boom boom boom

Posted on 27 April 2012

Max Birbrear has agreed terms to return to the Devisl for the 2012-13, we are delighted to announce.

The highly-skilled Israeli power forward, originally hailing from Kazakhstan, has shaken hands with Devils Head Coach Gerad Adams and will put pen to paper in the next few days, says Adams.

Birbraer is the fifth import signing for Elite League Devils, while head coach Gerad Adams is close to agreement on a multi-year contract with a leading British player.

Adams is also in talks with Mark Richardson, while he is working to strengthen British options within the team by signing a player from English Premier League hockey.

“Playing for Devils again was always my first option,” says Birbraer. “Vale Healthcare did a fantastic job medically in terms of my operation and recovery, while the Devils were really supportive throughout.

“Cardiff have their ups and downs, but when things like that happen everybody at the club is 100 per cent behind you. I cannot thank everybody enough.

“Now I am working hard in the gym, feel fit and am determined to come back next season in the best shape of my life.”

Adams said,

'Max is a guy who is so valuable to the club. His leadership, commitment to our systems and attitude and the way he brings on our young players is a real bonus to the fact that he is easily one of the most talented players in our League. He can do everything, and he can do it at top speed which is rare.'

This commitment was highlighted recently, when Birbraer utilised his time due to injury in contacting yet-to-renew Season Ticket holders by phone to talk about coming back to the Devils and discuss ways we can improve their experience as Devils fans.

Bench Coach Neil Francis added:

'We all feel like we know Max very well and this is a great fit for all of us, but sometimes it's worth remembering jsut how good a player he is and how he can change a game with a timely goal or one of his trademark thunderous open-ice hits.'

Confirmed players for next season:

Import players: Max Birbraer, Phil Osaer (nm), Kenton Smith, Mark Smith, Gerad Adams.

British players: Ben Davies, Josh Batch, Bari McKenzie, Adam Harding, Luke Piggott.