COVENTRY Blaze have announced the signing of Canadian defenceman James Shearer for the 2023/24 Elite League season.
The 26-year-old spent last season with Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL where he was an associate captain in his first full season with the team.
Shearer turned professional with the Grizzlies in 2021/22 after graduating from the University of Calgary where he played for four seasons in uSports.
In total, the 5ft 10in blue-liner tallied 34 points (nine goals, 25 assists) in 80 ECHL regular season and playoff games with the Grizzlies.
Blaze head coach Danny Stewart said: “James is coming off a very successful rookie year in Utah. He’s a guy that moves the puck well, can contribute offensively and be relied upon to play good defence.
“He’s been successful at all levels, being part of some great teams in Brandon and at the Uni of Calgary.
“Last season he was eating up good minutes in playoffs and relied upon in key situations, and he will with us as well.”
With the University of Calgary Dinos, Shearer registered 35 points (11 goals, 24 assists) in 87 games and in featured in the 2018/19 USports (West) All-Rookie Team.
Prior to his time in Calgary, Shearer was a captain of the Brandon Wheat Kings where he appeared in 102 games with 59 points (16 goals, 43 assists) and won the WHL Championship in 2015/16.
