Devils re-sign Duggan, add Waller

Photos: James Assinder / Dean Woolley

The Cardiff Devils' roster for season 2021/22 is now two names more completed following news from Wales on Friday afternoon.

The Devils have re-signed Sam Duggan, and added Josh Waller.

Duggan, 22, joined the Devils midway through the 2018/19 season and scored four goals with five assists in 2019/20. Prior to heading to Wales, he spent four seasons with Örebro, Sweden, captaining the U18 team and playing in the U20 SuperElite.

In the 2021 Elite Series, Duggan was drafted #14 overall by the Coventry Blaze, for whom he scored four goals in 14 games. His performances earned him a call up to Team GB for the IIHF World Championships.

Waller, also 22 years old, spent two seasons playing junior hockey in the Czech Republic in Pisek and Jihlava before joining Guildford for his first professional season. Over two campaigns with the Flames, the forward score six goals in 125 appearances. 

Sheffield drafted the former Bracknell and Guildford at #12 for the 2021 Elite Series, and was 3+4 in 16 games for the runners-up.

“I think both of these guys are going to have a big season for us and at 22 years old, they both are just at the start of long pro hockey careers," began Devils Head Coach Jarrod Skalde."“Waller caught my eye in the Elite Series because of his speed and composure on the puck. He got better and better each game, and you could see the Steelers coach was giving him more opportunity to play in key situations as the tournament progressed.

"The Devils fans obviously know Duggan well and again, I think this season is an important one for him. He scored some timely goals in the Elite Series and also had a solid World Championships in the games he played. He skates so well, and he does the little things well that help the team win.

"I love working with young guys like this that are excited to get better every day and speaking to both Josh and Sam, they are pumped to get onto the ice this season. I expect them to bring energy and fun every day to the locker room and to the ice."