Cardiff Fire are delighted to announce the following defencemen return for the 2022/23 season.
Joining player/coach Elis Sheppard on the blue line are:
Niccolo Bovolenta
18 year old Niccolo made his debut for Fire in the 2019/20 season stepping up from the U18’s. Niccolo played in both the D1 and D2 teams during that season and made the permanent step up to senior hockey the following season.
Fire Head Coach Elis Sheppard continued:
Niccolo is coming into this season with another year of experience, whilst working hard off ice in the gym. Nic has very good hands and brings physicality to the defensive line. I am confident this season that Niccolo will mature his game and become a go to guy for us.
Ryan Fearnley
Popular dressing room guy Ryan (23) joined the club in 2019. Hard working defenceman Ryan has spent all his hockey career in Cardiff right up to U20’s and first icing for the Fire in the 2019 season.
Ryan is great for the dressing room. He wears his heart on his sleeve and will give 100% every shift. Every game Ryan showed an improvement to his defensive awareness. He also brings strength and determination every battle he has on the ice. I am looking forward to seeing his game progress again this season.
Dylan Webb
Promising defenceman Dylan (18) made his debut last season for the Fire stepping up on a two-way with Cardiff U18’s. Dylan hit the ground running with impressive displays for the Fire scoring 1+1 in 6 games. Dylan has played most of his hockey here in Cardiff besides 1 season at Bracknell Juniors. Dylan now makes the step up to Fire full time after graduating from last season’s U18’s.
Dylan joined the Fire halfway through last season and did not look out of place and instantly slotted into the team. Dylan is a strong skater, with a great defensive awareness who moves the puck well. I am expecting to see Dylan’s game flourish in his first full season in senior hockey.
Iwan Davies
High scoring Defenceman Iwan first joined the Fire in 2017 playing in both the D1 and D2 teams. Iwan has great skating and speed and adds size to the blue line. Iwan has scored 29+26 (55 points) in 112 games since joining the Fire and has become a senior figure in the dressing room at just 23 years of age.
Iwan is one of our core defenders for the last few seasons. He brings an offensive streak to our D core with his heavy shot which is why it is no surprise he posts strong stats. Iwan is a utility guy, he can play forward if required. I am looking for Iwan to lead from the front this season with our newer guys and bring his game to the next level.
Ben Smith
Skilful skater Ben Smith (24) starts his 5th season with the Fire. Ben is a neat and tidy defenceman who rarely makes any mistakes. He has the ability to turn bad situations into good situations with his calm style and ability to skate the puck out of the defensive zone.
Ben is another guy who adds an offensive flare to our D. Ben is one of the smoothest skaters on the team, making it look effortless. He carries the puck well but is also defensively aware in his own zone. Ben will start the season side-lined due to a knee injury, but hopefully we will see him in a fire jersey soon rather than later.
Justin Racine
28 year old Canadian born Justin first joined the Fire during the 2019/20 season. Playing his junior hockey in Slough and also representing Cardiff Uni teams over a period of 7 years. At 6’1 and 231lbs Justin is a no-nonsense hard-hitting d-man that brings size and experience to the blue line.
Justin brings toughness to our blue line. He is one of the taller guys, who isn’t afraid drop the gloves and protect his teammates. He is passionate and gives 100% every game he plays. This will be Justin’s third full season of senior hockey and I am expecting to see his game go from strength to strength.
Welcome back Niccolo, Ryan, Dylan, Iwan, Ben and Justin! #FireItUp
Watch this space for more player signings in the coming days. You can catch the new team in action for our home season opener against Chelmsford Warriors this Sunday 18th September at 6:45pm. Tickets are available to Book Here!
Click Here for a full list of upcoming fixtures for the new season.
Photos: James Assinder
