Bowns Hails D-Man Richie: “You’re Simply The Best”

Ben Bowns has hailed Cardiff Devils player Mark Richardson ‘the best British D-man by a mile – probably ever!’

Great Britain goalie Bowns joins Devils fans and team-mates in paying tribute to Richardson at his testimonial match tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.30pm).

Ice hockey players from around Britain and North America will be at the IAW for the match and Bowns made his feelings clear via twitter.

Former Devils captains Mac Faulkner and Tyson Marsh have flown in from Canada lead the two teams for Richie’s testimonial.

Tickets are still available for Richardson’s big night and Bowns said: “Let’s pack the Arena out – Richie deserves the full backing of hockey fans everywhere.

“Richie is the best British D-man by a mile and that’s at a time when there are some great Brit defencemen around. I’ve played behind them all.

“He should go down as one of the best ever, if not THE best.

“Richie doesn’t get the recognition he deserves, but I know that’s how he likes it.”

Richardson is in his 11th season playing for Devils, a quietly-spoken, understated man who isn’t comfortable in the spotlight.

He helped GB win World Championship gold and promotion earlier this year, having already played a huge role inn Devils’ triple crown – Elite League title, Challenge Cup and Erhardt Conference.

Head coach Andrew Lord revealed that Richardson wanted to play through the pain barrier last weekend when Devils played Sheffield away and Nottingham at home even though he was injured.

“Richie badly wanted to play, but we couldn’t let him,” said Lord. “The guy loves Cardiff Devils, the club, the team and the fans.

“I love seeing how awkward he feels about being in the limelight for his testimonial dinner on Monday and match tomorrow.

“He feels he shouldn’t have a testimonial, but he’s been with our club for 11 seasons. He should have been honoured last season, but made the decision to call off his game and make way for a former team-mate, Scott Matzka, and his event at the IAW.

“Richie is everything to our club and then some. He gives it 100 per cent every day, in practice and matches, and he would do anything for anybody.”

Former Devils player Neil Francis has known Richardson since he was a teenager and says: “He has improved his game over the years as ice hockey in the UK grew in stature. Richie is one step ahead all the time, prepares thoroughly for every match and every training session.

“He works incredibly hard and has achieved success with clubs and country.

“What I love about him is that after all he has done over the years with Great Britain, Devils and more he has stayed grounded.

When the team coach arrives for an away trip Richie is among the first players to pitch in and carry bags to the bus. He will literally do anything to help the team.”

Devils owners Steve King, Brian Parker, Craig Shostack and Kelly Hughes sent a message for Richardson’s testimonial, saying: “Richie is one of the unbelievable pieces of the Devils jigsaw which allowed the club to start winning quickly when we first came to the club.

“Andrew Lord and Richie were two of the key guys, big reasons we were able to make such progress in that first season.

“Richie is a fantastic player. He is as solid as a rock on D, while he has scored huge goals in Elite League and Champions League. I love the fact that he is a guy who sets the benchmark for everybody.”

Tickets Richardson’s testimonial are on sale through the Devils online booking system via the club’s official website, call 0800 0842 666 or book in person at Ice Arena Wales reception. CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE for the match.