ICE HOCKEY: BLAZE have confirmed this week that British defenceman David Clements has resigned for the club for the 2017/18 Elite League season.
Clements, who began his hockey career in the Coventry youth system before moving to North America, joined the Blaze pro-ranks as part of a two-way deal with the Milton Keynes Lightning in 2015. After impressing at the Elite League level, he quickly accepted the opportunity to join his home-town team on a full-time basis. Playing 41 games, he helped Blaze reach the Playoff final in his debut season.
The past campaign saw the 22-year-old ice 59 times in the Elite League and Challenge Cup, scoring his first goal for the club and adding 4 assists.
“I am really excited to be back for another year at the Blaze,” said Clements. “Coventry is my home town and I love playing in front of our fans at the Skydome.
“Hopefully this season, we will give them plenty to cheer! I am pushing myself hard this summer, so I’m ready for the big challenge that awaits us.”
In November 2016, the former Great Britain under-18’s Captain, proudly made his senior international debut against Team Norway.
Prior to moving back to the UK, Clements played six junior seasons in North America, first in Notre Dame before moving on to Ogden Mustangs where he was made Captain for two seasons and left the club’s all-time leading points scorer for a defenceman.
Head Coach Danny Stewart added: “David is a key depth signing for us. He is still young and developing and after getting a full season under his belt, more will be expected from him this season. David has the ability to be a top Brit in this country. His puck movement and hockey sense are very good, and with some fine tuning of the rest of his game, he will be much more effective and consistent.”