Inferno Interview - Bari Mckenzie

So the Devils welcome a brand new Brit forward to the Devils roster. It's been a while but we welcome Bari Mckenzie. Mckenzie started his career in the EPL before into the EIHL and a chance in the US on a scholarship in the Midget AAA league.

After signing back in the UK with Belfast, Mckenzie didn't have the best year and decided to drop down to the SNL to get some confidence back in his game and this has helped him get back up to the level he wanted to. Generating some impressive stats with Solway before signing back in the Elite league with Edinburgh for the last two years.

We speak to Bari about his time with the Caps, the prospect of playing in Cardiff as well as what our fans can expect from him and our usual interview questions.

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

Bari Mckenzie (BM) My parents are from Glasgow and when my dad was younger he was into hockey, so when the ice rink opened in Dumfries he took he skating and i loved it and never looked back.

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

BM - Last year my overall game improved which i was really happy with. I would like to be more consistent in front of goal. I feel that i had chances that i should of took. I am going to work hard in training to make sure this happens, I would like to improve my overall game and take my overall play to the next level.

IF - What can the Devils fans expect from you next season?

BM - Well i am hard working player who will give 100% every shift and do anything to help my teammates. I am confident i can continue where i left off last season and do my very best to help the team succeed and push for trophies this season.

IF - Who's the best forward you've played on a line with?

BM - I would have to say playing with Rene last season was great, he is a natural goal scorer and you knew if you put the puck on his stick it would be a goal.

IF - Proudest achievement to date?

BM - Winning two junior world championships was a great. When i was younger and got a full scholarship to play in America which was amazing. I was there for two years and we got the Midget AAA national championships what was a great experience.

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

BM - Well i think the team that Cardiff had last season was as strong a squad as any in the league. Keeping the key brits like Richy and Phil Hill will be key. It will be interesting to see where Danny Meyers will end up. He is a great player and will improve and team he plays on.

IF - It was a tough 2 years at Edinburgh for you but you showed through the tough times, you still managed to put the points up. Has this helped you to get where you are today? What was the atmosphere like within the team? How supportive were the fans towards the team?

BM - Yes for sure times were tough. The team and fans were great. All the players stuck together because it wasn’t the boys in the locker room's fault. Playing on the top line last season gave my a great amount of confidence which i was lacking, Richard told me to play my game and don’t worry about anything which really helped me.

IF - You've got a day off, what are you doing? What's the ideal day outside of "work"?

BM - Well during the summer i like spending time with my dogs. I have two Labradors and i love going walks with them(weather permitted), When i arrive in Cardiff on my days off i will spend some time in the gym then i think i will go a see the city. It’s a new city and i have heard great things about it and i am looking forward to seeing the sights.

IF - Are you one for superstitions and rituals pre-game? If you are would you comfortable telling us what they might be?

BM -To be honest i dont really and any superstitions. I like to play and WIN two touch but nothing major really.

IF - When do you plan to come down to Cardiff? Will you be down for a weekend trip to take everything in, meet up with some new team mates or will you wait until you move down in the Summer for boot camp training?

BM - Yes i have been talking to G and i think i will come down in June for a weekend to meet everyone and see some of the city. I would like to come down maybe at the start of August to train with the guys and get ready for the season.

IF - What's the Best arena you've played in for atmosphere and where's the worst?

BM - The best place for atmosphere was for sure Cardiff. To be honest i don’t really have a worst rink to play in.

IF - What do you plan to do when you hang the skates up?

BM - Well I’ve not really thought a lot about it to be honest. My dad will disagree but i would like to take over the family business over here in Dumfries. My dad owns a trophy shop so i will have to be nice to him over the next couple of years.

IF - Do you know much about Cardiff? Do you know much about the club and the fans? What made you chose Cardiff?

BM - To be honest i don't know a thing about the city, I have not spent any time in the city. I have only been to the rink and the hotel. I know that the fans are very passionate about the Devils and gets behind and supports them on game nights. Cardiff is one of the superior clubs in the country with a winning tradition, the history, team, management and fans are all top notch. I have played with Mark Richardson in the national teams and when i speak to him about Cardiff on a whole he has nothing but good things to say. When i was first in contact with G my mind was made up, Everything he said sounded amazing, I've only heard great things about the Devils and I am honoured to be playing and winning trophies with the Devils. I am sure this will be a great chapter in my hockey career and I cant wait to get started.

IF - Anything else you would like to add?

BM - I would like to thank everyone for their messages and support welcoming me to Cardiff. I can’t wait to arrive in Cardiff to meet everyone involved with the organisation and get the season started.