Welshman Matthew Myers and the Cardiff Devils are in Switzerland on a European ice hockey mission.
Cardiff-born power forward Myers is one of the most decorated players in Britain, having won the Challenge Cup seven times and the play-off championship in five seasons plus two Elite League titles.
Tonight (Thursday) Myers is likely to join Scot Craig Moore and Englishman Josh Batch on a hard-hitting forward line for Devils in their Champions Hockey League clash with HC Davos.
They joined forces during pre-season and head coach Andrew Lord says: “The whole line has been great.
“They come out with tons of energy. ‘Mooresy’ plays up tempo all the time and he’s awesome in our locker room, in training and matches.
“Craig’s attention to detail is second to none and he soaks up information like a sponge.
“Batchy has been highly effective, while we know all about Matthew.
“When he takes over a game Matthew is out and out one of best power forwards in British hockey.
“He can really take over with his seize – a bull in a china shop.
“Matthew plays big body hockey, a character guy who has probably won more trophies than anybody across the league. The guy is a winner, hugely effective at face-offs, so strong in front of the net and in corners.”
Lord says his relationship with Myers has grown, saying: “He’s a fun-loving guy, while I am intense, detail orientated. We bounce off each other well and he has become a great leader in our locker room.”
Devils are in Switzerland today (Thursday) preparing for their opening Champions League matches against HC Davos tonight and Czech team Bili Tygri Liberec two days later.
Todd Kelman, managing director of Elite League champions Devils, is a big fan of the CHL and says: “I know a lot about it, I follow it, I watch as many games as I can and I watch the final every year.
“I run a hockey team, but I’m a hockey fan too, you know, and it’s amazing quality hockey to watch.
“I don’t think we’re going to win the Champions league, I hate to tell our Devils fans that – I think that’s a given – but in the same breath, it’s just a huge honour to be able to take part in such a prestigious competition.
“When I was playing for Belfast we beat HC Davos. I’ll never forget it! We were playing in the Continental-cup Superfinal in Lugano, Switzerland, 2003.
“One thing I specifically remember is that Davos had one player who made more money in a season than our entire roster did combined. That shows the gulf between us and most other teams.
“But we are in there to compete and our aim must be to earn at least one win.”
Devils are in a Champions League group of four – Swedish club Vaxjo complete the quartet – and there will be three home fixtures at Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff Bay.
Devils have prepared thoroughly for their matches in Switzerland and the Czech Republic. They have analysed both opposing teams by watching videos, while they warned up for the challenge by beating top German team Krefeld Penguins 6-2, Nottingham Panthers 3-1 and 3-2 plus Braehead Clan 5-0.
Lord, who can ice all 15 of his import players in the CHL fixtures, says: “It’s cool to test ourselves in Europe.
“This has been three years in the making. That first season we were so close and wanted it bad, while in the second it was heartbreak.
“We came through to win the title in 2016-17 and our guys are relishing the challenge. Let’s make some noise in Europe.”
Devils’ debut in Champions League ice hockey, against top Swiss club HC Davos, will be broadcast live in the city centre.
Davos v Devils is being screened in Shooters Bar at the Cardiff Bierkeller Complex from 6.40pm.
Shooters has the biggest screen in Cardiff and Devils supporters look certain to turn out in force.
The Bierkeller have been a sponsor of Devils for the past three seasons and are delighted to give the non-travelling Cardiff devils fans a place to watch this much anticipated fixture, which will face-off at 7pm.
Entry is free and drinks offers and food will be on offer.
Ticket information for all home matches is available online via the Cardiff Devils official website or by phoning 0800 0842 666. Tickets can also be purchased in person from the main reception at Ice Arena Wales.
Cardiff Devils team 2017-18:
Netminders 2: Ben Bowns, Thomas Murdy.
Defence 6: Andrew Hotham (import), Bryce Reddick (import), Mark Richardson, Gleason Fournier (import), Drew Paris (import), Mark Louis (import), Callum Buglass (2-way contract with Cardiff Fire).
Forwards 14: Paul Crowder (import), Josh Batch, Patrick Asselin (import), Matt Pope (import), Jake Morissette (import), Layne Ulmer (import), Andrew Lord (import), Joey Martin (import), Joey Haddad (import), Sean Bentivoglio (import), Matthew Myers, Craig Moore (British u-23), Justin Faryna (import), Luke Piggott, Toms Rutkiss (2-way contract with Swindon Wildcats).