Cardiff Devils have undergone a management reshuffle following the appointment of temporary coach Dave Whistle on a permanent three-year-deal.
Whistle had initially been appointed to take over for a month while caretaker coach Brent Pope is commentating for the BBC in Sochi. When Pope returns he will take up the post of Director of Hockey.
Pope’s new role will see him oversee the launch of the Devil’s new Junior Player Academy, improve links with the Cardiff Devils Red Army and develop the club’s scouting network.
The Devils’ impressive form under Whistle has seen them win five of his seven games in charge and earned him a permanent contract.
Chairman Paul Ragan said: ‘David brings a wealth of experience, which has born much success over recent years. With the new Ice Arena around the corner, I believe David is the ideal candidate to return the club to the success of previous years.’
The new era under Whistle and Pope will get underway without forward Matthew Myers, who will miss the Devils’ next three games.
Myers was handed a three-match ban for checking-from-behind following a disciplinary request from the Sheffield Steelers in the Devils’ 3-2 win on Sunday.
Whistle’s men will travel to Sheffield to face the Steelers tomorrow night as his reign starts in earnest and he will hope to continue his bright start.
