wanted a quick check on, Ewan would be scurrying past me from the locker room, and I'd get to pick his brains a little bit. And uh yeah, it's just it is gonna be a a real sad moment next year when he when he isn't there. Um, but just to echo everything you guys said, fantastic opportunity for him, and I've got no doubt that he will smash that new role. And it's uh it's a big plus for everyone in the UK, not just Cardiff.

SPEAKER_02 47:17

And and you guys have seen him in action. Uh, so he's up on the gantry during the game, he live tags the game. So just to explain what that is, he is watching the game uh with his laptop in front of him, and every single event that happens on the ice, whether it's a control breakout, uh for check, uh block shot, whatever it is, he's tagging that as it happens, and it it's an amazing skill uh that he does, so that when he goes down to the locker room between periods, Tom O can quickly look back at those things just to see any patterns so he can change the game plan or adjust something, and that's a huge part. I know Tom O you know really values that, but the other thing that Ewan is absolutely king at that's the the pun, didn't mean that, but it worked. Um, is coaches' challenges for uh goals uh uh but the putt crossing the line or um it's it's more goalie interference. Um so he will we've seen him in action where he's quickly looking at the video and he's got a split second to raid you down to the bench to say challenge or don't challenge, and he's he's absolutely brilliant at it. And you know, currently doing that in the world championships with Great Britain as well.

SPEAKER_03 48:27

Yeah, and there's no surprise for that because we we we've been in those situations where a goal goes in and you've got no longer than maybe 30 seconds to decide what you're gonna do after that. And there are times where he will run down along the gantry and and and say, I need to see that, and Argogs and have to find a replay for him and something, and he makes those calls so quickly, and he's so great. But um, yeah, I I think uh great to see him get this role. Just uh a final couple of notes. I'm gutted that he's moving on for one reason, actually, uh among many, which is we never actually got him on the podcast, and I think he would have been a fantastic guy, he would have hated it because he does not like doing interviews. But I've I've seen a couple of clips of him doing video sessions with the guys, and the way he expresses and is able to communicate things, I think is so, so good. And and it's another reason why there's no shock that he's got the role he has because he is so good and so skilled at his role. But um, yeah, I think you know that then ties in with the fact that Ben Bounce has been putting up career numbers for the past two or three years, and that that's coincided with him being here in Cardiff. Those guys work so well together.

SPEAKER_02 49:22

Well, Ewan would be quick to point out that it's every year since Ewan has been here, there has been a step increase in Bounce's performance, and it's continued right the way through those years. So every single year there's been an improvement year on year, and uh yeah, I mean Bounsey's got to take a lot of credit for that, but so is Ewan. Uh, you know, working with a veteran goalie like like Bounsey, uh, you know, they get on really well. And then the flip side of the coin, he had a rookie goalie like Christian Stover. And look how Stover developed as the season went on. And again, um, you know, we'll put a lot of credit down to Stover, but also to Kinger for that.

SPEAKER_01 50:00

And uh uh Presley said uh Ewan is gonna help find the replacement that's gonna come in. So, you know, if he's got a Ewan King seal of approval, that's good enough for me.

SPEAKER_02 50:10

Yeah, and the other thing that Ewan helped uh a lot with was uh the prank that I played on you down at the end of the year. So for the for those of you that weren't there at the end awards night, um it started off with a just a jokey challenge from Ewan for me to get a song title in to the commentary, and it was uh a Tom Jones song. So it happened once, and then the next week he goes, I got another one for you, so we got that one in, and it uh cumulated in about 10 different references over the last four or five weeks of the season, which we played at uh at the Devil's Award night. So maybe we'll get that on the on the webcast at some point.

SPEAKER_03 50:47

Yeah, thanks, King, for that one. I really appreciate that.

SPEAKER_02 50:49

And I forgot to crack one on the night, and I felt really bad because he did all the hard work, but uh yeah, so thanks, Kinger, for I mean we had so much fun doing it, but uh and he and he he came over to me at awards night, big smile on his face, and I said, Why?

