Jake Morissette has had surgery to repair damage to an ankle – and he’s aiming to be back on the Cardiff Devils bench at Ice Arena Wales this weekend.

Canadian forward Morissette was injured blocking a shot against Fife Flyers in Scotland and Devils coach Andrew Lord says: “I feel terrible for Mo.”

Lord remains hopeful Morissette will have a part to play on the ice before the Elite League season ends and has confirmed the skilful forward will remain club captain.

Devils still have a full complement of 14 import players able to play in any one game, but were carrying one extra and they are looking around North America for the right man to strengthen their team.

That looks certain to be a skilled forward and the League signing deadline is mid-February.

Lord would only say ‘we are always looking at the player market’ when asked about new signings, but he was willing to talk about Morissette.

The pair have been friends since they first played against each other at junior level and for the same college team well over a decade ago and Lord says: “Losing Mo is a big blow for our team. I feel terrible for him.

“Mo was arguably our best player over first three or four months of this season.

“He has battled through injuries this season, basically playing on one leg at times to help the team. He finally made a full recovery and we all saw how great he is over his last couple of games and how much he brings to the team in all facets.

“Personally, I admire how he buys in to what is needed, his quiet leadership, by example and the way he constantly blocks shots.

“It’s tough for Mo right now, but I know he will get through this. He will help us in other ways going forward. He will still be our captain, will help in and around our locker room and with coaching.

“I have known him for a long time, he has great knowledge and a top hockey IQ.

“Mo is hurt right now, but I wouldn’t go as far as to say he won’t play again this season. He’s a warrior and we’ll see how things go.”

While Morissette continues his recovery, Devils goaltender Ben Bowns has been named Elite League player of the week.

Bowns recorded his first shut-out of the season against Erhardt Conference rivals Nottingham at Ice Arena Wales, stopping all 27 shots faced in a 5-0 victory.

The 26-year-old followed that performance up with a 32-save effort on Sunday in Fife as Cardiff beat the Flyers 2-1 to maintain their position at the top of the table.

In 32 Elite League appearances so far this season Bowns has a .910 save percentage and 2.61 goals-against average.