Bring on the youngsters

Following on from the success of the under 18's season we are delighted to announce that no fewer than 8 young players are to be signed to the NIHL team for the 2013/14 season. In Defence we have the impressive Callum Buglass, a GB international that has already made his debut for the Elite League team and played a huge part in the NIHL season last year. Joining Callum will be Joey Morris and Jack Randall from the under 18's team. Both players were a huge reason behind the success of the 18's last term and make their move into senior hockey. Another young player stepping up from the NIHL two team will be Giovanni Raffaelli, Gio is no stranger to NIHL division one hockey having played a part in the last two seasons. In Attack we have another GB international in Owen Griffiths, Owen is a highly skilled quick young forward with a bright future, like Callum Owen played a big part in the NIHL last season. In Owens first year in Under 18's he finished the season with 33 points in just 15 games and also scored an all important goal against Invicta in the NIHL playoffs. Kieran Latchford and Giacomo Raffaelli also join the squad. Kieran has had experience of NIHL division one hockey over the last few seasons and finished 2nd top scorer in the under 18's last term.

Head Coach Mark Cuddihy added

"It's been a pleasure working with these kids over the last few years within NIHL and this season we want to give them a proper chance to succeed. Owen and Callum are still effectively still under 18's but their performances last season have been so impressive we have made the decision to take them full time with NIHL one, both are in the picture for GB and we want to help them achieve everything we know they can, Callum will be one of our best defenseman and Owen will centre our 2nd line, they both have huge parts to play in what will be a tough season. I hope Devils fans come and support the young exciting team we have assembled, we will be looking to these guys as the future of our club. This is what Cardiff is about, good young talent given a chance"

Callum Buglass commented

"I was so proud at being asked by Cudds to join the NIHL1 Devils full time this season and try and improve on my performances I made for them last season. I have just turned 17 so playing senior hockey at my age is a major plus as I try and reach my goal of making GB u18s this year and also hopefully gaining more experience with the Elite league team. I need to thanks Cudds for giving me the opportunity and for giving me the chance to stake my place in the team. At the start of last season I played my first game for NIHL 1 away to Bracknell and loved every minute and ended up playing 21 games for NIHL1.Playing for NIHL1 regularly will help me improve as a hockey player and that's my goal to keep on improving to become the best I can"