Duggan and Waller return for Devils

Photo: James Assinder

Cardiff Devils confirmed the return of two key British players for the 2023/24 season on Monday evening.

Forwards Sam Duggan and Josh Waller will stay in Wales for their fifth and third seasons with the Devils respectively. 

Duggan played all 74 games for the Devils last season and was one of the team's assistant captains. He netted 16 points overall.

Waller is a two-time Elite League 'Young Player of the Year' award winner, and set a career high 41 points (21 goals and 20 assists) last season. He was also named in the Team Great Britain squad that won promotion to the Elite Group at the end of the season.

“I am delighted to welcome Josh Walker and Sam Duggan back for next season," began Devils Head Coach Pete Russell. "Of course, I know both players extremely well and have done for many years. They are both really different players, but both have real quality on and off the ice.

"Waller is one of the most explosive players I have coached in years. He has elite level speed, a good skillset and is willing to work hard for the team with and without the puck. I see him in our top 9 as that is the player type he is. The last two years he has been on the national team and has done really well and grown as a player. I expect this to continue this season in Cardiff.

"Duggan I really like and am really looking forward to working with daily. He has a huge heart, is really brave and very coachable. Sam moves well, has a decent skillset and goes to the hard areas.

"Everyone forgets how young Sam still is and he took on a big responsibility last season as one of the captains. That letter carries a lot of weight for anyone never mind a 24 year old. He will grow from that experience, and I believe Sam is going to create a lot of competition for others during the season coming.

It’s exciting to work with younger talents like this and aim to drive them to their true potential. Development is vital in life and in Cardiff we want to help all our players find the confidence to reach their highest levels.”