Wilde is expected to join the team later this week
Pictured above: Wilde in action with the Islanders AHL farm team (photo by Bridgeport Sound Tigers)
The Cardiff Devils are delighted to confirm the signing of defenceman Bode Wilde.
Wilde joins the Devils from Slovakian side Banska Bystrica where he has played 21 games, returning 2 goals and 7 assists for a total of 9 points.
The 6’ 3”, 23-year old starred for the USA U17 and U18 Development Programme teams and he represented the USA at both age groups in the World Championships. This led to him being drafted in the 2nd Round (41st overall) by the New York Islanders in the 2018 NHL Draft.
Pictured above: Wilde in action with Team USA (Photo by Rena Laverty, US National Team Development Program)
CLICK HERE to see Bode Wilde's career statistics
He then posted an impressive 70 point in 62 games for Saginaw Spirit of them OHL, which was the third highest amount amongst all defencemen.
His professional career started with the Islanders farm team, Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League, where he played 42 regular season games. He also iced for Västerviks in the Swedish Alsvenskan and Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL before heading to Slovakia.
Head Coach Pete Russell spoke about signing Bode Wilde:
“We have played an incredible amount of hockey recently and that has inevitably seen us pick up a number of injuries, further increasing the strain on the available players.
“When the chance arose to sign a player with the ability that Bode has, it was an opportunity that was too good to turn down.
“He has a very high skillset that will suit the way we play. He plays fast and gets the puck quickly into the hands of the forwards or through to the net.
"He’s also a big body that can shut down plays and transition quickly from defence to offence. I’m looking forward to being able to help him reach his huge potential.”
