Cardiff Devils have confirmed the re-signing of defenceman Mark Louis, for what will be his third season with the club.

The Ponoka, Alberta native has helped the Devils secure two Elite League championships, a Challenge Cup and a PredictorBet Playoff title since joining from the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears in 2016.

“I think Mark is a real character player, a heart and soul kind of guy who gives it his all every time he hits the ice.” Devils Head Coach Andrew Lord said.

“He is a big body out there, but skates so well.  He can break the play out and knows when he can join the rush but has the speed to get back into position.”

Louis has registered 15 points in 75 Elite League games to date, with Lord acknowledging the difficulties the 31-year-old faced during the 2017/18 season.

“Mark obviously had a tougher year last season, with the long-term injury, but showed great determination to get back on the ice and he played a big role for us down the stretch.

“Mark has been in Cardiff all summer as he finished up his MBA, so he has been on the ice a lot more than usual for him and has been hitting the gym hard.  He’s probably in the best shape since he came to Cardiff and I know he is going to have a big year for us.”

A former member of the WHL Brandon Wheat Kings, Louis has also logged more than 180 AHL games for Portland and Bridgeport during his career, and said he was delighted to be back with the Devils for another season:

“I’m thrilled to be back for another year in Cardiff. I love this city, I love the fans and having won 6 trophies in my first two seasons here, there wasn’t really any other place I wanted to be.

“Last season was far from perfect for me on a personal level because of my injury, which has motivated me to be in the best shape possible and more determined than ever to make an impact for the Devils this season.”