SPEAKER_03 51:02

And he went, Well, it was really funny, one that you had no idea. And I thought, oh great, thanks, King, making me look like a numptie. Yeah, but um he leaves with the well-wishes the entire organization, absolutely top bloke. And and I'm sure it won't be the last time we see him in Cardiff, that's for sure. He's always got a home here and has always got a chance to come back if and when he wants to do that.

SPEAKER_02 51:21

And he's and he's genuinely sad to be leaving, absolutely gutted, but he knows it's the right thing for his career, for his family, and I think he'll always have that kind of affinity with the devils, and no doubt that if we do need anything from him, he'll be on hand as he always has been.

SPEAKER_03 51:35

That he will. The last thing I want to talk about on today's show, and it's uh an announcement that went out on Saturday morning, and it's one that caught out a lot of people, and one that I think is has sent a bit of a shockwave through the Devils fan base because it's a new player, but a very familiar name, in that Jake Sacratini has signed with the Devils for the upcoming season, and uh, you know, uh his father Vezio played for the Devils for eight seasons, I think it was for over 400 games, a huge amount of points, cult hero here in Cardiff. Guys, I'm gonna let you take over on this one because you you saw him uh from a fan's perspective from that point of view, really in the pump of his career.

SPEAKER_01 52:12

One of the most popular uh devils players of all time, one of the best devils players uh of all time. Uh Sagrutini is one of the most fun characters to watch uh on the ice, I think anyone's ever seen. And like I say, he backed it up with points as well. Um this is I'm gonna go back again, the 40th year. How exciting is it that the son of a devil's legend is gonna make his devil's debut in the 40th year? That feels written in the stars type of thing, doesn't it? And uh I'd say a little bit of caution. Jay Satini is his own man, and he will have his own playing style and he will have his own impact on the devils. Um, he's taking his dad's number, which I think is cool as well. We're in the 28. Um, and you know, hopefully I will finally uh achieve a boy who dream of calling a Sacrettini goal uh in Cardiff Devil's colours.

SPEAKER_03 53:07

Yeah, and and I think that's the really important thing to emphasize here. While there's of course so much nostalgia around the Sacrettini name, such a loved guy here. This is Jake Sanny and Cardiff, and Jake will come and he will be here to play for Annie.

SPEAKER_02 53:18

Yeah, I I was gonna make exactly that point, so I'm glad you did. Um, yeah, it's we've signed Jake Sacratini, not Vez Sacrettini. Um, and he is his own player, but yeah, brilliant um to to you know the kind of full 360 of this. And for me personally as well, you know, I've I've got a lot of affinities with the the Sacratinis, and um I was the first person ever to meet Vez from Cardiff. So I volunteered to go and pick up players from the airport. So I thought, okay, you're picking up this guy, Jake. Uh sorry, Vez Sacratini. Um, so drove down to the airport and um picked up. I didn't know who I was looking for, but then when you see somebody with a hockey bag, a baseball cap and hockey sticks, I was like, right, you must be him. So we then had that kind of two hours on the way back from Heathrow, just chatting about Cardiff and all things. And then he got on to um numbers. I was like, what number are you gonna wear, Vez? And he goes, Oh, I wear number 27. I was like, Oh, we signed Frank Caprice and uh he's wearing 27. And he's like, Well, what number do you wear? And I said, 29. He goes, I'll go 28, right next to you. So that's literally how he became 28. We had that discussion in the car, and then um we had that training camp in Brest in France, which was the best bonding experience ever. Um, I remember on the bench in a game when Vez is stood next to me and he starts telling me about how he started dating a local girl, uh, and then points out Ruth in the crowd to me. So, you know, from day one, I got to know uh um Ruth uh and obviously then they became married and had uh two children. Um and yeah, and now it's just wild that uh Vez's son is now going to be playing on the Devil's team, and you know, they're super excited, they're super proud. Um, you know, Vez uh Jake, sorry, was born here, so another Welsh guy on the team, and that's yeah, it's just an immensely proud moment, as you'll have seen from the socials and the emotion in the video from Ves about how proud he is to have his son play in you know in his home country, and for the team that that Ves served so well in those eight years.

