Devils Coach Lord Says: “Haddad Will Be Better Than Ever”

Andrew Lord believes Cardiff Devils fans will see an even better Joey Haddad in 2017-18.

Canadian winger Haddad has committed to a fourth Elite League ice hockey season playing for Devils after playing a major role in their triple crown success.

Haddad, playing alongside Layne Ulmer and Patrick Asselin, was voted player of the match time and again as Devils won the League title, Challenge Cup and Erhardt Conference.

Head coach Lord is recruiting a team capable of challenging on European plus domestic fronts and he has already signed goals ace Joey Martin and British defenceman Mark Richardson.

Haddad will also be back for a season which starts in July and Lord says: “He was incredible over the season.

“Joey made a solid start and then, around 15-20 game mark, everything clocked in all of a sudden.

“We had seen a lot of glimpses of that during his first couple of seasons and knew it was there. Both Joey and I wanted his play to be more consistent.

“He tackled the mental side, worked on areas he needed to improve and matured overall.

“Joey had a breakout season and it’s only going to get better and better. The best is yet to come from Joey and we’ve only seen a glimpse of what this guy can do.

“There were a number of games in which he completely took over or broke open a game for us and that is what makes fans love him so much. He is a big body, dominates in the corners and is tough to play against.

“There were a number of teams who wanted him to make a move. but he loves it here and I don’t really think he entertained any other offers.

“He is also a great character to have in our locker room, fun to be around. Joey is a World of energy day in, day out. He’s a unique guy.

“When it’s time to work he is up there with Mark Richardson and Joey Martin in terms of work ethic and attention to detail.”

Devils are certain bring back a large core of their team from last season. There are 11 players who have been with Lord in all three seasons since he became player-coach and a number of imports and British guys look likely to return.

Lord will also add even more quality where needed and says: “The core group is critical. They buy in to the city, club and country and start to feel Welsh. I know I do. We are so much better for that now.

“Guys enjoy it here in Cardiff, they like our style of play and are treated well.”

Power forward Haddad was voted Devils forward of the year in 2016/17 after scoring 24 goals plus 29 assists in 66 games. His 24 goals were good for second on the team and he tied for the team lead with seven game winning goals.

During three seasons playing for Devils he has won two conference titles, two Challenge Cups and one League Championship.

Haddad is back and Lord is working on stepping up a recruitment programme which is gathering pace.