The Cardiff Devils are pleased to announce the return of Mark Louis for the 2021-22 season.
The Cardiff Devils are pleased to announce the return of Mark Louis for the 2021-22 season.
The 34-year-old Canadian spent last season with HK Dukla Michalovce in Slovakia’s top league. He played 42 games and helped his team to a second place finish in the regular season. He played an additional 9 games in the playoffs before they eventually lost in the playoff semifinals.
Before his stint in Slovakia, Louis had been with the Devils for 4 seasons winning 7 trophies in his time with the club. He was part of the League, Challenge Cup and Conference winning team in 2016-17, the League, Conference and Playoff winning team in 2017-18, and the Playoff Champions in 2019.
Louis spent 4 years with the Portland Pirates in the AHL and 1 year in the ECHL with the Orlando Solar Bears before joining the Devils ahead of the 2016-17 season. He played 181 AHL games for the Pirates, who were the top affiliate of the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL.
Prior to turning pro, Louis played 4 years at St. Francis Xavier University. He also earned his MBA (Masters in Business) from Cardiff Metropolitan University during his time with the Devils.
Head Coach Jarrod Skalde spoke about his latest signing:
“I am very pleased to have Mark back. With so many new faces coming in, it is important to have a solid core of players that know the culture of this organisation and have been part of the success.
“Signing back Mark Louis was a no-brainer. He is a big, strong defenceman that moves the puck well. He is a great skater, which is not always a compliment you can give to a 6’4” defenceman, but Mark moves so well.
“He is also the toughest player in the league and his teammates know he’s got their back. Everyone plays a little bigger when you have a guy like Mark Louis on your team.”
