Devils look to North America in bid to bring in new import player

Jan 23 2008 South Wales Echo

GERAD Adams is pressing ahead with plans to bring in a new import forward and lift Cardiff Devils’ hopes of success in the Elite League ice hockey play-offs.

Player-coach Adams has been searching through North America and Europe for the right player and is ready to make a move.

Cardiff have one place available for an import and they have until January 31 to fill the slot.

They have had talks with players in North America and they could even wait until February to bring in the man they want, as long as the registration is made before the end of this month.

The Devils are sliding down the table after a string of defeats, having conceded 13 goals in two matches against Coventry Blaze last weekend, but they certainly have the potential to make a huge impact in the play-offs.

Adams was among six injured players, four of them imports, who missed the clashes with Coventry. Among the others sidelined is netminder Phil Osaer, who is rated the best in Elite League hockey and is capable of transforming the Welsh team.

This weekend, the Devils travel to play Manchester Phoenix on Saturday before playing Sheffield Steelers at the Cardiff Bay rink on Sunday (6pm).

It is hoped defenceman Tyson Teplitsky, who had a hip injury, will be ready to play even though he missed training yesterday.

That may mean general manager Brent Pope, who came out of retirement to help the team, will go back to bench coach duties. Adams will make that decision later this week, but if he does play this weekend it is likely to be the last of Pope’s short spell in the team.

Players are gradually returning to fitness with Osaer and Adams hopeful of being fit to play against Nottingham Panthers on Sunday, February 3, the Devils’ only match of that weekend.