Cardiff Devils will not have forward Zach Hervato back for the upcoming season.

Hervato has told the club about a career opportunity outside of ice hockey that he cannot pass up.

Devils Player/Coach Andrew Lord said: “Hervato has been planning to join the fire department in his hometown and the opportunity that he thought was a few years away has presented itself this week.

“His hometown fire department usually only hires every two years, but are hiring a large number of people now to meet additional requirements in that field.

“Zach said he needs to do everything he can to get hired now or the opportunity might not come up like this again and although we are disappointed, we understand his situation.”

The news has come as a shock to the Devils, just four weeks before the squad are set to arrive in Cardiff for pre-season training.

“Hervato leaves a big hole for us, especially because he was going to be one of our three EU passport holders in the line-up this season,” added Lord.

“This really changes the last few signings and what we need to look for to complete the roster.”

Hervato scored 12 goals with 26 assists in 66 games for the Devils last season.