Pete Russell was announced as the Cardiff Devils’ new manager on Friday morning. The 48-year-old Scot has signed an initial two-year deal.
Russell has spent the last four seasons coaching in Germany, first with EHC Freiburg for two seasons (2019/20 and 2020/21) before moving to Ravensburg for the 2021/22 season. After losing in the play-off finals that year, the Augsburg Panther came from the DEL, Germany’s top league and one of the best leagues in Europe. His stint in Augsburg ended last December, but Ravensburg asked him to return for the rest of the season as he ended up leading the Ravensburg Tourstars to the DEL2 championship.
Just 72 hours after winning that title, Russell is back on the ice with Team GB preparing for the World Championships as coach of the GB National Team. The season culminated in a perfect 5-0 record at the Division 1A World Championships in Nottingham last week to return to the top tier of the IIHF World Championships in May 2024.
Russell is the most successful coach in British history at the senior and junior levels, with 11 medals, including six gold medals.
“The goal as a youngster and up and coming coach was always to run a historic team and try to make an impact,” said Russell.
“I’m happy on so many fronts, and in so many ways, I really feel at home after meeting Todd (Kelman) and Franny (Neil Francis) this week. Something just felt right. I’m also excited to be back home in the UK and share this hockey trip with you.” my family.
We must control our own identity and take root in our culture. We must come together as one (owners, fans, players and staff) to be the club we all want to be. We must also be patient and have faith in the process.
“My approach is always transparent. My job is to convince the people here to set this club on fire with excitement, to create some passion and to set a vision.
“So let’s start over from today and make it happen together.”
Photo: Dean Woolley