Somewhat unexpectedly for Martin, the first two seasons after his return were trophyless for Cardiff.

However, in January 2025 the Devils won their first European title – the IIHF Continental Cup.

“That was the third year in a row of us being in that competition and I felt in the years prior we had a good chance to win it but let it slip,” Martin said.

“I think we were just laser focused this year and it was a huge deal not just for us players, all the fans and all the people in the organisation.”

Following that win the Devils’ chase for the league title fell away to finish in fourth place having also lost the Challenge Cup final to Belfast Giants in March.

Martin feels the extra games played competing in the Continental Cup, and the squad being blighted by injuries thoughout the season, caught up with them.

“We were playing three lines it felt like for months, and that’s hard to do when you’re playing three games a week, back-to-back games on the weekend and injuries keep piling up,” he said.

“We held on for as long as we could but it just came to the point where the wheels fell off. It was tough to be a part of.

“We’re not the only team that goes through this, but we were hit pretty hard by injuries this year.”

It was a campaign so nearly polished off with the shine of a second peice of silverware.

However, in the final game of the season Cardiff lost the Play-Off final in double over-time to Nottingham – a tumultuous final that will not be forgotten soon by Panthers fans and neutrals who witnessed the game.

But for the Martin and his Devils team-mates losing that epic final, where they came back from 3-0 down to force over-time, will simply rankle forever.

“We were stunned for a few days to be honest, it’s still hard to reflect on because we were so close to winning a trophy that I think this group deserved,” reflects Martin.

“I think losing that Play-Off final ignited something in me that I just wanted to sign back to get another chance to win another trophy.

“I’m very proud of what we’ve done here over the years, a lot of success, a lot of good times, a lot of hard work, but I feel that we’re not done yet.

“We need to have some more trophies; we need to create some more memories and hopefully we can do that.

“If you look at where the game has taken me, I feel fortunate, it’s been an awesome ride. I never want it to end.”