Cardiff Devils 2026‑27 Squad and Fixtures

Cardiff Devils 2026‑27 Lineup Overview

The Devils have announced their first major signings for the 2026‑27 Elite League campaign, headlined by Finnish forward Panu Mieho. The 31‑year‑old joins from his longtime club IFK Helsinki, where he spent the last two seasons after starting as a junior. Mieho also brings experience from Finland’s Ilves and Sweden’s Timra IK, giving Cardiff a new skill set for the top flight.

Coach Paul Thompson now boasts two netminders and seven defencemen on paper, with five additional forwards still to be added before the final roster locks in. The club confirmed that 27‑year‑old Nolan Yaremko, Canadian defencemen Brandon Estes and Tyson Helgesen will return for the 40th season. The new campaign kicks off at home against Guildford Flames in the Challenge Cup on Saturday, 12 September, before a visit to Coventry Blaze the following day.

Cardiff’s refreshed roster blends four fresh faces with 15 veterans from last season’s play‑off winning side. Among the returners, Great Britain forward Ben Davies will play his 13th year with the club. In February, the 31‑year‑old Davies became only the fifth player to notch 1,000 Elite League games, cementing his status as a franchise icon.

Key Signings and Returning Stars

Netminder Ben Bowns is set for an 11th consecutive season, while captain Joey Martin returns for another year. Defensemen Mark Richardson, Evan Mosey, Christian Stoever and Kohen Olischefski have all re‑signed, reinforcing a gritty blueline. Bayley Harewood has been promoted to a full‑time contract after spending the last five seasons on two‑way deals, primarily with Bristol Pitcats.

New arrivals include Canadian forward Thomas Caron, 25, switching from Finnish Liiga side HPK to south Wales. The club also added Jake Sacratini—son of club legend Vezio Sacratini—and defenceman Nick Welsh from Manchester Storm. Cardiff’s forward core is rounded out by returning Canadians Ryan Barrow, Sam Duggan and Nolan Yaremko, plus Finnish sensation Panu Mieho, who will form part of a diverse lineup.

In the goal crease, Christian Stoever joins Ben Bowns as the primary options. Both are experienced netminders who will help the Devils chase their first regular‑season league title since 2018. The squad’s composition respects Elite League limits: 25 players overall, a maximum of 20 for any game, with no more than 15 non‑homegrown athletes and at least one British goaltender on the roster.

Coaching Changes and Title Ambitions

Jeff Battah, a 46‑year‑old Canadian, has taken over as goaltending and video coach, recommended by his predecessor Euan King. Battah’s résumé spans professional, major junior, university and international programs, most recently with France’s Ligue Magnus side Rapaces de Gap. His hiring signals the club’s commitment to strengthening goaltending fundamentals as they aim for a championship run.

Thompson’s staff now includes Battah, positioning the Devils to target a first Elite League regular‑season crown in eight years. The squad’s blend of seasoned veterans and new talent is designed to compete for both the Challenge Cup and the league title. With a solid foundation of returning play‑off heroes and strategic fresh signings, the team looks poised for a deep postseason push.

Pre‑season Schedule

The Devils have announced a series of pre‑season friendlies leading into the new season. Cardiff will face Odense Bulldogs twice, on 15 August (19:00 BST) and 16 August (17:00 BST). A third warm‑up match is scheduled for 22 August against Angers, followed by fixtures against Sheffield on 29 August and Nottingham on 6 September. These matches will help the coaching staff fine‑tune lines and depth before the official campaign begins.

While the full fixture list for the Elite League is yet to be released, the opening Challenge Cup clash against Guildford Flames on 12 September marks the first competitive action. The back‑to‑back games in September against Coventry Blaze will set the tone for a rugged schedule. Fans can expect a mix of high‑profile opponents and tight contests as the Devils prepare for a potential title run.

Understanding EIHL Roster Rules

Elite League teams may field up to 25 players for a season, with a gameday roster capped at 20 athletes—18 skaters and two goaltenders. A strict limit of 15 non‑homegrown players applies each game, ensuring a balance between home‑grown talent and international expertise. All clubs must include at least one British goaltender on their overall roster, a rule that Cardiff respects with Ben Bowns and Christian Stoever.

Two‑way contracts are permitted for under‑25 players primarily attached to lower‑tier English or Scottish leagues, giving clubs flexibility while promoting home‑grown development. These regulations shape how managers construct rosters, manage workloads, and plan for injuries throughout a long season. Cardiff’s current roster strategy reflects a blend of experienced signings and local prospects, positioning them to navigate the competitive Elite League landscape.