Inferno Interview - Stuart MacRae

" Starting a career outside of hockey" or " Considering other options" on hearing these words many of us assumed that last seasons team Captain Stuart MacRae wasn't likely to return to the Devils or indeed Hockey, well it turns out that "wasn't likely" was pretty far from the mark! 

We caught up with Stu hot on the heels of the news of his return to Cardiff and the Devils to ask him about his off season, his decision to return and what he makes of the new conference system and what he things about playing against old team mates.

The Inferno - We understand that you considered taking a job outside of Hockey this off season. What changed you're mind to return to playing hockey instead of taking the job which you were offered?

Stu- None of the jobs that became available to me were worth not going back to Cardiff for at this point, especially when you factor in the team that Franny and G have put together over the summer and my girlfriend Laura will be able to join me this time around. She really enjoyed Cardiff on her visits and wanted the chance to experience it on a more permanent basis. It became a very easy decision to make.

The Inferno- Once you'd decided to play this season were the Devils the only team you considered ?

Stu- The Devils were not the only team I considered, but they were the only team I wanted to play for. They had almost a full team signed when I realized I would be playing again, I wasn't sure if it would even be possible, but in the end it all worked out. I'm not sure what would have happened had it not, maybe I would have just decided to stay home.

The Inferno- What do you think of the Devils chances this year with the team signed so far?

Stu- There are several good teams, ourselves included. As for our chances, no one knows that, I think at this point on paper we have as good a team as any but it all depends on chemistry and injuries once the season gets going. I think the new format helps us, fewer trips to Scotland is a good thing for us.

The Inferno - Have you been keeping up with signings around the league ?

Stu - I have been keeping up, as I mentioned before I think the changes are good for us. The top teams usually cake walked though Scotland taking the majority of the available points, as we know this hasn't always been the case for us, we were a little bit better last year but the year before it cost us the league most likely. We have an extra game at home now to take points away from the top teams as well.

The Inferno -  Any thoughts on playing against Tylor now that he's a Steeler ?

Stu - You get used to playing against old teammates and friends the way things are in hockey. After seeing him play close up for a year, I'm sure it wont be fun playing against him, maybe we know how to push some buttons though.

The Inferno - The league structure has changed this year. Do you think this will help competitiveness or further divide the haves and have nots?

Stu -  I think there will be less blow out games for sure, but it is a pretty odd format, its almost like 2 leagues within 1. Not much you can do though when there are such huge discrepancies in the parody between teams. Maybe they should have two leagues with a relegation/promotion structure, I don't know.

The Inferno - Outside of hockey, what are you looking forward to most when back in Cardiff

Stu -  Just seeing everyone, at these levels of hockey 3 years is a long time to be with 1 team so I have actually been able to make some friends outside of the team and look forward to seeing them. I also look forward to spending time in the city itself and hopefully getting out to the beach a few times at the start of the year.

The Inferno -  One final question as this could well be your last season.. planning to win it all ?

Stu- Plan on winning it all every year, hopefully third time's the charm!

We'd like to thank Stuart for taking the time to speak to us and wish him all the best for next season with the Devils.