Pope wings in for the Devils

Cardiff Devils have confirmed the signing of forward Matt Pope for the 2017/18 Elite League season.

The right winger joins the Devils after a season in Asia with the Tohoku Free Blades, where he led the top league in scoring with 33 goals with 38 assists in 51 games.

The 32-year-old began his professional career with the ECHL’s Bakersfield Condors in 2008. He has since played over 200 games in the AHL, in addition to icing in Denmark and Italy.

Devils’ boss Andrew Lord said: “Matt is a power forward and wins battles all over the ice. He can score, make plays or grind it out in the corners. I see him as a real complete player.

“He led the league he was playing in last season in scoring and has been a top scorer wherever he goes. I expect him to bring that offensive ability to the Elite League this season.”

Pope will be studying at Cardiff Met’s School of Management for the 2017/18 season, another major factor in his decision to sign for the Devils.