Analysing The Season; Breaking Down The 23-24 Season

Recap

It has been an incredible roller coaster ride, not with just the ups and downs of results, but also the journeys and external incidents that has made this one of the most memorable seasons for all EIHL fans, for better or worse, in victory or tragedy.

Memorials were created, vigils were made, players have been honoured. Internationally and domestically, success has been built across the landscape of UK Ice Hockey and along the way, a new Hockey Town has been born.

A season full of hope, promise and optimism, eventually lead to being the best of the rest as one team ploughed its way to the top and stayed there until the very end.

Despite a failure of taking home silverware, instead memories, quality moments, foundations and respect was won, earned and praised to the small South Wales club, from down the bay.

For one way or another, be it professional reasons or personal, this season has seen a fair amount of players come and go in the league, as rosters have seemed unsettled with big expectations to perform.

Each team can tell their own story, from the freak incident that lead to tragedy for Panthers, to consistency and demands at Clan, each club has had to manage a turnover at some point.

The unexpected departure for the Devils was Callum Booth, whose work ethic caused an inevitable rift with the coaches, who duly parted ways early and found a replacement in Tyler Wall.

Along the way, another import was picked up in Brandon Alderson, as other forwards tended to linger on the sidelines, including fan favourite Chad Pietroniro and GB national, Sam Duggan.

Even despite the coach being with the national team, this hasn’t increased prospects for the GB favourite in the Devils set up. Here is an article written previously outlining the stakes for his Devils career after this season https://hockeysteve.co.uk/2023/11/30/the-sam-duggan-dilemma/.

Another prospect who could have earned ice time at the big club was Bayley Harewood, which would have been a key addition at times when required the most during periods of injuries and recovery. For reasons known only to the club, he has been kept aside, watching from the gantry.

Here is another article written during the pre-season exploring the chances of Harewood making the step up to the elite pro level https://hockeysteve.co.uk/2023/08/20/can-bayley-harewood-crack-the-eihl-devils-roster/.

Later on, a great pick up on Defense for Bode Wilde, helped to manage an injury crisis at the back, which was utilised until the season ended. This however created further competition for the likes of River Rymsha to earn his way back into the fold.

From France to Nottingham, against teams from Denmark and Kazakhstan, to Fife or Guildford and everywhere else in between, with GB welcoming world competition on home ice, this season was well travelled for the Devils and their fans.

A schedule that was midweek heavy, loaded from a lot of competition and one that didn’t seem to end, as the fans turned up to watch their warriors and heroes battle it out, always expecting.

This was meant to be the year. THE year for the club. A championship year. It ended with no cup final game made and a bronze trophy from the IIHF Continental Cup. It looks likely they will compete for this again next season, thanks to Belfast losing in the playoff final.

The Season Objectives

The 2023-24 campaign saw the Devils amass 77 points in regular season, a 71% of wins, 210 goals scored and 37 wins, 30 outright. They topped their Challenge Cup group, earned qualification for the IIHF Continental Cup Finals on home ice and made the 2024 POFW.

It is no secret the ambitions of this club, from top down, everyone is here to win. Conti cup aside, the season ended barren. Again.

They lost in the IIHF finals, earning Bronze, finished 3rd in the playoffs and got eliminated once again in the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup. It was the first time in 6 seasons they failed to make the playoff Grand Final, a 2nd consecutive quarter final exit and a 2nd consecutive Bronze in IIHF action.

So, has there been any real improvement since the post-covid restart to normal life?

This has already become a talking point, with many wondering and questioning; have they done any better than under Dupont? Should Pete Russell be called out or called to go? Honestly, this is the conversation already. Professional sports moves quick. Very quickly.

First of all, they came up 2nd against one of the most dominant clubs in recents years. Steelers ended the season with a win rate of 84%. That is huge.

This season is the strongest finish by a Devils team since 2019. Post-covid, they went 69% back to back, so was there improvement? Yes.

In fact, the last time there was a gap like this was when Devils won with a rate of 78% in 2017, almost matched the following year then the trend for winners increased almost dramatically. Giants achieved an 81% win rate in 2022, they also made 78% last season. Giants finished this season on 66%. That is one heck of a decline.

For the Devils, without knowing it, they raised the bar. Unfortunately, they haven’t respected it, nor the others who have also increased it.

The main arguing point could be that this was the lowest win rate % for a 2nd place team since Storm finished runners up in 2018 (67%).

