Benti is back – and the signing completes Cardiff Devils forward unit for 2019-20.
Sean Bentivoglio is returning for a fourth season in Cardiff and head coach Andrew Lord said: “Benti is a dynamic player with great playmaking ability and an excellent scoring touch.
“He’s formed a superb partnership with Joey Martin over the last few seasons and together they’ve been a dominant force for us.
“A great team player with lots of character and a proven winner.
“He is a great skater and competes in every area of the ice. Sean’s speed and skill-set make him dangerous every time he is out there.”
The 33-year-old joined Devils in 2016 after five seasons in Italy and has played 216 games across all competitions, recording 202 points (62+140) and won seven trophies.
During his time in Italy with Asiago, Bentivoglio had the most assists in the Italian league twice (2013 & 2016) scored most points in the league (75 points, 2013).
Bentivoglio previously spent a season in Germany with the Augsburger Panther of the DEL, while he played more than 200 matches for American League Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the top affiliate of the NHL’s New York Islanders, before coming to Europe.
Devils now have a full roster of 12 forwards, although they could still sign an extra import.
Lord still has to name two defencemen and both will be new to Elite League. Devils used nine D-men last season and four of those – Mark Richardson, Mark Louis, Gleason Fournier and Bryce Reddick – have committed for next season.
Josh Batch will play a forward role in the new campaign, while Evan Mosey re-signed for Cardiff, but suffered a ligaments injury and will miss most of 2019-20.
Craig Moore is now with Glasgow Clan, Ben Blood is playing in Finland and Drew Shiestel has signed for Coventry Blaze.
While my wife is tired of me signing the Sean Bentivoglio song every weekend, I’m ecstatic that he’s back!! Let’s get this season going! https://t.co/ztsdb6gdW0
— Steve King (@Tacosteve10) July 29, 2019
Cardiff Devils recruitment
Signings: (18 players announced – 12 imports, 6 British – maximum 14 imports can ice in any one EIHL game):
Head coach: Andrew Lord
Netminder: Ben Bowns, Thomas Murdy.
Defence: Mark Richardson, Mark Louis (import), Gleason Fournier (import), Bryce Reddick (import)
Forwards: Sean Bentivoglio (import), Masi Marjamaki (import), Blair Riley (import), Stephen Dixon (import), Matthew Myers, Matt Pope (import), Mike McNamee (import), Sam Duggan, Joey Martin (import), Joey Haddad (import), Charles Linglet (import), Josh Batch.
Cardiff Devils pre-season and Champions League schedule:
August
Saturday 10 Cardiff Devils v Fehervar (Viola Arena, Cardiff Bay, 7pm)
Sunday 11: Cardiff Devils v Fehervar (Viola Arena, Cardiff Bay, 6pm)
Saturday 17: Nottingham Panthers v Cardiff Devils (in Nottingham, 7pm)
Sunday 18 Cardiff Devils v Nottingham Panthers (Viola Arena, Cardiff Bay, 6pm)
Sunday 25 Cardiff Devils V MAC Budapest (Viola Arena, Cardiff Bay, 6pm)
Friday 30 Cardiff Devils v Mountfield HK (Champions Hockey League fixture, Viola Arena, 7.30pm)
September
Sunday 1 Cardiff Devils v Graz 99ers (Champions Hockey League fixture, Viola Arena, 6pm)
Thursday 5 Mountfield HK v Cardiff Devils (Champions Hockey League fixture, 5pm)
Saturday 7 Graz 99ers v Cardiff Devils (Champions Hockey League fixture, 6.15pm)
October
Tuesday 8 Frolunda Indians v Devils (Champions Hockey League fixture, 5pm)
Tuesday 15 Devils v Frolunda Indians (Champions Hockey League fixture, Viola Arena, 7.30pm)
Single game tickets for pre-season and Champions Hockey League matches are now available along with the even-game ticket pack.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE or call us on 0800 0842 666
The 7-game pack, covering all four pre-season and three CHL home fixtures, offer big discounts and no service charges.