Pre-season vs Herlev Eagles; 5 Key Observations

Pre-season; 1 – 1 – 0

The home team dispatched their visitors comfortably in game two, creating an aggregate score (and overall win for those who count) at 7:6 with a 6-2 win and a few notable moments as the 24/25 season looms ever closer.

Following the defeat from the previous nights game, where the scoreline didn’t reflect the game and even one of the owners offered up some insider information as far as intent of preparation to alleviate some concerns (albeit after only one game?!) – the bounce back win amped up the home crowd and offered some glimpses of what to expect.

Here are the key takeaways from the second game;

1. Shinkaruk Skilful and Supreme

Grade; A+

It is early days yet going 2G and 2A with a Man of the Match (one of potentially many), Hunter Shinkaruk delighted on the top line with the Goat and Zach O’Brien, showing off his skillset and dazzling the home crowd again with his hands, eye for space, puck carrying, shooting, back checking and an eye for a silky pass.

Wow factor, complete.

2. Reid ‘the Duke’ of Cardiff

(To quote a friend, see here; https://x.com/OliverJHampson/status/1824892585015410967 )

Grade; B+

Another who shone in their first weekend of action, demonstrating to many who already know of his calibre before joining the organisation, was Reid Duke.

Sharp on the draws, ferocious hits, sublime edges and Fournier-esque skating, whilst lighting the lamp with delicious hands capped a great introduction for the man that is Not Joey Haddad, aka #27.

3. Brit Promise

Grade; B

From the Captain, to Sam Duggan, Bowns and to the new two-way rookie in Josh Tomalin, the engine of the team produced in all areas.

Josh Batch secured a Man of the Match award in the first game on Friday night, then on the second he nudged in a goal from an entire Brit attack which saw GB prospect Tomalin dodge a massive two man hit on the boards that drew in Sam Duggan, whose on own hit loosened the puck back to Tomalin, who fed veteran defenceman Batch for a fantastic goal.

Grit, determination, strength, resilience and clever hockey IQ – this is just the prospect alone, then add in Bailey Harewoods monstrous presence as he hunted down Danes, then the press from their fellow Brit team mates, which added to an exciting exposé of British hockey.

It delivered.

4. Laser Focus

Grade; B-

Even with key a key stretch pass by the Cap to MacDonald for a sublime finish and a breakaway goal by The Duke, the team were on high alert all night following the previous night of heavy legs.

Interceptions, aggressive but responsible defending, thunderous hits, reserved responses to provocations and even a one man wrecking crew without a penalty conceded that wasn’t Riley Brandt. It was clear how dialled in the team were.

The biggest improvement even compared to the overall team the previous season, was the clinical finishing and nose for net at key times. No extra passing. Heads up, pick the spot and fire one at the net. Collect the rebounds or break up the recovery afterwards. All in.

5. Special Team Promise

Grade; C+

Production will be key for any power play and being two games into pre-season, this will be an area that is allowed to improve and allowed to not be 100%.

Both special teams shown some excellent industry and provided some glimpses of intent for what to expect going forward, even with heavily rotated lines during play. Not to mention, missing three players as Perlini was absent from the bench this weekend and two others are yet to land in town.

Systems are everything, so having some players both new and established in the roster that are familiar with the coaches set up and expectations is a positive start and evident it will work. Good things to come on this front.

Overall Thoughts

Grade; B

Nothing is lost on anyone that this was just two games to prepare for a long season, without the full team to select and review yet.

However, it is important to know what is working and who has bought in, even at this stage. Herlev have been in camp for about a fortnight, whereas this team have been together since Monday on the ice, with more to join.

I haven’t personally seen Carruth play yet (this pre-season), so there was no analysis on performance for the goalies. Bowns however was looking sharp and relaxed. That is a great sign for things to come.

An honourable mention goes out to Jarrod Gourley who effectively destroyed an entire Eagles line in the defensive corner, with and without his stick. No penalties taken. Just bruised bodies and egos. The best way to ignite the passion of this fan base is with physicality – Croeso I Gaerdydd, Jarrod!

Next up is the slate of GB games, which offers a different dynamic for squad selection and competition over a triple header of fixtures with the Belfast Giants. How this would be rotated will be interesting to see, but I would fully expect to least the Belfast v GB game to have all available Devils Brits involved for that game.

The initial game, Devils vs GB I will be in attendance before a holiday abroad. The next would likely be one of the Panthers games at the end of the pre-season slate of tests.