When Andrew Lord conducted his post-match interview after Cardiff Devils’ final game at the Big Blue Tent it’s fair to say he was running on adrenaline.
Devils had just completed a run of five fixtures in eight days that had seen them split two games against the Sheffield Steelers in the Elite League, reach the Challenge Cup Final by knocking out Belfast Giants, before going on to suffer defeats in the league against Fife Flyers and Coventry Blaze.
The Blaze fixture was Devils’ final game in the Big Blue Tent ahead of their move to Ice Arena Wales and the occasion proved to be an emotional night.
For Lord there was the obvious frustration at seeing his team lose their second game in a row, but never one to shirk his media duties he took his place alongside IceTime TV’s John Donovan for their usual post-game chat.
What followed next was conclusive proof that Devils have a man in charge who cares passionately about the club.
Now people might argue that should be the minimum requirement for any coach or player involved in the sport, but it’s fair to say that some can give the impression of ‘just passing through’ as opposed to harbouring any great feelings for the organisation they’re involved with.
Lord openly discussed the club’s week, his honesty and forthright opinions about the Devils shining through like a beacon.
When asked for his thoughts on leaving the BBT, Lord said the building had provided him with “an unbelievable opportunity”.
Struggling to hide his emotions, Lord admitted he’d desperately wanted to deliver a league title for the fans and said the Devils had missed a big opportunity to do that in 2014/15.
In the full glare of the British Ice Hockey community, Lord was baring his soul for all to see and it was one of the most refreshing things you’ll ever witness in sport.
These weren’t the ramblings of someone who didn’t care, but of someone who clearly has ‘bought into’ the Cardiff Devils organisation hook, line and sinker.
For Donovan, the outpouring of emotion came as something of a surprise: “I certainly expected Andrew to be honest because he always is with me and is a pleasure to interview and talk hockey with,” he said.
“I didn’t expect the emotion because he is such a controlled man, but I felt it was highly understandable due to the emotional highs and lows of a roller coaster week.”
Lord’s honesty, passion and emotion are qualities we should all admire, and others should perhaps look to emulate.
The clubs’ fans are lucky to have someone like Lord to lead the Devils into their new home – he’s a class act.
(Image permission: Adrian Rapps)
