Devils find a replacement netminder with help from a former star

The Cardiff Devils coaching staff are relieved to have found a replacement netminder for recently departed Phil Osaer, with Canadian Chris Whitley flying in to sign, subject to a visa.

The Devils face a tough weekend with Sheffield away on Saturday, January 26, followed by Nottingham at home the following day.

The deal for the former Dundee Stars stopper was tied up in less than 24 hours, with Whitley due to fly in tomorrow (January 24) to practice with his new team-mates. He will wear the number 83 jersey.

Coach Neil Francis told the Devils’ website of his delight that they had been able to tie down a successful ‘keeper in such a short space of time ahead of the looming transfer deadline.

He said: “It’s been a manic few days for G [Devils’ head coach Gerad Adams] and I, with lots of emails and phone calls looking for the right guy at this stage of the season.

“We are very excited to welcome Chris to the team and he’s excited to be joining us. He was a handful to play against last year and always gave Dundee the chance to win games they perhaps shouldn’t have.

“Sometimes a change can ignite a team so hopefully this is the case as we look to finish strongly in the league, preparing us well for the play-offs.

“We are also searching for an additional import forward to boost our attacking options and hope to have some news on that shortly.”

Local media are reporting that former Devils star Scott Dobben put Whitley in touch with the club after hearing the Devils were looking for a new player. Dobben and Whitley were at college together.

During his time at Dundee, Whitley posted three shutouts, while facing more than 2,000 shots at an 89.7% save percentage. He made 1,797 saves, the third best in the league behind Fife’s Garrett Zemlak and Hull’s Christian Boucher.

Head coach Adams added: “We had a number of options who were mainly younger guys with potential, but once Chris’ name came up he immediately became our first-choice target.

“Having played in this league last year he knows what it’s all about, and hopefully that will cut down the bedding-in time that may be expected for a goaltender that would be new to the league.”