BLAZE have already started to make plans for the defence of their Elite League play-off crown with the double signing of Mike Quesnele and Brett Robinson.
Quesnele, 26, moves to the Skydome from the Lakehead University Thunderwolves where he spent the last five seasons, posting 95 points in 137 games.
The Canadian, who also holds an Italian citizenship, also has experience of playing in the Ontario Hockey League having played over 300 games for the Sault Saint Marie Greyhounds.
He is well known to Blaze Head Coach Chuck Weber having joined Weber’s Cincinnati Cyclones for their play-off run to the East Coast Hockey League conference finals in 2009.
Webers describes Quesnele as a ‘steady, puck moving defenseman who plays with an edge’, and Quesnele admits he is excited to be moving to the UK.
He said: “I’m looking forward to coming to England for the first time and to helping the club build on the success of last season. It’s going to be a fantastic experience and I’m so looking forward to playing in front of the Blaze fans.
“So many players say it’s a great place to play and that the fans really get into the games. That’s great to hear for a player and I can’t wait to get going.”
Blaze have also announced the signing of Brett Robinson who has revealed the opportunity to work under former coach Weber was too good to turn down after moving to the Skydome for the 2015/16 campaign.
The 30-year-old Canadian forward has joined Blaze from Idaho Steeleheads of the East Coast Hockey League, which is where he has been plying his trade for the past six years.
In 2013/14 he was named the team’s most valuable player and last season posted 50 points in 51 regular season games.
Previously, Robinson spent two seasons with the Cincinnati Cyclones where he won the Kelly Cup in 2009/10 under Blaze head coach Weber.
“My wife and I have already been treated extremely well by James Pease and the Blaze organisation, and we both can’t wait for this new experience in Coventry,” Robinson added.
“Reuniting with Chuck Weber is also exciting. Last time we were together it resulted in a championship, so I will be looking forward to similar results this coming season, and to continue to build on the Blaze success of last season.
“I cannot wait to experience such a different atmosphere then I am used to. I really am excited to play in front of the great Blaze fans.”
