Marsh named as final Devils import
The Cardiff Devils have put pen to paper with returning player Tyson Marsh for the 2013/14 season.
The 6’1” defenseman completes the Devils’ import quota for the season, with just the back-up goaltender left to sign in order to complete their roster.
Before joining the Devils, Marsh iced for teams in the American and East Coast Leagues before moving to Europe to play in Italy and Germany.
Marsh then joined the Devils last season, where he posted 6 goals and 23 assists for 29 points in 52 games.
Despite interest from several rival Elite League teams such as Sheffield and Fife, Marsh has opted to stay with the Welsh club and Bench Coach Neil Francis is delighted, “We are really happy to have Tyson complete our import quota for the 2013/14 season. We have put together a strong roster and Tyson squares that off nicely at the back giving us 6 very capable and strong defenders.”
Francis and Head Coach Gerad Adams had a number of options for the final import, but recognised Marsh as a versatile and dependable defenseman.
The 215lbs Canadian was asked to fill a number of roles at the Devils last season due to their depleted roster, including toughness as well as offence. However, with the signings of Adam Ross and Brad Plumton to add physicality to the defensive corps, Marsh can now focus on provided the Devils with an offence link and jumping into plays.
It was in Italy where he last performed this role with great effect and led him to become the highest scoring defenseman in the league with 10 goals.
“Tyson is a popular team-mate; he adds leadership at the back-end and keeps himself in tremendous shape.” Explained Francis, “ He has been skating and working out with the group that Mac Faulkner and Chris Blight are skating with in Toronto at the moment that includes many NHL players, and they will soon be joined by Phil Hill and Ben Davies who are heading over to get a flying start to the season.’
Marsh joins an exciting Devils roster and what promises to be a competitive and physical Elite Ice Hockey League season.
Devils start their campaign with pre-season matches against Danish side Esbjerg and EIHL rivals Coventry Blaze.
The first official League game takes place on 7th September against Fife Flyers before facing the Belfast Giant at home the following night.
The 2013/14 Cardiff Devils:
Goaltenders: Dan LaCosta,
Defensemen: Tyson Marsh, Mark Smith, Mark Richardson, Gerad Adams, Brad Plumton, Adam Ross.
Forwards: Mac Faulkner, Chris Blight, Andrew Lord, Max Birbraer, Andrew Conboy, Phil Hill, Mathew Myers, Ben Davies, Luke Piggott, Chris Jones, Josh Batch, Rupert Quiney.
