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Raise Your Game: Why ice hockey?

Gerad Adams: As a Canadian it's something you grow up with. Where I'm from in Canada the ground usually freezes in late October and the lake is frozen until late March. We learn to skate at a young age and I learned to skate when I was three. I was on an outdoor rink when I was three-years-old.

RYG: What exactly happens during the game?

GA: Each team has a net liner, a goalie, and five attackers. We have two defenders on the ice and three forwards. Our forwards are left winger, centre man and a right winger. We work as units of five. In ice hockey you go out and you go as hard as you can for 35 to 45 seconds, then we change.

You're jumping over the bench, jumping back onto the ice and you're working as a unit. Defenders can move up the ice and score goals as well as the forwards. It's a real fast, physical game. It's the fastest game on earth so it's pretty enjoyable to watch.

RYG: What equipment do you need to play this game?

GA: Somebody who's learning how to ice skate for the first time would need skates, a helmet for head protection and elbow pads, because you do fall quite a bit.

RYG: Isn't all that equipment heavy?

GA: I think we're so used to it that we don't think twice about it. For somebody who's starting out in ice hockey it would be heavy, but it's protection. It's everything you need so you do have to get used to it.

RYG: In terms of training, what's an average week like for the Cardiff Devils?

GA: Right now we're playing three games a week. For three matches a week we're training on the ice twice a week. We come out and work on a few of our systems. We try to get our quick feet and our hands going for the games and we spend a couple of days in the gym.

RYG: What are the typical injuries the guys get?

GA: There are a lot of leg strains on the inside of the legs. There's a lot of pressure on your legs and knees. Shoulders are another big thing. We play a physical sport and those are the areas that go.

RYG: What's it like here in Cardiff in terms of support from the crowd?

GA: The fan support isn't the biggest but they're very loyal and very supportive. It's a very good group of fans and I enjoy playing in front of them.

RYG: Where do you see the team going in the future?

GA:

We're not going to get first place this year, but we're looking for a top four place. Our goal is to win the play-offs and that's what we're building for every game. We don't really care about the results, we just care about our play. As for the future, hockey is a year to year sport. All we can do is take care of our play for this year and things will work out for next year.

RYG: What's the team spirit like here in Cardiff?

GA: It's the one thing that the Devils have always prided themselves on. That comes from recruiting. We try and pick out the players who not only have the on-ice skills, but the off-ice skills too. I think in any job, if you have good people and you work together, you work better.

RYG: Can you give us an idea of what it's like being a coach for the devils?

GA: There's quite a bit of pressure, but it's a lot of fun, it's enjoyable. I think one of the biggest things is being organised, having things written down. Keep the players aware of the other teams, what the other teams' tendencies are, and just to keep on top of things.

At times it seems as if you're a glorified babysitter with these guys, but they're all really good people. You just want to keep everybody happy. One of the biggest things is to keep the lines of communication open and just to keep everything running as smoothly as possible.

RYG: Any advice for kids that want to make it as ice hockey players?

GA: A good ice hockey player is someone who has good communication skills, is willing to listen and willing to try new things. It's a very technical game and not that easy to pick up. It's a lot of fun but you just have to be patient.