Pre-season Begins in Another New Era

CARDIFF, WALES – Since starting this almost two years ago, the hope was that there would be less new eras and some stability.

As the build up starts, the team are being put through their paces on and off the ice, likely at a higher intensity than before.

Along with this, they also dropped this season’s threads. Which can be seen here; https://shop.cardiffdevils.com/collections/jerseys

As of yet, no determined ST jersey, but the annual ‘event’ which is a mere training session takes place on Thursday 21st August, midway through this months’ pre-season.

This season however, we should see an appetite for success like never before. Lead by the coach, with a point to prove from many angles here in the UK and with the team itself.

The fire and ire from the likes of veteran, cult leaders such as Bowns and Martin will make for a very competitive locker room and a driven team to make a name for themselves, yet again.

It feels as if they have managed to corral another dragon with the new coach, perhaps this time in British folklore, the White Dragon of the Saxons unites with the Y Ddraig Goch of Prydain?

Pretty soon, all the talking, line ideas, thoughts of new signings would all be surplus to the bin, as they take to the ice on the season proper, but first, the dress rehearsals, with a visit initially from France.

The way the squad would be shaped had stirred up some debate, interestingly with some inability to read a graphic from some fans. I mean, it is not hard to see.

Survey results from fan poll for the Cardiff Devils roster 2025/26 season

Of course anyone and everyone can have a view, pass comment and make up their own minds on how they assess the team, make up of the roster, chances for success, likelihood of lines. This will never make them coaches, scouts or pundits.

It is the reality of this world and for me, the most fun part for those who also have a slight obsession or is a genuine hockey geek.

It helps if comprehension skills are there.

First Up, Rapaces De Gap

The French Ligue Magnus side will takes on the Devils to kick start the new season, a league this club are no stranger too.

After facing the Gothiques from Amiens in a bombastic series, competing against [would be new] friends Ducs d’Angers and of course, Grenoble’s Bruleurs de Loups, with a comfortable win in their Continental Cup final clash last season, to raise the platter.

The French Pro league has seen a small influx of EIHL players over the summer, going to the aforementioned and Rouen, respectively.

One team that is new to the club and fans, would be Gap, aka Les Rapaces, which means the Raptors.

As prehistoric as their namesake, the club was founded in the early 20th century, in 1937, at the time of the emergence and dominance of British ice hockey on the world stage.

In recent years they have become the whipping boys of the LM, despite once playing in the CHL and even having LM titles within the last decade.

Perhaps France’s answer to the Fife Flyers.

The past two seasons especially, they have finished last, with 5th being the highest in the previous 5 campaigns.

Links – GB, EIHL

One of the most notable players from the EIHL, team GB and current rostered fan favourite, Evan Mosey spent some time at the visiting Raptors, shortly after the EIHL campaign came to a close during the lockdown.

He iced for 8 games, putting up 10 points.

For the more cultured and learned hockey fans and those who follow GB would certainly remember Polands’ Patryk Wronka, who also iced for the Belfast Giants for 24 games in the 2019-20 CHL season (along with the Devils in the same season, when the format was a lot better).

He faced off in an Olympic Qualifier group vs Team GB in 2023/24 and impressed all who watched that tournament as GB found some success on the backdrop of the Devils.

Most recently, he iced for Katowice, well known to the Devils faithful during their Continental Cup exploits.

Another former EIHL’er was Brayden Sherbinin, who iced for the Flyers back in 2022/23. He returned to Gap last season but has since moved on to AlpsHL Italian outfit, Merano.

Another former Fifer and Blaze forward, dual national Tim Crowder also played at Gap, briefly however, for 3 games during the lockdown era and eventually hung up the skates in the French 2nd division the following season.

Notes from Nino @Nino_mldz

To assist with gathering some relevant information for the upcoming games vs Les Rapaces, I asked a friend Nino Bourge-Maldinez, who has been collaborating with EIHL Face-Off Podcast from time to time. Here is the breakdown from an analyst and journalist in Ligue Magnus .

Thoughts on last season

“The Rapaces de Gap’s 2024-25 season was a nightmare. Although they narrowly avoided the red lantern at the expense of neighbor and rival Briançon on goal average, they were by far the worst team in the league this season.

Yet they had snapped up Marton Vas, the technician who had enabled Briançon to see the light after several seasons going from bad to worse.

With him came a host of players who made the hour’s drive between the two towns. However, between recruitment errors, tactical mistakes and internal problems, the club was unable to get its head above water.

Their problems were apparent and elevated further, with Karjalainen, recruited as their starter in net, that never held his own, being swept aside by Angers on Matchday 6 (8-3), conceding 107 goals in 30 appearances, for just 5 narrow victories. 

So, in an act of desperation, the club recalled the idol of the people: Luciano Basile. French champion with Gap in 2015 and 2017, efore also taking on the position of head coach for 2025/26.

The expected ‘Basile Effect’ failed to materialize and nothing prevented Gap from finishing in last place, far behind the competition for survival, fortunately for them, Dunkerque, a contender for promotion, was eliminated from the second division playoffs, allowing the Rapaces to keep their ticket in french top flight”

Ones to Watch

“The most familiar face to the British public and of course to Devils fans, would undoubtedly be Teemu Pulkkinen. A graduate of Fife, the Finn scored 26 goals last season and will undoubtedly be the Rapaces’ main offensive weapon.

But he’ll be well surrounded by an experienced, although aging, Chad Langlais who will be one of Gap’s main threats.

His mobility and precision from the blue line will make him a major asset for Luciano Basile, who is determined to go to war and avenge the previous rut of seasons.

Another duo to keep an eye on is Ontario duo Anthony Poulin and Mathieu Desgagnés, team-mates at the University of Ottawa, who will provide some dynamism to a Gap offense in search of renewal”.

Rapaces de Gap visit the South Wales club this weekend for a back to back friendly contest to kick start the new season.