As for the Challenge Cup, they may have been eliminated at the same stage as last season, but at least the series was closer. Steelers last season tore the team apart, which started an existential crisis in identity and goal tending. It got pretty ugly.

That inspired me to stand up and bring forward the facts, the details and here we are. Also, the club has invested successfully in a rebrand, however of course, its detractors would state it will ‘only work if we win’.

From an all out competitive perspective, this season was much better in the group overall. Yes you can bottom out and still go ahead, which of course grants the calls for genuine changes in the format. This is apparently happening in the 24-25 season (Confirmed, hilariously devoid of common sense and practicality).

Yes, in 2022 they reached the final. Losing to Giants. Like they did days before lockdown against the Steelers. 2019 was seen as a hugely successful season, again they were eliminated by Clan at the same stage in this competition. There isn’t much to compare, as it is never guaranteed.

For the playoffs this year a brilliant finals run was ended, after 5 consecutive Grand Final appearances, with 3 wins.

With one-off games at POFW, this seasons semi-final was tightly battled vs Giants, including the final itself. Someone has to lose. This year it was the boys from down the bay. It hurts. It will heal.

The Coach

This is why there won’t be any movements from behind the bench, only additions to ensure Coach Russell gets the success the club craves.

Again, inconsistencies in results paved the way for many to bemoan and criticise the club, especially when being left for dust in the league standings and not meeting expectations for the trophy cabinet.

This is part and parcel of any professional sporting team, it is to be expected. The season itself though manufactured some incredible game nights. The amount of times a review was written where it was stated that it was the best night on home ice felt constant.

Of course, there was also some games that were utterly dire to watch. Frustrating and even once, infuriating, as a fan who knows this team has more potential than what was produced. Now however isn’t the time to flippantly call for another coaching change.

Performance wise, the ship was steadied. Booth aside, there was no drama for the club to rebound from. It was pretty quiet, uneventful and easy going until after the trip to Grenoble. That mid season wobble impacted the final outcome for a long season with a lot of hockey.

For the squad, there was a grinder of injuries which saw a lot of rotation within the top 9 ranks, even defensively. Star clubman, Justin Crandall filled in and looked even better at times on D. The main criticism the coach should and would likely face was not rolling 4 lines enough.

This is a simple fix. If he wishes to make it. Its his job at the end of the day.

That period of injuries still saw the likes of Pietroniro and Duggan scratched. Circumstances have been obscure, but there was a measured warning before they even took to the ice for the first pre-season camp, that there will be scratches along the way.

People forget the real messages. He knew exactly what he was doing before he even arrived.

This was a wholesale improvement on the season before.

So, what of this squad and how did they stack up in seasons gone?

There has been a big core within this roster since normality resumed. Not only the Brits, improved with the additions of Joshua Waller and Ben Bowns, but adding high end pieces in Trevor Cox, Cole Sanford, Justin Crandall, Riley Brandt, Marcus Crawford and Joey Martin.

The concept was simple. Good hockey guys, with bags of potential, experience and good college careers. Foundations to build the next chapter on. 3rd Place, Challenge Cup final and a playoff championship. Not a bad start, even with a coaching change at the end.

In years gone by, this has been seen, at least for the playoff win as a plaster over a wound. Others might say it has festered since.

Consequently, after three seasons, all that has been added are two bronze medals from the 2nd European competition. It doesn’t mean that it is any less difficult to win. If it was easy, they would have done it by now.

This does give reason to ground the process and inspect the components. Also, after three years of very little success, as players would also be sold on ambition as much as fans and employees, what will become of them and others this offseason?

There would be no doubt some retirements announced. Not just this club, but the league. With the outcomes of the last two seasons, for any hope of silverware, every team will need to improve. Inside out. Devils have made great improvements off ice, especially for game nights with their partnerships, particularly with Vindico.

There are some changes already set to be introduced, discussed during a landmark Q&A earlier this year, so the next thoughts would be for the on ice personnel.

Make no bones about it, Pete Russell will want his own impact on the roster, so with the previous years not hitting the mark, the owners will have to invest, they can’t afford not too.

One Playoff title, 2 IIHF Bronze Trophies.

Two Playoff Grand Finals, one Challenge Cup Final. One win.

There was big shoes to fill and whilst there is potential for this to improve, the main difference would be consistency in coaching. Russell is their third coach in three seasons.

