21 year old standout will be on a two-way contract next season
The Bristol Honda Pitbulls are delighted to announce defenceman Ed Bradley, who signs a two-way contract with the Cardiff Devils.
The twenty-one-year-old from Berkshire joins from the Bees Ice Hockey Club where he featured 49 times (including playoffs) in the NIHL National last season. Bradley scored 11 goals, and added 37 assists, leading the league in points and assists from the blue line.
Bradley spent his junior career in North America, playing in the Canadian International Hockey Academy for four years before a year in the USPHL before Covid struck. He has also represented GB on five different occasions at U18s and U20s level.
Pictured above: Ed Bradley in action for the Bees IHC last season (photo Bees IHC)
On signing in Bristol, Ed said “There are so many attractions to playing in Bristol. Firstly, the opportunity to be a part of something new and exciting really caught my attention. It's not an opportunity that comes around often. On top of that, I am currently studying at the University of Bath, so the location is perfect. Finally, the atmosphere and buzz the team created this past year is something I’d love to help build on.
Describing his game, Ed said “I am an offensive minded D-man that likes to jump up into the play. I wouldn’t say I’m overly physical or the fastest skater around, so I rely on how I read the game in order to stay a step ahead of the opposition.”
Jamie Elson is delighted to get someone of Ed’s talent on board. He said “We are thrilled to be bringing a player like Ed to Bristol for our first season in the National League. This shows our ambition and the type of players we want to have around the club as we build the Bristol Pitbulls organisation.
Speaking about the two-way partnership with the Cardiff Devils, Jamie Elson said “Ed will be part of the two-way partnership we have put together with the Cardiff Devils. This will give him the opportunity to train with the Elite League team through the week and see whether there is a possibility for him to ice with them should an opportunity arrive. I know he is keen to get the chance to work with them, and they have also expressed their excitement in having him part of our partnership.
“It will be a great opportunity and environment for Ed across the two clubs. He is going to get access to a lot of training, support and advice to help him grow and develop as a player. We can't thank Todd Kelman, Brodie Dupont and Neil Francis in Cardiff enough for supporting the partnership and giving guys like Ed this opportunity. It's going to be a great year ahead and we can't wait to see him in a Pitbulls uniform come September.”
