COVENTRY BLAZE have announced the signing of 27-year-old Canadian forward Mitch Cook for the remainder of the 2021/22 Elite League season.
Cook joins the club from the Liege Bulldogs, who are based in Belgium and participate in the BeNeLiga, which also includes teams from the Netherlands.
In 19 games this season, Cook has amassed 21 goals, 21 assists for a total of 42 points, helping the Bulldogs to first place in the BeNeLiga standings.
His goals tally ranks third in the league and his points total fourth.
Head Coach Danny Stewart said: “Mitch is a guy we feel got lost in the shuffle a bit during COVID. He had a really good USports career in a tough conference, and got better each year that he was there.
“He has great size, shoots the puck well and has good speed. He’s a right-handed shot that can come in and complement our offence.
“He’s also another guy we can use in all situations and plays a heavy game. He has a great work ethic and hockey IQ to go with it.
“I feel he will not only add depth to our group, but will be a key guy down the stretch.”
Before turning pro, winger Cook iced five seasons with the University of Calgary in the USports, three of which were with Blaze defenceman Dane Gibson.
In 139 regular season and playoff appearances for the Dinos, Cook registered 58 points (25 goals, 33 assists).
In his final season with the University, the right-shooter was named joint coaches’ player of the season.
Cook signed an ECHL contract with Kalamazoo Wings after graduating, but the team were unable to participate in the 2020/21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a year out before pursuing a career in Europe.
Cook will wear number 18 and debut for the Blaze on Friday at the Skydome Arena against the Guildford Flames (7.30pm face-off).
