Dixon and Hart return for NIHL Devils

Posted on 1 August 2012

Dixon gets the 'C' from Cudds

Cardiff NIHL Devils are pleased to announce 2 returning defenseman and a new Captain for the 2012/2013 season.

Gareth Dixon begins his 9^th season with the team and takes over the role as Captain. The big defenseman is the all-time record holder for games played and penalty minutes with the NIHL Devils. The 28 year old scored an impressive 25 points with 3 goals and 22 assists last season. Also returning to the club is young defenseman Chris Hart, Chris began last season playing his hockey in Germany for RT Bad Nauheim but returned to play 20 games for the Devils outfit mid-way through last season.

 Gareth Dixon commented on his return “I'm very excited to be back for what will be my 9th season with the team and my first as Captain.

The team has seen a lot of changes this summer with more guys moving up to elite and epl teams, leaving opportunities for the next group of youngsters to get time and make a claim to replace those guys. As a senior player now it's great to be able to be part of their development and I'm looking forward to seeing how they perform. 

I'm looking to come in this year and be a role model for the younger guys, both on and off the ice, and to continue to improve my own game. I have been working all summer in the gym and looking forward to getting started on the ice now'

Chris Hart also commented on his return:

'I’m really happy to be re-signing again in Cardiff, it took me a while last season to get back into things after returning from Germany! I've sat down with Cudd and I’m excited to be a part of the set up this coming season where hopefully we can really achieve something! Looking at the rest of the teams this season no game is going to be easy and I am looking forward to playing against the players other teams have signed this year'

Head coach Mark Cuddihy Commented on the signings “I’m delighted to bring both players back this season, things have taken a lot longer than previous seasons due to the uncertain summer but to have both players finally signed up is a relief, I feel Dixon will do a fantastic job as Skipper for us.

He has a mountain of experience at this level of hockey and is a natural leader in his personality; he will instantly have the respect of the dressing room and coaches. Dixon has been with me since day one back in Cardiff and the young players will benefit greatly from his experience. He’s a big contributor on the ice and has worked really hard on his game and the gym over the last few seasons.

I’m also delighted to bring Harty back for another season, things didn’t go so well for Chris out in Germany last season and whilst I was delighted to have him back I was gutted for him personally. Chris has been skating with our Elite League team for the past 3 seasons and I feel this is a big year for Chris if he is going to make that step up. He’s a great player at ENL Level but I know he wants more for himself and we are going to help him to achieve that”

Welcome back Dixon and Hart for the 2012/2013 season