Inferno Interview - Brent Walton

Experienced forward Brent Walton is the next up in our pre-season interviews. Brent has been over in Europe since 2007 but this will be his first year in the Elite. The sniper from Ontario spent 4 seasons playing for a team called the (Bietigheim) Steelers but we aren't holding that against him. As well as the Steelers Brent has played games for the Syracuse Crunch in the AHL and Dayton Bombers in the East Coast Hockey League. We find out what we can expect from the man coach Andrew Lord has described as 'One of the biggest offensive threats in the league'

The-Inferno - How and when did you get involved in Ice Hockey?

Brent Walton - My parents put me in hockey when I was 3 years old, they didn't know much about hockey but their friends kids were in hockey so they thought it would be a good way to see their friends.

The-Inferno - What attracted you to the UK? Did you know much about the league and UK Hockey in general before you were approached by the Devils?

Brent Walton - I played an exhibition weekend against Sheffield when I played for the Bietigheim Steelers because we had the same sponsor. That is really the only experience I have with the UK league. I actually contacted the Devils myself because I had heard the league has been getting better every year and people I talked to only had good things to say about the organization and the city.

The-Inferno - You won the championship in Denmark last season, was it a hard decision to leave there and head to Wales for the coming season?

Brent Walton - We won the championship last year and it was amazing. You always become closer with the guys you have won a championship with because it is a whole different experience then when you lose your last game of the year. I enjoyed my time in Denmark but we did not come to an agreement for this year, so I wanted to go somewhere to have a chance at winning another championship.

The-Inferno - Was there much of a language barrier playing in Germany or Denmark? If there was it doesn't seem to have stopped you racking up the points!

Brent Walton - Language barriers happen away from the rink, but when it comes to hockey I don't think language gets in the way. Hockey has its own language. By the end of my 6 years in Germany I actually could speak German pretty well but that doesn't change your on ice play.

The-Inferno - Have you had a chance to look at the league and the rivalries that the Devils have in the Elite League as yet ? If so do you have any thoughts?

Brent Walton - So far I do not know too much about the league and the rivalries, I am sure my teammates and the fans will let me know. I have heard that the regular season is the main title which is new to me but is also exciting that you can never have an "off" night.

The-Inferno - You've played against our new player coach Andrew Lord over in Germany, is it likely to be less painful playing on the same team this year?

Brent Walton - I am very excited to play for and with Andrew this season. He was always a tough competitor. In my opinion he was the type of player you hate to play against but love to play with.

The-Inferno - Can you give us an insight into what Devils fans can expect from yourself?

Brent Walton - I think Devils fans can expect a player that will do whatever it takes to win. At my stage in my career I understand what hockey is all about, its about doing whatever you can to help the team win.

The-Inferno - What have you been told about the Big Blue Tent (The rink we currently have)? Was the proposed new venue an incentive to signing for the Devils?

Brent Walton - I have heard that the "old" rink is a small ice surface and that actually makes me excited because I think I am a better player on "smaller" ice. From what I have heard the city, fans and a new arena coming it is a very exciting time to be a Devil.

The-Inferno - We like to ask players if they have set themselves goals for the season to come and what expectations they have of their own and the team’s performance. Have you set yourself any goals for the season?

Brent Walton - When I was younger in my career I used to make goals and expectations for myself, however I haven't done that in a long time. I found that if I do everything I can to help the team win (block shots, play defense first) that my personal stats and expectations will take care of themselves.

The-Inferno - Have you been given any sort of points total to aim for this season? In previous years some of our players had been given a target, is that more of a help or hindrance?

Brent Walton - I have not been given any point totals or anything to aim for, like I said for the last question that stuff will take care of itself if I play hockey the "right" way. My goal is to win and help the team anyway I can.

The-Inferno - Can you tell us what your proudest achievement to date as a pro hockey player?

Brent Walton - Without a doubt the proudest moments as a pro hockey player are winning the championship in Germany and in Denmark. However winning in Denmark was even more special to me because I got to bring my son out on the ice with me to celebrate.

The-Inferno - The BBT has the fans sitting quite high above the ice and it really does rock when the fans see an opposition player turned over. What's the best venue you've played in so far?

Brent Walton - I am very excited to see the arena and the fans get rocking. I think the best venue to date I have ever played in was my University team, Western Michigan University. 

The-Inferno - What do you consider the strongest part of your game and what 1 thing would you improve - and why?

Brent Walton - I think the strongest part of my game is my hockey "smarts" I am not big and I am not that fast, but I generally know where to be and when to be their. I have always been small and I can throw the "odd" big hit but one thing I can improve upon is hitting every chance I can.

The-Inferno - Anything else you would like to add?

Brent Walton - I can't wait for the season to begin. I am not totally sure what to expect but from my conversations with Andrew and the rest of the organization it is first class all the way. I can already tell the team is a very close group and I just hope I can fit in and help the team win games.