Before the lockdown, the club had a through and through player-coach to head coach, who has now become revered in the ECHL with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.

This season however, has seen a big dip in production, leaving many to wonder, that if this group had what it takes to become big game players, being champions and driving the will to win every battle, every game, every big moment.

The Roster

The biggest talking point for squad improvement going into this season was adding quality in the middle 6 group. Last season the top and bottom lines performed really well. It was the middle men who failed to add to any particular scoring depth.

This season, there was a bonafide top 6, with speed, skill and talent. The bottom 6 also produced and helped to keep the team rolling, when they were dialled in.

However, was it to the same rate as seasons previous? You can only do as good as your last attempt, but it is interesting how similar the scoring was in that 2022 season. Before the 2019 season got curtailed, there was also similar numbers, but with 8 games to go.

What does this mean for the current core groups, both import and Brit?

The Brit cores typically perform to the heart beat of output from their most skilled skater, Joshua Waller. Defensively, both Batch and Richardson are stay at home defenders. This leaves, for skaters, Sam Duggan, who never hit any significant highs, but flatlined then dialled out this year.

The last high scoring Brit prior to Waller was Matthew Myers, which the club definitely got the best out of him before he departed post-covid.

Wallers ceiling is likely not reached yet, whose season ended prematurely due to injury, even missing the upcoming worlds with Team GB. He does however need the leash let off more, so he can grow his game and cement his impact. That window is starting to close.

Two-Ways

One area to look into would be the continuation of having two way players. Some were utilised last season, one of which has signed a 2 year extension at his current club in Glasgow. Others have also played elsewhere in the EIHL under similar contracts.

Considering there was little squad rotation to bring in fresher legs from the scratches, even those on two ways who could have played, weren’t iced or dressed. It was baffling considering the coach is also the coach of Team GB.

It does have to be said, that having a two-way deal doesn’t guarantee a call up or availability to be called upon. The priority commitment would be with the parent club, not the EIHL club. Even still, Norton did join the team on occasions to help, being the extra goalie, amongst a couple of others, due to lack of availability.

A good comparison for use within the set ups for two-ways is Finlay Ulrick, who iced 6 times in regular season and twice each in both cup competitions with Grand Slam Champions Sheffield Steelers. He has since recommitted to them with another deal this post season.

Brit Pack

This may in all fairness to anyone pragmatically minded, highlight we need better quality Brits, that can flesh out the roster, especially under the age of 30. This was something the coach wanted to implement, to have a younger team, with higher skill. The 23/24 season was just about older than the previous.

Already there are rumours as to who will leave and join, which isn’t new and to be expected post-season, as fans clamour to get the inside scoop on the roster comings and goings. So far, some of these rumours might hold up.

What has become evident is the closing rate for the gap between the established, highly experienced and successful Brits in the league as a whole, let alone Devils, about to retire or become less of a feature during games and the ones looking to make the jump.

Already, teams such as Blaze, Clan and Panthers have added some of their own players to build a future spine of their clubs with British talent, Giants and Steelers have also made strides.

Steelers in a massive way, by using money spent that should have contributed to Conti Cup action, bought a NIHL outfit and created their own farm system. Fair play.

The most successful of the bunch, Devils, are quickly facing a confronting dilemma of who will replace the key Brits when they are sure to go in the very near future?

As mentioned, Duggan has seemed to hit a slump across the most important seasons he needed. The 25 year old from Reading, England has spent the last 5 seasons with the club, the last three as part of the leadership group, touted to be the future Captain.

This previous season has been his worst by far, having more of an impact and ice time in the first two of his Devils career. Icing for just 41 games this regular season, scoring 3 points, he hasn’t had a lot to go by in order to prove his worth, but that doesn’t mean it was time squandered.

He still iced out in other competitions, 6 in Continental Cup action and 8 out of the 10 games for Challenge Cup. The ones where it matters is league however, but scoring twice in the playoffs proves he can be an asset when giving the opportunity.

The issue for Duggan is the clear fact that at this stage of his career, especially as an ‘A’, he shouldn’t be riding the pine or watching from atop as a scratch. For one, it is a wasted letter and role, in fact, it diminishes the purpose and meaning for it.

Two, it puts into focus that by now he should know what is needed to break the team properly, but so far hasn’t progressed effectively to be considered a game time starter. Like Waller, his place in the team should be settled in a higher position by now, meaning they are either under utilised or haven’t hit the potential expected of them.

