Jamie Arniel is first new player to join the Devils for 2023-24
Pictured above: Arniel in action for EC Kassel last season in the DEL2 (photo credit Imago)
33 year old forward Jamie Arniel is the first new player to join the Devils for the 2023-24 season.
Arniel played for EC Kassel Huskies in the German DEL2, the same league that Head Coach Pete Russell coached in last season. Arniel’s team dominated the regular season, losing only 8 games all year. He led the Huskies in scoring with 17 goals and 31 assists for 48 points in 47 games.
Before playing in Kassel, Arniel started the 2021-22 season with the Bratislava Capitals then moved to HK Poprad in the top Slovakian league. He only played 37 games with Poprad but finished second in scoring with 20 goals and 21 assists.
Pictured above: Arniel in action for Bratislava at the start of the 2021-22 season (Photo credit Imago)
CLICK HERE to see Arniel's Elite Prospects page
Originally from Kingston, Ontario, Arniel was a 4th round NHL draft pick of the Boston Bruins. After four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), he turned pro with the Bruins farm team, playing three years in Providence in the American Hockey League (AHL). He played one game in the NHL for the Bruins in the 2010-11 season.
He moved to Europe in 2012-13 to play for Eisbaren Berlin where he won the DEL Championship. He had a year in Finland before finding a home in Dornbirner EC in the Austrian League (IceHL) where he played for five seasons, finishing at or near the top of the team’s scoring chart each season.
Pictured above: Arniel sets up shop in front of the net last season (photo credit Imago)
A right handed natural centreman, Arniel plays a 200 foot game and will be an asset on the powerplay. Arniel will be attending Cardiff Metropolitan University to complete a Masters in Business Administration this season.
Head Coach Pete Russell spoke about signing Arniel:
“I coached against Jamie and know what I am getting, which is a quality two-way forward that has offensive output, but is also good defensively and plays with a bit bite.
“Jamie was a top player on a top team in the DEL2 last season. He can score, he makes his teammates better, plays 200ft and he plays in every situation. He is exactly the type of person and player we are looking for.”
Watch the first interview with Jamie Arniel below:
