What a superb listen this was - just like every episode this season. These podcasts have been a fantastic addition to the Cardiff Devils’ entertainment, offering a chance to debrief games while also giving us real insight into the players. The playoff review was excellent, covering everything from the first game to the last, and it was brilliant to have Thommo on for the finale. What a coach, by the way - I had a feeling from the moment he was signed that he’d be the right fit. That’s not any form of boasting; he’s simply a winner and a hard worker, as is all of his background staff, and we know that is the demand and expectation of our great ownership and Todd.
It was great to hear more about the awards ceremony and to get a deeper understanding of the team dynamic - the togetherness and genuine warmth they have for each other. That’s fantastic to hear. The award winners themselves are hard to argue with - Kontos, Barrow, Brandt, Oligny, Martin, and the rest. It was also great to see members of the background staff, like Murdy, get the recognition they fully deserve for all their hard work behind the scenes.
What a way to end the season eh - with a well-earned playoff trophy. The team was on an incredible run in those final weeks. Seeing the players celebrating on social media since then has been brilliant haha, those are memories that will last a lifetime. You can really see how much they’ve grown as a unit, especially over the last few months. They’re all at different stages of their careers, but equally effective.
In terms of the awards, it was brilliant to see Davies win the Matzka Award. What a warrior- fighting through such challenging times. It’s just so good to hear that everything is okay. What a servant to the Devils.
Every player deserves recognition, and hopefully we’ll see a strong core return next season to carry on that hard work, togetherness, fun, excitement, and winning mentality. There were a few dips along the way, but we all knew there was something special about this team. The pockets of frustration by fans at times only reflected the level of talent, ambition and potential we knew was in the squad.
In term sof celebrations and the human side of things, that moment with Ferguson and the Guildford fans was pure class - from the Devils players encouraging him to further acknowledge them and have their moment together, to the Guildford supporters sharing that moment with someone who’s given them so much over the years. Just brilliant - class act all round. What a sport that pulls out these amazing moments!
Finally, a massive mention to Tyson Helgessen as well. Hearing Thommo speak so highly of him says it all - what a player. For me, he’s been my favourite new addition: tough, classy, solid, consistent, dependent, protector and intelligent. A proper team guy, as Thommo called im - someone who gives everything, even through continual injury to keep going and going. I really hope he’s here for years to come, along with Yaremko.
Season’s done!
There’s so much to look forward to next year and beyond for this amazing club - but for now, it’s time to reset and enjoy a well-earned off-season. Players, staff, owners and fans alike!
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