If both would depart, it would make sense, as they would want and need more ice time. With the offseason already underway, they are heavily speculated to depart for those reasons. This leaves veteran D-men Richardson and Batch and the question of expected retirement lingering around the fan base.

Putting these factors into perspective, surely the choice would be to bring in more experienced British, homegrown forwards and maybe coax a final season for the defenders, whilst scouting the options for at least one Brit D to join the club at a future date.

Imports

Beyond the Brits and two-ways, there has been a formidable question on the lips and finger tips of fans with regard to the stoic group of imports the club have kept for the past three seasons.

Joey Martin teased retirement during a speech late on in the season, countered from owner and GM Todd Kelman, with a rebuttal and determined outlook that there is plenty of hockey left in him. Joey told.

The GOAT, should be on course for a testimonial, so it would be doubtful he hangs up his skates any time soon and emphatically put any doubters to heel with his performance this season, going about a point per game during the 2024 half of the campaign.

His efforts helped the contribution of the top line, but could this be maintained for another season?

He will be 36 by the time the next one starts, surely a new top line centre will be a primary target for the club, to allow Martin to utilise his experience further down the lines and help progress those around him.

These are the questions those with a sound hockey IQ will be posing this summer, which leaves a door wide open for contenders to step in.

Jamie Arniel I would expect to announce the big R in all honesty. He was a fantastic player to watch, an unsung hero and always under the radar for the big moments. He always delivered. Arniel finished 4th in regular season for points with the club, 51 in 54GP, scoring 22 goals. Third overall behind Goal Sanford and the Goat.

If he was to stay, it would be welcomed by all fans if he were to make the top line centre on the roster. Certainly a competition for it, as he did feature exceptionally well when called upon to fill that spot when Martin was out injured.

Last season, the closest to the top centre in points (Martin with 56) was Ryan Penny (25). It goes to show there was a massive improvement.

Of course, Jake Coughler (23) had a season interrupted by injury, which does create a less direct comparison, as he only iced for 31 games. What could have been. This season however, he iced for 48 games in the DEL 2, managing the same as Penny previously, 25 points.

The top six was bolstered massively this season, not just by points but with skill and promise. Players like Ryan Barrow, Cole Ully and mid season addition, Brandon Alderson all brought an edge to the line up, finesse and compete up and down the ice.

For Alderson, this was probably one of the best mid season pick ups, I would say rivalled only by Dominic Cormier of the Steelers. Alderson went 34 points in 50GP, not bad for someone who slotted mainly on the third line, but did feature in the top six as well.

When placed on the top line, it created a brilliant, aggressive and very physical dynamic that a lot of teams couldn’t handle. The forecheck was more direct, allowing space for Martin and Sanford to pick defences apart like poachers in the jungle.

When the game was tighter and needed a physical jump more than just sending out the Riley Brandt line, Alderson would be called upon and bodies were smushed against the boards. When both were out there, especially with Donaghey, it was a contact fest.

Alderson is just 32 years old and coming from a league skill wise, is a step down from this one, so to hit that points return amidst a run on nearly every line is commendable. He is a natural point scorer with a big body he can throw around, however, the area he lacks is likely one that could be improved upon, pace.

He was absent on the scoresheet during Conti Cup action, against teams that could turn the game on a dime and bang a goal in anywhere.

Awareness and speed is a must in those situations, particularly when fatigued and I feel at times, that is how the team was caught out when it mattered most.

The results are from situations like poor line changes, being caught with odd man rushes and breakaways or simply a breakdown in positional zone plays. Watch the highlights back, this was where the goals against came from. That is the edge that will be needed to pounce and put teams away.

One player that has a lot of potential to expand on his first season with the club is Ryan Barrow. His speed, skill with puck handling, finding space, closing space, sniffing out attacking plays, his back check, his forecheck and his physicality helped to turn slow or quiet games into high end performances.

His points total doesn’t reflect his contribution. However, he was active in every competition and was always there when needed or even unexpected.

Perhaps it is confidence or having to defend the puck more throughout the season due to his prowess, but given another run on the top 6, he will definitely carry over and improve his output.

Justin Crandall heavily featured in the middle six, not to mention assisting with the blue liners. This inevitably impacted offensive outputs, but for those with a higher IQ of the game will understand his role isn’t to be a primary points scorer, he a is club man.

