Gleason Fournier, a hugely talented French-Canadian defenceman, says playing for Cardiff Devils is an ‘awesome experience’.
Fournier has been in sizzling form and is the second Devils player to be crowned Elite League player of the week.
Joey Martin, man of the match in the 7-2 win against Fife on Sunday, was the first and now Fournier has been hailed number one in Britain.
“It’s awesome to play for this team,” he said after scoring three goals and four assists in the two victories over the weekend.
“The organisation really looks after us, but they expect a lot from us.
“When we deliver like we have done, it’s great and everybody enjoys it.
“The owners, management and coaching staff do a great job recruiting players. There are great players here and we enjoy being with each other.
“I’m happy to be here with these guys and looking forward to another great year.
“The thing about those wins was that everyone got involved and played very well so it couldn’t be a better feeling around the team.
“We can now fully focus on trying to win the league and the Challenge Cup now that our Champions Hockey League campaign is finished.
“It was a good experience and we learned a lot from it. Of course, we would have liked to have gone further in it, but we still enjoyed it. It’s all about the league now.”
Fournier fired two goals and added three assists in Saturday’s thumping 7-1 win over the Steelers – the fifth player to score five points in one game this season.
Another goal and assist in Sunday’s victory over Fife topped up his tally and Fournier admits he’s never had a spell like it in his career.
“I haven’t had a weekend like it before,” said the former Detroit Red Wings NHL draft pick.”Those wins were big and even though Sheffield aren’t where they want to be, they’re still a pretty good team.
“Fife have a lot of skilled players and we knew all about Paul Crowder, who played with us last season and he’s the leading scorer. We came out strong and it helped us to claim a good win.
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“We have four good lines and all if them can score score. They each have their dangers.”
Fournier is now in his fourth season playing for Devils and he has stepped up to play an even bigger role and take more responsibility following the danger of key D-man Andrew Hotham, described as the ‘best D-man in the history of Elite League’ by general manager Todd Kelman.
Head coach Andrew Lord is still working on adding one more high end blueliner if the right man becomes available after the current NHL and American League training camps, but the six-man defensive unit has been outstanding.
Josh Batch is playing on D after the sudden departure of new signing Tom Parisi back to North America and the big Brit, from Chelmsford in Essex, has been in excellent form along with Mark Louis, Mark Richardson, Bryce Reddick and Ben Blood.
Devils play two Challenge Cup group fixtures this weekend, taking on Guildford Flames at home on Saturday and Coventry Blaze away the next day.
“Gleason is one of the best, if not the best, skater in the EIHL,” said Devils coach Andrew Lord.
“He has an ability to pick up the puck in his own end and go coast to coast with ease, while his speed lets him always get back into position on defence.
“His skating and offensive skill makes him dangerous every time he is on the ice and he gives us an added offensive element that can catch out a lot of teams.”
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Next three Devils fixtures
October
Saturday 27 home v Guildford Flames (7pm, Challenge Cup)
Sunday 28 away v Coventry Blaze (5.15pm, Challenge Cup)
Wednesday 31 v Glasgow Clan (away, Elite League)
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