Ice Hockey: Petricko hands Devils play-off boost

Mar 27 2008 by Phil Blanche, Western Mail

SLOVAKIAN forward Matus Petricko came through a Cardiff Devils fitness test yesterday and declared himself fit for play-off duty.

Petricko, who celebrates his 28th birthday just before the play-off finals weekend next month, will be back in full training at the Devils’ Cardiff Bay rink headquarters today.

The Devils head to Nottingham Panthers for the first leg of their play-off quarter-final on Saturday (7pm) with the return in South Wales on Sunday (6pm).

“Mat has come through a skating session and he is hugely encouraged,” said Devils general manager Brent Pope.

“He felt one slight twinge, but no more and Mat expects to be involved against his former club this weekend.

“It’s going to be a big night at the rink on Sunday.”

Petricko helped Panthers win the Elite League play-off championship last season, beating Devils in the final after overtime and penalties.

“I want to be there with the guys, even more so because it’s Nottingham,” said Petricko.

“I have a brace to stabilise my knee and I expect to be in the line-up. I have been trying to test my knee at every opportunity, even at home.

“I feel confident I can play a role in our bid to qualify for the finals.”

The news that Petricko, one of the most influential forwards in British ice hockey and winner of the coach’s player of the year award at the Devils, will face Panthers is a major plus.

Another key forward, Jason Silverthorn is also fit after an injury scare and scored in the Devils’ challenge match against Sheffield Steelers.

Petricko has helped Bracknell Bees (2004-05), Newcastle Vipers (2005-06) and (2006-07) to championships and now believes the Devils can crash Nottingham’s party.

“We have a team capable of achieving success,” said Petricko.

“Right now, though, everybody is focused on our home and away matches against Nottingham.”

The play-off finals will be held at Nottingham Ice Arena over the first weekend in April.

Meanwhile, centre Sylvain Deschatelets was voted the Devils’ Booster Club player of the year, while Tyson Teplitsky lifted the players’ player of the year trophy.

Awards: British player of the year – Matt Towe; most improved player – Alex Symonds; Booster Club player of the year – Sylvain Deschatelets; writers’ award – Neil Francis; players’ player of the year – Tyson Teplitsky; coaches’ award – Mat Petricko