Ice Hockey: Cardiff cloud has a Silver lining

Mar 21 2008 by Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

JASON Silverthorn will be fit to play for Cardiff Devils in the Elite League play-offs.

Canadian forward Silverthorn will return to action in Sunday’s home challenge match against Sheffield Steelers at the Cardiff Bay rink (6pm) and will face Nottingham Panthers over two legs in the play-offs.

“It’s fantastic news for the team,” said player-coach Gerad Adams.

“Jason will add that little bit extra on the ice and in terms of belief.”

The news that Silverthorn, one of the most dangerous goalscorers in Elite League, is fit gives the Devils a massive lift.

He will play a few shifts against Sheffield on Sunday and, after another week of training, will be fully ready to face Panthers.

He suffered a shoulder injury at Newcastle Vipers, but has made good progress over recent weeks.

There is, though, mixed news on Paul Sample and Mat Petricko.

Sample will not play again this season, while Petricko is still hoping to be ready.

“Samps won’t quite be ready, while we are assessing Petricko day-by-day,” said Adams.

“We will see how that goes, but he is staying upbeat and could yet help us during the play-offs.”

The Devils play their final Elite League match of the season tomorrow when they go to Newcastle Vipers.

That is followed by the clash with Sheffield Steelers on Sunday (6pm).

Tickets for the home play-off leg against Nottingham Panthers, on Sunday, March 30, will be available, while tickets for the play-off finals can be collected.

Cardiff Devils’ regular season shirts will then be auctioned off after the match against Sheffield.

Tickets for Cardiff Devils’ matches are available from the Cardiff Bay ice rink box office on Cardiff 029 2038 2001, while event information can be obtained from the Devils’ office on 0845 434 9055.

While Cardiff Devils aim to make an impact in the Elite League play-offs, Cardiff Dragons are in English National League action this weekend. They are at home to Peterborough Islanders in Cardiff Bay tomorrow, while they travel to Kent for a clash with Invicta on Sunday.

Teenage forward Ben Davies is away with the Great Britain under-18 team.

Cardiff-born Jamie Hayes is also in the GB team as they prepare for the World Under-18 Championship group matches in Estonia next week.

terry.phillips@mediawales.co.uk