Canadian winger James Livingston signed for Cardiff Devils this week – and chatted to Dai_Sport journalist Terry Phillips in an exclusive interview
James Livingston, Cardiff Devils’ new power forward, makes his Elite League debut this weekend.
The former NHL draft pick will wear number 62 in League fixtures against Glasgow Clan in Scotland on Saturday and Nottingham Panthers on Sunday.
Livingston flew into the UK from Germany in midweek and has had two training sessions with his new team, saying: “Devils winning culture was a huge factor in me coming to Cardiff.
“The success they have had is amazing and you can almost feel the quality in the group of players here.
“I’ve come from a small town in Germany to Cardiff and everybody has been great.I can’t wait to get started.”
Livingston is a former third round NHL St Louis Blues draft pick (2008) who spent five seasons in the American League, including three seasons with Worcester, the top affiliate of San Jose Sharks before moving onto Manchester (top affiliate of LA Kings).
The forward from Halifax, Nova Scotia moved to Europe for 2015-16 and spent two years in the top Austrian League (EBEL) with Dornbirner EC.
He made the move to Germany to join Bad Nauheim in 2017-18 and scored 50 points in 52 games, including 15 goals.
The Canadian forward had scored five goals with 13 assists in 25 games during the current campaign, but opted for a move to Wales.
“My team in Germany set off to a slow start and, with only four imports allowed in any match, I found myself out of the line-up a couple of time,” says Livingston.
“I had spoken to coach Lord a few times and when there was a chance to sign for Devils I jumped at it.
“It’s exciting to be in Cardiff. I don’t know too much about Elite League, but I’m happy be here and am looking forward to skating out in front of Devils fans against Panthers on Sunday.”
Livingstone described himself as an ‘all-rounder, jack of all trades’ and says: “I like to work hard, chip in on offence and put in some hits. I do a little bit of anything to help the team.”
When Clan and Devils last met, the Scottish side knocked Cardiff out of the Challenge Cup at the Viola Arena.
Clan have won seven of their last 10 home games, while Cardiff are the league’s best team on the road having won eight of 10.
“This is a massive game for us,” said Lord. “We know how good Glasgow are and remember only too well what happened the last time we played them.
“They’re on a really good run of form and seem to get better and better.
“We are well aware that it’s a difficult game for us.
“We’ve had a good week of training in preparation for this trip and the addition of James Livingston is huge for us. He’s fitted in really well with the guys and I’m excited to see him play his first game for us in Glasgow.”
Cardiff Devils follow their trip to Glasgow Clan on Saturday by playing three crucial League matches at the Viola Arena in Cardiff Bay.
Nottingham Panthers are visitors on Saturday (6pm), while Lord’s men have back-to-back home fixtures against closest title rivals Belfast Giants the following weekend.
Giants visit the Viola Arena on Saturday, January 19 (7pm) and Sunday, January 20 (4pm).
For Devils home tickets CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE or CALL 0800 0842 666
CLICK HERE to be redirected to the full fixtures list.