SPEAKER_03 55:28

Little bit of background on Jake, of course, uh signs straight out of the uh college leagues, NCAA3, played at the State University of New York in Plattsburgh. So that's where he's been for the last couple of years, and then he was in the college system for a few years before that as well. Uh through 54 games in Plattsburgh, he's 20 goals, 29 assists, so for 49 points. A guy who I'm sure is going to be looking to replicate that kind of output here in Cardiff. And and I think uh what kind of game are we looking at seeing him bring in, Franny?

SPEAKER_02 55:54

Yeah, I mean he's a good skater, uh, very talented uh offensively. Um you see some of the clips on the highlight reel we've got there that he's got those kind of little way you know drags inside. Um for those of you that followed Great Britain in the three-on-three tournament, uh he he yiked for Great Britain in that and was among the top scorers uh in that group. And uh, you know, you saw that offensive side to his game. Um, you know, this will be his first year pro. So there's a big learning curve ahead of him. Um, but I know him, he's a he's a great kid, he's absolutely looking forward to the challenge, and I know he's gonna just absorb everything from the great coaches that he'll have, you know, Paul Thompson, Nicholas. Um, he'll absorb that like a sponge as well. So, yeah, he's got some growing to do in terms of the pro game, but he's definitely got all the tools to succeed.

SPEAKER_01 56:42

And you know, you you saw those pictures of him on the ice as a young kid. Uh, you know, it's you've got someone with an inbuilt passion for the Cardiff Devils, you know, we've got plenty of players that we bring in that that sort of gain that over time, but you've got someone who knows exactly what the Cardiff Devils are all about straight from the off, and I think that's a big bonus uh for him as well. Uh just just really exciting, isn't it? Just you know, to to see the impact of this club over so much time that we've got to this point now where we're sort of joining back through, you know, people who've loved this club, we've loved them, and now we get to kind of do it all over again.

SPEAKER_02 57:22

Yeah, I mean Fez and I have talked about this for probably over 10 years, and he's saying, like, Frank, he's gonna be a devil one day. He wants that's what he wants to do. He wants to play for the devils one day. Um, I mean, like, we've got to make it happen, we've got to make it happen. And you know, that was when he was a little kid, you know, he grew up and he just wanted to play for the devils, similar to the Bailey Howard story. Um, but you know, he's always always had that on as his focus to do whatever he can to get himself into a position where he can play for the devils, and you know, and now that gets to come true.

SPEAKER_01 57:53

How did you manage to get Vez to make a video where he didn't swear to say how proud he was?

SPEAKER_02 57:58

Yeah, I don't know how many uh takes it was, but may but uh yeah, I mean I I loved that video. Just uh you could see how much Cardiff means to Vez. You know, he always tells me that you know, without doubt, the best years of his life, um, great times. You know, he's got a massive affinity with the city. Obviously, he married a Welsh girl, Ruth, um, Welsh kids, and now gets to son, get to see his son lace up for the team that he loves so dearly.

SPEAKER_03 58:23

And a big point in all of this, Franny, is the fact that Jake will qualify as a homegrown player in the Elite League, which is which is a massive benefit to the Devils. Of course, came through the Devils junior system just before he then went and moved back home with with Vez.

SPEAKER_02 58:34

Yeah, I mean it's uh it's great that you know he comes in and joins our Brit pack. Um, yeah, he was uh you know from that young age where you see him skating in that NHL All-Stars uh game and uh Ves's testimonial as well. Uh he was out there as a tiny little kid, uh, and then he came through you know a few years in the Devil's Junior system um before obviously uh they headed uh to Canada. So yeah, it's uh it does feel like you know one of our own is has made the lineup in you know a bit of an unorthodox way, but um great nonetheless.

