The Cardiff Fire are delighted to announce that 19 year-old defenceman Yaqub Barnwell has re-signed full-time for the upcoming 2026/27 season.
The young blueliner returns for his fourth year with the Fire, bringing continuous growth, physicality and valuable international experience to the defensive core.
Yaqub first made his senior debut for the Fire in 2023 as a 16 year-old, making him one of the youngest players in club history. Since stepping up, Yaqub has amassed an impressive 71 senior games for the Fire, including 55 games at NIHL1, establishing himself as a reliable presence on the ice.
The past season marked a standout period of development for Yaqub. In addition to icing in 26 games for the Fire, he led the Cardiff Junior Devils to a double triumph as both U19 Division 1 South Champions and National Playoff Champions.
On the international stage, Yaqub made history representing the first competitive national team for Pakistan on nine occasions, including the 2025 Amerigol LATAM Cup, where he claimed a Gold Medal in the division and netted his first international goal.
Head Coach Elis Sheppard commented on Yaqubโs return:
Yaqub returning after another year of growth at senior hockey is great for the team.
Towards the latter part of the season I thought Yaqubโs personal progression and growth really shone through, showcasing his mature presence on the ice.
Iโm excited to see his development again further this year.
Everyone at the Fire would like to give a warm welcome back to Yaqub! #23
Player Sponsorship and Jersey Own & Loan packages for Yaqub Barnwell and the rest of the 2026-27 squad are now open. Click Here to secure your sponsorship package now.
Photos by James Assinder