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Jay - Devils will be scary

Playmaker hungry for success

By Neil Chiplen Last updated: 25th May 2009

Latulippe: Optimistic

So next year, if we are healthy, we should be a scary team to play against.

Jay Latulippe
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Jay Latulippe has told skysports.com that the Cardiff Devils will be a scary team to face next season.

After an outstanding debut year in the Elite League, the 27-year old centre returns for the coming campaign with high hopes for Cardiff's chances.

"Down the stretch last year we had a great run even still short one import," Latulippe told skysports.com.

"So next year, if we are healthy, we should be a scary team to play against."

Latulippe's decision to play a second year in Cardiff Bay was keyed by the return of core players and the leadership of owner Matt Burge.

With joint top scorer Mike Prpich back on board and Latulippe playing alongside Brad Voth and Phil Hill on what he has labelled the "raptor" line, the Devils have a solid platform.

Honest

"Having the core guys back obviously helped me to make that decision (to come back," Latulippe continued.

"I like where the organisation is going as well, with the new owners leading the team in the right direction it was easy to make an early decision."

Besides tying Prpich for the team lead with 69 points, Latulippe also racked up 231 penalty minutes, which was the seventh highest total in the Elite League.

Latulippe is currently enjoying a well deserved rest at home after a long season in which he double-shifted at centre and was one of the league leaders in ice time.

"It's good to get a little break from hockey but to be honest I'm missing it right now," Latulippe added.

"I'm back in New York for the summer and the weather here is a bit better than the UK's so that's been nice. But I love the sport so playing that many minutes for a couple months was great and I loved every second of it."