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The Inferno
Inferno blog- ger-devils
5th Apr 2013 | Posted by Geraint Walters
So the season is coming to an end and thought I would look back over the season. It’s been a strange old season. From the off looking strong to players coming and going, the arrival of Biznasty, net minder changes, injuries, 1 goal losses and ending with making the playoff weekend for the 10th season in a row.
Starting with 11 imports and a full British contingent, things were looking good for the Devils. Early November we released a player and picked up Lockout player Paul Bissonnette. More known for his twitter chirps than icing 30minutes a night, Biznasty brought something to the team that we’d lost in the summer- the toughness and giving players the room to play without fear. I witnessed Biz first game in Braehead and you could see from that first shift, he was a great player who maybe known more for fighting but he was a real asset to the team not just on the ice but off ice. It was tough to accept when the lockout was ended and Biz returned back home but within the time he was here, players upped their game to his level. Before he left, we picked up Jesse Gimblett.
Some questions were asked as he had no pre season due to his studies and unable to play hockey during the course but as the season has gone in, fans have appreciated what he brings to the team. It’s taken him a while to settle in but he’s been a huge plus for us and it will be interested to see him after a full pre season if he stays for another year.
Around Christmas, we get the news that our starting net minder would be leaving. This was a big shock to most and a tough call for the coaches to control and to try and secure a net minder before the deadline date. Thankfully we picked up Chris Whitley after his team had folded and we managed to fly him straight in. He’s been a good pick up for us so late in the year and he’s helped settle the ship and played a big part on getting the playoff position.
We’ve been hampered in the past with injuries but don’t think we’ve had so many as this where players are still playing injured and having to call up so many of the junior team up and expect them to play a regular shift as this year.
What team can say they’ve got 8 of their current roster in their Elite league team that came through their junior development? Exactly, no one else bar the Devils. The development coming through the last few years has been awesome. With the recent double success of the U18’s with their league and Challenge tournament invite to France, it’s set to be another interesting summer to see where how many of that team will step up and train with the seniors. Not forgetting the NIHL1 and 2 teams, there’s plenty of depth within their ranks to develop and push future players higher.
So the playoffs last weekend. I managed to get some time off work at the last moment and decided to head up to Braehead for the first leg. Flew up with one or two other fans then bussed it back the next day with some Clanfans-Was staying with a friend who was heading down. At the end of the game we were disappointed with the score but we knew it wasn’t over with the 2nd leg still to go the next night. The Clan players were distraught and couldn’t believe what they had done. 4 goal lead and give two late goals up. The Devils felt that it was a win for them and the advantage had actually swung to us for the 2nd leg.
Sunday’s game arrived and wasn’t sure how it would go. If the Clan got the first goal, I thought that would be it but thankfully for the Devils, 2 early goals settled the nerves and the game was technically back to 0-0. 2 more goals before the Clan tied things up and they looked like they were back in the game until Gimblett goal with 11seconds left in the 2nd kept the momentum in our favour. Another two goals in the final period finally confirmed the Devils will make the final four for a 10th consecutive year.
Onto this weekend
Anyone else getting a lump in their throat after reading these blogs or watching the videos produced by Sully? It’s amazing what a few words and some images can do to people.
One thing I’ve stood by for a long time in terms of playing sport is a line “never say die” This group of players have been like this all year. Yes they hate seeing the L next to the fixture but they know their job and what they’re expected to do. This weekend we need all the negative, infighting with fans to be put to one side and support that team in Nottingham. No one is backing us to reach the final and it’s time for fans and players to step up and say, the underdog will win. Be loud, be proud and support that team in Red/White and enjoy the weekend. Also don’t forget to sing the National Anthem- no better feeling than singing it and leaving other fans in awe. If you start chanting and people give you a weird look, get them involved. We’re a noisy bunch so lets give the team an advantage as much as we can.
A big thank you to all the players for blogging for us this season, answering Q+A’s for the fans and giving us many a great laugh and enjoyment reading your stories throughout the year and we look forward to doing the same again next season.
