Photograph of Mark Smith (right) in action for the Edinburgh Capitals against the Cardiff Devils during 2009/10 courtsey of Jessica Roberts: www.jessicarobertsphotography.com.

Defenceman Mark Smith has signed for the Cardiff Devils for the 2010/11 season.

The highly rated blueliner will be another player combining his ice hockey career with further studying at the Cardiff Business School.

"We are very very pleased to have Mark join us," said Head Coach Gerad Adams. "One of our main goals in recruitment this season is consistency and Mark was one of the most consistently strong performers in the league last year, at home and on the road."

Bench coach Neil Francis adds, "Mark is a quality D-man who is great positionally, strong on the puck and gives us great confidence that he will just take care of things at the back, while still chipping in with valuable points."

Caps fans had commented that Smith was one of the best to wear an Edinburgh jersey and he will join another consistently high quality player, Devils team Captain Mark Richardson who has also signed for next year.

Adams continues,"Stevie Lyle is another fan of this signing. When we told him we were talking to Mark he was right behind the move, as he knows he will have another guy taking care of business in front of him to minimise opposition chances"

"Once again we beat off strong competition from around the league and that is in part down to the quality of the Cardiff Business School so thanks once again goes to them for their support this year."