Ice Hockey: Rest has Dan at his best

Published on Friday 27 November 2009 08:41

DAN WELCH has promised the Edinburgh Capitals fans: "You've not seen the best of me by a long way."

The much-travelled hitman goes into tomorrow's home clash with Cardiff Devils after finally getting a rest following his mad dash to Britain.

Last weekend, he drove 17 hours from his former team in Texas to his home, then hopped on a plane for the 13-hour trip to Birmingham, made his debut against Coventry Blaze, then jumped on the bus to Edinburgh.

After a few hours in bed, the 28-year-old then opened his account as Capitals edged the Elite League-leading Blaze in a nail-biting, 15-goal shoot-out.

The ex-Coventry Blaze and Nottingham Panthers forward said: "On Saturday, the 6-3 scoreline was not indicative of the game as we were level at 3-3 at one time.

"On Sunday, we came out strong and went to a 7-2 lead.

"Being 7-2 up, you are never quite sure how to play. Do you back up or do you keep going after them?

"We did a bit of both and Coventry scored five goals in the last 16 minutes and it was 100 per cent of a downer despite winning 8-7.

"It was my first win in a Capitals uniform and it was nice to do it at home. Two points out of four is probably a pretty good weekend for us against the best team in the league right now."

Welch will be a key man this weekend as sixth-placed Capitals aim to close the 12-point gap between them and Cardiff who sit in fifth spot.

The Caps are also desperate to stay ahead of misfiring defending champions Sheffield Steelers, who also have 12 points from 17 games.

Welch said: "I've had a few days to acclimatise and we've had time to work on things.

"I've come in with Marc Lefebvre and the team-mates and coach don't necessarily know what to expect from me. They hope for the best but you are jumping into something.

"It has been good to work with the squad this week to find out what they do. The first time I met most of the guys was when I walked into the arena at Coventry last weekend.

"I had met Marc, Jeff (Hutchins), Cody (Radkowsky) and Doug (Christiansen) before but not the rest."