Devils part ways with Jarrod Skalde

Cardiff Devils have announced that they are to part ways with Head Coach Jarrod Skalde.

No reason has been given for this but the organisation have chosen to relieve him of his duties.

Skalde originally joined the Devils at the start of the 20-21 season but with that season called off for Covid-19 he began at the start of this season instead.

In his time at the club they reached a Challenge Cup final and pushed for an Elite League title.

It wasn’t to be however as a few weeks ago they were knocked out the title race following poor results.

He started life strong winning three of his first five Elite League fixtures.

The only two losses coming to Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers.

At one point in the season the side were seven games unbeaten but they’ve never quite managed to be consistent enough.

Whether this is the reason for Skalde’s dismissal is unclear as the Devils were title contenders for a significant period of time.

His recruitment can’t be criticised either, bringing in Mac Carruth and Brodie Reid, both of whom have lead the way in key stats in the EIHL.

Carruth has had a fantastic season and Reid has been a danger all year long.

Club Statement

All Managing Director Todd Kelman would say on the matter is: “I would like to thank Jarrod for his contributions to our team over the past season and during the year we missed because of Covid.

“The Devils organisation has great respect for Jarrod and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

The reins now pass over to Assistant Coaches Brodie Dupont and Neil Francis for the time being.

Neil Francis is a long-term member of staff at the Devils having held his position since the 09-10 season.

It remains to be seen if this decision will benefit the team.

Let us know what you think of this on Twitter @BritIceHockey.