Sanford is back for a 5th year

The Devils are pleased to confirm the return of Cole Sanford for the 2025-26 season.

Sanford led the team in goals with 34 in all EIHL competitions last season (League, Challenge Cup, Playoffs) and added 33 assists for 67 points in 69 games.  He led the team in scoring in the playoffs and the Challenge Cup where he scored 11 goals in 12 games played. Pictured above: Sanford scores against Coventry (photo James Assinder)In 2023-24, Sanford led the Devils in scoring with 29 goals and 29 assists for 58 points in 54 league games.  He added another 5 goals in the Challenge Cup competition.  He was voted as the Forward of the Year and the Coach’s Player of the Year that season.  He also was voted onto the EIHL’s First All-Star Team by the Coaches and General Managers of the teams across the league.  Pictured above: Sanford with linemate Joey Martin (photo James Assinder)His best statistical season as a Devil was the 2022-23 season when he scored 43 goals and 35 assists for 78 points in all competitions. He was selected onto the EIHL’s Second All-Star Team that season and won the ‘Best Forward’ award at the Continental Cup Final. 

CLICK HERE to see Sanford's career stats

In his 4 seasons with Cardiff, Sanford has played 267 games for the Devils and scored an incredible 141 goals.  He has led the Devils in goals the previous three seasons. He won the IIHF Continental Cup in 2025 and also lifted the 2022 Playoff Championship in his first season as a Devil. Pictured above: Sanford in action against Sheffield (photo James Assinder)

Managing Director Todd Kelman spoke about Cole Sanford:

“Cole is a pure goal-scorer, but he does so much more than that.

“He kills penalties, he blocks shots, he is one of the hardest working players at both ends of the ice and he is difficult to play against every night.

“He is also a great playmaker and can break open a game at any time, which he has proven time and time again when we needed him to.

“He’s 29 now and this is his fifth season as a Devil. He has grown into one of our leaders and he is a big part of the core that will set the culture in the locker room.

“We are extremely pleased to have him back for another year and are expecting big things again from him.”

Catch Cole Sanford and the rest of the Devils in pre-season action for just £12. 

CLICK HERE to find out more.​​​​​​​