Former Newfoundland Growler joins the Devils for 2024-25
Pictured above: Zach O'Brien in action for his hometown team (photo credit Newfoundland Growlers)
The Cardiff Devils are pleased to confirm the signing of Canadian forward Zach O’Brien who played last season for the Newfoundland Growlers of the ECHL.
O’Brien scored 21 goals and 39 assists for 60 points in 54 games for the Growlers in 2023-24 after starting the season with Bratislava in Slovakia. The previous season he led the Growlers in scoring with 23 goals and 64 assists in 59 games during the regular season. He added 13 points in 11 playoff games that year and was voted onto the ECHL First All-Star Team after leading the league in assists.
Pictured above: O'Brien won the Kelly Cup Playoff MVP in 2019 (photo credit ECHL)
In 2018-19 he led the Growlers to the Kelly Cup Championship, picking up the playoff MVP award after leading the team in playoff scoring with 16 goals and 13 assists in 23 games. He also has a Calder Cup Championship to his name, winning the AHL Playoffs with the Manchester Monarchs back in 2015.
O’Brien became somewhat of a local legend with the Growlers, hailing from St John’s Newfoundland, the same town where the team was based. He played a total of five seasons with his hometown team and was named as a First or Second Team All-Star three times. He also led the Growlers in scoring three of the five years he played there and is the franchise leader in games played, goals, assists and points.
Pictured above: O'Brien was an assistant captain with the Growlers (photo credit Newfoundland Growlers)
Pete Russell spoke about the signing of O’Brien:
“Zach is a high-end offensive talent and will be a force in this league.
“He has been one of the top scorers in the ECHL the last few years and was a fan favourite with his hometown team.
“He has an ability to make those players around him better and besides his skill, he brings a winning mentality and leadership to this team.
“We are very excited to bring him to Cardiff and I am sure the fans will love him.”
