Bayley Harewood: Cardiff Devils academy product ready for first season as full-time pro

Harewood is learning those lessons, building on those experiences and, according to Thompson, becoming a much better player.

“He’s learned a lot during last season, he’s improved a lot,” said the experienced Devil’s head coach, whose former clubs include this weekend’s Danish opponents.

“He’s showed that with the national team he was outplaying a lot of the national team players, but still on the fourth line and eventually in the World Championships they gave him an opportunity to step up to first line and he did a great job.”

Thompson admits that during his first season with Cardiff, developing Harewood into a full-time professional has often required some tough love.

“He’s had a couple of hairdryers from me, but you can’t give false information, you have to be truthful,” he added.

“My hope is to make Bayley the best British kid in the country and you’re not going to do that by not telling him the truth.

“I like him, he’s goofy, he’s talented, he’s got something about him, the boys love him and they’ll bring him into line.

“He’s on the first rung, he’s got to take the next rung and then the next one and he’ll get all the support he can have to achieve that.”

Harewood has responded well to that old-fashioned brutal honesty.

“That’s what you need. If you can’t take that, then you’re in the wrong sport,” said the young forward.

“Thommo has had really good patience with me. My conversations with him have been open and honest all the time.

“I like the way Thommo is with me, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Harewood’s professional contract comes 16 years after he first skated in a Devils shirt aged seven, having also spent time at the Canadian International Ice Hockey Academy.

“I’ve grown up here, gone through the junior system. I did two years in Canada and came back here in covid,” he added.

“I love this town, I love this place.

“At this level, I’m ready. More ready than ever, really.”

If Harewood does become that best British kid in hockey, he will become some player.