Cardiff Devils legend Mark Richardson has signed a new contract with the club, extending his stay into an 18th season.

The 39-year-old defenceman is still a vital part of the Devils squad, icing in 66 of the 68 games in all competitions. He is one of the league’s best penalty killers and shot blockers, leading the team in blocked shots again last season.

Richardson also played a major role for the men’s national team, playing all seven games for Team GB at the World Championships in Zurich last week.

During his career with the Devils, he has amassed numerous trophies, winning three Challenge Cups, two League titles and four Playoff Championships, captaining the Devils when they won the playoffs in 2022.

He also captained the Devils when they lifted the IIHF Continental Cup title in 2025.

Richardson originally joined the Devils during the 2005-06 season after spending two seasons with the Bracknell Bees in the British National League.  He played two seasons in Cardiff before making the move to Nottingham and then Basingstoke before returning to the Devils for the 2009-10 season.

He started the 2012-13 season in Kazakhstan with Arlan Kokshetau but returned to the Devils midway through that season.

Richardson’s only other time away from the club was during the 2020-21 season, the year the EIHL did not play due to Covid-19, when he played for EC Bad Nauheim in Germany.

Richardson is considered the best British defenceman of all-time.  His longevity is a testament to his on-ice dedication and his off-ice habits, which has made him an impact player in the league for 2 decades.

“It’s great to have Richy back for another year,” head coach Paul Thompson said.

“He is one of the best pros I’ve ever worked with, and I thought he had an outstanding season last year.

“I’m looking forward to him once again playing a major part in the season ahead.

“Age is only a number, and he showed that all last season with his experience and stellar performances.”

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