Better The Devil You Know : Sylvain Deschatelets

One of the Coventry Blaze’s new signings was a player that may be familiar to some fans from Coventry and others around the league. Sylvain Deschatelets (pronounced DAY-sha-te-lay) was a member of the 2007-08 Cardiff Devils side that finished 6th in the Elite League whilst also getting to the semi finals of the Challenge Cup and the Playoffs. He led the team in points (26 goals and 62 assists for 88 points), and finished 7th overall in league scoring.

The Blainville, Quebec native had some injury problems before he came to the UK, and spent six months out on the sidelines in Italy in a frustrating season.

When the time came to looking for teams, it didn’t appear that there were many takers.

“I spent a lot of time out, but my good friend Mike Garrow (who Sylvain played with in San Diego for several seasons) played there (in Cardiff) and he said to me that Cardiff were really interested and wanted me. Then Gerad Adams called me, and I signed for them.”

It still wasn’t all plain sailing for Sylvain. When the start of last season came round, there were still some lingering injury problems, “I was still having injury problems, and there was talk about me replacing Mark Smith from the year before who is an excellent player.

I didn’t start off well, there was a lot of pressure on me, but I put a lot of pressure on myself as well. The team didn’t play well, and the coach had to make a move and I was given my two weeks’ notice. These things are part of hockey. I was kinda mad, but I thought that I’d play, I’d show them that I was good.”

Despite the rough start, it ended up being quite a good season for Sylvain on a personal level. The points tally proved his worth and projected him into the eyes and plans of many on looking coaches. “We had so many problems though. All the injuries, the team owners were constantly trying to sell the team all season (Cardiff did indeed change hands during the off season and are now under new ownership) and they were offering the players pay cuts. It was a difficult time.”

At the end of the season, there was more uncertainty. “Cardiff said they wanted me back, they were really interested but then nothing happened. I don’t know why, but they didn’t offer a contract. I had a couple of things on the table, but nothing was certain. Then Coventry lost Sylvain Cloutier when he retired, which was a big blow for them. Coach Thompson got in touch, and said they were really interested.”

One of the things that have become apparent in UK hockey is that a lot of the recruiting is done by word of mouth.

Also during his time in San Diego, Sylvain played with ex-Blaze players Trevor Koenig and Samy Nasreddine.

“I spoke with Samy, and he told me about the history of the team, he said that if you want to win trophies, that’s where you want to play. I knew as well that if I came back to the UK, it (Coventry) was the organisation I wanted to play for. It’s the best in the UK, the team is great, the people are great, and the fans are unbelievable.”

From the preseason games, it looks like Sylvain is going to be put on a forward line with Coventry’s own dynamic duo, Adam Calder and Dan Carlson. They were three of the top seven points scorers in the league last year, which looks like being a formidable combination.

“It’s a great opportunity. You know things change over a season with form and injuries, but it’s hopefully going to work out. I’m really looking forward to it.” Sylvain feels that he is a good fit to slot in with the other two players.

“I bring size, I’ve got good hockey sense. I can dig in and bring the puck out of the corners. You know Adam is a great shooter, and Dan is great passer and works really hard. It should be a good combination.”

One of the things Sylvain is looking for this season is a better start, particularly in comparison to last year at Cardiff, “I want a better start, that’s the main thing. I’ve been skating all summer, and working hard all year long. I always seem to start slowly, but this year I’d like a big strong start.” With 3 goals and 6 assists in the 4 preseason games, there is certainly the basis of some good solid form going into the new season.

Deschatelets was a late signing for Coventry, and was brought in as Sylvain Cloutier’s replacement. The two are however very different players with different roles. They do share the same desire to win trophies, which is now something that seems to be an essential characteristic for new Coventry Blaze players.

But then if you have a successful format, why change it? Sylvain Deschatelets is another new face hoping that he can add to Coventry recent good run of trophy success.