SPEAKER_01 59:11

It's just one of those signs that no one I don't think had Jigs actually on their radar. You know, you comb through elite prospects and there are whispers of people and talks here, there, and everywhere. This is one of those really cool off-season surprises that just kind of galvanizes you during an off-season, doesn't it? It reminds you that you're missing hockey and you can't wait for it to start again. Um, you know, Vez was one of one, one of the most unique uh players and people uh that we've ever seen. And I just can't wait to see what legacy Jake Sacrutini forges for himself in Devil's Colours.

SPEAKER_03 59:44

Yeah, proper feel-good story, a real positive one early on in the off-season. And uh, it's so early in the off-season that uh we wanted to speak to Jake before we recorded this podcast. Unfortunately, he has the small matter of a graduation this weekend, so it was a little bit unavailable, which you can forgive. But I am chatting to him on the Monday coming, and so uh through the magic of editing and and and and the magic of podcasting, that's what you're gonna hear in just a moment's time. But uh yeah, we I am gonna sit down with Jake. So here it is. Ladies and gents, I'm delighted to be joined by the newest devil signing here in Cardiff, Jake Sacratini. Jake, thank you so much for chatting to me. Congratulations on being a devil. How do you feel?

SPEAKER_00 1:00:20

Yeah, thank you so much. Uh thanks for having me. And uh I'm ecstatic. I'm super excited to get back. Um it's been too long since I've been home, so just excited to be back.

SPEAKER_03 1:00:31

Before we chat further, I need to ask, uh we need to give you more congratulations, actually, if anything. You you graduated this weekend. How was that?

SPEAKER_00 1:00:38

Yeah, it was uh it was always a goal of mine to play college hockey, not only for the hockey, but also the academic side of it. So it was awesome to to finally get rewarded with the graduation there and uh move on to the next chapter of my life.

SPEAKER_03 1:00:52

You like you say, you you you you've been in college for the last few years, you've been at S U N Y, and and before that you were at the American International College. How was your time in in college been both both on and off the ice?

SPEAKER_00 1:01:01

Yeah, it was awesome. I uh I didn't go the major junior route like uh most people do here because I was kind of a late bloomer. So I uh I took my time, went to college at uh 21, and then uh like most hockey guys do there, and uh really found myself really developed. Unfortunately, the program at AIC there folded. So uh a lot of guys were looking for new homes. I was lucky enough to find uh Plattsburgh and they welcomed me, open arms, gave me everything I I needed to succeed, and uh yeah, I couldn't be more grateful for my time there.

SPEAKER_03 1:01:36

You had a great points return while you were in Plattsburgh over those two years. Uh what what kind of game was it like over there? How how do how did you play? Did you enjoy it? Was it good?

SPEAKER_00 1:01:45

Yeah, it was awesome. I uh I really was able to kind of find my game there. Um I I loved uh how the coaching staff was playing me. I loved how my teammates were were playing, like it was awesome. Um the game was was pretty fast. I know it's a it's a smaller rank than over in Europe, so I'm excited to get to the big sheet where I could really use uh use my speed and stuff a bit more, but uh no, it was it was good.

SPEAKER_03 1:02:14

Yeah, let's let's chat now about about the move here to Cardiff. You you interestingly you you called it home. You said you're looking forward to going home when you jumped on this call. And uh I find that really interesting because of course you you you grew up, you're born in Cardiff, grew up here, but uh you must be very excited to now yeah go back to to what you consider home.

SPEAKER_00 1:02:29

Yeah, um I mean growing up uh the the elite league was kind of my my NHL growing up. I didn't really know anything about that, so um yeah, I'm super excited to come back and uh I'm very excited to see my grandparents get some roast dinners and maybe some wealth freaks from her. They're not really the same over here.

SPEAKER_03 1:02:50

Oh yeah, I like I like the sound of that. But um tell me a little bit about the the emotions when you signed. How did the move come about, first of all? We we we know Chanter Neil Francis, who of course speaks about you know being contact with your dad. This has been something that the devils have been looking at for a number of years now. So tell me about the process of signing here in Cardiff.

