River Flows Straight Into Cardiff As Devils Sign Rymsha

Hannah BlackwellHannah Blackwell
Cardiff Devils delight after scoring the winning penalty Pic: Helen Brabon.

Cardiff Devils delight after scoring the winning penalty Pic: Helen Brabon.

Cardiff Devils coach Pete Russell believes new signing River Rymsha can help the team flow next season. The Devils have bolstered their roster for the upcoming 2023-24 Elite League season with the addition of defenseman Rymsha.

By Hannah Blackwell

Cardiff Devils coach Pete Russell believes new signing River Rymsha can help the team flow next season.

The Devils have bolstered their roster for the upcoming 2023-24 Elite League season with the addition of defenseman Rymsha.

The 26-year-old American joins the Devils after a stint with the Heilbronner Falken, a team in the German DEL2 league, where he showcased his skills by notching four goals and providing 16 assists in 34 games last season.

Rymsha’s arrival at Cardiff coincides with the appointment of new head coach Russell, who previously coached him in Germany.

Russell expressed his satisfaction with the signing, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome River to our team as we prepare for the upcoming season.

“River is a well-rounded defenseman with impressive size and mobility. He is capable of playing in the top four defensive positions on the ice.”

Having closely observed Rymsha’s performances during their encounters in the DEL2, Russell is well aware of the value he brings to the team and added: “I had the opportunity to witness River’s exceptional play last year when we faced off against each other in Germany.

“He consistently performed at a high level, and I am confident that he will make a significant contribution to our squad.”

In addition to his time in Germany, Rymsha has previously played hockey in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

During his tenure with the Slovakian team HK Popra, he was a teammate of another new signing for the Devils, Jamie Arniel.

Before turning professional in the 2019-20 season with the Norfolk Admirals in the ECHL, Rymsha played university hockey at Dartmouth.

    Related News

    England’s Ben Stokes (left) is interviewed by BBC Sport's Jonathan Agnew (centre) and Henry Moeran (right). Pic: Alamy

    Big Bash, Bosh . . . Ashes Series Was all Vibes, Clips and Short (Leg) Attention Span

    It was the England-Australia Ashes series of two-day Tests and two-second clips, reduced, re-packaged and in need of re-assessment, as Andrew Weeks reports.

    Andrew Weeks | Jan 10, 2026
    Welsh pair Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton. Pic. Alamy

    Welsh Pair Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton Backed as Right Picks for Premier League

    Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton’s inclusion in the Premier League Darts line-up, has been explained by Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle as giving fans the players they are familiar with.

    Gareth James | Jan 08, 2026
    Hugh Morris. Pic. Alamy

    Glamorgan to Honour Hugh Morris with Renamed Cricket Centre

    Glamorgan plan to rename their indoor cricket centre at Sophia Gardens, the Hugh Morris Indoor Cricket Centre in honour of their former captain and chief executive.

    Graham Thomas | Dec 29, 2025
    Tyler Melbourne-Smith. Pic. Alamy

    Team Wales Rising Star Tyler Melbourne-Smith has Eyes on Major Prizes in 2026

    Wales has a new swimming star - 20-year-old Tyler Melbourne-Smith, who is set to share Team Wales hopes of success at next year's Commonwealth Games, as Liz Byrnes reports.

    Liz Byrnes | Dec 24, 2025
    Rory McIlroy after receiving the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025. Pic. Alamy

    When Rory met SPOTY . . . and Joined Wales’ Pioneer, Dai Rees

    It’s almost the end of the year and award ceremonies are everywhere. Some are still worth winning, though, as Andrew Weeks explains.

    Andrew Weeks | Dec 23, 2025
    Former Wales Commonwealth Games athlete Mica Moore. Pic: JBSFed

    Mica Moore Racing Towards Jamaica Selection for Winter Olympics

    Welsh athlete and former Commonwealth Games sprinter Mica Moore is pushing for a place at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano/Cortina.

    Devin Pote | Dec 23, 2025