Another Devils signing as LaCosta comes to Cardiff

The Cardiff Devils have confirmed the signing of former NHL Goaltender Dan LaCosta for the forthcoming season.

LaCosta has turned down an offer in the American Hockey League to join the Devils, where he will combine playing with studying for his MBA at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

The 6′ 1″ Canadian boasts a CV of over 100 games for the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL and has appeared in four NHL matches for the Columbus Blue Jackets, posting a shutout in 2009, stopping all 31 shots.

At 27 years old, he has both experience and age on his side and Head Coach Gerard Adams is delighted with the signing: “Daniel’s numbers speak for themselves in the AHL and NHL. He is focussed on resuming his professional career and is looking forward to a successful season for the club and himself personally. We are excited to have him in Cardiff and all reports coming back about him confirm what a great team player he is which is important to us.”

In 2010/11, LaCosta joined the University of New Brunswick, however, due to Canadian University Academic Regulation, the Newfoundlander did not play for the entire season due to his professional experience. Last season, LaCosta led the University to the CIAU National Championship and was selected as a CIAU All Star.

The Devils had previously signed netminder Frank Doyle, however the deal fell through and he has now joined arch rivals Sheffield Steelers:“I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason and we have found the perfect fit for our team,” said MD Brent Pope, “We are in the business of winning hockey games and Dan is a goalie that is going to give us a great chance to achieve this consistently.”

With the Devils signing Andrew Conboy and now Dan LaCosta in just 24 hours, it leaves two import slots left to fill, in order to complete their 2013/14 line up. Having already signed a mixture of British depth, talent and toughness, the devils will be a force in the Elite League this coming season.