Despite the different positions and lines he featured in, he nearly matched his previous seasons total (36) with 34 points. The standout part of his campaign was being made an alternate captain during the season. A role well earned and deserved, some even speculating they would welcome him as a captain one day.

He certainly has a heart of a lion, even a soul of a dragon, becoming an instant hero for those who watched the docu-series, Inside the Cardiff Devils on their Youtube channel, found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_BbjPxyzWU.

It is recommend to watch each episode with a final one airing on the 28th April, wonderfully created by the talented photographer Oliver Hampson (This was written from February until ironically, 28th April as the last entry recorded).

Crandall has not only become the voice of reason to his team, but a leader in all aspects on the ice. There is no off night from him, no matter his role or requirement for each game.

It is always 100%, from the plays to get the puck back, clearing zones, setting up chances or creating time and space to illicit line changes. A stoic player who backs his team and plays for the logo on the front, not the name on the back.

Another winger who made a big impression both on and off the ice was the talented skater Cole Ully. 43 points from 44GP in regular season is not to be sniffed at. 5th overall on the season. Another boosted addition to the top 6 providing a lot of defensive help and some magic with the hands along the way.

In effect he was a replacement for Brodie Reid, another natural point scorer but with a little more finesse to his game, and quite a but younger too. At 29, he delivered against high expectations for the 5th round pick from Dallas Stars. This has been his 4th European club in 3 seasons and definitely his best so far.

His playmaking ability garnered 30 apples this season, third overall on the team, behind star blue liner Marcus Crawford and fellow assist king, Trevor Cox. Between them, they hit 124 assists in regular season.

Most fans will be hopeful Ully returns next season, as he is one to count on in all competitions and delivers each night. Of course, after the games, he brings the feel good vibes, which has made him an instant favourite amongst the fan base, one to keep for sure.

One player who was brought in to improve the middle deck and have an active bottom six in total was Tyler Busch. As mentioned, Penny didn’t hit the heights that was expected of him and Josh Brittain was sent packing for an underwhelming performance. The latter had 22 points, whilst the former as stated had 25 in regular season across 48-50GP respectively.

Busch collected 25 in 39 due to a big injury, with the club following the correct protocol and procedure, but his return has garnered the conversation of staking his claim to a contract offer for the next campaign.

He returned in the Playoffs and immediately got busy, adding 2 goals in his first game back and was a feature throughout the short but ill-fated playoff run. He ultimately finished 3 goals in 4 games in the post season.

His play was physical and was a menace around the boards and net. For each season since the return, the fanbase have cried out for ‘net front presence’. Tyler Busch, along with Alderson, have given some opportunity to address this. Albeit, not entirely as part of their game.

For Busch, his main dominion is the face off dots. Arniel topped the team with 459 FOWs in regular season. Busch, third behind him and Martin respectively (of course, dictated by ice time) with 308 of his own. The real figure to draw a conclusion from is the losses. A gap of +63 is good considering his ice time and time out injured.

Martin hit 431 in FOLs with 435 FOWs.

Arniel 444 FOLs against his 459 wins. A gap of +15 overall.

This goes to show, that whilst ultimately limited in face off draws and opportunities, Busch had a greater win %. He would likely have been on par with Brittain, who iced nearly 10 games more and had 354 wins to 273 losses on the dots, a +83 in that category.

Penny last season was third in this area, going negative 39 for his own efforts. This highlights that improvements were made in the area for the middle six overall.

Even Crandall iced at centre during the season, putting up a better return on the face-offs.

Of course it comes down to output production on the score sheet to gauge effectiveness and success. As mentioned, the previous season excelled for the top and bottom lines, it was the middle six that faltered.

Similar to last season, there was injury involved in key positions. Coughler and Busch each featured on the LTIR for sometime overall, making an impact on their returns.

The third line of the 22/23 season, Typically along the rotation of Brandt – Brittain – Penny totalled around 58 points. This season, with Alderson – Busch – Crandall hit 93 points. Improvement.

The fourth line dropped overall as Waller hit injury this season from 58 to 37 points compared to last season, as well as Duggan being scratched for large chunks of the campaign and three line hockey being played. Weirdly, the areas to improve, did. The areas expected to maintain, dropped.

The second line last season hit 106 points, featuring predominantly Reid – Coughler – Crandall. This season with Ully – Arniel – Barrow, they hit 129 points in regular action. Improvement.

