Pete Russell appointed as Devils Head Coach
Photo: Dean Woolley
Pete Russell has been announced as the new Head Coach of the Cardiff Devils this Friday morning. The 48-year-old Scotsman 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 & 2020/21) before moving to Ravensburg for the 2021/22 season. After losing in the Playoff Finals that year, the Augsburg Panther came calling from the DEL, Germany’s top league and one of the best league’s in Europe. His stint in Augsburg ended last December, but Ravensburg asked him to come back for the remainder of the season where he ended up leading the Ravensburg Towerstars to the DEL2 Championship.
Just 72 hours after winning that title, Russell was back on the ice with Team GB preparing for the World Championships as Head Coach of the GB National Team. He capped off the season with a perfect 5-0 record at the World Championships Division 1A in Nottingham last week to gain promotion back to the top level of the IIHF World Championships in May 2024.
Russell is the most successful coach in GB history at both the senior and junior level, with 11 medals including six gold medals.
"The goal when I was a young and upcoming coach was always to manage an historic club and try to make an impact," said Russell.
"I am delighted on many fronts, and in many ways, it feels like home already after meeting up with Todd (Kelman) and Franny (Neil Francis) this week. Something just felt right. I am also excited to be back home in the UK and to share this hockey journey with my family.
“We must control our own identity and ingrain 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 have patience and belief in the process.
“My approach is always transparent. My job is to convince the people here to set this club on fire with excitement, create some passion and to set the vision.
"So, let’s start fresh from today and make it happen together.”
