Sanford back at Devils after brief Germany stay

Forward Cole Sanford has returned to Cardiff Devils for the 2024-25 season following a brief stint in Germany.

Last year’s leading goalscorer started the season in Germany’s DEL2 with ESV Kaufbeuren after leaving Cardiff last June.

But the 29-year-old is now back at the Elite League club where he spent three seasons, having joined Devils initially in 2021 after a brief stint with the Florida Everblades in America's ECHL.

Last season, Sanford led the Devils in scoring with 29 goals and 29 assists for 58 points in 54 league games, adding another five goals in the Challenge Cup.

He was voted as the Forward of the Year and the Coach’s Player of the Year last season, plus made the Elite League's first All-Star Team.

In his three seasons with Cardiff, Sanford has played 198 games and scored 107 goals. He has led Devils in goals the previous two seasons and last year he finished fifth in the league in points and second in goals.

Sanford will wear his familiar number 96, and it is likely his first game back will be away to Manchester Storm on 20 September.