Ice Hockey: Devils living up to best of British tag

Nov 6 2007 by Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

CARDIFF Devils are living up to Brent Pope’s claim: “You’re the best of British.”

The Devils have produced a storming run and have lost only one match in their last 11, charging into a position from where they can yet put the top three under pressure.

Cardiff are fourth and next weekend play Manchester Phoenix away on Saturday followed by Nottingham Panthers at home on Sunday (6pm).

Pope said a fortnight ago: “The way we are playing we have to be the best team in Elite League right now.”

Since then the Devils have won another four games and the first line of Silverthorn-Birbraer-Deschatalets are on the top of their game. All three are now among the top 14 scorers in Elite League and Silverthorn is at number seven in the individual rankings with 12 goals and 12 assists.

Centreman Deschatalets has scored three goals with 20 assists – seven over last weekend when Cardiff defeated Basingstoke Bison at home 8-4 and Panthers away 2-1. Birbraer has nine goals with 13 assists for a personal tally of 22 points.

The arrival of new winger Mike Prpich has given the team a lift and he has added a gritty, physical presence on the second line.