ICE HOCKEY: DANNY Stewart has described new Coventry Blaze signing Danick Paquette as a ‘fighter’ that ‘finishes checks all over the ice’.
Blaze have been waiting on the green light to officially secure the former AHL skater after a contract was agreed earlier this week, though the club had to wait on confirmation from the 26-year-old’s agent.
The 6’0″ right-shooting winger joins Blaze from Tulsa Oilers of the ECHL – where in 46 games last season Paquette posted 13 goals and 15 assists.
He also totalled 185 penalty minutes which included 15 fighting majors, making him a fans’ favourite.
Since turning professional with Gwinnett Gladiators in 2010, the Montreal native has skated in 341 ECHL regular season and playoff matches.
During that time, he has registered 179 points and amassed 1,329 penalty minutes.
In 2013/14, Paquette skated for the Utah Grizzlies where he scored 23 goals.
The following season he was announced winner of the ‘Fans Favourite’ award.
Earlier in his career, the Canadian was drafted by the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers in the 2008 entry draft – and he was later traded to the Washington Capitals.
He played in prospect games and holds six AHL appearances to his name with Chicago Wolves and Hershey Bears.
Head Coach Danny Stewart said: “Danick is a huge signing for us in so many ways.
“He’s a tough cookie and will bring a huge physical element to our team – our fans are going to love him.
“He finishes checks all over the ice, he fights and more importantly he’s a guy that can play as well.
“He’s a skilled player that has very good hands and a knack around the net.
“He’s a former 23 goal guy in the ECHL and we will be looking to him for production in that area as well.
“He falls in line with what we are trying to build here.
“Another guy that will compete every night and be tough to play against.”
