Post by GuinnessMan on Dec 2, 2013 9:55:37 GMT
Former Cardiff Devils player-coach Gerad Adams has left the Elite League ice hockey club.
Canadian Adams, replaced in the role during his testimonial season, has agreed terms with Devils owner Paul Ragan.
Former London, Edinburgh and Sheffield defenceman Adams first signed for Devils in 2005 and stayed for nine seasons.
Brent Pope, Cardiff Devils managing director, is now also head coach for the rest of this season, while he is also leading the search to recruit somebody new for the role for next season.
Devils have pledged to fully support all of Adams testimonial season events which include a race night during January plus a dinner and ice hockey match in February.
In a joint statement issued, Adams, 35, said: “My time with the Cardiff Devils has reached an end and while that is difficult after a successful nine years it is also rare in sport that you can find the perfect time to leave a club.
“Devils will always be a special club to me and that feeling includes the former players I have coached and played alongside over the years.
“Even more importantly, I thank the sponsors and Devils fans who have given me their support throughout the years. Your loyalty is something I can never repay.
“Devils gave me my first chance on a career path and for that I will be always grateful. Although my chapter in the Devils is closed, I can look back with pride at what Cardiff Devils achieved over the years and the big blue tent will, in some way, always be home to me.
“I wish the Cardiff Devils players, fans and organisation success in the future and I am looking forward to the new challenges that will come my way.”
An official club statement said: “Cardiff Devils announce that former player/head coach Gerad Adams is leaving the club by mutual agreement.
“Devils thank Gerad for his valued service during his time as an employee. The club will continue to support Gerad’s testimonial season events.
“Devils are currently underway in their recruitment for a new coach for the 2014-15 season.”
Canadian Adams, replaced in the role during his testimonial season, has agreed terms with Devils owner Paul Ragan.
Former London, Edinburgh and Sheffield defenceman Adams first signed for Devils in 2005 and stayed for nine seasons.
Brent Pope, Cardiff Devils managing director, is now also head coach for the rest of this season, while he is also leading the search to recruit somebody new for the role for next season.
Devils have pledged to fully support all of Adams testimonial season events which include a race night during January plus a dinner and ice hockey match in February.
In a joint statement issued, Adams, 35, said: “My time with the Cardiff Devils has reached an end and while that is difficult after a successful nine years it is also rare in sport that you can find the perfect time to leave a club.
“Devils will always be a special club to me and that feeling includes the former players I have coached and played alongside over the years.
“Even more importantly, I thank the sponsors and Devils fans who have given me their support throughout the years. Your loyalty is something I can never repay.
“Devils gave me my first chance on a career path and for that I will be always grateful. Although my chapter in the Devils is closed, I can look back with pride at what Cardiff Devils achieved over the years and the big blue tent will, in some way, always be home to me.
“I wish the Cardiff Devils players, fans and organisation success in the future and I am looking forward to the new challenges that will come my way.”
An official club statement said: “Cardiff Devils announce that former player/head coach Gerad Adams is leaving the club by mutual agreement.
“Devils thank Gerad for his valued service during his time as an employee. The club will continue to support Gerad’s testimonial season events.
“Devils are currently underway in their recruitment for a new coach for the 2014-15 season.”
