NEW COVENTRY Blaze recruit Bjorn Bombis has said he’s thrilled to become part of the organisation and admitted he’s open to new challenges after putting pen to paper on a one-year deal.
The 33-year-old, who is also a personal fitness trainer, has played over 150 DEL regular season games and 135 DEL2 games – averaging at almost a point per game.
Despite bringing a huge amount of experience to the Blaze, 2016 will mark the first time the German has played outside of his home country – having previously iced at DEL and DEL2 level.
Bombis has spent his last four seasons with the Fischtown Pinguins – where he posted an impressive 32 points in 34 regular season games during their championship season in 2013/14.
The Championship win consequently saw the Pinguins finish runners up in the prestigious Continental Cup the following season – beating Elite League club Belfast Giants 4-2 on their way to the Super Final.
The 33-year-old, who has played professional hockey for 15 years, said he’s enthusiastic to take on a new challenge and wants to contribute to the Blaze’s overall success.
The left winger added: “I feel enthusiastic, energised and also challenged to prove that I can contribute to the team’s success and become a big part of it for the upcoming season.
“My wife and I are always open for new challenges – we both look forward to experiencing a different culture and hockey market.
“On the ice, I like to think that people can expect a skillful forward with good offensive instincts that likes to create offense and set up plays whilst also not shying away from the defensive aspects of the game.
“I like to learn and get better every day, even being in my thirties.”
Blaze head coach Danny Stewart said bringing Bombis into the Blaze roster gives him another added element to his forward unit.
He said: “Bjorn is a very smooth and skilled player whose strengths are his composure with the puck and getting the puck to guys in good scoring areas – he’s a passer type guy that will create a lot of goals for us.
“He will also be a huge asset on our power play with his play making ability.
“Bjorn’s record is impressive and he’ll bring a huge amount of experience to our roster.”
