IMPORT pair Kevin Noble and Liam Stewart will be missing from the Coventry Blaze bench this weekend.
Head coach Danny Stewart confirmed his side will play this weekend’s games against Nottingham short-benched.
It was hoped defenceman Noble – who has been missing since early January – would make a return this weekend.
However the 29-year-old will remain absent, some which coach Stewart described as frustrating.
He added: “I said last week that we would not see Kevin back on the ice until he is ready to go.
“As frustrating as it is for all concerned, he still isn’t right.
“Nobody wants to see Kevin Noble back playing in a Blaze jersey more than myself.
“But he’s not ready, and therefore we simply will not risk him.”
Stewart also confirmed forward Liam Stewart will be missing for the weekend’s fixtures against Nottingham and Tuesday’s home clash against the Edinburgh Capitals.
Liam Stewart will return home to attend some pressing personal matters.
Danny Stewart said: “Losing Liam is a real blow.
“It’s bad timing, but we carry on regardless and we will be doing everything we can to get maximum points from the three games.”