Behind the Bench with Neil Francis

The Votes are in, the people have spoken, and we have our Cardiff Devils Greatest Team of all time.   We asked the fans to vote for their starting line from 4 Devils eras, and now the final votes are in, its time here on Behind the Bench to delve into the careers of the winners and explain what makes them great. This episode will cover the First 10 years of the EIHL era, and the New Era under the Canadian Consortium. In this Episode: - JD talks Voth's omission from his team - all things G and Franny - some Andrew Lord Secrets.   And so so much more.

The Votes are in, the people have spoken, and we have our Cardiff Devils Greatest Team of all time.   We asked the fans to vote for thier starting line from 4 Devils eras, and now the final votes are in, its time here on Behind the Bench to delve into the careers of the winners and explain what makes them great.  This episode we will be looking at the First decade of Devils hockey and the Super league years!  In this Episode:   - we find out who was responsible for the nickname Franny   - we meet the new Lemiuex and Gretzky   - John Tells us delves into Stephen coopers worst moments.   - its just general celebration of all good things Devils.

WE ARE NAMING THE 'ALL TIME' GREATEST CARDIFF DEVILS TEAM AND WE NEED YOUR HELP. The 2020-21 season that never happened would have been our 35th Anniversary season, which means the 2021-22 season IS OUR 35th ANNIVERSARY SEASON. To celebrate our first 35 years, we are naming the “All-Time Devils Team” but we are doing it era by era.  Keep reading, and try to follow along as we explain the way we are going to do this. You can vote for 6 players (1 goalie, 2 defenceman, 3 forwards) from each of these eras: The first decade – 1986-87 to 1995-96 The Superleague – 1996-97 to 2002-03 The EIHL first decade – 2003-04 to 2013-14 The EIHL new era – 2014-15 to present To be selected to the all-time team, a player must meet both of the following qualifications: 1) He must have played for the Devils for at least 3 seasons; 2) He must have won at least one major title as a Devil or been on the world record setting team from 2010-11 season. Each era will have 1 goalie, 2 defenceman and 3 forwards selected. So the All-time Devils team will be 4 goalies, 8 defenceman, 12 forwards.  We will also name 2 coaches to the All-time Devils team.     The Nominees will be announced during this episode, so listen now to see if your favourite has made the Final cut! 

Whether you have sat in the Bar to listen to a Q&A or watched one of his many interviews on the Cardiff Devils YouTube Channel, one thing is for sure, Todd Kelman is a man who loves to spin a yarn. And todays episode is no different, other than, we take Todd away from Cardiff, learning about his upbringing in Hockey, His time at College and his journey and stay in the UK Hockey Scene In this Episode:   - The Story behind Frank King and the Calgary Olympics - Getting A Zamboni home - Haunted Houses in Bracknell - Becoming Team mates with a Stanley Cup champion.   And a whole whole lot more on Behind the Bench with Neil Francis. 

Hot off the Heels of the glorious return of the podcast, we have a bonafide Devils Legend sitting behind the bench with us today, the one and only Vezio Sacratini.   Vez as he was affectionately known is one of British Ice Hockey's most recognisable figures, making Cardiff his home for over a decade Vez tells us his journey before arriving, and his unique tale about how he came to stay in the Welsh Capital.   In this episode!   - How an Italian household runs itself in Canada - Being an Olympian - In the land of the Giants in Cardiff - Will One Punch identity be revealed?    All this and whole lot more on Behind the Bench! 

We are back! and we mean business. Behind the Bench with Neil Francis continues are open door to guests for them to step behind the bench and tell their stories.   And what a set of stories we have, from the newly installed Cardiff Devils coach Jarrod Skalde. Skalds has played for some of the most famous NHL teams and had one of the most unique hockey journeys, and he doesnt hold back in telling his tale. In this episode    - Tales of Eric Lindros   - What really happened the weekend Skalde was drafted   - How do you navigate being claimed on Waivers 5 times in 5 months, with a pregnant wife? Skalde will show you how   - And New Team member on board! Welcome to Producer Hubbs.   All this and so much more on Behind the Bench with Neil Francis. 

