The Cardiff Fire are thrilled to announce that in conjunction with our commitment of junior development with the Cardiff Junior Devils, we will be joining up with both the Bristol Pitbulls National and NIHL2 teams for the upcoming season.
This new development pathway renews the existing partnership with the Pitbulls set up by Paul Malfatti, Head Coach of the Junior Devils, last season. It allows a clear pathway for junior players, from the ages of 15 and 16, the chance to be invited to the world of senior hockey with training opportunities for the hardest working.
Everyone at the Fire are proud to strengthen our ties with the Pitbulls and continue with this new development pathway for British talent.
Stevie Lyle, General Manager and Director of Hockey of Cardiff Fire, said on the exciting news:
We are delighted to announce that the Fire will be partnering with the Bristol Pitbulls for the upcoming season. The driving force behind this collaboration is our shared commitment to creating a genuine, structured pathway for British players transitioning out of junior-level hockey. This is a partnership that will immensely benefit both clubs, but most importantly, it gives young athletes a clear, supportive route to achieving their goals.
I truly believe this relationship marks the start of something fantastic for junior hockey in Cardiff, laying down the crucial foundations for a natural progression into senior hockey. Having spoken at length with Richy in Bristol, our ethos and goals are perfectly aligned to ensure the very best for the future of both Cardiff and Bristol hockey.
Paul Malfatti, Head Coach of the Cardiff Junior Devils, said:
We had a number of players breakthrough with Bristol last season so this exciting commitment between Pitbulls and the Fire provides an excellent opportunity for even more players to develop their senior hockey careers.
Richard Hargreaves, General Manager and Director of Hockey of Bristol Pitbulls, added:
Speaking with Stevie, itโs clear we share very similar values around long-term planning, ambition and player development moving forward. Our conversation was very positive and focused on growing talent by using the resources available to us to help build a strong and sustainable pathway here in the South West.
Stevie and I can both relate to the fact that, for many years, Cardiff Juniors was a proud and successful programme that produced a large number of high-end players who went on to have long and successful careers in the game.
The clubs have already started putting the wheels in motion over the last few years, with a number of players already benefiting from the relationship that has been built. What makes this next chapter even more exciting is the opportunity to further push young talent in the right direction, with more guidance, structure, and support.
The Pitbulls and Fire are excited to continue strengthening these pathways between all levels of the game, giving young players a real opportunity to progress their careers, whether that be towards National League hockey or ultimately the Cardiff Devils.
I look forward to being a part of this journey moving forward.