Ben Davies is a name which all EIHL fans are aware of and that is because he is a legend in the league, having spent 15+ years in the league and he isn’t done yet. Ben Davies is returning to the Cardiff Devils for his 14th season with the organisation (this includes their U16/18 teams and ENL team).
Ben Davies has been a member of the Cardiff Devils organisation since his youth career; he began his journey with them when he signed for the Cardiff Devils U16 (2) and U16 (1) team in the 2003/04 season. He would only play nine games all together with the club where he put up three points which left him with a 0.33 point per game average. He wouldn’t leave the club, instead he would return for the next two seasons where he played almost four times the amount of games he played in his first year and he put up about 25 times the amount of points than his first season too. Over these two seasons he would play 34 games putting up 74 points for the club.
Not only did he play for the Cardiff Devils U16 team in those two seasons he also played with the Cardiff Satans and the Cardiff Celtic Demons.
A key season to note is the 2007/08 season. This was the season when Ben Davies made his Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) debut. He would play 25 games with the Cardiff Devils that season. Another reason this is a key season to remember is he played for the Cardiff Devils U18 team where he would play 16 games and put up a jaw dropping 73 points. This was his highest point total in his career.
Fast forward to the 2013/14 season where Ben Davies was playing with the Cardiff Devils where he put up 28 points in 43 games for a 0.48 point per game average. This season was good for Ben Davies as he was named the best U23s British player in the EIHL, he won the Most points, goals and assists by an U23 homegrown player. This is when fans knew Ben Davies had a long successful career ahead of himself.
Devils fans were shocked to learn about the sudden move from Cardiff to the Braehead Clan the following season. Davies would be signed to the Clan for two seasons where his successful career continued as he helped Clan push for two conference titles. Davies was a well liked player for the west coast club and fans wanted him back for the 16/17 season however, he didn’t return.
Davies would return to the Devils in the 21/22 season however, after his departure from Clan he played for the Norfolk Admirals, Swindon Wildcats, Coventry Blaze, Guildford Flames, Melbourne Mustangs and the Manchester Storm (EIHL Series).
The 21/22 season saw Davies finally win the prize he has wanted his whole career, the EIHL Playoff championship. The Cardiff Devils dominated the league that year along with close rivals the Sheffield Steelers and Belfast Giants (a new rivalry which has developed over the last few seasons). The Devils won their league series against the Giants 4 – 2 with the Giants only winning the second matchup (1-0) and the fourth one (5-3), they would however, split the series with the Sheffield Steelers 3-3, with the Devils winning the 3rd (5-0), 4th (5-4), and the 5th (3-2) matchups. They finished 3rd however in the playoffs they made a dart for the finals which they succeeded and matched up against the Belfast Giants and after an eventful game the Devils came out on top to win the cup. This was a highlight in Ben Davies’ career and a moment he will never forget.
Ben Davies recently had a testimonial game for the Cardiff Devils marking his name securely into the history of the club and being stated as a clear legend of the team. He would later be announced as the next signing for Pete Russell for the 24/25 season which got fans going crazy.
Ben Davies has had a fantastic career and will continue to dominate on the attack with his speedy skating ability and his offensive awareness. It is very important that Russell plays Davies on the correct line and use his veteran knowledge to help the newcomers to the league.
Author of Article: Calan Yule
Editor: Will Harris & Calan Yule
Proofread By: Will Harris
© EIHL News Central
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