DEVILS CONFIRM ASSISTANT COACH

The Devils are pleased to confirm Niklas Hovivuori as our new assistant coach for the upcoming season.

Hovivuori coached alongside new Head Coach Paul Thompson last season in Odense in the top Danish league.  The coaching tandem recently won the Danish Championship, the first National Title in franchise history for Odense. Pictured above: Hovivuori and Thompson celebrate the Danish Championship (photo credit Odense Bulldogs)Before coaching in Denmark, Hovivuori coached two seasons in Norway with Comet Halden and prior to that he spent two seasons with the Lions HC in Sweden.  He was part of the Frolunda Coaching Academy, one of the best known ice hockey development programmes in Europe. 

Originally from Finland, Hovivuori was born in Tampere and played as a junior for Tappara. Although he was born in Finland, Hovivuori spends the off-season in Sweden and has lived there for 20 years. Pictured above: Hovivuori and Thompson last season (photo credit Odense Bulldogs)Devils’ Head Coach Paul Thompson spoke about Niklas Hovivuori:

“Niklas is a calm and educated coach.  We had a strong working relationship last season, so that continuity was important for me.

“I’m very pleased that he is joining me here in Cardiff after our success together in Odense.

"He has a high work ethic and understanding of his role.  The players will enjoy his support and guidance.  Niklas will be a strong asset to our hockey club.”

Matthew Myers will not return next season.  The former Devils' player who was the assistant coach for the 2024-25 season will be exploring other coaching opportunities. 

The Devils would like to thank Matthew for his hard work and dedication as part of the coaching staff last season.  We wish him the best of luck going forward as he continues his coaching career.