Lawless and Moria so happy to support Stone.
Byline: Terry PhillipsCANADIANS John Lawless and Steve Moria led a Cardiff Devils' ice hockey tribute to long-serving Welshman Jason Stone last night.
Lawless was the coach who gave 'Stoney' his debut in Devils colours during 1988, while centreman Moria signed for Cardiff in the same season.
Almost 1,000 spectators watched Stone's testimonial match at the Cardiff Bay Arena last night and Moria, Lawless (4) and Stone himself (3) were among the scorers for the Stoneman Select team.
"What I remember about Stoney as a kid was that he was keen," recalled Moria. "If there was ice time for training he was there. He would skate for five hours if it was possible.
"When he was 17 you knew he was going to succeed because of that dedication. He hadn't started skating until he was well into his teens, but dedication carried him through.
"He always wanted to win, whether it was training, playing football or whatever sport we tried. It's a great attitude to have. I love it. A truly competitive sportsman.
"It's a phenomenal achievement that 22 years after his debut he is still a big part of the Cardiff Devils team at Elite League level. I've wondered for a long time when Stoney would get round to his testimonial and it's great to be a part of that.
"Those early years when Devils were winning league titles, play-off championships and cups were fantastic. They are the seasons I will always remember.
"The greatest hockey moment of my life came when Cardiff Devils won the play-off championships at Wembley, beating Murrayfield in a penalty shootout. Stoney wasn't a regular player then, but he was there and a part of that.
"Great memories for me - and those same fabulous memories of those days for Stoney."
Stone selected a team of former Devils club-mates for his testimonial. The 'Stoneman' team took on Cardiff Devils with fans young and old turning out to cheer a player who has seen it all with the Welsh club, still among the best professional clubs in Britain.
The fans applauded Stone for his 1,166 appearances in a Devils shirt - and he is still a part of the Cardiff team as they strive for Elite League and Challenge Cup honours.
Moria, now player-coach at English Premier League Basingstoke Bison, joined the ex-Devils on the ice for Stone's testimonial.
The players who turned out for Stone's testimonial were: Goalies: Joe Myers, Jeff Smith, Mike Brabon Defence: Doug MacIver, Dion Darling, Kirk DeWaele, Shannon Hope, Jason Stone Forwards: Lee Carson, Simon Keating, James Manson, Jonathan Phillips, Lee Cowmeadow, Neil Francis, Dave Matsos, Russ Romaniuk, Nicky Chinn, Steve Moria, Paul Sample, Nathan Rempel, Merv Priest, Russ Cowley, Warren Tait.
DEVILS now turn to a big weekend as they play Nottingham Panthers away on Saturday in league action and then at home in the Challenge Cup final first leg on Sunday (6pm). For ticket information call the Arena on 029 2038 2001.
CAPTION(S):
testimonial match at the Cardiff Bay Ice Arena Picture by Andrew Davies.
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| Title Annotation: | Sport |
|---|---|
| Publication: | South Wales Echo (Cardiff, Wales) |
| Geographic Code: | 4EUUK |
| Date: | Feb 24, 2010 |
| Words: | 508 |
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