2008/09 Season
The Devils season was mixed. The team struggled with injuries and suspensions – notably the highly controversial 11 game suspension of club captain Brad Voth (which was cut to 7 on review). Two summer signings, defenceman Likit Andersson and forward Rod Hinks, were cut from the squad due to injury and performance respectively. Returning defenceman Tyson Teplitsky filled the gap left by Andersson and contributed greatly in points. Canadian Marc Fulton was drafted in to replace Hinks, however after a promising start, was sidelined by injury and did not play for the club again. Joining Fulton on the injury list were centre Lee Cowmeadow and then current top scorer Mike Prpich after having knee surgery in mid December.
The Devils lay 6th in the Elite League standings (as of 05/02/09) 30 points behind league leaders and arch rivals Sheffield Steelers and 20 behind 2nd placed Belfast Giants.
On 26 January 2009, the Devils announced the signing of Matt Elich, a former NHL player with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Elich, who was drafted 61st overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1997, had played in Europe previously in the German and Austrian/Slovenian leagues. Elich, brought in to replace the injured Derek Campbell, scored 1+1 in his debut game and continued to contribute points consistently
The Devils, although eliminated from the Challenge Cup got through to the British Knockout Cup final, a trophy won during the 06–07 season, after demolishing a dwindling Basingstoke Bison squad 17–1 over two legs . They faced and eventually lost out to the Belfast Giants.
More injuries loomed that year, much like the previous season with Lee Cowmeadow's season ended with a dislocated elbow, and Jason Silverthorn with a broken thumb, that kept him on the sidelines.
Devils captain Brad Voth was given the honour of being named Captain for the South team for the 'All-Star Spectacular' in February 2009, which comprises the best players from the South of the Elite League against the best from the North. Similar in comparison to the NHL East vs West All-Star game.
The Devils scraped through to the playoff semi-finals in Nottingham after beating the Belfast Giants with an overtime goal in the Cardiff Arena from Captain Brad Voth, ending the series 6–5.
The Devils then lost to the Sheffield Steelers 5–2 in the Playoff semi-finals. Sheffield went on to win the playoffs, defeating the Nottingham Panthers by 2–0 in the final, completing their league and playoff double.
Read more about this topic: Cardiff Devils, History
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