This is a remarkable time in Cardiff Devils history.
The Welsh club have won eight championships in the last four seasons including the PredictorBet play-offs and back-to-back League titles.
Devils are a hugely different organisation since Calgary-based owners Steve King, Craig Shostack, Brian Parker and Kelly Hughes took over the club four years ago, appointing Lord team coach and Todd Kelman general manager.
Their 3-1 play-off final win against Sheffield Steelers was the 300th match since the new ownership to0k charge.
The four Canadian businessman watch Devils play every time games are streamed, while they love visiting South Wales, mixing with fans and even travel on supporters coaches to away games.
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“What a time to be a Devils fan!” says King. “Once again we have been treated to a level of excellence on the ice that could not be matched despite the persistent efforts of our rivals.
“Our team has a depth of skill and experience in all positions that created magical moments on the ice.
“The best goaltending duo in the league, who just happen to be homegrown talents (Ben Bowns/Thomas Murdy). The deepest and most talented defense corps led by the league MVP (Andrew Hotham), the smoothest skating player in the EIHL (Gleason Fournier), the unflappable Mr Testimonial (Mark Richardson) and an immovable stalwart with nearly 200 games of NHL experience (Tyson Strachan).
“Up front, we boast three lines that could all be first lines and a fourth line that provided invaluable energy and physicality.
Please don’t take me home https://t.co/TNbso5q4jv
— Cardiff Devils (@cardiffdevils) April 8, 2018
“These men played with intensity and passion for a full season, allowing us to be an unheard of 10 points clear when the title was clinched. Incredible!
“The heartbeat of our team is coach Andrew Lord. There will never be another person who cares as much and works as hard for this club.
“I speak for every true Devils fan when I say we are truly lucky to have this man involved.
“None of the successes would be possible without the attention to detail of our devoted off-ice staff led by Todd Kelman. The team of selfless and passionate people that makes everything happen off the ice rivals our more famous players for talent and work effort.
“A sincere thank you from all of us to these amazing people. Through all of their work, the success Devils have achieved is sustainable for many years to come.
“What does all of this combine to create? Nothing less than the richest franchise in the EIHL. Rich in its history. Rich in its passion. Rich in its connection to the community. Rich in the most dedicated, passionate fans in the league . . . and, yes, rich in those beautiful banners that are up in our rafters!!!
“On behalf of myself, Brian, Craig and Kelly I thank everybody in Cardiff so much for allowing us to be a part of the Devils family. Let’s do it again next season!”
Devils earned a triple crown in 2017-18, winning Elite League, the Erhardt Conference and play-offs.
Captain Jake Morissette, who scored the game clinching in the play-off final again Sheffield Steelers, has been proclaimed the most successful captain in Devils history, while the achievements of Andrew Lord make him, in terms of results, the best coach in more than three decades since the club was formed.
‘Mo’ wears the C and leads by example. A quietly spoken man who has total respect in the locker room.
Consider the outstanding quality of past captains including Perry Olivier, Steve Moria, Paul Heavey, Doug McEwen, Stephen Cooper, Mike Ware, Ivan Matulik, Kirk DeWaele, Brad Voth, Ryan Finnerty, Stuart MacRae, Mac Faulkner and Tyson Marsh.
Morissette showed a touch of real class when he stood back at the League title presentation and insisted long-serving British defenceman Mark Richardson should collect the Monteith Bowl. A magnificent gesture.
Lord’s achievements are even more remarkable. He set out as a rookie coach four years ago, has led his club on a major sweep of domestic honours and taken Devils on a European mission.
They won two Champions League group matches earlier this season – and now have a lot more knowledge and experience going into a second European campaign.
It still seems an impossible dream, but the facts are clear. Lord has taken Devils beyond the fantastic achievements of John Lawless, Paul Heavey, Gerad Adams and more.
It has been a remarkable season. incredible. Lord is a man of rare quality in ice hockey coaching.