Former Tigers Trevor Cox (left) and Cole Sanford (right) have signed with the EIHL's Cardiff Devils (Photo courtesy of University of Alberta Golden Bears)

By Scott Roblin

Cardiff Kids

Tigers dynamic duo Cox, Sanford link up with EIHL’s Cardiff Devils

Jul 16, 2021 | 10:44 AM

CARDIFF, WALES – Wherever their hockey careers have taken them, Cole Sanford and Trevor Cox have for the most part been a package deal.

From arriving in Medicine Hat in the early 2010s as bright-eyed rookies to graduating from the University of Alberta, the pair have been joined at the hip.

Now at the age of 25, the Tigers stars are taking their partnership overseas to play in Great Britain’s Elite Ice Hockey League with the Cardiff Devils.

“When this opportunity came up we kind of talked about it and said this is something we’ve talked about in the past and it might be a one in a lifetime opportunity to play together over in Europe,” said Sanford. “So, it was kind of too good to pass up.”

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After their time at the university level was up, the duo elected to pursue different paths with Cox heading off to Europe and Sanford staying in North America.

However, the pull of playing together on a third club was just too much to pass up according to Cox.

“We kind of talked and said it would be great to link up again and be able to play together again, especially overseas,” said Cox. “I think within a day or two we both signed the contract.”

Neither Cox nor Sanford have ever been to the United Kingdom before, let alone Wales or Cardiff.

Even though they’ll be half a world away from home, it’s an exciting time transitioning to a new environment… much like their early days in Medicine Hat.

“Overall, just the fit and the opportunity for Trevor and I to go over there and hopefully make an impact, have a good year, and play like we did back in the day,” said Sanford.

Both forwards are coming off challenging seasons following their exit from the Golden Bears program.

“We kind of talked and said it would be great to link up again and be able to play together again, especially overseas,” said Cox. “I think within a day or two we both signed the contract.”

Sanford signed with the ECHL’s Florida Everblades, but batted COVID-19 and was limited to just 19 games over his first professional season.

“Personally for me, it was tough injury-wise and hockey-wise going to school and getting our season cancelled,” said Sanford. “So, you just see it as a new opportunity.”

As for Cox, he took off to Europe to skate for HC Detva in Slovakia.

And while he led the team in scoring with 13 goals and 35 points in 48 games, it came in the midst of the pandemic and became isolating at times.

“At times it got pretty lonely, but this year I’m sure things will be a little bit different especially with Cole coming as well and being together,” said Cox.

Tigers fans marvelled at the duo’s chemistry which culminated in the 2014-15 season where Cox netted 109 points in 69 games, while Sanford fired a career-high 50 goals with most of those coming off a pass from his linemate.

Over their four seasons at the University of Alberta they continued that trend with Cox serving as playmaker and Sanford finisher leading to a national championship in 2018.

“I think with the on-ice chemistry, it has developed through a lot of the off-ice friendship that we’ve developed over the last however many years,” said Cox.

Close to a decade has passed since that chemistry first began at the old Medicine Hat Arena and has evolved over time, with Sanford saying the pair have grown from teens into adults together.

“You know, I can still remember meeting him when we were at 15 years old at camp there in Medicine Hat,” said Sanford. “Obviously, we’ve grown as players and as people and remain really good friends.”

They’ll pack their bags for Cardiff in mid-August, excited to re-unite one of the WHL’s most dynamic partnerships once again.

“It’s a cool story and I’m super grateful that I get to go through that with one of my best friends,” said Cox. “And, it’s definitely made some of the tougher days, the dog days easier when you get to look over and you’re with one of your best friends.”