Ben Davies - Inferno Q+A

The latest Inferno Q+A is with none other than local lad Ben Davies. Ben, a junior GB International at u18's and u20's also a England Junior player has developed through the Devils junior ranks before stepping up to the Elite League team over the last 3 years. Ben had a spell of no shifts last year so looked for a solution to this which seen him head to Basingstoke for half of the season. With Ben being on a line with Devils legend Steve Moria and import Viktor Kubenko, he started to shine in the EPL and the points kept racking up. Ben re-signed this summer and was looking forward to getting more ice time with the Devils. His work ethic shows it's not all about size when it comes to being a good hockey player. Ben spoke to us about this season, the future and his aims.

INF - What got you started playing hockey in the first place? At what age did you start and what got you hooked?

Ben - I went to a public session aged 6 and loved it, my parents started me in skating lessons and took that up for a couple months then moved into the junior system at about 7. Just progressed through the age groups there then, were lucky to have a great team in juniors.

Inferno (INF) - Who do you think is the best forward you have played on a line with and against?

Ben Davies (Ben)- Tough question, there have been a few for sure. Moria is a legend and was good playing with him but Elich was also skilful and playing on his line for a couple games was special. Playing against I’m not sure there have been quite a few.

INF - You decided to take a chance with Basingstoke half way through last season, how do you think it went and how much has this helped you mould into the player you are today? You played on a line with Super Mo and one other import- How did this benefit you playing with these two? Did their knowledge help you and make you change your game slightly to test it out?

Ben - I moved away last year just to try and get some ice time trying to get some confidence and get a feel of playing a lot week in week out. Playing on a strong line helped also and was great fun. Mixing in with PP and PK and slotting in here and there was great. I don’t think i went there trying to change just to work on some things like defensive game and consistency but really loved playing there, and I’m glad could come back to Cardiff hopefully a better and more rounded player.

INF - Craig Weller was obviously a huge signing for last year’s Devils- what was his biggest impact? Did you pick up much from him?

Ben - His professionalism was just unbelievable, making a step down in levels so to speak didn’t effect him and he worked hard always and his off ice presence was class. He would always offer a helping hand and was always there if you needed advice of any sort. Just a Class player.

INF - If you had to pick one part of your game you would improve, what would it be and why?

Ben - That’s a tough question. At the moment maybe my goal scoring haha. Na but probably my on ice awareness, being able to read the game better and play with my head up creating some different plays. Having the vision to make the plays and know what I’m going to do with the puck when I’m skating down.

INF - Which one current player in the British leagues (Brit or import) would you like to have playing with you in Cardiff?

Ben - Maybe Galbraith. I like the way he just appears in the right places all the time. Having great vision is class and he would be good player to learn off. Watching how he picks up the space and looks for the right play.

INF - As a GB international, where do you think the governing body should put more money/time into development? Was Thommo stepping down a shock?

Ben - It’s tough there’s a lot. Learn from the bigger hockey nations maybe like Germany and Switzerland. Having the GB teams go on a couple intense camps maybe through the season and on the run up to tournaments would help from my experience at U18 and U20 level a couple days here and there is nowhere near enough but i know it’s all money etc. Maybe get some big sponsorship in.
I think eventually the leagues should look to be promotion relegation. That’s my view, i think it would be awesome and obviously the number of imports would have to get closer between the leagues but for me it would be very competitive and bring through some great talent.

Yeah Thommo stepping down was a shock and I’ve heard how good and intense of a coach he is at GB level which is superb and will be a great loss. Seeing them get so close last year was shocking but shows how far GB have come and would be a dream come true to build on that and maybe one day be a permanent player in the top division.

INF- Where would you like your Hockey career to take you? If you say Sheffield we can't be held responsible for the outcome..

Ben - Haha, I would love to play my hockey overseas at some point in my career for a little while at least. Experiencing the world and other leagues alike. It’s always been a big dream of mine since juniors and never managed to get the chance when i was younger so i do hope i can at some point. But I love playing in Cardiff so we will have to see.

INF - After playing hockey - what's your plan/would you like to do?

Ben - I’m not sure as of yet maybe while I’m playing, perhaps get some qualifications other than A-levels under my belt ha. I’m doing a course at the moment which will help me to become a Personal Trainer. Through the season then i can train people which would be awesome when balancing my training and games. But maybe look into the emergency services after hockey which would be exciting.

INF - How are you getting on this season ? Enjoying being back at the Elite level.

Ben - Yeah I’m loving it. Playing centre also is what i played through juniors so having the opportunity to play there is awesome so i hope i can continue playing well till the end of the year. I’m enjoying playing on the PK also which i think has helped bring my defensive game on and my calmness on the puck which i have lacked in other years.
But yeah playing in the Elite league again and in my hometown is awesome and don’t want the season to end.

INF -Have you set yourself any goals for this season?

Ben - I set myself a couple at the start of the year. More individual targets and views that i want myself to look at on-going through the season. Making sure that i stay on track and don’t get too distracted from what i want to get out of the year. It would be awesome to win some silverware this year sat playoffs with me being part of the team for a couple years now and not having won a trophy as of yet.

INF- The Belfast giants are romping away with the league at the minute.. do you think this might be the year ?

Ben - I think the Giants will win the league this year. They have the strongest team in my eyes.

Fin -

We'd like to thank Ben for taking time out to speak to us and wish him all the best for the rest of this season and hopefully many more to come.