Also thank you to those who’ve travelled to the away trips, our MNL texters at the home games and on the road- this is a huge help for fans who can’t make the games and our numbers have broken the record by around 10k! I’m not one for accepting praise but I’m always happy to help fans out when it comes to tickets, transport and if they have any questions we can answer.
G
Starting with 11 imports and a full British contingent, things were looking good for the Devils. Early November we released a player and picked up Lockout player Paul Bissonnette. More known for his twitter chirps than icing 30minutes a night, Biznasty brought something to the team that we’d lost in the summer- the toughness and giving players the room to play without fear. I witnessed Biz first game in Braehead and you could see from that first shift, he was a great player who maybe known more for fighting but he was a real asset to the team not just on the ice but off ice. It was tough to accept when the lockout was ended and Biz returned back home but within the time he was here, players upped their game to his level. Before he left, we picked up Jesse Gimblett.
Some questions were asked as he had no pre season due to his studies and unable to play hockey during the course but as the season has gone in, fans have appreciated what he brings to the team. It’s taken him a while to settle in but he’s been a huge plus for us and it will be interested to see him after a full pre season if he stays for another year.
Around Christmas, we get the news that our starting net minder would be leaving. This was a big shock to most and a tough call for the coaches to control and to try and secure a net minder before the deadline date. Thankfully we picked up Chris Whitley after his team had folded and we managed to fly him straight in. He’s been a good pick up for us so late in the year and he’s helped settle the ship and played a big part on getting the playoff position.
We’ve been hampered in the past with injuries but don’t think we’ve had so many as this where players are still playing injured and having to call up so many of the junior team up and expect them to play a regular shift as this year.
What team can say they’ve got 8 of their current roster in their Elite league team that came through their junior development? Exactly, no one else bar the Devils. The development coming through the last few years has been awesome. With the recent double success of the U18’s with their league and Challenge tournament invite to France, it’s set to be another interesting summer to see where how many of that team will step up and train with the seniors. Not forgetting the NIHL1 and 2 teams, there’s plenty of depth within their ranks to develop and push future players higher.
So the playoffs last weekend. I managed to get some time off work at the last moment and decided to head up to Braehead for the first leg. Flew up with one or two other fans then bussed it back the next day with some Clanfans-Was staying with a friend who was heading down. At the end of the game we were disappointed with the score but we knew it wasn’t over with the 2nd leg still to go the next night. The Clan players were distraught and couldn’t believe what they had done. 4 goal lead and give two late goals up. The Devils felt that it was a win for them and the advantage had actually swung to us for the 2nd leg.
Sunday’s game arrived and wasn’t sure how it would go. If the Clan got the first goal, I thought that would be it but thankfully for the Devils, 2 early goals settled the nerves and the game was technically back to 0-0. 2 more goals before the Clan tied things up and they looked like they were back in the game until Gimblett goal with 11seconds left in the 2nd kept the momentum in our favour. Another two goals in the final period finally confirmed the Devils will make the final four for a 10th consecutive year.
Onto this weekend
Anyone else getting a lump in their throat after reading these blogs or watching the videos produced by Sully? It’s amazing what a few words and some images can do to people.
One thing I’ve stood by for a long time in terms of playing sport is a line “never say die” This group of players have been like this all year. Yes they hate seeing the L next to the fixture but they know their job and what they’re expected to do. This weekend we need all the negative, infighting with fans to be put to one side and support that team in Nottingham. No one is backing us to reach the final and it’s time for fans and players to step up and say, the underdog will win. Be loud, be proud and support that team in Red/White and enjoy the weekend. Also don’t forget to sing the National Anthem- no better feeling than singing it and leaving other fans in awe. If you start chanting and people give you a weird look, get them involved. We’re a noisy bunch so lets give the team an advantage as much as we can.
A big thank you to all the players for blogging for us this season, answering Q+A’s for the fans and giving us many a great laugh and enjoyment reading your stories throughout the year and we look forward to doing the same again next season.
Also thank you to those who’ve travelled to the away trips, our MNL texters at the home games and on the road- this is a huge help for fans who can’t make the games and our numbers have broken the record by around 10k! I’m not one for accepting praise but I’m always happy to help fans out when it comes to tickets, transport and if they have any questions we can answer.
G
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