Cardiff Devils’ search for a new head coach is over, with the club confirming the appointment of Paul Thompson.
Thompson replaces Pete Russell, joining the Devils from Danish top division side Odense Bulldogs, where he spent the last four seasons as head coach.
He led the Bulldogs to their first ever Metal Ligaen Championship last week, defeating Herning Blue Fox in game five of their best-of-seven series.
Thompson will be well-known to followers of the Elite League, having previously spent 10 years as head coach of Coventry Blaze, from their inaugural season in the division.
During his time in Coventry, Thompson won four league titles, one playoff championship, two Knockout Cups and three Challenge Cups.
Cardiff Devils managing director Todd Kelman said: “Paul Thompson is one of the most successful coaches in the history of this league, and we are very pleased to have him in Cardiff.
“I am very aware of the historic rivalry between the Devils and the teams Paul coached.
“Even before I came to Cardiff, when I was in Belfast, we battled with the Blaze for hardware nearly every season.
“Believe me, I cursed his name a lot over the years, but I think rivalry is always wrapped in respect.
“You don’t hate a team that you always beat. You hate the teams that you battle against and compete for trophies against.”
UK return for Paul Thompson
Photo credit: Dean Woolley
Thompson, a four-time EIHL Coach of the Year, left Coventry ahead of the 2013/14 season.
He went on to enjoy coaching stints in Sweden and Denmark before returning to the UK to take charge of Sheffield Steelers before the start of the 2015/16 season.
Under his watch, the Steelers won a league title – coming in Thompson’s first year at the club – and a dramatic double overtime victory against Cardiff in 2016/17 to win the playoffs.
It was during this time that Thompson won the fourth of his Coach of the Year accolades – adding to the three he won with Coventry.
Thompson left the Steelers midway through the 2018/19 campaign to take charge of German top division side Schwenninger but parted ways with
the club the following season.
He coached Italian side Unterland to cup glory during the Covid-affected 2020/21 season before taking charge of Odense, transforming their fortunes from Danish league strugglers to champions.
“What he has done in Denmark is impressive, taking a smaller budget team all the way to a championship, the first in the history of their club,” Kelman added.
“I watched their entire playoff run and I was impressed with the style they played – fast, relentless hockey that was hard to defend.
“The bottom line is, we’re on the same team now. We are happy to have him and looking forward to getting him to Cardiff.”
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