Former Devils Powerhouse Back In Cardiff To Play With Fire

Nicky Chinn is coming home to Cardiff.

The former Devils firebrand has signed for Cardiff Fire, who are competing in the second tier of British ice hockey in 2017-18.

Cardiff-Born Chinn started his career in South Wales during the late 1980s and is heading back to end his playing days in his home city.

“Well what do I say,” says Chinn. “The opportunity to come back and finish my career where it all began was too much of a temptation.

“I know I might not be at the peak of my game, but I still feel I can contribute to a team and to the players around me.

“This will be my 29th season playing British hockey so I’m bringing a bit of experience and hoping the Fire can emulate the Devils and build something special in the years to come.”

‘Chinny’ has played an astonishing 1,355 matches during his career, scoring 561 goals with 906 assists (1,467 points). He landed a massive 3,120 penalty minutes.

Fire coach Mark Cuddihy says: “This is a romantic story for Cardiff hockey fans.

“Chinny is a true legend of the British game and one of our own. He has achieved so much in his hockey career and I’m really happy he has decided to join the Fire.

“I’ve known Chinny since I was in juniors. He was one of the first guys, along with Jason Stone, out of our juniors to play for Devils. They paved the way for others to follow and led fantastically well.

“He still has a huge amount to offer and will be a great player for us. He is well respected and has a ton of hockey knowledge.

“Nicky is the ultimate playmaker and with 906 assists in his career his playmaking abilities are there to see.

“He is a genuine leader and everybody in our club will learn from him. I’m absolutely delighted he’s joined us.”

Chinn started his career in Cardiff playing for the Devils professionally as a 16-year-old in the early formation years of Cardiff Devils.

‘Chinny’ became a household name in British Ice hockey, known for a great skill set matched with huge toughness.

Chinn went from strength-to-strength and, at the age of 20, scored 100 points in 44 games for the Devils (51+49), earning him his first World Championships with Great Britain where he was named player of the tournament.

Welshman Chinn was up there with the top British players in the game, spending the next seven years playing at the top level of UK hockey.

He was also one of the few Brits to survive the Super league era, playing 176 times over five seasons, scoring 39 goals and 47 assists between Cardiff Devils and Sheffield Steelers.

During 2001 ‘Chinny’ made the move to the new eight-import British National League league along with other top Brits like Tony Hand. He joined the big budget Guildford Flames and stayed three seasons before moving on Basingstoke Bison.

The Cardiff-born forward signed for Elite League Nottingham Panthers and then returned to the second tier with Slough Jets, Bracknell Bees and MK Lightning. He was a captain for seven of those seasons for three different clubs.

In 2015-16 he became a player coach for Streatham Redskins before moving onto the same role with MK Thunder last season.

Chinn lives in Surrey and, fittingly, works as a Fire Safety Officer. Now the 6ft 1in powerhouse is ready to become a Fire danger – to opposing teams in National League hockey.