An Interview With Damon Larter
Hey Damon, you were injured for the latter half of last season, how are you feeling now?
Feeling good, normally I would have been on the Ice during the summer but this year I decided to let my ‘niggles’ heal and have spent the last few months working on my fitness. When I broke my hand, the doc said it could be a year before it was back to 100% so I wanted to give it its best chance to heal. Playing summer hockey with the likes of Chris Randall is just asking for trouble as many guys have found out.
It must have been frustrating cheering the team from the side-lines, what did you do to keep your morale up?
I knew I couldn't return to the Ice so I just made sure I was at every home/away game to cheer the boys on. Also learnt how to update Facebook with scores etc... I thought I got nervous in tight games on the Ice but I realised I am worse off i.e. Romford semi's during penalties.
You’re a lifelong Raider, has playing for another team ever even been a consideration?
I did play one year off the Island for the Under 16's Basingstoke Bison where I played up for the u19's as well and that was a great year. Got to play and win a tournament in Telford and went to the Okanagan hockey school in Canada which we won. All these things I don’t think would have been available to me if I had stayed on the Island. The players I played with during this time... Nicky Watt, Ryan Watt, Joe Greener, Danny Meyers, Scott McKenzie, Adam Brittle, Nathan Craze etc... All play EPL or Elite League so apart of me thinks how far could I have gone. Saying that, I don't regret staying on the Island because I have been able to play EPL and now a competitive ENIHL where I see loads of ice and compete for trophies. I am still able to run my business and spend time with my girlfriend.
As captain of the team you obviously lead the team on the ice, but do you also take on extra off ice responsibilities?
In all honesty, probably not as much as I should. Because I run a sign company, this takes up a lot of time. (PLUG ALERT) This year we open a shop in the High Street so if all goes to plan, we will be nice and busy but at training and games, I am 110% focused on the team and winning. Hopefully with the schedule we will have this year, there will be a little more off ice stuff like golf, Balcony & a Wetherspoons fry up in the morning.
What would you say were your biggest strengths when you take to the ice?
I don't really see my strengths as such but where I could have done better. I have plenty of mates that like to tell me after every game the mistakes I made. My strength I suppose is trying not to make the same mistakes the next game (which doesn't always go to plan).
For you, who are the toughest guys in the league to play against? Is there any team you’re particularly looking forward to taking on this year?
I take 'toughest' guys to play against means who I find difficult to play? Any forward that makes me skate more than I have to. I love the physical aspect of the game. If I get nailed, I don’t think I have to kill that person, I think I should have had my head up and dealt with it better. Corey Watkins hit me in Cardiff and I left the Ice and flew 3ft into the boards. I got up as quick as I could and thought, “Wow, I got creamed”.
The toughest guy I have had the pleasure of playing with is Jason Coles, I remember being on short-handed when he was on powerplay in training. He couldn't score so he punched me in the face and took my helmet (with face cage) clean off. I let him score after that...
Other than the Raiders, do you follow any other teams? Who are your favourite players and biggest influences?
I love to play all sports but not really the biggest watcher as my coach would tell you. My sport knowledge is useless. Apparently Coffey, Black & Gretzky don’t play anymore but thanks to NHL 94 for the Mega Drive, I at least knew their names.
Just realised after typing that the guy’s name is Blake???
So, looking ahead what are your overall thoughts heading into this season?
This year looks as it could be the toughest yet. Invicta look to be the strongest team in my eyes, Chelmsford look to have improved on a winning formula last year and you just can't sign off Romford. We always seem to play well against the top and take our foot off the pedal against the lower teams.
Every team seems to have their Achilles Heel so slip ups are going to happen. If we as a team can limit them then I am sure this season will be another down to the wire and enjoyable for those who play and those who watch.
A huge thank you to Damon for giving us his time. You can follow him on twitter @DamonLarter and keep up with the team throughout the season at @WightlinkRaider
If you’ve got any feedback, you can tweet me @MattMerritt. I’d love to hear from anyone who takes the time to read the blog.
If you’re a hockey player/coach/team manager in a competitive league, I’d love to ask you some questions too!