5 Takeaways From The CHL Prep DH vs Belfast

Pre-season; 2-0-0

The CHL warm up mini series did not disappoint, whether you were a fan of either side or a neutral, all fans were invested, including the teams.

It may have only been a pre-season double header, but there was an impetus for setting up bragging rights early, as many Belfast fans were eager to own those rights immediately.

This was in vain, as the new look Devils battled every shift across both ties and ended the victors.

So, what are the main take homes from this early action insight to the new group and coach Pete Russell?

1. The Force is Strong in This Group

Grade; A

Since the post-pandemic return, the main gripe from a fan perspective was not enough compete or desire on the ice. This was backed up by the coach himself, in his first interview since being announced with a promise of relentless intensity, every shift.

This was observable from the very first shift, which put the Giants under immense pressure for major periods of both games. Puck possession, turnovers, giveaways, board battles, hits, marking, back checking, forechecking.

All immensely improved compared to previous seasons. Example, going 3 zip down inside the first few minutes of the initial frame would have been enough to deflate previous Devils teams, not only was there a fight back, the game was won in a 2nd OT.

Delight for Devils fans, dismay for Giants boomer boys.

2. Aggressive, Reliable Tending

Grade; B+

Bowns and Booth had a chance each to make their mark and announce themselves to their new team mates, rivals, coaching staff and fans.

Bowns wasted no time with establishing himself on the Friday game, proving to be very solid and dependable. His shutout during the dramatic shootout earned the team the victory.

The home leg, saw Booth essentially get a baptism of fire from the CHL PP rules and the early onslaught, from a disorientated defence.

Nevertheless, the aggressive style was effective, whilst minimising rebounds and covering the puck when needed.

Great awareness and reactions from the new tendy, who impressed all in attendance.

3. Middle Six Doing Bits

Grade; B

It was highlighted in Pete Russells’ initial Devils interview and widely known that the productivity of the middle card of forwards was lacking somewhat on previous years.

The emphasis on recruitment this year was to improve that area, of which, the Devils should be having a highly productive season (More to come on that soon).

From the effort, intensity and ferocity of relentless hounding for the puck, this was backed up by not only the middle deck, the depth jumped in on things too.

Goals from the 2nd line and apples across all lines helped to keep the ingame stattos busy on Saturday night, as none was logged on Friday.

With 47% of the SOG from the middle deck group, which is to be expected, it is good to see execution and compete across all lines.

4. Defense Group Stepped Up

Grade; A-

One common worry about the Devils blue line, was a lack of a stay at home defender or at least, an imbalance with handiness.

In all fairness, who uses what hand is largely irrelevant, as some of the Devils best defensive cores have been heavily imbalanced in that area, with key players winning top honours season on season.

Largely, the early games with limited training time has shown more of a positive for that end of the ice, with gutsy performances from new boys Rymsha and Donaghey, as well as offensive threats from Mosey, sniping the OT game winner on the 2nd leg.

This aids veteran D-Men Richardson and Batch and provides further offensive options from elite offensive D, Marcus Crawford, who won it in sudden death during the shootout in Belfast.

One weakness, was when fatigue sets in, the group as a whole defaults to a collapsing style, which offers chances to teams that are heavily forechecking or have a centre screening the net.

5. Power-Kill Still Buzzing

Grade; D

As mentioned, it is very early days yet, however there have been ample opportunities to get some rhythm going for the special teams this season during the mini series, with more to come.

With 8 penalties, there was definitely some good chances being created, however there was no reward.

PK however, had its abilities tested early on in the 2nd game, with 3 power plays zinging past the new goalie within 6 minutes of the first face off.

A total of 4 PPG were conceded across the two games, which leaves plenty of thought for the coach, with the old friend, a shorty going in against the Devils.

This will be one area that will have an intense focus, which saw Cardiff PP ranked third from last at 17.82% and the PK at 79.17%.

The 2021-22 PK was the leagues best at 86.25, whilst the PP was ranked 2nd overall at 25.52%, just 0.15% shy of being the top power play, amazingly, even with a below average leader of ice time for those responsibilities.

Overall Thoughts

Grade; B

A great look and insight of what to expect from an all new Devils organisation and team. There was no real cause for concern, other than the special teams. Defensively set up well, forechecking and compete was relentless. Goal tending was dynamic and heroic.

There is a belief in this team, with a togetherness un-rivalled from across the league, as there is not just a brit core, but an import-brit core that know each other and will fight for each other. This is a strong team, that may have already won over fans. Next up, Amiens.