Ice Hockey: Devils set to unleash Myers on Panthers

Jan 12 2008 South Wales Echo

NETMINDER Joe Myers has challenged Cardiff Devils, to: “Play me against Nottingham Panthers tonight.”

And Myers, who proved his fitness in training yesterday, has been given the go-ahead to face Nottingham Panthers in tonight’s Elite League ice hockey match at the National Ice Centre.

Cardiff have had a terrible time with netminders this season and last weekend had both first choice Phil Osaer and back-up Myers injured.

They have turned to Mike Brabon (guesting from Telford), Gregg Rockman (from Bracknell) and Dave Lawrence (from Sheffield) to help them out.

Now, though, Myers is back and will play against Nottingham tonight and Belfast Giants at home tomorrow.

This looks likely to be Myers’ final chance to make an impact now with Osaer due back next weekend, against Coventry Blaze, after his knee operation.

Myers, 20, was devastated when he suffered a foot injury during training as he prepared for Cardiff’s British Cup matches against Basingstoke Bison.

Hospital X-rays showed Myers had suffered damage to a bone, but he has battled back to be ready for this weekend.

He is a young player who has come through Cardiff’s youth development programme.

“Joe has shown he is fit and ready – he plays against Nottingham,” said Brent Pope.

Hard-hitting winger Phil Hill is back in the Cardiff line-up this weekend, but they are still without Osaer, Paul Sample, Mike Prpich and the suspended Brad Voth.

General manager Pope continues to help out and he said: “I’ve been training hard and the more I play the better it feels.

“It was a big decision to come out of retirement and play.

“But I feel it’s gone reasonably well.

“My role is to give others a rest off the ice and that is working.”

The Devils have had a good week with new sponsors TP Maintenance from Cardiff confirmed.

Their name and logo will not be on the front of the shirts against Nottingham or Belfast, but Pope says the new shirts will be ready for back-to-back clashes with Elite League leaders Coventry.

“We are delighted with the new sponsorship deal and there is no longer any doubt we will finish the season,” said Pope.

Ticket information can be obtained from the Cardiff Bay rink box office on Cardiff 029 2038 2001.terry.phillips@mediawales.co.uk