Mark Richardson is unique in Devils’ 33 year history – the only player to have competed in all three of their home ice rinks.
‘Richy’ signed for Devils in the season before Cardiff’s Wales National Ice Rink was closed, while he has also played a major role at the Big Blue Tent and Viola Arena.
Swindon-born Richardson has sustained a remarkable level of success with Cardiff Devils and Great Britain and his consistency is unsurpassed over 600-plus appearances for the Welsh club.
“I’m the only Devils player to compete in all three rinks,” said Richardson, a quietly-spoken, ultra-professional Defenceman who, remarkably, only picked up eight minutes in penalties during 2018-19.
“It’s been a great career with Cardiff Devils. Yes, there have been tough times, but there was never a year I didn’t enjoy. It’s always been amazing.
“I love playing hockey and it’s a lot more enjoyable if you are in best shape you can be in.
“I’m as excited as ever about the new season coming up.”
Richardson played a major role for Devils in their quest for an Elite League title and play-offs championship double last season.
Cardiff suffered heartbreak in their title quest, missing out on countback after finished level on points, 22 ahead of their closest rivals alongside champions Belfast, before roaring back to retain the play-offs by beating Giants in dramatic end-of-season scenes.
Swindon-born Richardson enjoyed World Championship delight when Great Britain defeated France in their final match to retain their place in the top flight.
He was on the ice when GB scored the winner which condemned France to relegation with two Cardiff-born players conjuring up the crucial goal.
Jonathan Phillips slipped and fell, but still managed to slide his body round on the ice and slip a pass for the onrushing Ben Davies, who left the goalie helpless with a deceptive backhand shot.
“It was an amazing feeling when that went in,” says Richardson. “We were 3-0 down at one stage and at that level a lot of people must have thought it was impossible to recover, but our team showed what they are made of.
“To be on the ice when Ben scored that goal to clinch the win was amazing. The whole experience was incredible.
“I will never forget rubbing shoulders with and playing against World-class guys.
“GB ice hockey is in the best place it’s been in for a long time. Sam Duggan, our young Devils forward, is knocking on the door and he is among the guys who will help Britain continue progressing.
“Staying in pool A is massive for the development of GB’s young players.”
Over the last five years, since Calgary-based Steve King and his consortium bought the club, Richardson and his fellow Devils have won nine trophies – two play-offs championships, two League titles, Challenge Cup twice and finished top of the Erhardt Conference three times.
They have also qualified to play in Champions League hockey for a third successive year.
‘Richy’ played alongside Andrew Hotham, who retired at the end of 2017-18, for four years and linked up with Gleason Fournier last season.
It is no coincidence that ‘Hoth’ was voted League D-man of the year in all four seasons with Richardson – and ‘Fourns’ lifted the trophy last time out.
Both men gave a lot of credit to Richardson for those awards. He remains calm and composed in the heart of battle, while Hotham and Fournier knew that when they went on an offensive charge ‘Richy’ was covering their backs.
“I had four excellent seasons with Andrew and it’s great fun to play with Gleason. I sometimes found myself watching what they could do. The skating ability of ‘Fourns’ is remarkable, but I like to think I helped him a little bit.”
Richardson is now 32-years-old, but his levels of fitness and the way he prepares for every stage of a season means he is still in his prime as a hockey player.
“I still look to improve on everything to do with my game,” he says. “I work to be better in every area. Just because a player is older doesn’t mean he can’t improve.
“I need to be as good as I possibly can.”
Head coach Andrew Lord has announced three defensive signings so far – Richardson, Fournier and Mark Lewis – with at least three more to be revealed. American-born Evan Mosey had committed to playing for Devils again, but suffered an injury in GB action which means he will miss most of next season.
Devils usually run three D-men pairings over a game with Yorkshireman goaltender Ben Bowns backing up the blueliners. ‘Bownsy’ is number one netminder for Devils and GB.
“Ben shouts a lot and you get used to that,” said Richardson. “When you look back to when he first broke through, a young and raw netminder, he has improved year on year.
“He was always a good shot stopper and good goalie, while he has worked and succeeded in improving every aspect of his game. That includes the mental side and playing the puck.
“As a D-man all you can ask is to have a solid goaltender behind you and they don’t come any better than Ben.”
Cardiff Devils’ confirmed signings:
(15 announced – 10 imports, 5 British – maximum 14 imports can ice in any one EIHL game):
Head coach: Andrew Lord
Netminder: Ben Bowns
Defence: Mark Richardson, Mark Louis (import), Gleason Fournier (import).
Forwards: Masi Marjamaki (import), Blair Riley (import), Stephen Dixon (import), Matthew Myers, Matt Pope (import), Mike McNamee (import), Sam Duggan, Joey Martin (import), Joey Haddad (import), Charles Linglet (import), Josh Batch.
Cardiff Devils pre-season and Champions League schedule:
EIHL release 2018-19 fixtures at 6am on Tuesday. They will be exclusively available to everyone who has signed up for ECAL with the general release at 9am.
CLICK HERE to sign up and be amongst the first to get the fixtures straight to your device Tuesday morning.
August
Saturday 10 and Sunday 11: Cardiff Devils v Fehervar (Viola Arena, Cardiff Bay)
Saturday 17: Nottingham Panthers v Devils (in Nottingham)
Sunday 18 Devils v Nottingham Panthers (Viola Arena, Cardiff Bay)
Sunday 25 Devils V MAC Budapest (Viola Arena, Cardiff Bay)
Friday 30 Devils v Mountfield HK (Champions Hockey League fixture, Viola Arena, 7.30pm)
September
Sunday 1 Devils v Graz 99ers (Champions Hockey League fixture, Viola Arena, 6pm)
Thursday 5 Mountfield HK v Devils (5pm)
Saturday 7 Graz 99ers v Devils (6.15pm)
October
Tuesday 8 Frolunda Indians v Devils (5pm)
Tuesday 15 Devils v Frolunda Indians (Champions Hockey League fixture, Viola Arena, 7.30pm)
Elite League and Challenge Cup fixtures to be announced Tuesday.
Single game tickets for pre-season and Champions Hockey League matches are now available along with the even-game ticket pack.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE or call us on 0800 0842 666
The 7-game pack, covering all four pre-season and three CHL home fixtures, offer big discounts and no service charges.