Post by King Rich on Apr 12, 2005 15:29:49 GMT 1
Ice Hockey: Devils to appoint Patterson Apr 12 2005
Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo
ED Patterson is to be appointed player-coach of the Thomson Cardiff Devils ice hockey team.
The former NHL forward looks set to be named during tonight's players and fans end of season party at Dewi's in Cardiff (7pm).
Calgary-born Patterson, 32, who played 68 matches for Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, will have winger Dave Matsos as player/assistant coach.
Patterson's season was disrupted by a shoulder operation which kept him out for the second half of the season.
Current head coach Dave Whistle will still be involved.
He is to work closely with Patterson and Matsos on recruitment for the 2005-2006 season and may well return to Cardiff next season.
"If I come back to Britain I want it to be with the Devils," said Whistle, who will make his decision during the summer.
There was no official word from the Cardiff Devils today, but owner Bob Phillips is to make an announcement this evening.
Devils players start returning back to North America this week after a season which saw them finish third in Elite League, finish runners-up in the Challenge Cup and reach the play-off semi-finals.
Russ Romaniuk is set to retire from hockey, saying: "That's certainly in my mind. I could play on for three or more years, but I need to start planning my life outside hockey."
Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo
ED Patterson is to be appointed player-coach of the Thomson Cardiff Devils ice hockey team.
The former NHL forward looks set to be named during tonight's players and fans end of season party at Dewi's in Cardiff (7pm).
Calgary-born Patterson, 32, who played 68 matches for Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, will have winger Dave Matsos as player/assistant coach.
Patterson's season was disrupted by a shoulder operation which kept him out for the second half of the season.
Current head coach Dave Whistle will still be involved.
He is to work closely with Patterson and Matsos on recruitment for the 2005-2006 season and may well return to Cardiff next season.
"If I come back to Britain I want it to be with the Devils," said Whistle, who will make his decision during the summer.
There was no official word from the Cardiff Devils today, but owner Bob Phillips is to make an announcement this evening.
Devils players start returning back to North America this week after a season which saw them finish third in Elite League, finish runners-up in the Challenge Cup and reach the play-off semi-finals.
Russ Romaniuk is set to retire from hockey, saying: "That's certainly in my mind. I could play on for three or more years, but I need to start planning my life outside hockey."