With the top line they went from 187 points to 145. Of course Martin was injured for up to 10 games and Sanford didn’t land a single point until the 9th regular season game. The line itself got decimated for a period of time to allow all three to find creative enterprise and get cooking again.

During this period, Devils flourished as teams had no answer for the new combinations. Then, when the lines were reset, that had to grind harder for any point by game success. That came as no surprise to anyone.

Had the top line featured Cox – Arniel – Sanford, it would have had 162 points at least. So who knows, maybe a new top line centre should be in the process to make any title challenge possible, let alone achievable.

To compare against the previous winners, both grand slams in their own rights, Belfast had a combined forward line of 214 points and Steelers had 177 if it was Balmas – Watling – Vallerand.

Steelers to their credit, rotated the top line very often. Their next group of forwards hit 144 points, comprised of Ciampini – Dowd – Juusola. The depth in scoring was incredible.

So whilst improvements have been made, there were still noticeable drop offs and the conversion rates weren’t quite what the previous winning teams could generate. Is this due to recruitment with salary compliance?

Or is it a simple reality that a club that could only facilitate a max 3,100 seats per home game, can only compete as much as those with over 5,000 seats per game? Which may limit affordability for higher end players.

Not mentioned yet are star forwards Cox and Sanford.

Sanford as previously mentioned struggled to get on the board at all at the start of the season, which luckily saw the rest of the squad add to the scoresheet and keep things rolling. As speculated, once that first goal came, the flood was coming.

So it did. Even in a later spate of goalless patches, one for 12 games straight, Sanford still kept helping his team with assists and ended as top point scorer (58).

He ended 5th overall in points for regular season, a steep drop off but still made EIHL team of the year. This was due to him being the 2nd best goal scorer behind Stars’ Spencer Naas with 29. A drop off from the previous effort with 39, higher than this seasons.

So whilst the effort was there, execution wasn’t at the best of times and especially when needed most. This will be a sure focus to look into for the offseason, of which I expect were he to stay for a fourth campaign in the Welsh capital, he would bounce back with a venomous determination.

For Cox, this was perhaps the biggest collapse and one that highlighted a season of frustration and a mind seemingly elsewhere.

He went 53 points in 50GP. His lowest since joining. Each season hitting above a point per game pace, averaging 1.13 points per game. His biggest trait, his main strength has conversely become a figure of frustration within the fanbase. Typically fickle, as always.

The saying often goes, ‘you cannot please everyone’, this season or even the last two seasons exemplify this. Cox is very similar to Martin in the respect he likes to dish the puck and find the scorer. The issue that has come to fore is that you cannot have two unselfish players on the same line.

Coach Russell recognised this and for a time, split them up and we saw new mechanics in the system.

However, one of my favourite goals was a 2 on 1 breakaway, Cox and Martin and the finish, the carry, the pass, was sublime. It felt like a dig. To all of us, and with great respect to the players, club and fellow fans. I hope it was.

No matter his destination for the 24-25 season, there is one player that shouldn’t be doubted and it is Trevor Cox. The big concern amongst fans is that where one goes, the other follows.

Listening to Sanford speak in regard of his career so far with Cox, it seems it is the end of the road for them, at least for now with a devils pitchfork in it and their paths will split for a time.

As already stated, this team needs player who can drive the games, the will and find a way to win and win big. The post-college good guy experiment in a post-lockdown world, with lots of unknowns and uncertainties is long over. The league has moved on.

The rivals have stepped up and raised the bar higher.

One player that has raised their own bar of potential is Riley Brandt. Comparing to the Brandt we knew during pre-season, he has certainly stepped up and would have been my pick as the Coaches Player of the Year.

He may not have finished the regular season with more points that last time, however he featured across all forwards lines and made huge strides to improve his game.

The difference – he had a coach who could and wanted to coach him. A big question at the start of the campaign was why keep him and Pietroniro, they are the same player? He answered and then some.

For reference to his enigma, here is my most read article to date so far; https://hockeysteve.co.uk/2023/09/12/the-riley-brandt-hypothesis/

Overall across each competition, Brandt put in 19 points, his most as a Devil, showing he does have some upside. His back checking and line defence has added to his game more than most expected, often frustrating teams looking to set up.

This is what you get when a coach comes in and improves his team.

To add to the forwards where in most cases there was improvement, particularly amongst the newest additions to this past season, is the effect the blue liners had.

