New Season
The hockey season is back, and you can follow it all with us right here on BIH.
Stats Centre
We are working on an archive of matches, stats and players from BIH in the past few years.
Mark Smith re-signs for Cardiff Devils
The Cardiff Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of defenceman Mark Smith for the 25th anniversary 2011-12 season.
The 6 foot, 200lbs native of Beaumont, Alberta will enter his second season with the Devils having joined from in 2010 following highly respected performances for the Edinburgh Capitals the previous campaign.
Smith quickly earned the respect of his team mates and praise from the fans due to his relentless work ethic and shot-blocking prowess. Regularly blocking half a dozen shots or more per game, he was a thorn in the side of opposing shooters every game last year.
Playing alongside his brother Kenton, also a defenceman, Smith's defensive style perfectly complimented the offensive talents of his brother and NHL star Craig Weller. Smith, often described by onlookers as "the goalie's best friend" formed a key part of the Devils defence; never seeking the limelight but always in the action.
One of four new faces on the blueline for the Devils last year, Smith is now completing the MBA with Cardiff University he began last Autumn and, he says, is looking forward to another year in Cardiff.
"The city is great and I am looking forward to enjoying it more. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to do my MBA whilst playing but it was certainly tough - getting back from a Scotland road trip at 7,8 or 9am and then being in classes for 11 was very tough for the guys who were studying last year. I won;t miss those Mondays! I'm really looking forward to being able to focus on just the hockey next season."
On the subject of his shot-blocking a defensive style, Smith says it was a conscious change to his game:
"I was always an offensive guy; had strong numbers. I led my college team in scoring! But in my second year as a pro I turned my attention to improving my game at the back and I found it was something I seemed to be good at."
"As for the shot-blocking, well people often ask me why I do it. I think they reckon I am a little crazy for doing it but it helps my team and stops a scoring chance so I am happy to contribute."
Head Coach Gerad Adams is very happy to capture the signature of Mark.
"Smithy does those little things that often go unnoticed by everyone other than his team-mates. He works really hard and is fearless when it comes to defending his net. He really impressed (bench coach) Neil Francis and I when he was in Edinburgh and he brought that same level of play to the Devils last year. I am looking forward to having Mark back on the blueline next year."
"I am in advanced talks with Kenton Smith and I would love to get him back on board soon too, which would give us a great starting core of D from last year, and that familiarity helps keep things calm at the back."
blog comments powered by Disqus0-3 |
||
| 12th March 2006 19:00 | ||
5-3 |
||
| 12th March 2006 19:00 | ||
4-5 |
||
| 12th March 2006 19:00 | ||
1-4 |
||
| 12th March 2006 19:00 | ||
4-4 |
||
| 11th March 2006 19:00 | ||
2-4 |
||
| 11th March 2006 19:00 | ||
| Club | GP | W | L | OL | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|
5-8 |
||
| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
5-1 |
||
| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
4-1 |
||
| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
5-2 |
||
| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
3-7 |
||
| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
1-1 |
||
| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
| Club | GP | W | L | OL | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|
- Devils sign Faulkner from Italy
- Richardson set for Cardiff departure?
- Richardson set for Cardiff departure?
- Moria set for emotional Cardiff return?
- Strong third period for Devils over Stars
