Forward Josh Waller will miss the rest of the Elite League season with an ankle injury, the Cardiff Devils confirmed on Wednesday [21 February].
The 24-year-old sustained his injury in a 6-3 win over the Belfast Giants on 3 February, playing only 7:43 before being forced out of action.
Waller is also expected to miss the 2024 IIHF World Championship, which comes as a major blow to Team Great Britain as they prepare for their return to the first division.
“I feel awful for Josh,” said Cardiff and Great Britain head coach Pete Russell. “He was having a great season and had improved his game at both ends of the ice. He is young and will recover quickly, but nobody likes to miss games especially down the stretch like this.
“This is also a big loss for the National Team. Josh was one of our go-to guys with Team GB and it will be difficult to replace a player like him for the National Team or for the Devils.”
Prior to his injury, Waller posted 22 points (14 goals, eight assists) in 38 appearances for Cardiff, with the Reading-born forward on-pace for the best season of his fledgling career.
Analysis: Cardiff Devils will feel Josh Waller’s absence down the stretch
Josh Waller has quietly developed into an impressive middle-six forward at the Elite League level, graduating from the fourth line roles he held previously.
Before his injury, the Reading-born forward’s ice time was gradually ticking up, posting three points through 15:33 of deployment against the Fife Flyers.
Josh Waller, Cardiff Devils (Image: Diego Cabellos)
Waller’s average time on ice for the season (13:36) is further evidence of his growing importance to the Devils, who relied on his services at both ends of the ice.
While Cardiff’s form is yet to be affected by the absence of Waller (they are on an almighty 12-game unbeaten run), Pete Russell will miss him once the playoffs roll around.
Waller isn’t a star player for Cardiff, but middle-six scoring is hard to come by in the Elite League and his injury removes an important weapon from their arsenal.
Internationally, Waller’s injury is a massive blow.
With Team Great Britain returning to the top pool of the IIHF World Championship, the importance of competent two-way forwards cannot be overlooked.
Russell will now have to re-evaluate his lines for club and country, a task he could do without as the Devils try to chase down the Sheffield Steelers at the top of the standings.
