Ice Hockey: Adams closes in on new deal

Apr 2 2008 South Wales Echo

GERAD Adams, the player coach who has led Cardiff Devils into the ice hockey play-off finals, is close to agreeing a deal to stay in charge next season, writes Terry Phillips.

Canadian Adams, 29, looks certain to be appointed coach for a second full season.

The former Sheffield Steelers and London Knights player has had talks with new Devils’ owner Matt Burge, who takes over the Elite League club next week, and said: “I’d love to stay with Cardiff and that is looking likely right now.”

Adams, who will open negotiations with key players as soon as his position is confirmed, was appointed player-coach midway through the 2006-7 season and steered the Devils to victory in the British Cup. They also reached the play-off final before being edged out by Nottingham Panthers.

This time, Adams’ first full season in charge, Cardiff have had a tough time with injuries, but swept top of the table before fading and finishing sixth.

They qualified for the play-offs and defeated Nottingham in a quarter-final thriller last weekend, snatching a 7-6 victory thanks to two late Sylvain Deschatelets goals.

Now Cardiff Devils play Adams’ former club Sheffield Steelers in the semi-finals at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham on Saturday (5pm).

“It’s a one-off match against Sheffield and the guys are up for the challenge,” said Adams.

“The atmosphere was remarkable during the match against Nottingham – and we now have a one-off match against Sheffield to make the final. That is a difficult test, but one we all believe we can pass.”