Elite League
Cardiff Devils confirmed the return of captain Joey Martin to their ranks as he agreed to a seventh campaign in Wales.
Devils’ all-time scorer in the Elite League era, a record he claimed last year, overtaking Max Birbraer, has won two league titles, two Challenge Cups and two play-off titles.
And Cardiff coach Andrew Lord hailed his captain as one of the reasons why they’ve enjoyed the success they’ve had in recent years.
“Joey has been a huge reason why we have been able to do what we have done, over the last six seasons,” Lord told the Devils’ website.
“He has proven to be one of the top players in the league every single season, and as the league got better and better, so did he.
“His dedication and work ethic keeps him improving every year and he is a great role model on and off the ice.”
NIHL National League
Sheffield Steeldogs retained one and added one as Ben Morgan went about his summer business as he confirmed Nathan Salem would return for his third season as well as the addition of Martins Susters from Peterborough Phantoms.
The return of 28-year-old Salem was a popular move and with the added caveat of earning his spurs as an assistant coach was an attractive one for him.
He said; “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here the last two years. It’s a close group, most of the boys have played here or with each other for a long time and it’s something I want to be a part of.
(PHOTO: Cerys Molloy)
“I feel very much part of the group and I settled in quickly. I’ve been happy here ever since.
“I’ve always enjoyed coaching; when I was in Telford I worked with the juniors and I wanted to do more so becoming the Dogs assistant player/coach was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”
The signing of Susters is one that pleased Dogs player-coach Ben Morgan as he revealed why he moved for the Phantoms forward.
“Martins is someone who has always been on our radar as a club, certainly mine as a coach,” Morgan said. “I’d only spoken to him in between shifts on the ice but he came across as a really nice guy.
“I’ve been speaking to a few of his ex-team mates and all of the feedback is that he’s extremely motivated, driven and someone who sees himself playing at a much higher level in years to come.
“The biggest reason he decided to make a move and join us was because of our development pathway that we have been able to build over the past couple of years, with numerous players moving on to Elite League and beyond.
“He feels it is the best fit for him, his development as a young aspiring player and we feel we can cater for his needs.”
Debris, in action against MK Lightning here last season, is now joining Lewis Clifford’s side (PHOTO: Kat Medcroft)
Edgars Bebris has left Swindon Wildcats to take on a new challenge with Milton Keynes Lightning. The 28-year-old picked up 65 points in 50 games for Aaron Nell’s side last season.
Raiders have also added to their roster with the signing of 20-year-old Harry Gulliver who returns to England after a spell in Canada with Ogden Mustangs.
NIHL 1 South
Raiders 2 also strengthened their roster with the additions of defenceman Robert Veares, who joins from Chelmsford Chieftains and Jason Newman, a forward from Basingstoke Buffalo.
Chelmsford cushioned the blow of losing Veares by signing utility player Dale Buckland, who arrives from Invicta Dynamos, while Mos announced the return of forward Brandon Webster.
There was also re-signing news as Jordan Gregory returned to Streatham, Josh Florey was back with Oxford City Stars, while Milton Keynes Thunder brought back Tom Stephens, Reece Wickens and Caden Harrington-Hughes.
NIHL 2 North
Telford Tigers 2 confirmed that head coach Dave Fielder would not be returning for 2020/21 season, a decision that was ‘mutually agreed’, according to the statement on the club website.
SNL
Murrayfield Racers confirmed two more signings this week as defenceman Ethan Reid and forward Michael Ireland were announced as returning to the Edinburgh side.
