Former NHL defenceman Tyson Strachan, Cardiff Devils’ new signing, is ready for two vastly different experiences this week.
Tough guy Strachan, who made 186 NHL appearances for St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres and Minnesota Wild, plays in Mark Richardson’s testimonial match at Ice Arena Wales this evening (Tuesday) and will then focus on Devils’ cup decider against Coventry Blaze at home.
Canadian Strachan, a 6ft 3ins D-man with vast experience, attended Richardson’s testimonial dinner on Monday and plays his third match since flying into the UK last Thursday.
Then Devils turn to that big Challenge Cup group game against Coventry Blaze when a win would put Cardiff, the trophy holders, into the quarter-finals.
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWz8fJ4rjMQ&feature=youtu.be
Strachan made his Devils debut during the 4-0 Elite League defeat at Sheffield Steelers and played against Nottingham Panthers at home the next evening when Cardiff won 6-2.
“It was great to earn a big win in front of a great crowd,” says Strachan. “There was a fun atmosphere, loud and exciting.
“I didn’t have my best game at Sheffield. That was a tough match and I was still hurting a little two days later. The jet lag was difficult, I’m not used to that.
“The Steelers match didn’t go the way we would have wanted, but we rebounded against Panthers. That felt good and we’re looking forward now.”
Strachan’s arrival means Devils have two more imports than they can use in any one match, although Mark Richardson, Patrick Asselin, Justin Faryna and Joey Haddad have all been injured.
All four missed the matches against Sheffield and Nottingham, but two or three of those could be ready for the home game against Blaze on Saturday (7pm).
“When the opportunity to play in the UK came up I jumped at the chance,” said Strachan. “I’m excited to be gaining a new life experience.
“The playing style is similar to North America and it’s cool to be in Wales playing for Devils.”
Black and white in Richie’s testimonial team, selection:
Team White (Captain Mac Faulkner): Thomas Murdy, Joe Myers, Luke Piggott, Mark Smith, Callum Buglass, Sean Bentivoglio, Lee Richardson, Mark Louis, Kenton Smith, Neil Francis, Alex Symonds, Gleason Fournier, Dease Bigalo, Craig Moore, Phil Hill, Max Birbraer, Andrew Hotham, Matthew Myers, Sam Smith, Justin Faryna, Patrick Asselin, Ben Davies, Andrew Lord.
Team Black (Captain Tyson Marsh): Mike Will, Ben Bowns, Stevie Lyle, Chris Jones, Gerad Adams, Jake Morissette, Drew Parish, Guillaume Doucet, Joey Martin, Paul Sample, Bryce Reddick, Josh Batch, Jason Stone, Joey Haddad, Matt Pope, Layne Ulmer, Grant Richardson, Carl Hudson, Tyson Strachan, Matt Towe, Paul Crowder.
Tickets for Mark Richardson’s testimonial this evening (Tuesday, 7.30pm) and Saturday’s match against Blaze (7pm) are on sale through the Devils online booking system, via 0800 0842 666 or in person at Ice Arena Wales reception.