Coach Lord Cool As He Looks For Devils D-Man

Andrew Lord will take his time finding a replacement for Tom Parisi, the fast and furious defenceman who arrived in Cardiff this week and left three days later.

Devils head coach Lord will assess what is needed, look at all options and make his move at the right time.

There is no question that Cardiff will replace Parisi or that the new man will be a class act. That’s the Devils’ way these days.

This weekend, Devils play Coventry Blaze at home on Saturday (7pm) and then travel to the Skydome on Sunday for pre-season fixtures.

Tom Parisi (right) meets Devils captain before face-off at Ice Arena Wales on Sunday.

They are still preparing for what will be a massive season.

Club history shows that when there is a shock departure or a late signing it can prove inspirational.

Many fans will remember the furore when German forward Steffan Ziesche was released in 1996-97 and some supporters planned a protest – until they saw new signing Steve Thornton in action. Wow!

His hat-trick against Sheffield Steelers away left goalie Piero Greco in shock!

It is fantastic to move early and sign your team, but hindsight is a great factor. When players go for a golden contract at NHL, American League, Swiss League, KHL or any other top level and miss out by a fraction Devils can benefit.

There is no point going for the first import player at a decent level who become available. Devils have gone way beyond that stage – they have a full roster of import players now and will find the right man at the right time.

Cardiff Devils defenceman Tyson Strachan. Pic: Cardiff Devils.

Parisi was, clearly, not committed and it was brave of him to speak out before the season started.

Devils have been in similar situations before. Paul Castron, now a scout at NHL level, signed for Devils in 1989-90 and then pulled out before flying in.

His replacement was Doug McEwen, a club legend whose number 7 shirt hangs above the ice.

Rob Davison, a 6ft 3ins defenceman, was a ‘late’ signing from San Jose Sharks, while ex-Tampa Bay Lightning forward Matt Elich arrived in January 2009.

Only last season, Devils came up with a late signing when Tyson Strachan strode into Ice Arena Wales during October.

Devils general manager Todd Kelman has tweeted: “Devils fanbase . . . don’t fret over a guy (Tom Parisi) leaving whose heart isn’t in it.

“Retiring from this great game is tough at any stage and everybody has their reasons. Don’t be mad at Tom Parisi – we aren’t. “We move forward, as we always do. We got this one. This isn’t our first rodeo.”

Tickets for Saturday’s home match against Coventry are available ONLINE HERE, call 0800 0842 666 or book in person at the Arena reception.

Cardiff Devils managing director Todd Kelman and head coach Andrew Lord pictured with the Monteith Bowl. That trophy is for the Elite League champions.

Cardiff Devils early fixtures and results list, including pre-season matches and Champions League group fixtures.

August

Saturday 11: Nottingham Panthers 5, Cardiff Devils 5

Sunday 12: Cardiff Devils 3, Nottingham Panthers 6 (Panthers won 11-8 on aggregate)

Saturday 18: Cardiff Devils 3, HK Poprad 2

Sunday 19: Cardiff Devils 4, HK Poprad 5

Saturday 25: Cardiff Devils v Coventry Blaze (7pm, pre-season)

Sunday 26: Coventry Blaze v Cardiff Devils (5.15pm, pre-season)

Thursday 30: Cardiff Devils v Red Bull Salzburg (7.30pm, Champions League)