New Cardiff Devils kit manager Micky Kemp.

Cardiff Devils Reveal Crucial New Signing For 2018-19

Steve King has reminded new Cardiff Devils equipment manager Micky Kemp not to forget a crucial piece of kit.

Elite League champions Devils have won back-to-back titles, lifted three trophies last season and are intent on more success.

“Welcome @Kemp1990  Bring your silver polish,” tweeted King.

The reaction from Kemp was: “Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m delighted to be a part of the Devils and the Red Army #LetsGo”

Cardiff Devils managing director Todd Kelman and head coach Andrew Lord pictured with the Monteith Bowl. That trophy is for the Elite League champions.

Former Coventry Blaze kit manager moved to Devils after spending last season with the Milton Keynes Lightning in Elite League.

Kemp worked with Blaze for three seasons and with Team GB Under 18s for two World Championships.

He takes over from David ‘Dease’ Owen, who has parted company with the club by mutual consent.

“The Devils organisation would like to thank Dease for his hard work and dedication over the past four seasons and wish him well for the future,” said managing director Todd Kelman.

Kemp takes over a crucial job in and around the Devils dressing room, a role which involves long hours and total commitment.

Devils v Poprad

The kit manager arrives at the rink hours before face-off and stays well after the players have headed home, making sure the shorts, shorts and socks are washed and ready for next time.

Kemp is responsible for sharpening skates, filling water bottles, laying out kit in each stall and making sure everything is ready for the team pre-match.

He must also be able to slot into the group, able to take banter aimed at him and give a little back when needed.

The 2018-19 season starts in August.

Devils have been drawn in a group with Växjö Lakers (Sweden), SC Bern (Swiss), Red Bull Salzburg (Austria), Cardiff Devils (Great Britain) in the Champions League, while they have arranged a series of pre-season challenge fixtures.

Head coach Andrew Lord and his Devils have already confirmed fixtures against Nottingham Panthers on Saturday, August 11 and Sunday, August 12.

HK Poprad play Devils during pre-season.

The first of those will be in Nottingham with the return at Ice Arena Wales the following evening.

Devils host Slovakian team HK Poprad in games at Ice Arena Wales during August.

The challenge fixtures will be on Saturday, August 18 (7pm) and Sunday, August 19 (6pm).

HK Poprad play in the top league in Slovakia, the same league that HC Banska Bystrica play in, who the Devils hosted two years ago in pre-season action.

Cardiff host the Blaze at Ice Arena Wales on Saturday, August 25 (7pm) with the return at the Skydome, Coventry and on Sunday, August 26 (5.15pm).

Tickets for all pre-season games will go on sale soon.

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