SPEAKER_00 1:03:05

Yeah, it was uh I really didn't know what to expect. It was pretty stressful after school, not really knowing what my what my next move was gonna be. But uh as soon as uh you know the devils offered, it was kind of a no-brainer just to automatically say yes. I mean, like I said, growing up, the the devils were my uh NHL team, idling guys like uh my dad, my uncle, Jeff Burgoyne, like guys like Ivan Matullik and stuff, just growing up, those were my uh like superstars looking up to. So just to be able to be one of them is a huge thing for me. And uh yeah, just super excited. Um I mean, it was a no-brainer to say yes, honestly.

SPEAKER_03 1:03:49

Oh, I bet, yeah. And and you talk about those guys you kind of grew up idolizing, and there'll be devils fans who love hearing those names, of course, who remember them well. And how how many memories do you have of of growing up in Cardiff? Because you know, you you left when what were you about six or seven when you left left Cardiff?

SPEAKER_00 1:04:03

Yeah, a bit older than that. I was I think 11, 12, but um I remember I remember growing up with uh Ed Patterson's kids, Max and Maz. I had to rank around with them. Um I honestly don't remember much, maybe like mini sticks in the apartment in the flats, and uh just being I remember being on the the parade bus. I think it was a challenge cup they won. I remember I have some pictures of me on the on the parade bus with them, but uh yeah, I I don't have much memory of it because I was younger, but uh the memory the memories are brought back by the the good pictures I have.

SPEAKER_03 1:04:40

Yeah, and the devils they they tweeted out a couple of photos uh around your signing, and and then I think the moment that one of them went out, a few people started to realize what was going on and knew that that you were gonna be signing. And uh you you must be really uh appreciative of of the kind of reaction that we've had in Cardiff as well, because so many people, it it's been like a really good surprise for everybody.

SPEAKER_00 1:04:58

Yeah, uh, I mean the support's been crazy. Uh I was not expecting that much uh of a response from it, but the texts and all the stories that I've been getting, like uh I know it's kind of hard to answer all of them, but uh they definitely don't go unnoticed, and I'm super grateful for for all the support already.

SPEAKER_03 1:05:17

Of course, you your dad played it for a very long time, and and and he's he kind of began the the Sacratini legacy here, and you're now gonna pick it up. Are you excited to get that chance and kind of pick up a little bit where he left off and and and take your family name and continue on the story?

SPEAKER_00 1:05:31

Yeah, for sure. And uh like 28's been my number my whole life, and it just so happens he wore it there also. So taking that number is pretty special to me. And uh yeah, I mean, uh I want to make my my own kind of legacy there. Maybe make uh make a new name for myself. But uh yeah, I'm definitely if I could do half the stuff he did there, I'll be super proud of myself.

SPEAKER_03 1:05:56

Yeah, for sure. And and and and what what are you gonna bring? What what what kind of expectations? you have on yourself coming into Cardiff?

SPEAKER_00 1:06:02

Yeah, I mean, uh I'm not really sure what to expect from from other people, but uh from myself, I'm just expecting myself to carry on where I where I left off in in college, kinda just bring be a be a sponge and taking everything from from the guys that have been there before. Like just learn learn new things, learn to play the right way. It's a different brand of hockey, so kind of have to uh to adjust. I'm gonna try and uh adapt as quick as I can. And uh yeah I mean I I look up to I was watching a lot of devil's hockey this year so I I really want to I really like Brandt and uh Sanford's games so I want to kind of model myself around those two uh a little on the shorter side but they don't play like it at all and that's kind of my motto also.

SPEAKER_03 1:06:54

Yeah I mean you've kind of you've kind of answered my next question. I was going to say you know since being back uh back over there have you have you kept you know your eye on the devils but clearly have what did you make of them at the end at the end of last season?

