Ice Hockey: Captain Voth leads way in signing fresh deal with Devils

Apr 16 2008 by Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

HARD-HITTING forward Brad Voth is Cardiff Devils’ first signing for next season.

The 6ft 5in Canadian enforcer Voth agreed terms with coach Gerad Adams yesterday and signs up for a third successive season.

Devils’ captain Voth flew home to North America with girlfriend Jaclyn early this morning, having attended a fans meeting at St Peter’s Hall last night.

“I enjoy playing for Cardiff Devils and was always keen to come back if I was made a reasonable offer,” said Voth, who is due to return to South Wales in mid-August.

“The new management structure will be in place next season and I am excited about the future for the club.”

Adams told last night’s meeting – which was attended by around 300 supporters , along with new owner Matt Burge and director of hockey Shannon Hope – that he is to stop playing and focus on coaching.

He said: “I will be skating regularly and I’ll stay in shape in case I am needed because of injuries.

“There is likely to be a big turnaround in players for next season, but I am confident we will have a highly competitive team again.

“There were a few off-ice issues in terms of finances to deal with last season and it may take a bit of time to convince players the new ownership has brought stability and this is the club to be at.

“I am highly encouraged by my talks with players I want to bring back.”

Hope confirmed long-serving defenceman Jason Stone will have a testimonial next season, while links with the Cardiff Dragons junior club are to be strengthened.

Owner Burge has also had talks with Cardiff County Council, saying: “They are coming on board as an official partner. That relationship has been re-established.”

Coach Adams and the other Devils’ import players are returning to North America for the summer, while the new Elite League season starts next September.

The Devils will again play out of the Cardiff Bay rink, although Burge confirmed plans for a new ice rink home are going ahead.