Birbraer back with the Devils
Max Birbraer has agreed terms to return for his seventh season with the Cardiff Devils, it has been confirmed.
Birbraer first iced for the club in the 2006/07 season, where he helped the Devils win their last title, the Knockout Cup. The 32 year old has a reputation in British ice hockey as a highly skilled power forward, and was targeted by a number of Elite League clubs this summer.
6’2” Birbraer, who originally hails from Kazakhstan, has had a challenging few seasons for the Devils through injuries and lengthy suspensions. Despite these inconsistencies, he remains one of the top players in the EIHL due to his versatility and scoring ability, having notched up over 350 points in 300 games for the Devils.
“Max has the shooting ability, puck control and vision to quarterback our power play if needed.” explains Head Coach Gerad Adams, “He can score from a variety of different positions and he gives us another legitimate scoring option that helps spread our scoring across a number of players.”
Now he is fit and ready for the new season, Managing Director Brent Pope sees Birbraer as a player who could be the difference during the campaign, “Both G and Franny know that Max is a popular player for us, but this isn’t a popularity contest, we need the right players who can get the job done. When Max is at his best he can help us win and we would all like nothing more than seeing Max win a championship with us in Cardiff.”
In April, Birbraer played an influential part in helping his home nation Israel win Gold at the IIHF World Championships, scoring 5 goals and 8 assists in 5 games. After winning the championship and subsequently helping Israel gain promotion, Birbraer said, “A Championship is a Championship and it doesn’t matter at what level and with who, players still have to perform to the best of their ability for the team to be successful, it is the best feeling and something I will always remember.”
With this signing, the Devils have now completed their Forward line up for the 2013/14 season. Adams and Bench Coach Neil Francis have assembled a strong and exciting roster which includes former NHL goaltender Dan Lacosta as well as a strong British contingent.
Adams now has one import slot left to fill in order to complete his team, but will wait to see the player market and how rival teams develop before signing his last player, “Recruitment isn’t a race but we wanted to secure Max so that we can all properly prepare for the upcoming season.” Adams commented, “We are excited but know now that we need to make sure we are all prepared for the season as it will be here before we know it.”
