Ice Hockey: Stefishen out to rough up Devils

Nov 20 2007 South Wales Echo

ADAM Stefishen, Edinburgh Capitals’ hard-man, will aim to make his mark his mark at the Cardiff Bay ice arena tomorrow (Wednesday, 8pm).

Canadian forward Stefishen fought player-coach Gerad Adams during the first period of Cardiff Devils 4-1 win at Murrayfield in Scotland.

Tomorrow, three days later, Stefishen is out to step up his physical impact on a Devils’ team who are on a run of 10 successive Elite League ice hockey wins.

Stefishen, 6ft-plus and a well-built hockey forward, plays a key role for Edinburgh. He will step forward to break up play if Cardiff look like taking control.

The 25-year-old played for Rocky Mountain Rage in North America last season and spent 228 minutes in the penalty box.

The Devils have powered up the table over the last six weeks, winning their last 10 League matches and moving into second place.

Coventry Blaze are top, one point ahead of Cardiff with games in hand, with Newcastle Vipers third.

And next weekend, the Devils take on Coventry away on Saturday before facing Newcastle at the Cardiff Bay rink on Sunday (6pm).

“They are two huge matches, but first we play Edinburgh Capitals at home tomorrow,” said Devils’ bench coach Brent Pope. “We are focused on that game and nothing else.”

Cardiff Devils’ first line continue to lead the way - and the three forwards are staying neck and neck in the Elite League scoring lists.

They each have 29 points - Jason Silverthorn 14 goals plus 15 assists; Sylvain Deschatalets seven plus 22 and Max Birbraer 12+17.

Next week, the Devils go into the Challenge Cup semi-final against Sheffield Steelers. The teams meet at the Cardiff Bay rink on Wednesday, November 28 and in Sheffield a week later, on Wednesday, December 5.

Ticket information on all Devils matches is available from the box office on Cardiff 029 2038 2001.

Elite League ice hockey

ppts

Coventry Blaze1729

Cardiff Devils2128

Newcastle Vipers1927

Sheffield Steelers1925

Nottingham Panthers1920

Belfast Giants1818

Manchester Phoenix1915

Hull Stingrays2015

Basingstoke Bison1914

Edinburgh Capitals198