In a week where Andrew Lord announced he will be leaving the Cardiff Devils, we talk to him and his team that started it all for the Devils New Era as we go back to re live the victory of the 2014-2015 Challenge cup winning team.   Bringing together almost the entire roster from Captain Tyson Marsh to Devils Legend Jake Morrissette to Devils GM Todd Kelman we re live how the roster came together, the journey through the Challenge Cup to the victorious win at the final. In this episode  - Big Blue Tent Memories - Hotel Bills  - Todd Kelmans sheffield arena ban. - Carl Hudsons fake thumb   And so so much more. 

It's a Behind the Bench first as we sit down with current Devil Joey Haddad.    We go through Joey's Junior and Pro career to find out the story about what made the player you see today on the Ice at the Viola arena, the set backs and triumphs and of course the stories! In this episode:   - The Haddad - Culligan Connection - Joey's first encounter playing with Andrew Lord in north America - Brent Walton vs a Table - Joey's first trip to the BBT   and so so much more. 

If you've started following the Devils since Day 1, or you have only recently stepped foot in the Viola Arena, there is a fair chance you have heard of the 1990 playoff final. Transcending hockey, this final went all the way to penalty shots, pushing back the Snooker coverage on BBC as an entire nation was glued to its television, to see who would come out victirious, would it be Murrayfield led by the best British player of his generation in Tony Hand?  Or would the Cardiff Devils do the impossible and win the playoffs to go along with their League title in their very first year of being promoted to the top divsion. In the paraphrased immortal words of Barry Davis - You don't need me to tell you, the Cardiff Devils were victorious.  This episode covers the story of that win, from the men who were there. You will hear from:  Jeff Smith Jason wood John burnicle Stephen Cooper Shannon hope Archie nelson Nicky Chinn Ian Cooper Paul farmer John lawless Doug McEwen Steve Moria Robbie Morris Brian Wilkie Brian Kanewischer  As they relive one of the greatest moments in Cardiff Devils history.   you won't want to miss this one.    This podcast is sponsored by the Ice Hockey players Benevolent fund, a charitible organisation that looks to give financial relief to any player, coach or official who is unable to earn a living due to illness or injury.   There's a raffle currently running to win a Patrick Kane Signed Jersey, all of the details and to buy your tickets, please go to: https://raffall.com/15484/enter-raffle-to-win-patrick-kane-blackhawk-jersey-hosted-by-ihpbf-ihpbf 

Part 1 of our Brent Walton Episode was record breaking, the highest listened to show we have put out yet, and guess what? we have even more for you!  This part is all about Walton in Cardiff, we go through all of his favorite Cardiff Stories, and finish where we started at Walton  In this Episode: Wally vs Steeler Dan The story of the talk between Todd and Brent about retirement. The full story of how he came to be shirtless in the standing section. his favorite pre game talks. and lots lots more

Fresh off the Heels of our fantastic first guest, we invite another colorful character from Devils history to join us behind the bench, this week it is Brent Walton! Brent Joined us from his home in Canada for our very first live video chat, and as you can imagine, had a tonne of great stories and memories from his playing career. In this first part:   - Getting up close and personal with Chris Frank - Fat camp with Bible Frans - Gooning it up in the AHL. -And...... An Erotic Photo shoot......   All this and so much more in this awesome first part. Get listening and downloading now! 

So we come to the next exciting chapter of our Birbraer Odyssey, after learning all about Max unique journey to Pro hockey in North America we now turn attention to the life and times in Cardiff.  all of the ups and downs of life in a Devils shirt, giving us the low down on Team mates, crucial matches and his personal life away from the rink. In this Episode!.....   - When did Max learn he had no rink to play out of when he first arrived in Cardiff?  - Why didn't Mark Smith light up the league the second time around?  - Memories of the Record Breakers.   And so so much more. We hope this Episode brings you a little bit of a distraction and some smiles while we stay indoors right now.  Most of all, we hope all of our listeners are currently staying safe. We hope to see you all soon. 

Very few players have had the impact on the Cardiff Devils that Max Birbraer had, from scoring goals, making hits, and being one of the most popular team mates and fan favorites of all time, his legacy will live on through all of Devils history.  We were lucky enough to sit down with Max and in this first part, we will learn all about the truly unique story about how a young Kid from Khazakstan ended up getting drafted to the NHL. In this episode:   - How to get an Israeli passport in the 1990's - language barriers in Junior hockey - Army Jail with a spiritual intervention (it may have been one punch we aren't sure yet)  - Life with Mike Danton  And a whole lot more! 

So we come to the end of our deliberation for the Cardiff Devils team of the decade, and it is the turn of the forwards.  The guys all throw in their ideas and then decide who makes the prestigious final Line!   Also in this episode   - Max talk - Chris Blight right place wrong time? - and we definitely definitely don't pick an entire second line because we felt guilty about leaving players out......

The Cardiff Devil have been blessed with some fantastic players in the last decade (and Franny signed most of them!) but with only 5 spots open, the guys who is going to make the Cut? we start with the guys who look after the House, the Goaltenders and the D men, who will Franny, Gaz and John choose?    also in this episode!   - JD spills the beans about Hothams Hatred - Gaz can't remember the guy from Coventry!  - and we even sneak some current season chatter in there!   Who are your Goalie and D men of the decade? tell us on Twitter via @Btbfranny     

It's been a whole year of podcasts from Gaz, John and Franny, a year full of laughs and stories and memories.  so the guys got together to just have a chat about the past year, and some topics that they wouldn't ordinarily get to talk about. Some of the things to look forward to in this episode:   - John Donovan Bingo is completed in record time - We discuss who was the best draftee, Hand or Kirk? - Franny's Face Time addiction. - Where did the idea come from for Wally night?  - and what is the structure of a hockey player at Christmas time?   This and a whole lot more. Thank you so much for your support of the podcast over the past 12 months, here's to many more episodes to come. 

With John Donovan unfortunately able to Join the episode this week, a search was on for a replacement, who better to step in than one of the Best Cyclists in the world and HUGE (Credit: Aled Lloyd) Cardiff Devils Fan Luke Rowe!   Luke talks about how he has found the Devils and when his first game was, his fondest memories of the Big Blue Tent, some of his favorite players, and just some damn fine general hockey chat.    In this Episode!    - Luke Rowe owes the Devils money - Find out why!  - Luke Talks up why the Big Blue Tent is one of his most favorite ever sporting venue!  - We uncover Streatham Redskins and Fife Flyers legend Vincent Lukac! - And we take a tour around Luke Rowe's hockey man cave. - And listeners it's over to you, just who's stick does Luke have? We need to find the owner of this mystery piece of hockey memorabilia.    So what are you waiting for? Get listening to one of the best sportsman in the world, talk about one of the best sports in the world.    P.S the title of this episode was all Neil Francis idea! 

In this episode we breakdown the run down of the inaugural Superleague title race that the Devils would eventually win (spoiler!) along the way of course, there are some diversions! mainly silly stories, so in this episode you can expect - WNIR Stock check - The Japanese hockey sensation 'Cannonball' - Paul Heavey vs a Bin -Bob Phillips serial blinder.... and many many more. Give us a listen!

British Ice Hockey went through it's biggest ever change in the summer of 1996, 8 clubs broke away from the British Ice Hockey Association to form the Superleague, a new league that had an unlimited cap on Imports and Expenditure.   It heralded the highest level of hockey Britain had ever seen, and the Cardiff Devils and the Sheffield Steelers went head to head to try and win it. In Part 1: - Franny talks about his adventure to Graz  - We give the background on the 8 clubs who broke away  - Scott Dobben takes us off his Christmas Card list - and we find out who scored the second ever Superleague goal.  

We roll into part 2 of the pre season special and we are looking at things a bit closer to home..... Relive the madness that was Andrew Conboy's debut..... as Gaz, John and Franny take you back through some of the most memorable Pre season incidents.  In this Episode:   - What happens when a game ends with a Devils player headbutting an opponent and that's not even the most weird thing to happen? - What film does John deem appropriate to show a bunch of hockey players from Denmark on a bus trip from Heathrow?  - Deeds, Danton and the birth of Twitter in the EIHL.  - Coventry pre season Memories - and what on earth are Sneaky Saturdays?    and a whole lot more! Download and Subscribe now! 

