On Thursday Night, General Manager Todd Kelman welcomed back Neil Francis as bench coach to the club he has been a part of for nearly 20 years. Francis also explained his new role as Director of Hockey Operations, a role that will see him working closely with the coach on player recruitment and team management throughout the season.

Francis announced that Andrew Lord would be the player coach for the Devils for the upcoming season and that he was already working away on building his team.

The appointment of Andrew Lord means that Dave Whistle will not be back as Head Coach next season. Kelman who won 3 championships playing under Whistle, first in Bracknell then in Belfast, said it was a very tough decision but one that fits with the plan for the team this season.

“The rebuilding process requires a lot of changes and this was one that we felt was necessary to ensure we had the best opportunity to improve the on ice product,” explained Kelman.

“At this time, we wanted to ensure that our money was spent on the ice and although this was a very tough decision, it was one that had to be made.”

“I obviously hope Dave lands on his feet, which I am sure he will. He is a great coach and has had a lot of success in UK hockey and we wish him well.”

Photograph by Richard Murray: (left to right) Todd Kelman, Neil Francis and Steve King.