“Any season we end trophyless is a disappointing season, there’s no other way to describe it,” says Cardiff Devils defender Mark Richardson.

“Devils is a club which expects to win silverware and it’s a big pull for joining the organisation.”

Last year the club finished second in the league. That was despite a run of 12 consecutive wins from the 6th of January to the start of February.

In the end they finished comfortably in second, 14 points below table toppers Sheffield Steelers.

“Last season we did a really good job pushing on, finishing the league season strong, despite the fact we couldn’t get higher than second,” says Richardson.

“In the play-off semi-final we played decently, it was a tight game, and we were just pipped in the end.”

Semi-Final Heartbreak

The Devils lost their semi-final 1-2 in overtime against Belfast Giants, meaning they finished a promising season trophyless.

This season, Richardson and co. are out to right those wrongs.

“With the league system we have here in the UK we always need to hit home the importance of every game to the new players,” said Richardson.

“The league is the big trophy in this country, it’s what makes it so important.

“The points you drop in October and November are the same as the ones you drop in March and it’s important you start well to finish top of the pile.”

Tough Work in Pre-Season

Practically, that means working harder than ever in pre-season.

“We’ve been working really hard. Hockey is a very unique sport where it’s hard to replicate anything off the ice,” says Richardson.

“We’ll do fitness tests with acid bath testing, rowing machines, bikes, testing lifts as well and this will be repeatedly assessed throughout the year.

“In other leagues, you have longer pre-seasons, for us, we’re on the ice for four days and then we’re straight into our pre-season games.”

Preparations have been disrupted slightly with Richardson, Welsh Devil Ben Davies’ and five Cardiff teammates a part of Great Britain’s training squad for the Winter Olympics qualifiers in Denmark.

The matches between the end of August and September, against Denmark, Norway and Japan give GB an opportunity to qualify for the 2026 Olympics in Milan.

No Slowing Down

Despite Richardson being 37 – 38 in October – he is “still loving” his life as a professional ice hockey player and has no intention of stopping anytime soon.

He sees it as his role to “lead by example” and aid the new players who have joined the team ahead of the new season, whilst also teaching them about Cardiff’s famed “rocking” atmosphere.

Cardiff begin their league season at home to Glasgow Clan on the 14th of September before a pair of away cup matches at Guildford Flames and Manchester Storm.

“Last season we went on a long spell with lots of travelling, it’s nice to start the season at home it’s always easier being there in front of the fans,” says Richardson.

“As players, we’re looking forward to getting out in front of the crowd. We’ve all told the new players it’ll be rocking and when you hear the crowd, you just want to perform.

“Speaking of the new guys, I can’t speak highly enough of them. Their skill level on the ice is top level and they’re great guys off the ice too.

“The season is so busy you need a team who are strong mentally and we seem to be that this season as we go for silverware.”

Devils Home Fixtures – September

Glasgow Clan – 14th September 19:00, Elite League

Fife Flyers – 21st September 19:00, Elite League

Manchester Storm – 27th September 19:30, Challenge Cup

Photo Credit: James Assinder

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