ELITE LEAGUE: Devils part with Prpich (From This Is Lancashire)

ELITE LEAGUE: Devils part with Prpich

8:10am Friday 12th June 2009 in

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The Cardiff Devils have parted company with abrasive forward Mike Prpich. The 6’, left-shooting forward has suffered at the hands of the injury bug in the last few seasons, but enjoyed a strong season on the ice last year as Devils joint top point-getter with American Jay Latulippe.

Prpich had been signed for this coming season but has been released from the club in a strong move by no-nonsense Head Coach Gerad Adams.

Adams said: "This is a very unfortunate situation. The players recruited by The Cardiff Devils are not only here for their on-ice performance; their off-ice conduct is equally important to our organisation. The on ice output of Mike Prpich was never in question but we hold our players to a higher standard.

"Due to recent events involving the player the working relationship between us has become untenable and it is best for both parties involved to cut ties as soon as possible to allow both player and Club the opportunity to make alternative arrangements."

"The Devils are a tight-knit group; we are striving towards common goals as a team and in our management. When something takes place that I feel will hinder our development, our camaraderie and our club it is up to me to make a decision. I would like to thank Matt Burge, owner and Chairman and Shannon Hope, Director of Hockey for their support during this process."

Shannon Hope added: "From the club’s point of view from playing here for many years I know how important it is to have a strong dressing room, that is how we have thrived in the past. It is a key relationship.

"No player is bigger than the club, and this is one of those issues where we feel Mike does not fit into the right kind of dynamic to take us forwards, representing the club around the city and South Wales.

"It’s a shame, he was one of our top guys last year and he may well come back and hurt us in some other way but this is not the first time we have parted company with a good player for the betterment of the club. We will now focus on other players and other areas."