COVENTRY Blaze have signed 26-year-old American centre Shawn Pauly for the 2018/19 Elite League season.
The Bellingham, Washington, native had agreed a move to French club Lyon for the new season, however, with news of the deal falling through, Blaze head coach Danny Stewart quickly swooped to bring the 6ft left shooter to Coventry.
Pauly comes to the club following two professional years in the ECHL with Missouri/Kansas City Mavericks (re-named in 2017).
In 68 regular season games last season, he scored an impressive 24 goals with 17 assists for 41 points.
In total for the Mavs, he iced 122 times with 55 points.
Prior to his time in the coast, Pauly spent four years in the NCAA with the University of Connecticut where in his graduate season he was named associate captain.
In the NCAA he was consistently among the Huskies top point-contributors making 140 appearances with 83 points.
As a junior, he registered 123 points over 155 games with the Wenatchee Wild, being named to the NAHL All-Rooke First Team in 2009/10.
Pauly said: “I can’t wait to bring my game over to the Coventry Blaze and I am excited to play in front of the supporters who have a reputation for being the best in the Elite League.
“I play a hard, tough, but skilled style of game where I am reliable to win battles as well as produce offense.
“I’m excited to come to Europe to experience a slightly different style of hockey and not only bring my best to the Blaze but develop as an individual as well.
“Coming to Europe was an easy decision as I think it will help me to develop my skills, as well as be a great experience off the ice as well.”