Crawford backed up his first season with another Defenceman of the Year award and EIHL DOTY award, collecting the most assists for both club and league and improved his compete defensively, especially around the net.

Graphic highlighting the average amongst highest scoring seasons for an EIHL Devils Defenseman, featuring cult heroes Gleason Fournier and Andrew Hotham. Good company and a promising start for Marcus Crawford who is on par to exceed at least Andrew Hotham if he continues here.

He had a more competent partner to share the top line role with. This time, dual GB national Evan Mosey, who posted a strong season for the club, looking at times indomitable on the ice, particularly to start the year. A short injury spell moved clubman Justin Crandall to the back lines but eventually Mosey got his spot back.

He posted his best season as a Devil, however not his best from previous years, where at Panthers and Steelers he had stronger campaigns.

He does have a downside that is not always caught on stat card analytics, as there were times when not even under pressure, he would giveaway the puck, be forced into a soft turnover or get caught flatfooted and out of position on the break.

At 35, time would say that to have a dialled in, night on night, game on game Top 2 D partner for Crawford, the club will need to look at a stay at home option with a lot of upside in years left.

With recent movements in the EIHL amongst homegrown players and speculation surrounding others, the question mark is growing on the decisions for the top 4 core at the heart of the Devils blue line.

Mid season pick up Bode Wilde, a player with high end potential, a cannon of a shot and great hands. Like Crawford, he can see the ice really well and when it works, find a great outlet pass to flip the momentum when under pressure.

The main concern is the focus when it comes to clearing the zone and playing simple hockey. The basics go well until the urge to become a hero seeps in, which had caught Wilde on occasion, either leading to a goal against or turnovers and ill discipline in the panic to battle back.

His main partner was on the third line, with Brit veteran and Devils stalwart Josh Batch, who had overall another good, solid season. He may not have played at all, so again another question hangs around the R word. It was his second best season offensively in the last 5 and he done the small bits right all season long.

Will another season be too much or go the way it did for Mark Louis? With a big drop in effectiveness and loss for pace. This is why a question mark hangs over Batch right now, not for ability but merely the age factor and predictability to drop again in performance.

Graph showing there season by season output for Josh Batch, highlighting the frequent peak and trough in overall offensive production

Another key Brit with big questions surrounding his future due to age is Captain Mark Richardson. Dependable, a shot blocking machine and quiet leader. Respected. Reliable. Recovering much more slowly per shift and battle.

It is starting to get noticeable and became a hot topic as the long season wore on. He isn’t even done yet. Nearly all of Devils GB stars are in action and will be for IIHF Worlds this May. When that finishes, then what?

I can predict a long summer of rest for a captain and leader that never seems to have an off season, purely because he needs it. Jono Phillips retired at the end of last season, Matthew Myers recently retired from the international stage, surely next up is the beloved veteran and captain, Richardson.

The 37 year old blocked 74 shots in regular season. That is a lot for his body. 9th most minutes for TOI and fourth amongst the blue liners. He stayed on the 2nd line for most of the season, each defensive partner being paired up to learn and harness their craft from one of the games best in the EIHL over the years.

In regular season action he failed to light a single lamp, the first in his entire EIHL career. He did put up 11 assists and only taking two penalties, exemplified good discipline. Something the team lacked all season.

The big question surrounding him is, where would he fit if they offered him another? Surely 3rd line or scratch, to allow him to concentrate on other areas within the club, including S&C or even managerial options. No matter what happens to him, he will be a figure around the club regardless.

His line mate made a big splash on the roster and won over the fanbase throughout the season for his daring offensive activations, clean hitting and no nonsense style of play. His goal at the POFW to tie the game in the semi-final resulted in a celebration that all but signed a contract for next season, should he be offered.

Cody Donaghey, the multi award winner at the annual end of season ceremony that actually didn’t win any awards, including best forward, clearly shown his ability throughout the season and grew on a line with Richardson.

He was often paired with River Rymsha, which left gaps that went exploited at times as both are quite energetic when it comes to the physical side of the game and it showed that with Richardson, there was a steadier partnership.

With Wilde joining the ranks, this squeezed out Rymsha, which kept him out of the line up for quite some time once he returned from an injury.

In Rymshas absence, Donagheys cult elevated, whilst also suffering injury. Both he and Wilde ended the season with 28 points each.

What this shown was that 4 import D-men all had an offensive upside, but the group lacked at least one other stay at home partner they could rely on. This put extra pressure on Richardson and luckily Batch stepped up and complemented Wilde.

