Ice Hockey: Hill on his way back for Devils

Jan 9 2008 South Wales Echo

HARD-HITTING Cardiff Devils ice hockey forward Phil Hill will be back in action this weekend.

Cardiff-born winger Hill came through a full training session yesterday and said: “I’m feeling good – and it looks as though I will be icing against Nottingham and Belfast this weekend.”

The Devils are away to Nottingham Panthers on Saturday and then return to the Cardiff Bay rink for a clash with Belfast Giants.

Hill’s return is a major boost for Cardiff and he added: “It’s been agony having to watch while the team have been struggling for players.

“Now, though, I can get on the ice and help the guys.

“This Devils team is capable of making a major impact in the play-offs. If we had stayed healthy I believe we would have won the Elite League title, but our injuries have caused big damage to those hopes.

“Now, if we get more players back over the next few weeks, we can have a right go at the play-offs. And we believe we have a team who can become play-off champions.”

Hill, 25, has been out for six weeks after damaging knee ligaments. He suffered virtually the same injury as goalie Phil Osaer.

“The difference was that Phil needed an operation and I didn’t,” said Hill.

“The medical opinion was that I’d be fine with rest and recuperation. Thankfully, that has proved right. I trained gently last week and have gradually stepped things up.

“Unless there’s a late reaction I will be playing this weekend.”

The 6ft 3ins Hill returned to Cardiff from Sheffield Steelers this season and club general manager Brent Pope said: “Phil is big, British and talented. It’s fantastic to have him back.”

Cardiff will again borrow Sheffield’s back-up goalie Davey Lawrence this weekend. He stepped in for Cardiff’s outstanding 5-3 home win against Basingstoke Bison last Sunday and produced a solid display.

The Devils still have Osaer (knee), Paul Sample (knee), Mike Prpich (knee), Gerad Adams (foot) and back-up goaltender Joe Myers (foot) ruled out through injury, while captain Brad Voth is suspended.

Osaer and Voth are due back on Saturday, January 19, against Coventry Blaze. Sample is facing an operation, while Adams and Myers are out for the next few weeks.

Prpich needs a second operation, although it has already been decided his season is over.

terry.phillips@mediwales.co.uk