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Big Canadian defenceman Mark Louis is going for an Elite League title treble.
Louis has committed to Cardiff Devils for a third season, having played a key role in championship successes in 2017 and 2018.
He is the 10th import player to be confirmed by the club.
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“I’m thrilled to be back for another season in Cardiff,” says Louis. “I love this city, I love the fans and, having won six trophies in my first two seasons here, there wasn’t really any other place I wanted to be.
“Last season was far from perfect for me on a personal level because of my injury. That has motivated me to be in the best shape possible and more determined than ever to make an impact for Devils this season.”
Louis has been in South Wales through the summer finishing his MBA studies at Cardiff Met and Devils head coach Andrew Lord says: “Mark has been on the ice a lot more than usual for him and hitting the gym hard.
“He’s probably in the best shape since he came to Cardiff and I know he is going to have a big season for us.
“Mark is a real character player, a heart and soul kind of guy who gives it his all every time he hits the ice.
“He is a big body out there, but skates so well. When a guy is that big and skates that well, he is tough to slow down.
“He can break out the play, knows when join the rush and has the speed to get back into position.
“It was a tough time for him last season with the long-term injury, but he showed great determination to get back on the ice and he played a big role for us down the stretch.”
The 6ft 4ins Louis, an imposing figure on the blueline, joined Devils after five years in the American League.
He was part of the League, Conference and Challenge Cup winning team during his first season in Wales, scoring five goals with 12 assists for 17 points in 63 games.
An injury meant Louis played only 43 games in 2017-18, but a strong finish to the season saw him help the Devils to their first playoff championship in 19 years.
Devils signings for 2018-19 so far:
Netminders: Ben Bowns, Thomas Murdy.
Skaters: Mark Louis (import), Mike Hedden (import), Layne Ulmer (import), Matthew Myers, Justin Faryna (import), Jake Morissette (import), Sean Bentivoglio (import), Josh Batch, Craig Moore, Gleason Fournier (import), Matt Pope (import), Joey Martin (import), Joey Haddad (import), Mark Richardson.
Elite League fixtures will be confirmed this month, while Devils have been drawn in a group alongside Växjö Lakers (Sweden), SC Bern (Swiss), Red Bull Salzburg (Austria) in the Champions League.
They have arranged a series of pre-season challenge fixtures.
Head coach Andrew Lord and his Devils have already confirmed fixtures against Nottingham Panthers on Saturday, August 11 and Sunday, August 12.
The first of those will be in Nottingham with the return at Ice Arena Wales the following evening.
Devils host Slovakian team HK Poprad in games at Ice Arena Wales during August.
The challenge fixtures will be on Saturday, August 18 (7pm) and Sunday, August 19 (6pm).
HK Poprad play in the top league in Slovakia, the same league that HC Banska Bystrica play in, who the Devils hosted two years ago in pre-season action.
Cardiff host the Blaze at Ice Arena Wales on Saturday, August 25 (7pm) with the return at the Skydome, Coventry and on Sunday, August 26 (5.15pm).
Devils are offering a seven-game ticket pack covering pre-season and Champions League matches.
The pack offers massive savings off single game prices, is available through July and can be purchased by phone on 0800 0842 666 or in person at Ice Arena Wales Box Office.
To book individual tickets for any pre-season or CHL games: CLICK HERE or phone 0800 0842 666.
Pre-season tickets are £2 cheaper than the normal ticket prices for 2018-19.
