Devon joins the club from Mercyhurst University Lakers after completing his studies with the NCAA outfit and across four years at the collegiate level, the blueliner put up 15 points (3G, 12A).
The 24-year-old has also previously spent time playing in the Northern Lakes Hockey League (NLHL), Midwest Prep Hockey League (MPHL), Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) and in the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), where he won a championship with Ottawa Jr. Senators in 2018.
The Thunder Bay, Ontario native was also named to the 2012-2013 Big Nickel Bantam AAA Tournament All-Star Team for his efforts in the cup competition, which saw him post three assists in five appearances.
The 6-foot-1-inch tall, defender has not played alongside any current or former Stars during his career so far, however he did share a dressing room with 2022 Stanley Cup Champion, Cale Makar as the pair both iced for Brooks Bandits in the 2016-2017 campaign.
After completing the signing of the Daniels, Stars GM and Head Coach, Jeff Mason said: “Devon’s coach reached out to me a few times, early inro the recruitment process and they spoke very highly of Devon as a player and a person.
“They also felt that he was someone whose game would be well suited over here and I looked into Devon and watched him play and what I saw was that he is mobile, he can play in all situations and he was a leader on his team in university.
“He also led his team in takeaways, is what his coach had told me last season and for a younger guy, he has a lot of potential and a bigger raw talent still that we can develop and he should become a steady force for us on the blueline.”
The Stars boss then discussed the benefits of adding a right-handed defenseman to his d-core and Mason commented: “Ideally if you can balance it out between rights and lefts then it puts you in a good position and leaves you more flexible in more situations on the ice.
“Devon fits what I was looking for in a young person who is hungry and he was extremely excited for the opportunity to come to Dundee and he really to come and be a Star, as well as working alongside myself, where we can hopefully continue to develop his game.
“There will be that adjustment period of going from the NCAA to the EIHL, but it will be something he can handle and I believe he is going to be very solid for us on the backend.”
Once he had signed his first pro contract, an excited Devon added: “I am super excited to be starting my pro career in Dundee.
“It was my goal to play pro overseas, especially in the Elite League, so I was very happy to have the opportunity to move to Scotland and play for Dundee.
“I have only heard good things about Scotland and the Dundee Stars, so I knew it would be a great spot for me.”
He continued: “I am expecting a different game than what I experienced in American college hockey, so I am looking forward to learning the European game.
“Although, I am expecting the games to be fast paced with lots of skill plays with older players.”
Daniels then explained what Stars fans can expect to see from himself on game nights at the DIA, he said: “I like to play a two-way defensive type game.
“My first priority is to play solid defence, shutting down plays and taking the puck away from the opposition, then moving the puck up quickly and using my skating ability to join the rush and create plays in the offensive zone.
“So, I hope to bring solid defence, energy, quick transitions and offensive chances every night.”
Daniels then shared why he decided to join the team after speaking to Mason and some of his friends and former teammates, who have played in the EIHL.
Devon said: “First of all, Jeff’s coaching experience and gameplan for Dundee was enough to convince me that Dundee is the right fit for me.
“He explained how my playing style would be a great fit for the team and how great of an organisation Dundee is.
“Two of my past teammates from Mercyhurst, Josh Lammon (Cardiff Devils) and James Anderson (Fife Flyers) have played in the league.
“I spoke briefly to Lammon and he expressed how great the league is and how much he enjoyed playing in the UK.
“I know that he did very well in the league, so it played a big factor in me trying to come play in the EIHL as well.”
“I also know Connor Sills, who played for Dundee last season and is from Thunder Bay as well.
“I have not talked to him myself but know he also did well and others have told me that he enjoyed playing in Dundee.”
Finally, Devon shared a message for all the fans in Dundee, he said: “To the fans of Dundee, I hope you are as excited as I am for the season to start.
“I cannot wait for the first home game and to play in front of great fans all year long, let’s go!”
In his career so far, Devon has featured in 337 matches, scored 27 goals, assisted 83 times, and has collected 238 penalty minutes, whilst also making 37 playoff appearances and collecting 11 points (5G, 6A) and 22 penalty minutes.
Devon is our 13th signing of the summer and joins Drydn Dow, Craig Garrigan, Philippe Sanche, Chris Gerrie, Brython Preece, Mac Howlett, Toms Rutkis, Kris Inglis, Carter Folk, Elijiah Barriga, Ryan Verrier and Fabrizio Ricci on the roster for next season.
You can get your season tickets to watch these 13 players and the rest of the team in the 2022-2023 campaign by contacting: [email protected]
Daniels will wear the #7 Stars jersey next season.
To view Devon’s career stats on Elite Prospects click HERE.
Banner Image: Mercyhurst Athletics.
Featured Image: Mercyhurst Athletics.