Rymsha however, couldn’t find or lock down his place, which must have rocked his confidence. His injury put him out for several weeks, but his TOI wasn’t entirely diminished with 15:50 overall. He was third in blocked shots (36) behind Crawford (51) and Richardson (74) respectively.

His game was better in the physical side, being one of the best hitters in the league, however not quite the shutdown defenseman the club needed.

A propensity to player hunt rather than secure the puck and clear the zone often let him down and left the lanes open on the goalies.

The biggest question mark is will this core group continue and pay off with a big season of silverware or will the club enter into a full rebuild?

Key Takeaways

Brit Core Might Need a Revamp; Waller, Duggan likely to search for pastures new to increase ice time and the defensive duo of Batch and Richardson might be looking at finishing. These aren’t certainties, just observations. Ultimately it is not known yet what will happen or what those players will do.

Import Core Rebuild; This will seem more of a reality if Devils want to compete and win trophies. The end results have told the story. Whilst the middle deck got an upgrade, the previous top and bottom lines took a slump and overall, haven’t produced near enough to be an effective, winning group.

The pieces are there, but there might be some slots needing to be filled and it should be done with the highest mark up possible.

Higher End Defense; To compliment the blue liners that naturally activate, such as Crawford and Donaghey, at least two high quality natural stay and home D-men should be on the books for additions to the roster this summer.

This leaves a bigger question mark of, who leaves? My main thought would be Bode Wilde as I knew this was a short term deal anyway, this has since come to fruition as he has joined DEL2 side Bad Nauheim.

Squad Rotations; The line ups got a fair amount of rotation both in game and by game basis. However, perennial scratches Duggan and Pietroniro would feel their seasons could have been better. Often as well, the bench was shortened, where rolling four lines would have helped include players more and lessen chance of injury. Of course, there is only one coach, but this would have been good to see and it is a key takeaway to raise.

It would be hard pressed to find anyone who can reflect on the Steelers success this season, to mention how important rolling 4 lines was. This means improved bottom 6 all around.

Proven Back Up Goalie; This isn’t a diss at either Booth or Wall, but they were very similar in a specific area that ultimately showed. Lack of quality playing time or at least consistent until joining the club, had lead to games where very soft goals went through them.

Bowns of course, wasn’t immune to this, but to have confidence on the night, it starts with a solid, consistent net minder. I would expect more to be put into this considering the coach and his chief video assistant.

It could be Bowns himself unless they can find a goalie who is dedicated to play in a tandem. As it goes, recently Mac Carruth was announced to return and perhaps, dropped a bleep of being in a good tandem with Bowns. This is one area you can considered sorted.

The view point is a rebuild or at least to the UK standard a retool. Already some clubs have announced some big returns, shock signings and most for the best part have added players on multi year contracts, something which doesn’t usually get disclosed.

The tides are changing in the landscape of the EIHL, with big pushes to reclaim past glories, find success and build on some good finishes.

For the Devils, this has included the aforementioned Mac Carruth, the re-signing of club fan favourite Riley Brandt, the shock addition of GB stalwart and top end forward Brett Perlini and of course, the much anticipated but hardly well kept secret return of star D-man, Gleason Fournier.

Out of all these, they were expected. Perlini was a target (suggestion) of mine from two seasons ago, so the addition has been a great nod to improve the Brit pack. Which means, which forward or forwards depart? Waller would be my mention for now, as Duggan has been impressing in Prague for GB the past week.

Carruth for me was an outlier mainly due to injury and potential for higher paid offers in Europe, so the landing of him and the expected continuation of Bowns in Devils colours is beyond appetising. That’s a tandem to be feared.

Finally, alongside the enigmatic Brandt, they have added the staunch cult hero of recent years in Fournier. His time spent in the ICEHL has seen his game develop defensively, so will he be the same player we all loved and knew? My bet is no. Perhaps better.

So throw in Donaghey and Crawford, all the club will need is another top 4 D, a stay at home option. Perhaps one more to return, to complete his masters degree?

More will come on the signings so far, plus more for the summer ScoutDeck series.

As ever, thank you for reading, sharing and supporting, who knows, perhaps more developments for next season might be in the pipeline officially.

Also, if you haven’t already, please check out the EIHL Face-Off podcast, recently we reviewed Fifes season, up next will be Dundee Stars.