Sam Duggan and Josh Waller are back for the 2023-24 season
Duggan returns for a fifth season as a Devil after originally joining the team in November of the 2018-19 season. He has won two playoff titles as a Devil in 2019 and 2022. Last season, he scored 4 goals and 12 assists playing in all 74 games in all competitions. Duggan was named an assistant captain ahead of the 2021-22 season and wore an ‘A’ again last year.
Josh Waller returns for a third season after having a career best year in 2022-23. Last season he set career highs in goals (21), assists (20) and points (41) in 73 games in all competitions. He lifted the playoff championship in 2022 and has won the EIHL award for Best Young British Player two seasons in a row. Waller capped off his season with a gold medal with Team GB at the World Championships to help the national team gain promotion to the top tier of the IIHF World Championships next May.
Head Coach Pete Russell spoke about his two latest signings:
"I am delighted to welcome Josh Waller and Sam Duggan back for next season.
“Of course, I know both players extremely well and have done for many years. They are both really different players, but both have real quality on and off the ice.
“Waller is one of the most explosive players I have coached in years. He has elite level speed, a good skillset and is willing to work hard for the team with and without the puck. I see him in our top 9 as that is the player type he is.
"The last two years he has been on the national team and has done really well and grown as a player. I expect this to continue this season in Cardiff.
“Duggan I really like and am really looking forward to working with daily. He has a huge heart, is really brave and very coachable. Sam moves well, has a decent skillset and goes to the hard areas.
“Everyone forgets how young Sam still is and he took on a big responsibility last season as one of the captains. That letter carries a lot of weight for anyone never mind a 24 year old. He will grow from that experience, and I believe Sam is going to create a lot of competition for others during the season coming.
“It’s exciting to work with younger talents like this and aim to drive them to their true potential. Development is vital in life and in Cardiff we want to help all our players find the confidence to reach their highest levels.”
Watch the full interview with Sam Duggan below:
Watch the full interview with Josh Waller below:
