#solent devils

  Hey Andrew, welcome to the UK! Have you had much time to settle in yet?

Thanks! It's great to be here. At the moment I am staying with my agent and friend so it's been nice to settle in and get over the travel. Last night was good to get on the ice with my teammates and I'm looking forward to the start of the season as I become more acclimated to life in England.

You’ve joined a Solent Devils team who seem to be getting stronger each year. Did you know much about the team or the league before joining?

I was in long discussions all summer and I was well educated on the club by my agent. I knew that they were promoted a couple of years ago and this season they are looking to do great things in the NIHL. I've seen a few games on YouTube, and it's exciting to finally be here and be a part of the vision the Solent Devils have for the team.

The hockey world is surprisingly small, were you able to reach out to any people in the UK game to get some advance info?

It very much is, I actually met an old teammate of mine after the game up in Basingstoke, he played on their EPL team last year. It's always cool to run into old teammates and friends.

Devils fans are excited to see you in action, what sort of player should they expect?

Thats great to hear, I'm excited to play for them. I would describe myself as an offensive playmaker. I like to make things happen in the offensive zone and generate scoring chances, something which I hope I can do for the Devils this year.

I believe you grew up in the Richmond Hill/Scarborough area? I’m guessing you’re a Leafs fan? Who were your favourite players growing up?

Yes I grow up in Richmond Hill all my life, and watched the Leafs since the beginning. Although I am a Leafs fan, my favourite players are on other teams. My favourites are Sidney Crosby, Jeff Carter, James Neal and Marian Gaborik.

Hockey is part of the fabric of Canadian life, not only as the sport of choice but in numerous songs, movies and TV shows. Is it a little strange when you come here and find hockey is very much a cult attraction?

It is very popular in Canada, but I have found so far the fans to be fantastic here in the UK. In Basingstoke last night they were great, louder then any fans we had for our team last year in Canada. If that's the support behind the team in a pre-season game away from home, I can't wait to experience the home fans atmosphere.

Last but not least, is there any message you’d like to share with Devils fans and UK hockey followers in general?

I would like to say to the Devils fans that it will be an absolute privilege to play in front of them in Solent this year.