‘Bownsy’ Pays Tribute To Cool D-man ‘Strachs’

Goalie Ben Bowns loves the Devils D-corps who give him the cover and protection he needs in Elite League.

Andrew Hotham, Gleason Fournier, Mark Richardson and Co have been immense this season, while Bowns describes former NHL man Tyson Strachan ‘the most laid-back defender I have ever played behind.’

The cool and composed Strachan has added a new dynamic to the Cardiff Devils’ blue line unit, helping the Welsh team open a clear lead at the top.

Devils are five points ahead of second-placed Belfast Giants with two games in hand.

Bowns says: “Strachs is awesome. That NHL knowhow and experience shines through.

http://https://youtu.be/f0n7HrrO51M

“He is the most laid-back defender I have played behind. All of our defensive do a terrific job.

“We also have a lot of guys back from last season and they know how to handle the pressure.

“It was a massive high beating Sheffield Steelers in the Challenge Cup semi-final, but now we come back down to earth for what is a crucial League match at Milton Keynes Lightning.”

Former Devils players Guillaume Doucet and Denny Kearney, who has 37 points in 37 matches this season, are in the Lightning team, while Czech Republic’s ex-Nottingham goalie Jindrich Pacl, will be between the pipes if Miika Wiikman fails a fitness test.

Kearney returns after suspension to boost Lightning who badly need a home win to keep their play-off hopes alive.

Cardiff have the best powerplay in Elite league with a 29.61% success rate, while Joey Martin is the joint sixth highest point forward and he has scored five points in his last five games.

Devils are also in action on Sunday when Nottingham Panthers visit Ice Arena Wales (6pm).

To book tickets for Devils matches CLICK HERE or CALL 0800 0842 666 to book, while CLICK HERE for the full fixtures list.

ELITE LEAGUE SCORING LEADERS

Regular 2017

Rk	Player	Team	G	A	Pts	PIM
1	Mike Hammond	MAN	27	41	68	8
2	John Dunbar	GUI	18	44	62	26
3	Sebastien Sylvestre	BEL	24	31	55	128
4	Dane Byers	MAN	16	37	53	89
5	Brendan Connolly	BEL	17	35	52	116
6	Matt Beca	MAN	19	32	51	4
7	Joey Martin	CAR	19	32	51	24
8	Jesse Craige	GUI	9	42	51	47
9	Calle Ackered	GUI	15	35	50	24
10	Marc-Olivier Vallerand	COV	25	24	49	114

ELITE LEAGUE GOALIE LEADERS

Regular 2017

Rk	Player	Team	W	L	GA	GAA
1	Ervins Mustukovs	SHF	23	13	92	2.39
2	Patrick Galbraith	NOT	12	5	37	2.39
3	Ben Bowns	CAR	29	7	93	2.45
4	Andy Iles	FIF	23	9	89	2.66
5	Chris Carrozzi	GUI	19	10	89	2.79
6	Mike Clemente	MAN	24	12	120	2.92
7	Ryan Nie	BRA	16	20	125	3.13
8	Kevin Nastiuk	COV	14	23	129	3.20
9	Jackson Whistle	BEL	24	11	116	3.22
10	Miika Wiikman	MKL	12	19	107	3.50