Pelley expects Devils turnaround

Kitimat Minor Hockey product Rod Pelley is looking for an improved New Jersey performance in the coming NHL season.

While admitting last season - his rookie year - things didn’t work out the way the team had hoped, Pelley added, “We were definitely led in the right direction to win.”

For his part, he said he learned a lot last year, saying experienced players like Jay Pandolpho, John Madden and Paul Martin - to name a few - had helped the younger players learn how the game is played at that level and what they had to bring to the rink every night both physically and mentally, “just what it takes to win”.

Looking ahead, Pelley sees the addition of veterans Brian Rolston and Bobby Holik as “a tremendous addition” to the team.

Pelley said he was looking for a strong start from the Devils.

“There are no more excuses for getting to know everyone. We have the same crew and it should be smooth sailing right from the start.”

The main training camp begins September 19, then it’s straight into exhibition games.

“I am very, very proud to be a Devil and represent what they want in their players,” Pelley said. “They expect the highest quality people and performance on the ice.”

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Pelley did the Devils proud while spending a couple of weeks here with family, friends - and fishing.

Envision Financial arranged for him to ride in the Canada Day parade, escorted by a number of minor hockey players and Pelley spent several hours at the credit union’s tent at Riverlodge signing autographs and posing for photos.

He also donated a signed New Jersey jersey and offered to match money raised by raffling it up to $500.

As a result, he was able to present Tamitik Status of Women’s Linda Slanina with a cheque for $1,082 to support Dunmore House, TSW’s safe haven for women and children fleeing an abusive relationship - the Pelley family chose the recipient.

Slanina said the money would be used to purchase much needed items which are not covered by its government funding.