Canadian ‘D’ man Mark Louis has signed for Cardiff Devils.

The 29-year-old joins the Devils from the Orlando Solar Bears of the East Coast Hockey League.

Prior to joining Orlando, Louis had spent his entire pro career in the American Hockey League, playing 174 of his 181 games with the Portland Pirates, the top affiliate of the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL.

Devils’ Player/Coach Andre Lord said: “He is a big tough defenseman, but the thing that we really noticed was his skating ability.”

“He’s played nearly 200 games in the AHL and all the reports that came back on him was that he is a work horse and a great teammate.

“He plays forward as well, but we have signed him as a defenseman – we needed some size and toughness back there to compliment the unit we have put together.

“I love our defense this season – a great mix of skill and size. I think they’re going to be one of the best groups in the league.”