31 year old American returns for his third season in Cardiff
Pictured above: Crandall after scoring a goal against Sheffield (photo James Assinder)
Justin Crandall is back for the 2023-24 season, his third with the club. Crandall finished last season with 14 goals and 36 assists in all competitions (Cup, League and Playoff games). He was one of only six Devils to play in all games last season.
The previous season in 2021-22, his first in Cardiff, Crandall led the entire Elite League in assists, finishing with 46 in 53 league games. He finished tied for 10th overall in league scoring with 58 points and lifted the Playoff Championship at the end of the season.
Pictured above: Crandall protects the puck against Belfast (photo James Assinder)
Before signing in Cardiff, Crandall spent three seasons in the Swedish Allsvenskan League, the final two with IF Bjorkloven. He scored 41 goals and 78 assists for 119 points over those three years.
Before making the move to Europe, Crandall spent two seasons with the Reading Royals in the ECHL, leading the team in scoring during the 2015-16 season (17 goals, 55 points) and finishing second in scoring the following year in 2016-17 when he put up 58 points (22 goals) in 66 games. Prior to turning pro with Reading, Crandall spent four seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth scoring 40 goals and 39 assists in 145 games.
Pictured above: Crandall celebrates scoring against Glasgow (photo James Assinder)
Head Coach Pete Russell spoke about re-signing Crandall:
“Justin is an experienced pro and brings a lot to the team on and off the ice.
“First of all, his teammates speak very highly of him. He is a real glue guy and just a great teammate. I want this kind of guy in our room.
“As a player he is very skilled. He is a pass first guy with good vision, but he is also a guy who chips in with 10-15 goals per year. He gets into the hard areas and works hard away from the puck.
Pictured above: Crandall squares up with former Devil Ben O'Connor (photo James Assinder)
“He has bite in his game, and I am going to challenge him to use this consistently, play with confidence, use his smart hockey mind and connect with his teammates with and without the puck.
“Every team he has played on he produces offensively, and I have no doubt he will do so again during the coming season.
“What was really transparent to me during our communications was his real hunger to stay on as a Devil and come back this year to Cardiff with the aim of having a big season, firstly for the team, and secondly for him personally. I really like that.”
Watch the signing interview with Justin Crandall below:
