Inferno Interview - Adam Harding

Hot on the heels of his signing for the Devils 2012-13 campaign we caught up with Adam Harding to get his thoughts on next season and his step up the Elite side . Adam came through the Devils junior ranks before heading to California for 3 years and returned to Cardiff last summer and being picked up by the ENL .The 19 year old Cardiff native stepped up to the Elite side last season from the ENL Devils and earned his place for this coming season as a full time Devil. We talk to Adam about his future, how the Devils/ENL setup has helped him to get where he is today and a general look at what a young hungry hockey player is looking to achieve.

Inferno ( IF) How did you get involved with hockey and when?

Adam Harding (AH) I started out with roller hockey at the age of 7, got into ice hockey from seeing an add in the Echo about the cardiff devils.

IF - Best forward you've played on a line with?

AH - It would 100% have to be Scott Matzka, great player, he makes it so much easier for players around him.

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

AH - My strength and my size, I’m working hard on this at the moment ahead of the next season, so I'm stronger and can be more productive for the team.

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

AH - Jade Galbraith, he has unreal vision, and anyone would learn a lot from playing with a player like him.

IF - What's your Proudest achievement to date playing hockey?

AH - Signing for the Cardiff Devils this upcoming season of course haha

IF - You spent some time in the US before heading back to the UK. How did the move come about? Has this helped you with your game?

AH - From the age of 13 I wanted to go to the US, one of my close friends Joe Wiggell went out there and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. At the age of 15 i got my chance to go out there and took it in a heartbeat. Being in the US i was taught how to become more of a two way play and it improved my game tremendously.

IF - You joined the ENL this year from your spell in the US, how did the move back to Cardiff come about? Since then, you've stepped up to the Elite league team. How has this gone for you and are you enjoying having the chance to play? How did it feel to skate out in front of the Devils fans at finals weekend?

AH - I was training with some of the ENL players and elite league players throughout the summer and got talking to Cudds ( ENL Head coach Mark Cuddihy) about maybe coming back and being on a two way with the Devils I couldn’t say no really. The ENL did a lot for me and Cudds, they gave me a lot of ice time which built my confidence and i can’t thank the ENL guys and Cudds enough for what they have done for me.
I have enjoyed my chance to play with the Devils so much, being able to step up into a big role and try and prove myself is a chance that anyone would love to have, I got lucky with injuries and G and Franny gave me a great opportunity and i thank them for that.
Playing in front of the REDARMY at the finals weekend was unbelievable, playing in a stadium like that alone is amazing but with all the devils fans there you couldn't ask for more.

IF- Plans for next year? Have you spoke to G about next season?

AH - have signed a contract and will be playing full time for the Cardiff Devils in the 2012/13 season.

IF - You've got a day off what are you up too ?

AH - Hitting the gym with Mike Parsons (Fitness Factory Cardiff).

IF - You’re in pre-season training already for next season, is this something you've always done instead of taking a few weeks off or something new to you and a new way to prepare for the long season?

AH - I have always trained during the summer, but training with Mike is much different and i think i will improve my speed and strength because of him helping all of us.

IF - Looking at the next few years, what's your plan are where do you want to be? A move across Europe/US again?

AH - I have always wanted to be a devil and now my dream has come true i am just focusing on that at the moment.

IF - Anything else you would like to add?

AH - I'm really looking forward to the upcoming season, and i know G and Franny will put together a great team

We’d like to thank Adam for taking some time to speak to us and look forward to seeing him back on the ice for the new season.