Inferno Interview - Jeff Pierce

This week, the Inferno speaks to none other than Jeff Pierce. Pierce signed for the Devils on the back of the news of his former team mate Chris Frank was signed up for the Devils.

Pierce also known as silky hair and #becausehesworthit by fans, is known mainly for his skating and his sniper ability, Pierce has the ability to change games with some unreal moves as we've seen this year which Torville and Dean would be proud of with the whole spinorama and that moment of swing which Babe Ruth would have applauded.

Pierce has had a decent run through the Central Hockey system before heading to the UK to sign for the Devils.

Starting out at an early age, Pierce began to attract attention from teams and begun his studies/hockey @ West Michigan University. In 2004, after leaving Jeff headed to Odessa Jackalopes where he spent 3 years before heading to Cardiff.

Stats from Odessa including playoffs

08-09 GP 77 G 26 A 47 PTS 73
09-10 GP 76 G 42 A 40 PTS 82
10-11 GP 73 G 22 A 20 PTS 42

The interview gives us an incite into Jeff's junior days, some favourite moments and his usual day to day game pre rituals, we thank Jeff for the interview and wish him all the best for the rest of the season.

The Inferno (IF) What got you started playing hockey in the first place? What age did you start? Have you always played as a forward?

Jeff Pierce (JP) My mom took me skating when I was 2 and then I started playing when I was 5.  I've always been a forward and mainly a Right Winger.

IF- In all your years playing, what’s your favourite memory?

JP - My first year of pro hockey. 

IF-Do you follow an NHL team?

JP - I am an NHL fan and me being from Detroit I am and have always been a Red Wings fan. 

IF-Who is the best forward you’ve played on a line with and who’s been that one guy you’ve had a nightmare playing against?

JP - The best player I've played with is Sebastian Thinel. I don't really have a player I don't like playing or a team for that matter. 

IF-You’ve played a few of the other teams in the league now with games against Nottingham, Sheffield and Coventry how do you think the league compares to the CHL? Is the Skill level what you were expecting?

JP - The hockey isn't as complete as the CHL, there are a lot of good players in this league 

IF- This is your second Club after College hockey and you had three seasons at Odessa how are you finding the transition to a new coach and systems?

JP - It's different having a coach who plays as well but I think G does a good job at it and at this point in hockey you've played all the systems so it's fun to have change. 

IF- You’ve been brought in to fill the hole left in last year’s first line left by Jon Pelle who stuck up a mighty 100 points playing alongside Scott and Max. Do you feel any pressure at the thought of been looked upon to fill his tiny shoes?

JP - As far as last year and what's expected of me...I don't really care what I do as long as we win that’s fine by me. 

IF- You played three years with Chris Frank at the University of Western Michigan, are you looking forward to playing alongside an old team mate? Did Chris signing have any impact on your decision to come to Cardiff?

JP - Well I'd have to say playing with Frank has been fun as well as being room-mates with him, I'd say that him signing here did make it an easier decision. 

IF- Where do you see hockey taking you? When you hang up your skates is coaching something you’d consider or do you have ambitions in mind for after hockey outside of the sports?

JP - I have no idea what I want to do after hockey, which is not a good thing, but all I know is that I still want to play and I just take season by season.

IF-So You’ve got a day off, what are you doing? What’s the ideal day outside of “work”?

JP - It really depends on the day most people would say I'd be in my bed taking naps but I like to think I try to just do something to try and keep busy.  Honestly, I do love naps after an early practice.

IF- Are you one for superstitions and rituals pre-game? If you are would you comfortable telling us what they might be? We only ask as there’s a story doing the rounds that a guy who played in goal for us used to insist on the Goals being measured before each game.

JP- I'm not superstitious but I do have a routine that I've pretty much followed since college. 

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

JP -My speed and my defensive game because it's not the best part of my game. 

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

JP - Lawson Ice Arena against Michigan, Michigan State...those games were crazy!  The worst was Amarillo, Texas against the Amarillo Gorillas. 

IF- First impressions of the blue tent when you arrived? How much of an impact have the fans had on the players during games so far? 

JP - It was a shock at first glance but I've come to love playing there and the fans bring such an atmosphere that it makes it really fun to play in.