Coventry Blaze

Paul Wheeler from BBC Coventry & Warwickshire previews the season for the Blaze

The Blaze are returning looking to defend their Elite League title this season, although the loss of key players Peter Hirsch, Adam Calder, Danny Stewart and Jason Robinson mean that the roster has a significantly changed look from last year. However, the Skydome faithful hope that Paul Thompson’s recruiting skills will see little change in the way the wins keep coming in-let’s look at the squad.

GOALIES
Brett Jaeger joins from the CHL’s Texas Brahmas, where he won a CHL title in 2008. The little Albertan relies on agility to make the big saves, and comes with excellent reviews from his former coaches as he attempts to replace Peter Hirsch in the Blaze fans’ affections. He will once again be backed up by British prospect Tom Murdy.

DEFENCE
6’6 Jeff Smith provides the muscle, while Jon Weaver provides the offence. Brian Lee, who became a Blaze fan favourite in his first season, returns along with the long-serving Matty Soderstrom, while Brad Zanon, ex of the ECHL’s Florida Everblades, will be counted upon to play the same role as Lee, contributing offensively while being a solid, calming influence and counterpart to Weaver.

FORWARDS
Sean Selmser is the “next Sylvain Cloutier” according to many Blaze fans who have seen him play, and was much-heralded by Paul Thompson upon his signing. Luke Fulghum and Dan Carlson return in an offensive unit which looks just as potent as last season. It should do, given that the only new other new recruits are ex-Edinburgh Capital Owen Fussey (the most exciting new Blaze recruit in my opinion) and potential British star Aaron Nell, who joins the Blaze full-time after a prolific EPL campaign with Swindon while on a two way last season.

OVERVIEW
The Blaze certainly look to be at least as good as last season, with Fussey and Fulghum to finish the passes of Greg Chambers and Dan Carlson-the defence, too, looks solid. Other teams may have individuals with better pedigrees (I’m looking at you, Belfast) but with such a team you can likely count upon the Skydome club being in the mix for honours again this season.

Finally I see the Elite League finishing like this:

1. Belfast Giants
2. Coventry Blaze
3. Nottingham Panthers
4. Brahead Clan
5. Cardiff Devils
6. Newcastle Vipers
7. Sheffield Steelers
8. Edinburgh Capitals
9. Dundee Stars
10. Hull Stingrays