Devils confirm Crandall return

Photo: James Assinder

Forward Justin Crandall will be back with Cardiff for 2023/24, the Devils confirmed on Wednesday evening.

Last season, his second with the Welsh team, 31-year-old Crandall played in every game to total 14 goals and 36 assists overall. In his first season, the American ended with 58 points for the year.

"Justin is an experienced pro and brings a lot to the team on and off the ice," said Head Coach Pete Russell. "First of all, his teammates speak very highly of him. He is a real glue guy and just a great teammate. I want this kind of guy in our room.

"As a player he is very skilled. He is a pass first guy with good vision, but he is also a guy who chips in with 10-15 goals per year. He gets into the hard areas and works hard away from the puck.

"He has bite in his game, and I am going to challenge him to use this consistently, play with confidence, use his smart hockey mind and connect with his teammates with and without the puck.

"Every team he has played on he produces offensively, and I have no doubt he will do so again during the coming season. What was really transparent to me during our communications was his real hunger to stay on as a Devil and come back this year to Cardiff with the aim of having a big season, firstly for the team, and secondly for him personally. I really like that."