Former Cardiff Devils captain and coach Gerad Adams believes British defenceman Mark Richardson can play on for another decade at Elite League level.
Ice hockey fans pay tribute to Richardson next week when his testimonial match is played at Ice Arena Wales and Adams, who was a team-mate of the tenacious Great Britain international with Devils, says he sets high standards of professionalism.
“Ritchie is one of the most professional players off the ice and that has led to his tremendous success on the ice.
“The standards he sets himself are amazing. He has another 10 years left in him to play elite league hockey.
“To see how far Ritchie has come since his first year with the Devils is amazing.
“You will not find anyone who has a bad word to say about Ritchie. A true gentleman in all aspects of life.
“Richie is understated in his approach to his own game, but brings reliability, consistency and the ability to move the puck. He is a natural talent.”
Max Birbraer, Stevie Lyle and Guillaume Doucet are among the former Devils players who have committed to play in Richardson’s testimonial on Tuesday, October 24 (7.30pm)..
This season is Ritchie’s 11th season with Devils and he plays in Elite League matches against Sheffield Steelers way on Saturday and Nottingham Panthers at home the following evening before turning to his testimonial.
The night before next Tuesday’s game Devils will be hosting a dinner and draft party where the two team captains (Tyson Marsh for Team Black, Mac Faulkner for Team White) will draft their teams for the big game.
Players who have committed to play in Richardson’s game are Birbraer, Carl Hudson, Alex Symonds, Paul Sample, Sam Smith, Adams, Doucet, Denny Kearney, Ben Davies, Matt Towe, Kenton Smith, Mark Smith, Neil Francis, Stevie Lyle, Joe Myers, Jason Stone and Mike Will.
The entire current Devils roster are also involved in
Tickets for Richardson’s game are on sale through the Devils online booking system. Visit the official Cardiff Devils website, call 0800 0842 666 or book in person at IAW reception.
More details are available from the arena shop just off the main reception area.