SPEAKER_00 1:07:04

Yeah I mean uh my my roommates are also pretty big hockey nuts like myself so we uh we would sit down obviously with the time change the games were were around like uh lunchtime so we would just sit there and what to put on some European hockey games and it would sometimes be the devils and uh yeah I mean it was awesome watching them uh like I said the I kinda wanna if I could be anything like him but compare myself a bit to Sanford like I love his game uh kind of on the smaller side righty but not as scared not scared at all to get in the corners like he mixes it up like guys like Brandt like just awesome I love the brand of the devil's hockey and uh yeah I'm excited to be an addition to it. Yeah I found that fascinating that you you talk about watching you know European hockey and calling yourself a bit of a hockey nut and stuff and and it is that I think do you get that love of the game not only from obviously your dad and growing up in a hockey family but but kind of developing your own interest in the game as well yeah I mean uh just growing up uh my friend Blake I mentioned like all we all we would do is hockey we whether it's watching it playing it video games uh street hockey playing it together growing up like uh from the ages of 12 to 16 whatever playing together it's kind of just in our life we haven't we never were those guys that would uh like in in high school that would uh go off smoking or partying whatever our our mindset was always hockey and uh yeah I mean I'm super happy for it now because it uh it definitely paid off.

SPEAKER_03 1:08:41

Yeah and you you must be I mean so excited to come back to Cardiff obviously for for all the reasons you've you you've said but also you know when we talk about the rink you your family were here in in the old generation rinks in the WNIR and when the Big Blue 10 was around and and and you're now going to come and play at the Vindico as well that must be very exciting.

SPEAKER_00 1:08:56

Yeah super excited um we uh we visited uh I think it was 2019 we visited my grandparents and uh we were able to stop by the rink but super cool and just like yeah I can't wait to get back.

SPEAKER_03 1:09:11

Well Jake I I I can tell you that the fans are absolutely buzzing to have you here and uh and I hope you're uh you're ready for it. Enjoy your summer and we're looking forward to seeing you in August. Thank you so much for chatting to me. I really appreciate it.

SPEAKER_00 1:09:21

Yeah thank you so much have a have a great summer and uh yeah thank you to everyone that's reached out so far and and supported me.

SPEAKER_03 1:09:28

So uh thank you guys have a good summer big thank you to Jake uh I'm I'm sure I enjoy chatting to him listen back to that one and uh and it's great and excited to have him in Cardiff but uh yeah that guys that's kind of all the news all the roundup for us for this episode of Devil's Insider it's good to be back in the building with you. I mean as we look at the names that we talked about today Martin Alini Welsh Sacratini that's a pretty good start to the offseason.

SPEAKER_01 1:09:53

It certainly is and we didn't even have time to talk about what's going on around the rest of the league and there's all sorts going there. So uh excuse to come back together and have a discussion about that as well.

SPEAKER_03 1:10:02

Yeah Franny I'm sure we'll have some more names to chat about you you're remarkably coy in keeping everything quiet so uh we'll try and drag some more names out of you at some point.

SPEAKER_02 1:10:09

I know I just got to keep catching myself when I'm speaking because I get carried away when I got a microphone in front of me just not to give anything away. But um yeah I mean off season I love the off season I mean it's uh it's one of my passions in terms of getting involved in the the recruitment side of things um I think we got an absolutely fantastic base to work with in terms of the Devil's roster and you know a few uh bit of tinkering here and there and um it's the league championship that we want to put in our sight. I mean there's there's no doubt about that anyone that you speak to um that's the the one that we're aiming for next year. Not to say we're not aiming for the other competitions but that league championship is the big one because we haven't won it for a while and uh we want to get back on top of that.

SPEAKER_03 1:10:56

Plenty of work to do plenty of off season to come but it's been good to chat with you guys again it's been good to be back down here at the rink and be back on Devil's Insider thank you so much for listening today guys thank you to everybody who joined the show we really appreciate you taking the time and uh yeah we will be back with you before you know it for some more devil's news so we will see you then goodbye thank you very much once again to our sponsor Minerva Hearing for today's podcast and remember Minerva Hearing hear the cheers protect your ears