Cardiff Devils

Cardiff Devils 2025–26 Season Preview
A New Era Begins: Paul Thompson Returns to Lead the Devils

The Cardiff Devils enter the 2025–26 EIHL campaign with renewed energy and direction, ushered in by one of British ice hockey’s most decorated coaches — Paul Thompson. Returning to the league after leading Denmark’s Odense Bulldogs to both regular season and playoff titles, Thompson brings a winning pedigree back to UK shores. Joining him are assistant coach Niklas Hovivuori and standout two-way defenseman Brandon Estes, a player poised for a breakout season.

After last year’s playoff run ended just short of silverware, Devils fans can look forward to a new identity built on structure, intensity, and ambition. The bar remains high — but so does the potential.

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Roster Overview: Returners, New Signings & Departures

With full control over recruitment, Thompson has opted for a mix of physicality, experience, and discipline. Nine new arrivals join a strong returning core that includes several GB internationals and key veterans.

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Goaltenders

Verdict: A dependable blend of experience and upside in the crease.

Departed:

• Mac Carruth: A passionate competitor and fan favourite, Carruth brought big-game pedigree and often carried the Devils through tight contests. His fiery temperament and athletic style were hallmarks of his time in the EIHL.
• Taz Burman: Served primarily in a backup role last season. Burman showed flashes of strong goaltending when called upon but ultimately didn’t cement a long-term spot. Will look for greater opportunity elsewhere.

Returning:

• Ben Bowns: The backbone of the Devils and a Team GB icon, Bowns returns for another season as Cardiff’s starter. A calming influence and leader in the locker room, his loyalty and experience continue to make him a pillar of the franchise.

New Signing:

• Christian Stoever – A 23-year-old American netminder turning pro after an impressive NCAA career. Brings promise and athleticism.

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Defence

The blue line gets a revamp while keeping a solid domestic spine, with Richardson and Mosey anchoring the unit and Fournier leading the transition game. Expect a tougher, more defensively structured unit with enough mobility to drive play from the back.

Departed:

• Cody Donaghey: A solid two-way presence, Donaghey was a reliable contributor at both ends. His mobility and offensive instincts were often an asset on the powerplay, but his departure clears the way for a new defensive identity under Thompson.
• Jarrod Gourley: Brought size and physicality to the Devils’ back end. Still young with potential, but consistency was sometimes a challenge. A fresh start may suit both sides.
• Andrew MacWilliam: The veteran blue-liner added grit and leadership in his short stint, but age and mobility concerns may have limited his long-term impact. His departure is part of a broader shift to a more dynamic defensive core.
• Josh Batch: A long-serving Devil and a proud GB international, Batch’s departure marks the end of an era. A true utility player, he brought toughness, versatility, and a no-nonsense style his presence on and off the ice will be missed.

Returning:

• Gleason Fournier: A longtime Devil and elite puck-moving defenseman, Fournier remains one of the EIHL’s most skilled offensive blueliners. His vision and skating are key to Cardiff’s transitional play and powerplay success.
• Evan Mosey: A versatile, high-tempo defender (and occasional forward), Mosey’s adaptability and work rate are invaluable. Injury setbacks in previous years have been tough, but at full health, he’s a core contributor.
• Mark Richardson: A legend of British hockey and a calming presence on the back end. At 38, he’s still a reliable stay-at-home option and brings massive value as a leader and mentor, especially with a reshaped D corps around him.

New Signings:

• Brandon Estes: Dynamic, offensive-minded, and disciplined. Arrives with Thompson and is tipped as a Dream Team breakout.
• Jimmy Oligny: A rugged, experienced blue-liner from the Austrian league, expected to bring leadership and stability.
• Tyson Helgesen: At 6’3″, Helgesen adds a physical edge and presence in front of the net.

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Forwards

Thompson retains the heart of last year’s offense while injecting grit, forechecking power, and two-way responsibility. A dangerous top six remains intact, with added grit and responsibility in the bottom six.

