Inferno Interview - Chris Whitley

With the arrival of new Devils net minder Chris Whitley we decided to abandon our let the new guy get settled in before harassing him for an interview and spoke to him as soon as we could.

Chris joins the Devils from the FHL after spending last season with the Dundee Stars where he posted three shutouts  while facing a staggering 2000 plus shots at a very respectable 89.7% save percentage in the eighth-placed Stars’ crease. His 1797 saves were good enough for third place in the League.

We’ve spoken to Chris about his season so far, what we can expect from him for the rest of the season in the Devils net !

The Inferno - How's your season been so far ? Most of us don't know a great deal about the FHL what's the standard like ?

Chris Whitley -  It's been a bit of a roller coaster of a season. I decided not to return to Dundee to play back in Allen but ended up getting released before training camp. So after that plan failed I called my buddy who played in Williamsport to see if he needed a goalie and wanted to play together. At the time I just wanted to have an enjoyable possibly final year of hockey but I really found the level frustrating as there wasn't much structure or systematic play. It was a decent level of hockey but definitely as a whole a step down from the Elite League. I feel very rejuvenated on becoming a Cardiff Devil and excited on returning to the UK.

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

Chris Whitley -   I'd say my strongest point is my positioning. I'm not much of a reflex type goalie who is gonna make huge saves. I play a simple game and just focus on making the first save. One thing I'd still like to improve is my foot speed. It's an area that I will work on and always try to improve on.

The Inferno - How do you feel about joining the team so late in the season ? Will this affect the way you play at all ?

Chris Whitley -   I feel great about joining the Devils in a playoff run! I am very excited about the opportunity to play for Cardiff and help contribute in a push for a playoff championship! Joining the team late won’t change anything on how I play, all the guys were very welcoming and made it an easy transition.

The Inferno -  What motivated your decision to come and play in Cardiff ? Do you know any of the current roster?

Chris Whitley -   I'd say the team in general made it an easy decision to come to Cardiff. As an opponent last season the Devils were always a tough team to play against and always had a hard working mentality to them. Also the fact they are a top end team who battles for a championship each year made it a no brainer! Before I arrived I didn't know any of the guys personally but I know I played against Jesse Gimblett in Canadian University hockey a few years ago. And for the record he did beat me....

The Inferno - We saw you playing for Dundee Stars last season behind a fairly porous defence, what can we expect from you in Cardiff ? Have you set yourself any goals or discussed what's expected with G ?

Chris Whitley -  Yes it was a bit of a rough year for me last year. I felt as a team we under achieved but that's hockey. Most teams who have a bad season can say that I suppose. As for goals I just wanna play my best every night and give this team a chance to win every game we play! I hate to lose and look at myself to be the backbone to help this team win hockey games. G and I haven't really talked much of what's expected but that's what I like because that means he believes in what I can do and he expects me to play well and I'm perfectly fine with that.

The Inferno - Are you looking forward to playing against your old team mates ?

Chris Whitley -  Yes I'd be lying if I didn't say the first thing after I signed was check when we play Dundee. I have never had the opportunity to play a former team but I will treat it like any other game. I'm sure I will get chirped a bit by a few of the guys but at the end of the day I want the win.

The Inferno -  How are you at penalty Shoot outs ? Not that we seem to always end up in a shoot-out in the play- off final or anything ?

Chris Whitley - I feel I'm fairly good in shoot outs. No goalie really wants to be in one but if it comes down to it I will be ready.

The Inferno - The reaction to your signing for the Devils fan base has been one of cautious optimism from many fans, is there anything you'd like to say to the fans ? Or will your game do the talking ?

Chris Whitley - I wouldn't doubt there would be mixed reaction to my signing here but I can't control what people think. As long as I have the trust from the organization then that's what I care about. Although I did get plenty of nice messages from fans welcoming me and wishing me the best of luck with the Devils and I was very grateful and appreciative of that, so thank you again for the warm welcome! 

The Inferno -  You've signed until the end of the season ? Have you discussed the possibility of next season if things go well ?

Chris Whitley - As of now it’s just a contract for the remainder of the season. However If all goes well I would love an opportunity to play a full season in Cardiff.

The Inferno -   Have you had a chance to take a look at the Devils team this season as yet ? What do you think ?

Chris Whitley - I think it's been a pretty good one considering the team was playing short most of the year and battled with injuries as well as suspensions, so being in 4th place is good considering all of that.

The Inferno -   Best forward you've played against and Best D you've played on a team with?

Chris Whitley -  I've played with a lot of good players over the past few years but the best player in my opinion was Bruce Graham. I got to play/watch him for two years in Allen and he was just so dominant on many nights and was fun to watch. He of course now plays for Nottingham.

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

Chris Whitley -   Day off I'm most likely reading or watching a movie. I still like to read and take in interesting things that can help me be that annoying know it all.

The Inferno -  Anything else you would like to add?

Chris Whitley -  Lastly just like to say I'm very happy to be a Cardiff Devil and looking forward to a great finish to the season! Thanks again to the fans for the warm welcome!