Article by Peter Ryan
Ice hockey is my way of challenging myself, expressing who I am and having fun, but it also gives me a sense of belonging.
For Ben Scanlan, ice hockey is much more than a game; it is a way to get better, grow, and develop as a human being and an athlete. He has a fascinating story forged in his hometown of Cardiff.
Foundations
Scanlan is a goaltender. There is something unique about the goaltending position; you are the last line of defence, meaning you are often the beating heart of a squad that can swing momentum for a side. This would come as no surprise to Scanlan, who is not only a goaltender but a true student of the game. He talks about how he got started in the sport.
Iโd been around ice hockey as early as a newborn. My parents have been watching the Cardiff Devils since their first season. I started roller hockey at age six, then got involved with the Junior Devils at age 7 and have never looked back.
Scanlan's talent and determination would take him to the Devils. Being exposed to that professional environment was bound to do wonders for his development. The goaltender elaborates on what it was like to be part of the setup.
It was a really big eye-opener to be involved with the Devils' setup from age 16. It came about very quickly, so there were a lot of big adjustments, but the guys were always really encouraging. They were sure to show me the ropes on how professional hockey works, which is something Iโll always be grateful for. It has always meant a lot to my family and me that I was able to share the ice with some Devils legends and also people Iโd now call friends.
You can tell the Devils meant a lot to Scanlan. However, there is another team in the Welsh capital that holds a special places heart. Of course, this is the Cardiff Fire; when he speaks about the club, you can tell it means a great deal to Scanlan.
Cardiff Fire
For me, Fire is home. Weโve been through so many ups and downs over the 7 and a half years Iโve been here, and to leave last year for the second half of the season was such a difficult decision to make. But coming home this year, having fallen back in love with the game and being at the ice rink, has been a real breath of fresh air. Stevie and Shep have been great this year, giving the boys and me a real sense of belonging and family, and thatโs what this club is all about.
Scanlan has come home, come home to the Fire, come home to family. He has been a rock for the Fire throughout his career. Now, the Welshman will be on the hunt for great results with Cardiff as a new season is well underway.
This year is going to be a really good one. From our first session, everyone has bought into training, the systems, and how we want to play. Weโve had a good start to the season and have a real positive feeling in the room. We still have some creases to iron out as we are playing a very different style of hockey, but the group is hungrier than ever for success, and thatโs what weโre working towards.
It will be very interesting to see what the Fire can achieve this year.
The Future
Scanlan gives some great insight into what his future could hold. One common theme is growing and striving for improvement.
I have two different ways of looking at the future. From a team perspective, we are taking things game by game, trying to be the best team we can be every game.
From a personal standpoint, I always want to push myself to be the best I can be and play at the highest level I can. At the moment, Iโm lucky enough to be on the ice training several times a week both with Fire and the Bristol Pitbulls National team, which is only helping me get better. But right now Iโm trying not to look too far into the future and just focusing on helping the team win the next game.
Scanlan always takes to a contest for his club and his city with passion and determination; he will continue to leave it all out on the ice for his club.