Departed:

• Ben Almquist: Heads north to Dundee after a quietly effective season in Cardiff. He provided secondary scoring and showed flashes of creativity, though never quite found full consistency. Likely to take on a bigger role with the Stars.
• Tyler Busch: A fan favourite for his energy and physical edge, Busch was the kind of player who never took a shift off. His move to Guildford will be a loss in grit and defensive reliability for the Devils.
• Hunter Shinkaruk: One of the biggest “what ifs” of last season. The former NHL first-rounder was expected to be a top scorer, but injuries restricted him to just six games. A massive shame for both club and league his skill level was evident in limited flashes.
• Zach O’Brien: O’Brien’s offensive production was never in question — his hands, vision, and playmaking made him a dangerous asset. However, inconsistency and stretches of invisibility likely played a part in his exit. Still, losing his point output leaves a notable gap. Has joined top team Storhamar in the Norwegian Eliteserien for 25-26.

Returning:

• Joey Martin: The heartbeat of the Devils offense. Martin’s leadership, consistency, and high hockey IQ make him a perennial fan favourite and locker room cornerstone. Even in his veteran years, he remains one of the league’s smartest centres.
• Cole Sanford: A relentless scorer with great hands and off-the-puck movement. Sanford is one of Cardiff’s most dangerous weapons and will again be counted on to deliver in the top six.
• Josh MacDonald: Brings speed and a strong offensive motor. Showed impressive chemistry in stretches last year and has the tools to be a top-six fixture if he maintains consistency.
• Kohen Olischefski: A versatile, skilled forward who impressed in his first season. Combines speed with smart puck distribution could be a breakout candidate if given more responsibility.
• Sam Duggan: A key part of the Devils’ domestic core. Duggan’s two-way game and relentless forecheck make him a valuable depth centre and penalty killer. Continues to grow into a leadership role.
• Riley Brandt: Brings intensity and physical edge every shift. A classic agitator with offensive upside, Brandt plays the game hard and gives the Devils some real bite. Opponents hate him, fans love him.
• Ben Davies: Speed, work ethic, and clutch scoring define Davies’ contribution. A Team GB regular and Cardiff native, he bleeds red and has a knack for scoring big goals in big moments.
• Brett Perlini: Experienced and composed, Perlini is a steadying presence. Provides a mix of size and scoring touch, and is often relied on in both special teams and 5-on-5 situations.
• Ryan Barrow: Forward who showed steady development last season. Brings energy and strong skating expected to play a greater depth role this year. Missed a few games last season, a healthy Barrow would be a high minute logger.

New Signings:

• Nolan Yaremko – A 25-year-old Canadian who brings size and a scoring touch, fresh off a 21-point DEL2 season.
• Connor Caponi – High-motor, defensively sound, and known for relentless forechecking from his NCAA days at Denver.
• Cedric Lacroix – Physical, passionate, and a natural agitator — he’ll be a crowd favourite and a handful for opponents.
• Kristoff Kontos – A proven scorer and former playoff hero with Nottingham, who famously ended Cardiff’s 2024–25 run.

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EIHL Dream Team Player to Watch: Brandon Estes (D)

A smooth-skating, powerplay quarterback with an offensive instinct, Estes could lead all EIHL defensemen in scoring if he adapts quickly. His ability to log top-four minutes and drive transition makes him a vital part of Thompson’s rebuild.

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Final Thoughts & League Prediction

Paul Thompson’s return marks a clear cultural reset in Cardiff — one focused on structure, competitiveness, and identity. The roster looks deeper and more balanced than last season, with improved physicality and a commitment to 200-foot hockey.

However, scoring consistency and discipline will be key. If Cardiff can stay out of the box and get production from their final import, a top-four finish is within reach.

Projected Finish: 5th

The Devils are a playoff lock and potential dark horse — structured, tested, and tougher to break down. While they’re still finding their offensive ceiling, the foundations for success are solidly in place.