Gerad Adams has fired a warning to the Elite League over lightning quick Cardiff Devils forward Matt Elich.
Cardiff coach praises former NHL speedster
Gerad Adams has fired a warning to the Elite League over lightning quick Cardiff Devils forward Matt Elich.
Adams has been impressed by Elich since he arrived in January as the American winger has racked up 17 points in 12 games.
Elich, who played briefly for the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning, scored twice in Cardiff's 3-3 draw against Belfast in the first leg of the British Knockout Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.
And in an exclusive interview with
skysports.com, Adams said that other teams are going to have to pay attention when Elich has the puck.
"I don't care which team we're playing against they're going to have to take notice when he's on the ice because he can control the puck that well," Adams said.
"Part of the reason why we signed him was because we needed a bit more speed up front. He's starting to find his feet right now in the league and I think he'll start scoring a lot more goals."
Qualities
The Devils, who meet the Giants again in Cardiff Bay for the second leg on Saturday, have now settled their line-up with Elich and player coach Adams replacing injured pair Marc Fulton and Derek Campbell.
Elich has formed a promising partnership with Cardiff's top goal scorer Mike Prpich and upcoming youngster Ben Davies, helping the Devils to four victories in their last five games.
"I knew he was a good skater, but I didn't know he was this good," Adams added.
"He's extremely fast and he's helped Ben Davies come a long way. Matt's playing with him on the ice and moving the puck quickly and controlling it."
With the play-offs approaching, Adams is hoping that Elich's speed will be useful when the Devils play on bigger ice pads than their home in Cardiff Bay.
"I think we're going to see a bit more out of Matt," Adams concluded.
"He will open up guys like Prpich and Davies and give them an extra second on the puck to get a good quality shot on net."
