COVENTRY Blaze have confirmed the return of American defenceman Alexander Kuqali for a third season with the club.
The 32-year-old registered 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in 53 regular season games last season, averaging over 20 minutes of ice time.
And the dependable blue-liner also clocked up 16 appearances in Challenge Cup and play-off competition.
Head coach, Kevin Moore, said: “Alex is a big strong defenceman who will be counted on as a leader and steady presence for our defence core.
“His experience will be leaned upon, especially on the penalty-kill. He is someone that understands what it means to represent Coventry and I am thrilled that he is coming back.”
In total for Coventry, associate captain Kuqali has appeared in 127 Elite League competition games with 26 points (seven goals, 19 assists).
Prior to moving to the UK, the 6ft 2in Pittsburgh native made almost 300 appearances in the ECHL, most notably with Orlando Solar Beats, Quad City Mallards and Florida Everblades.
Kuqali enjoyed a successful college career in the NCAA at RIT where he won three straight AHA conference titles.