Cardiff Devils New Signing Justin Has Fighter’s Instinct

Justin Faryna, Cardiff Devils newest signing, admits he has a short temper and a fighter’s instinct.

The man from Calgary and fast a fiery, a forward who has scored at more than a point a game during two seasons playing Elite League hockey for Dundee Stars.

The 6ft tall winger has also wracked up more than four and a half hours in penalty minutes during that time, underlining that he will drop his gloves when needed.

Faryna has taken on the likes of Matt Nickerson, Jay Rosehill and Brian McGrattan during his career.

“I’ve always had that killer instinct,” says Faryna. “I am not scared of anybody to be honest. If I get rubbed up the wrong way on the ice I have a short temper. I will get in there and take a punch to get inside.”

Faryna is, above all, highly effective offensively. During his first season in Dundee he scored 29 goals, nine on the powerplay, and 63 points.

He followed that with 26 goals in 2016-17 including eight on the PP.

“We love the way he plays with an edge and has the ability to back his game up if needs be,” said head coach Andrew Lord.

“I watched a ton of video on him and the more I watched, the more impressed I was.

“He led his team in goals, fights and penalty minutes for the past two seasons. That is a very rare combination.”

“Our fans are going to love this guy and the reports I have received on him have been great. I am looking forward to seeing what he can do for Devils next season.”

Lord first made contact with Calgary-born Faryna at the end of last season. Devils defeated Dundee Stars in the play-off semi-finals and talks started during the close season.

“He said Cardiff could use a spark plug like me,” says Faryna. “Somebody capable of changing the tide of a game with a hit, a greasy goal in front, mixing it up and getting things going.

“Overall, I am an all-round player who contributes everything I can to the team effort. I can contribute in terms of goals and I’m not afraid to mix it up in the corners.

“I had two great years in Dundee and playing under coach Marc Lefebvre was a pleasure. But the way things are it’s difficult for teams to bring in families and it didn’t work out with Dundee.

“Now I am excited and honoured to be joining Cardiff Devils. The aim is to bring home trophies. That’s the culture in Cardiff.”

Faryna played more of an enforcer role for Rapid City Rush and wasn’t given enough chances to show he can play, but Dundee’s Lefebvre took off the shackles when he came to the UK.

Lord, too, will give Faryna the freedom to make a major impact offensively, giving him the linemates to bring out his best.

He will link up again with Scottish player Craig Moore, who has also moved from Dundee to Cardiff.

“He has such a great attitude,” said 26-year-old Faryna. “He has a lot to learn, but he listens and is willing to put in the work needed. Craig wants to get better.

“Devils fans will certainly be happy with him.”

The 11 players who have now signed for Devils are: Faryna, Andrew Lord, Drew Paris, Gleason Fournier, Matthew Myers, Sean Bentivoglio, Craig Moore, Joey Martin, Joey Haddad, Mark Richardson, Ben Bowns.