Inferno Interview - Tyson Marsh

9th Jul 2012 | Posted by The Inferno

In the our latest off season Interview we speak to new Devils defenseman Tyson Marsh who hails from British Columbia and comes to the league with a reputation as a strong defensive blue liner with a great offensive upside.

Marsh has an impressive 220 plus ECHL games under his belt in addition to this he’s also played 74 AHL games with the likes of the St. John's Maple Leafs , Toronto Marlies and the Chicago Wolves, Tyson is also no stranger to Europe having spent time in Germany in the 2.Bundesliga and Italy at Alleghe HC.

On making the signing Devils Bench Coach Neil Francis had this to say -

“Tyson is a heavy-weight D-man who will play physical, finish his hits and offer us some offensive output. The fact he comes so highly recommended by Chris and Mac – who have real desire to win – speaks volumes about him. They were eager to get him on board. He is a multi-dimensional player that will be really appreciated in Cardiff by fans and team-mates alike.”

We spoke to Tyson about what attracted him to the league and the Devils, what he knew about Cardiff and the league before signing and what we can expect from him in the season to come.

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

Tyson Marsh - A combination of things attracted me to the league. One was learning about some of the university programs that are available to some players, and also a big part of deciding to come to Cardiff was when my good friends Mac Faulkner and Chris Blight signed. Mac told me all the wonderful things that he had heard about the city and the team. Also the chance to play with some of your best friends doesn't come alone every day.

The Inferno - Have you planned your date arrival in Cardiff as yet? How much training will you be doing in the off season prior to coming to Cardiff?

Tyson Marsh - I don't have any flights booked yet, but I believe the plan is to arrive sometime around the 26th of August. I am basically training the whole off season. I usually take a couple weeks off when the previous season ends, but the easiest way to get in shape is to not let yourself get out of shape.

The Inferno - How do you think your family will adapt to life in Wales, do you know much about the city of Cardiff and the surrounding areas?

Tyson Marsh - I'm really excited about getting to know a new culture, it's one of my favourite parts of playing hockey overseas. I don't really know much about the area yet, but I plan to do a little studying from now until I come.

The Inferno - Will you be coming up against anyone in the EIHL that you have played against in the past, and if so, any scores to settle maybe?

Tyson Marsh - I'm sure there will be several player that I've played against before. The hockey world is a small world, especially after playing 8 or 9 years. No scores to settle, but it's a long season, so you never know what might happen down the road.

The Inferno - Have you set yourself any "goals" for the season? Can we expect you to be our go to guy for toughness and standing up for the team?

Tyson Marsh - Not really any personal ones, but my one main goal, as I'm sure it is for everyone, is to win a championship. That's first and foremost. As far as toughness, I certainly don't think of myself as a "tough guy," but I play a physical game and I'll definitely stand up for my teammates when it's necessary.

The Inferno - You’ve played in America and on the continent, what’s the best arena you've played in for atmosphere and what been the most intimidating rink you've played in?

Tyson Marsh - The Last couple years in Italy and Germany there has a been a few places with some great fans and great atmospheres, but by far the best was the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage, Alaska. We went to the Kelly Cup final about four years ago, I've never been in a louder more exciting arena in my life. The most intimidating arena, there is no contest. The old arena in Toledo, Ohio was craziness. It was small, and felt like the fans where right on top of you, screaming at you the whole game.

The Inferno - What do you consider the strongest part of your game and what one aspect if you’re game would you like to improve - and why?

Tyson Marsh - The strongest part of me game would definitely be just playing good defense. I love the challenge of playing against other teams best players. Of course, there is always room for improvement in every aspect of my game, and I'd love to be better at several different things.

The Inferno - Do you consider yourself as a stay at home D man or do you like to play both sides of the puck?

Tyson Marsh - Well I'm definitely a defense first type player, but when the chance is there I'm not shy to jump up in the play.

The Inferno - You've had a few fights in the past we notice. Who is the toughest player you've fought?

Tyson Marsh - Brandon Sugden, and definitely not voluntarily either.

The Inferno - What’s been your best moment as a pro hockey player to date?

Tyson Marsh - My best moment came at my very first NHL training camp. Just walking into the dressing room for the first practice, I was sitting in between Alexander Mogilny, and Shane Corson. Pretty amazing feeling at 18 years old.

The Inferno - You've played most of your career in the US apart from a short time in Europe. How did you find the transition from the North American style of hockey to the way it's played in Europe? Can you tell us why you left halfway through the German season to head back to the East Coast league?

Tyson Marsh - The transition wasn't too bad at all, certainly a different style of play, and definitely different style of refereeing, but I adapted to the changes pretty quickly. There were a number of reasons why I came back to the east coast league, but I was really sad to leave the guys on the team and the city itself.

The Inferno - Have you enjoyed the time you've spent so far in Europe? How have you coped with the language barrier in both countries you've played in? Did it help having over North American players in the lines up with you?

Tyson Marsh - I have loved my time in Europe so far. The language barrier was tough at times but it forced me to learn a little Italian and German. It was a huge help having other North American players on the team with me, especially the guys that had played there before to help show me the ropes etc.

The Inferno - You played two years ago with another new Devils signing Mac Faulkner- are you looking forward to linking back up with him?

Tyson Marsh - Definitely happy to be playing with Mac again. Like I said before, there's nothing like playing with your best friends.

The Inferno - Are you a Hockey fan when you’re not playing? Do you follow an NHL team at all?

Tyson Marsh - Not really a big fan on my own most of the time, but I do get excited for the playoffs, especially cheering for Vancouver who I grew up watching with my family.

The Inferno - Who’s the best D man you've lined up with and best forward you've played against?

Tyson Marsh - Well if we can count Maple leafs training camp, I'd say Tomas Kaberle, and Mats Sundin.

The Inferno - Have you made plans for when you hang your skates up? Will you be studying while you’re here in Cardiff at all?

Tyson Marsh - Just taking it one year at a time right now, but I am working on my education as a play. So yes, I will be taking some classes online while in Cardiff.

We'd like to thank Tyson for taking the time to speak to us and wish him all the best for the upcoming season.