Ice Hockey: Davies ready to take his place

Jan 1 2008 by Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

TEENAGER Ben Davies is an ice hockey forward looking to the future.

Cardiff-born centre Davies, who will celebrate his 17th birthday this month, is among a number of young Welsh players looking to take their chance at Elite League level.

The Devils, who have a strong Welsh contingent in their team, including Alex Symonds from Gwent plus Jason Stone, Phil Hill, Neil Francis, Nicky Lewis and Joe Myers, have hit major injury problems this season – and that has enhanced the chances available for young players coming through the Cardiff junior club development system.

Davies is among several from Cardiff Dragons building stronger links with the Devils, and who has had ice time in Elite League.

Davies has been skating for 10 years and has played at all age levels from under-10 through to seniors and he is now in the Dragons’ English National League team.

He works hard on his game and admits: “Monday is my only day off from hockey.

“It’s been great to be a part of the Devils team and I’m getting to know the guys now.

“The tempo at Elite League level is so much higher than I’m used to, but I’m learning all the time.

“I’m training hard to ensure I’m as strong as possible. There is a gymnasium at the Copthorne Hotel near where I live and I go there a fair bit.

“I’ve set myself little targets for the season – and I’ve thought about where I want to be a year from now.

“My job is to keep working hard and making sure I am ready for my chances when they come. If a big break comes I’ll be there.”

Other young players on the move with Cardiff Dragons juniors – and pressing for games at Elite League level are:

Tom Evans,16: Defenceman.

Jamie Hayes, 17: Forward, product of Dragons’ youth development programme currently playing for English Premier League Swindon.

Jamie Dancey, 21: Born in Canada, grew up in Wales. Forward.

Michael Hutchins, 18: forward.

CARDIFF Devils are away to Basingstoke this Saturday and at home to the same opposition on Sunday (6pm). At ENL level, Cardiff Dragons are at home to Oxford at the Cardiff Bay rink on Saturday (7.15pm).