‘Mad Dog’ Murdy Back With Devils For Fourth Season

Thomas ‘Mad Dog’ Murdy is back with Cardiff Devils for 2019-20.

The 28-year-old goaltender has committed to a fourth season with the Elite League play-off champions, linking up with Ben Bowns.

Head coach Andrew Lord said: “The strength of our goaltending gives us a chance to win every night.

“We have the best goaltending team in the EIHL. Murdy is the perfect partner to complement Bownsy and has pushed him every day to get better. 

“Their friendship and understanding of each other is unique and makes them both better.”

Murdy’s return means Lord has three signings to confirm, possibly more if he starts with a spare import. He certainly needs two defenceman and a winger to complete his team.

Over the last three seasons Murdy and Bowns have backstopped Devils to seven trophies (two EIHL titles, two conference titles, two playoff titles and one Challenge Cup).

In his last season with Telford, Murdy had the best save percentage in the league plus the best goals against average (2.34). He was selected for the English Premier League All-star first team while helping Tigers win the EPIHL league and cup title. 

The Whitley Bay native spent time with Coventry Blaze and Swindon Wildcats.

Murdy has also represented Team GB from u-16 to the senior team and been a part of the back-to-back gold medal winning squads and was in Slovakia this summer when Team GB managed to stay in Pool A.

Cardiff Devils netminders Ben Bowns and  Thomas Murdy

Cardiff Devils’ confirmed signings:

(17 announced – 11 imports, 6 British – maximum 14 imports can ice in any one EIHL game):

Head coach: Andrew Lord

Netminder: Ben Bowns, Thomas Murdy.

Defence: Mark Richardson, Mark Louis (import), Gleason Fournier (import), Bryce Reddick (import)

Forwards: Masi Marjamaki (import), Blair Riley (import), Stephen Dixon (import), Matthew Myers, Matt Pope (import), Mike McNamee (import), Sam Duggan, Joey Martin (import), Joey Haddad (import), Charles Linglet (import), Josh Batch.

Cardiff Devils pre-season and Champions League schedule:

August

Saturday 10 Cardiff Devils v Fehervar (Viola Arena, Cardiff Bay, 7pm) 

Sunday 11: Cardiff Devils v Fehervar (Viola Arena, Cardiff Bay, 6pm) 

Saturday 17: Nottingham Panthers v Cardiff Devils (in Nottingham, 7pm)

Sunday 18 Cardiff Devils v Nottingham Panthers (Viola Arena, Cardiff Bay, 6pm)

Sunday 25 Cardiff Devils V MAC Budapest (Viola Arena, Cardiff Bay, 6pm)

Friday 30 Cardiff Devils v Mountfield HK (Champions Hockey League fixture, Viola Arena, 7.30pm)

September

Sunday 1 Cardiff Devils v Graz 99ers (Champions Hockey League fixture, Viola Arena, 6pm)

Thursday 5 Mountfield HK v Cardiff Devils (Champions Hockey League fixture, 5pm)

Saturday 7 Graz 99ers v Cardiff Devils (Champions Hockey League fixture, 6.15pm)

October

Tuesday 8 Frolunda Indians v Devils (Champions Hockey League fixture, 5pm)

Tuesday 15 Devils v Frolunda Indians (Champions Hockey League fixture, Viola Arena, 7.30pm)

Single game tickets for pre-season and Champions Hockey League matches are now available along with the even-game ticket pack.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE or call on 0800 0842 666

The 7-game pack, covering all four pre-season and three CHL home fixtures, offer big discounts and no service charges.