21 year old defenceman inks a deal with Pitbulls and Devils
The Bristol Pitbulls are thrilled to announce Reece Kelly will be joining the Pitbulls, signing on a two-way contract with the Cardiff Devils.
Born in Fife, Kelly moved over to Canada to play in the Ontario Hockey Academy where he played for three seasons. Kelly then moved south to play in the USPHL for the New Hampshire Jr Monarchs in the 2019-20 season.
Kelly spent 2020-21 in the Norway U21 league with the Stavanger Oilers before moving across to Finland in 2021-22, playing for IPK in the Finnish U20 league. Kelly finished the season with 28 points in 34 games, third of all defensemen in the division.
Reece Kelly is looking forward to a return to British hockey, using his experience of Europe’s top junior leagues to help the Pitbulls. He said “After being away in North America and Europe for the last six years I think it is a good time for me to return to the UK to play. Bristol really caught my eye, with the team coming back to the city with a lot of buzz and potential. I look forward to being a part of the new era in Bristol.
“Also, getting the opportunity on the two-way contract with the Cardiff Devils was a big attraction. They are a top team in the Elite League with a great culture and excellent set-up which seems a great fit for me returning home.”