It's pre season in British Ice Hockey, a time for teams to forge new game plans, invite new players into the fold, and for those players to ease gently into life in their new surroundings, of course, it doesnt always work out like this.....   In This Episode, Gaz, John and Franny look back at some of the Devils pre season tours away from British Soil, breaking down some of the funniest and memorable pre season moments and the real story behind what went on in Devils locker rooms in those early season periods, in this episode:    - The Return of One Punch!  - What really happened at meet the players evening in 2006 - The debut of Disco Stu in Devils colours - And the corruption of Steve - O.    All this and so much more in Behind the Bench with Neil Francis! 

Ask any Cardiff Devils fan who they want to beat more than any other at the beginning of a season and who will they say? the majority will likely say the Sheffield Steelers.   It's a rivalry that has endured for 25 years, but where did it start? where did Sheffield come from to make such a mark on Cardiff Devils history? we have the answers:   On this episode:   - Steelers beginnings - Who were the Stars that put the Steelers on the map? - We find a fact about the 90's ice hockey scene that John didn't know.... - and of course, Dave Simms and his influence on the early days and beyond of the Sheffield Steelers and British Ice hockey. 

So we roll on to the Big Blue Tent and Viola Arena era of Captains, The era were Captains really did go above and beyond in a Devils Jersey.    In this episode you will have:    - The story behind Brad Voth losing the Captaincy - Mac Faulkner the miracle worker - The most Successful captain in Jake Morisette - And just who really cheered up Gerad Adams!   All this and whole lot more on Behind the Bench! with Neil Francis.

To be as Successful as the Cardiff Devils have been over the years, and in order to overcome the adversity the club has gone through in it's 30 year history, it takes a special kind of player to have the respect of their peers to be the leader of the locker room, to be the Captain.   In part 1 we go from 1986 to 2004 listing all of the captains during this time, from Farmer to Cooper to Ware and all in between we breakdown what made them the Captains they were, and how they forged their own legacies. Also in this episode: - How Close was Franny to Leaving the Devils in the mid 90's? - Is Stephen Cooper jinxed when wearing the C? - and just how does Ivan Matulik say goodbye in Welsh?  All this and a whole lot more in Behind the Bench! With Neil Francis. 

Hot on the Heels of the Cardiff Devils latest Playoff Triumph in Nottingham we travel all the way back to the late 80's and early 90's to find out the early playoff memories of the Cardiff Devils. In this episode:   - Wembley Catering - Back Seat Posse take on the playoffs - Barry Davies appreciation society - John Donovan gives all the information you need for a Sking trip to Scotland. - Devils 12 - 1 victory over the Sheffield Steelers memories. And a whole lot more!!!!!

So we roll on to the forward lines, the Goalie and D are set we have: Lehman in Net Elfring and Weaver as D men. In this episode Gaz John and Franny will choose 3 forwards to argue their case for inclusion. to complete the line up.  In this episode:   - Franny and Gaz drop the gloves - The real story behind the Devils pursuit of Colt King - and the final line is revealed.    All this and a whole lot more on Behind the Bench, with Neil Francis!

Do you ever sit in your seat and say to yourself 'I wish my team could sign that guy?' we've all done it, for a variety of different reasons.    Well in this episode the 3 Amigos sit down and try to create their line of players they would have loved in a Devils shirt. Each of the hosts will pick their own players to put forward, and then argue it out as to which one should make the final line. Episode 1 is goaltender and Defenceman. Also in this episode:   - Matt Elich Stories - John's memory loss post Heineken Era - Nick Duff (mentioned for about a second, go look at Elite Prospects!)     

The Ben Hur of Podcast topics finally comes to an end! It's gone too soon part 4! In this episode: -Frank the tank! -Deeds and his twitter assaults -The Cardiff Crosby returns - Tyson Strachan we hardly knew ye! And lots lots more!

