Ice Hockey: Hard-up Devils in urgent need of extra cash

Jan 3 2008 South Wales Echo

GERAD Adams admitted today Cardiff Devils ice hockey is facing financial problems.

Elite League Devils, who are among the leaders, have revealed a weekly loss of between £1,000 and £1,500 and player-coach Adams said: “All contracts, including those of myself and general manager Brent Pope, will be looked at.

“We are in financial trouble, but we are determined to complete a season during which we could still achieve so much – and we are confident we can see it through.

“When we have a healthy team Cardiff Devils are a match for anybody and showed that by going top of the league. We will stick together as a team – and I believe we still have a great chance in the play-offs.

“That’s the challenge for everybody and if anybody, fans or local companies, can help then they should get in touch.”

The Devils need to find up to £18,000 to get them through the final three months of the season.

Cardiff Devils do have an issue with the £1,500 they pay each week in ‘service charges’ to Cardiff Bay rink operators Planet Ice.

“We believe we have a rent-free ice time agreement with the council, but we don’t feel we are getting the benefits of that,” said Pope.

“We are in a ridiculous situation which is leaving Cardiff Devils out in the cold.

“Cardiff County Council has a level of responsibility in this situation, but appears to be leaving it all at our door.”

A Cardiff County Council spokesman confirmed there is a rent-free ice time agreement in place with the Devils, although the club should pay reasonable maintenance or service charges.

The council is not directly involved in those payments, set at £1,500 per week by Planet Ice.

Devils have also been hit by the loss of a £30,000 sponsorship agreement from the start of the season. Only £5,000 of the promised money has been paid.

Pope confirmed that the Devils need at least 1,250 paying customers at each game to break even, not including season ticket holders – and are only attracting just over 1,000.

“We have big financial problems and have to address those quickly,” said Pope.

“The whole season and the Cardiff Devils business is in jeopardy. Big decisions have to be made.”

A Planet Ice spokesman said the service charges for Devils’ use of the rink including training, matches and a 24-hour ticket-line is reasonable.

“We feel it is fair,” said the spokesman.

“If Cardiff Devils are in financial difficulties we would certainly be willing to meet with them at any time.”

This weekend, the Devils play Basingstoke Bison home and away in the British Knockout Cup.

The teams play in Basingstoke on Saturday and at the Cardiff Bay rink in the return on Sunday (6pm).

terry.phillips@mediawales.co.uk