Todd Kelman has told Cardiff Devils fans to feel pride in their club’s achievements this season.
Managing director Kelman spoke to Devils players, staff and volunteers during a social at Ice Arena Wales and said: “You have to get used to winning.
“We have captured five trophies in three seasons. Devils are reigning Elite League champions, Challenge Cup champions and Erhardt Conference champions.
“Be proud of that.”
Player-coach Andrew Lord and his players attended the beer and pizza evening at the IAW and Kelman said: “We talked about turning the club round in five years and then won our first trophy in less than one season.
“Remember how important that first Challenge Cup was.
“Now we have a fantastic club, a classy organisation from top to bottom, and a new arena which is sold put every game.
“This has been the best season ever and we are committed to maintaining our push for success.
“That’s not just down to Lordo and his players. Our office staff, 50-50 ticket sellers and more, everybody who shows up on a Saturday or Sunday are part of what has been achieved so far.”
Goaltender Ben Bowns was among the players who attended, having been given time off from Great Britain duty to rest an inured ankle.
He will join the GB squad later this week.
Matthew Myers, Mark Richardson, Josh Batch and goaltender Thomas Murdy all joined up with coach Peter Russell’s GB squad and could not be at the IAW, but captain Jake Morissette and all other players were there.
Former Devils and current Coventry Blaze player Russ Cowley is with GB, who are preparing for matches against Poland.
The teams clash at the National Ice Centre, Nottingham on Friday (7.30pm) and Coventry’s Skydome on Saturday (1pm).
The two games are part of both sides’ preparations for their respective World Championship, with GB hosting their first men’s tournament for 25 years in Belfast later this month.
“Great Britain-Poland games are always special and the rivalry is fantastic,” said Cowley.
“We have a lot of respect for each other, but the games are so intense. I am sure this year will be no different.
“It is great preparation for a World Championship tournament.”
Cowley, who will retire from hockey at the end of his season, is in a 28-man squad. He is hoping to be included in the final 23, who will be selected after the fixtures against Poland.
Great Britain squad for two fixtures v Poland:
Netminders: Ben Bowns (Cardiff Devils), Stephen Murphy (Belfast Giants), Thomas Murdy (Cardiff Devils).
Defence: Josh Batch (Cardiff Devils), Mark Garside (Belfast Giants), Steve Lee (Nottingham Panthers), Ben O’Connor (Sheffield Steelers), David Phillips (Sheffield Steelers), Mark Richardson (Cardiff Devils), Zach Sullivan (Braehead Clan), Paul Swindlehurst (Manchester Storm), Jonathan Weaver (Telford Tigers).
Forwards: Brendan Brooks (Fife Flyers), David Clarke (Nottingham Panthers), Russell Cowley (Coventry Blaze), Robert Dowd (Sheffield Steelers), Sam Duggan (Orebro, Sweden), Robert Farmer (Nottingham Panthers), Luke Ferrara (Sheffield Steelers), Robert Lachowicz (Nottingham Panthers), Evan Mosey (Rockford Ice Hogs, USA), Matthew Myers (Cardiff Devils), Craig Peacock (Braehead Clan), Jonathan Phillips (Sheffield Steelers), Jack Prince (Manchester Storm), Colin Shields (Belfast Giants), Liam Stewart (Coventry Blaze), Ross Venus (Coventry Blaze).
To buy tickets for GB against Poland at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham log on to the National Ice Centre website at www.motorpointarenanottingham.com or telephone 0843 373 3000. GBSC members have been allocated block 9 and away supporters block 4.
To buy tickets for GB against Poland at the Skydome in Coventry, visit the Skydome box office in person, log on to www.planet-ice.co.uk/arena/Coventry and ‘Ice Hockey Tickets’ or call 02476 630 693.