So we keep rolling with the list of names of Devils greats (and some misfits!) who made fleeting appearances in the famous Jersey. But the Broadcast team get their first gone too soon as well! John Donovan is struck down with a case of responsible adulting, and has to sit this one out, but he will return like all the greats do!   But That didn't stop the great stories coming, in this episode!   - Franny talks about the ongoing quest to find One Punch, and has a word for our critics..... - Matt Miller - The Goalie Killer! - Jon Pelle confidence issues? - and how close did the Devils ever get to getting Craig Weller back in a Devils jersey?   All this and a whole lot more on Behind the Bench with Neil Francis

So it's the second episode of Gone too Soon, and this episode we cover the rest of the Superleague and the Devils first part of the Elite League, right up until the end of the Iconic WNIR...... In this episode we will cover - The Sports Cafe and it's link to a former Devil. - The Mumps! - John Craigheads hair - And of course the Iconic image of Rejean Stringer. all this and a whole lot more! on Behind the Bench with Neil Francis.

In the history of the Cardiff Devils there have been the best of the best to have played in the UK, and many of them staying for years upon years, sometimes decades, the likes of Steve Moria, Doug McEwen, Mark Richardson, Neil Francis! But what about the ones who you would have loved to have stayed for multiple seasons? what about the ones who left us before we got a chance to have their name stamped on the back of our shirts? This episode will take us down memory lane to remember those who will be remembered simply as 'gone too soon' In this episode: - Chris Newtons superstitions, current job, and legacy - European adventures with a couple of ringers - Glen Anderson and his Credit Card - The Brest Training camp of all time and many many names from back when, Cadieux, Smail, Brebant....... they are all here!

So the Team is built and is rolling through the season, Chemistry is starting to form and results are positive. What happens next was beyond anyones expectation, a title challenge and a challenge cup victory, mixed in with a goal that went around the world...... In this episode: - Biz signs but never gets to the Tent - Culligan goes Global - Challenge cup final in all its glory. and much much more!

As the season of 13/14 ended, the Cardiff Devils future was looking bleak. Finishing outside of the playoffs for the first time in the Elite League Era, and a severely fractured fan base. It seemed there would be nothing much to shout about on or off the ice for some time. Then, within seemingly a blink of an eye a consortium of Canadian Businessmen, led by The Elite Leagues most successful General Manager take over the club and the whole hockey scene in Cardiff Turned on its head. Now, Neil Francis will take us behind the scenes of how the first team of this new era was built, you will find out: - Where had Tyson Marsh agreed to play before the ownership change? - Why was Andrew Lord the right man for the job? - Which Ex Devils gave the glowing references for Doug Clarkson? and so much more. Part 1 we take into how the foundations were laid.

In the 2nd part of tough guys we go through some of the following topics: - Brad Voth and how he stacks up as one of the all time Devils top tough guys. - How did Franny start a bench clearance against Coventry (again!) - How did Franny get Ed Courtenay to finally snap and drop the gloves? - and John picks his mountrushmore of tough guys. All of this and a whole lot more in part 2 of Tough Guys! Connect with us on twitter via @BtbFranny for polls, discussion and all the news related to the podcast.

In Cardiff there has been a long and storied history of larger than life characters, who wore and continue to wear the Devils Crest with pride, and quite literally, fight to keep its honor. There is nothing quite like the tough guys of hockey in any other walk of life, let alone in any other sport. Neil Francis has played with many if not all of them, and in this episode we look to tell their Cardiff Devils story. In part 1: - The early days of the tough guy in Cardiff - Bench Clearances against Nottingham -Ice Clearances against Coventry! - And two of the most famous guys ever to wear the Devils Jersey, Mike Ware and Mike Macwilliam.

So we head into the last part of the story. In this instalment: - Did Ben Simon try and get the game abandoned? - What did Franny think of the Tylor Michel Suspension? - John Dononvan Travel woes - and we discuss, what was the legacy of the record breakers?

In 2010/2011 Gerad Adams and Neil Francis put together one of the most exciting teams the Elite League has ever seen. While it did not win silverware, this team put together a string of consecutive wins that still to this day sees them in the Guiness book of World records. In this episode we go behind the scenes of this season, and find out the real story behind some of it's biggest moments. Such as: Where did Neil and G find Craig Weller? and where was Franny when he was issuing the visa paperwork. What did Neil really think about the Suspension Tylor Michel was given at the crucial part of the season? What was the Friday night ritual that the players took part in without the knowledge of their coaches while on their record breaking run? And many many more. This episode was recorded before the passing of Scott Matzka, one of the key components of the record breakers. Please visit www.scottmatzka.com to see how you can help in the fight against ALS.