Both Ready to Welcome Back Richie For Devils

Andrew Hotham is ready for the return of blue line partner Mark Richardson.

Great Britain defenceman Richie is close to playing again after recovering from a hand injury and long-time partner Hotham says: “I’ll be excited when he comes back.”

Devils travel to play Belfast Giants in Elite League on Saturday before taking on Edinburgh Capitals at home the following evening.

Richardson, Patrick Asselin and Joey Haddad are all close to fitness after missing the last few matches, but coach Andrew Lord won;t be drawn on who will be fit to take on Belfast.

The loss of Richardson is the biggest blow purely because Devils carry two more imports than they are able to play in any one match. The return of Justin Faryna during the 3-2 win against Sheffield Steelers last weekend ensured they had a full complement of import players.

Hotham, speaking after the victory against Steelers, said: “It’s always tough to play against Sheffield. They are a good team and we are arguably the top two teams in the league over the last couple of seasons.

“They were short benched and it was tougher for them, but it’s always a good game, a hard game.

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“Playing alongside Bryce Reddick has been great, but I miss having Richie there to help me out. I’ll be excited when he comes back.

“But we have to be happy when we win, the guys are working hard and that’s showing.”

Devils are currently sixth in the League table, but have up to seven games in hand on the teams above them.

Belfast, though, will be out to make a point against Devils in Northern Ireland on Saturday after six successive victories which has lifted them to third place.

Cole Jarrett and Dustin Johner are due to return, although goaltender Stephen Murphy, defensive pair Jeff Mason and Spiro Goulakos plus forward Kevin Raine remain out and Riley believes with a full roster the Giants will be a force to be reckoned with.

“We knew this was going to be a tough stretch for us, based on the travel schedule, plus the way the injuries have piled up, it’s made it that more difficult,” said Riley.

“It’s important to get some bodies back and get healthy here for this next little bit coming up.

“We’re getting close to a number of guys coming back and I think we’ll be a better team for having gone through this, coming up towards Christmas and into the second half of the season.

“Adversity brings teams together any time you go through things. We’d obviously prefer to not have to go through this sort of stretch, but it’s better to have it happen at this time of year rather than later on towards the play-offs stretch.”

Giants will be without Jim Vandermeer who has been suspended following an incident v Dundee Stars.

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