Ice Hockey: Winger looks for early Devils return

Jan 19 2008 South Wales Echo

GEORDIE winger Paul Sample has told Cardiff Devils: “I’ll be back in March.”

Sample has had a knee operation and is getting round on crutches, but doctors have told him he will be fit by March.

And he is targeting March 3 for a return to on-ice training.

“Samps is fired up and wants to get back quickly,” said player-coach Gerad Adams. “He’s had a tough time and there’s a way to go, but he’ll be back for the play-offs.”

Adams himself is still out and will be for another few weeks after damaging a foot, while Mike Prpich is to have a second operation on his knee next month.

Winger Prpich will then return to North America. The Devils have looked after Prpich by funding two operations and will pay him until he goes home.

“Mike is a good player and he’s popular with the fans,” said Adams. “He is the type of guy we would like to come back next season and I will keep in touch to see how his rehabilitation is going.

“It would be great to have Mike playing for us over the rest of this season, but it simply hasn’t worked out that way.”

The Devils are working to try and bring in a 10th import to replace Prpich and Adams said: “It’s something we are working on.

“If the finances are available then we will make our move and we are staying up-to-date with those players who are or may become available. Nothing is certain yet, but we would love to add another quality guy to the team.”

General manager and bench coach Brent Pope came out of retirement to help the team at the heigh of an injury crisis and he will agin be in action against Coventry Blaze, at home tonight and away at the Skydome this evening.

Captain Brad Voth is in the Devils line-up this evening, at the Cardiff Bay rink, but goalie Phil Osaer isnot quite ready.

“Phil is making progress and will be playing again soon, but doctors advised him this weekend was too soon,” said Adams. “That was a blow for Phil because he’s keen to play again and he has been able to train.

“He’s close, but not quite close enough.”

Joe Myers will continue to deputise for the visit of Coventry, who are top of the Elite League and favourites for the title.