COVENTRY Blaze have announced the signing of two-way American forward Aidan Spellacy for the remainder of the 2023/24 Elite League season.
Spellacy had 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in 35 games while with St. Cloud State University last season and helped the NCAA Huskies to an NCHC Tournament title.
The 25-year-old 5ft 11in left-shooter then turned professional with the Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL where he impressed, scoring twice in six games.
Blaze head coach Danny Stewart said: “We felt we needed to add some speed and energy to our line-up.
“Aidan is a natural centre who skates very well. His compete level is off the charts, and he brings a lot of intangibles that we are lacking a little.
“He had the ability to attend main camp in Columbus this year, so he’s already competed at a high level. We look forward to getting him here this week and playing on the weekend.”
The face-off winning centreman recently earned a Training Camp roster spot with Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL and try-out position in the AHL with Cleveland Monsters.
Now opting to move to Europe, Spellacy spent a total of five seasons in the NCAA, two with St. Cloud State University and three with Robert Morris University and was an associate captain for both teams.
Spellacy will make his Blaze debut on Saturday against Guildford Flames at the Skydome Arena (face-off at 7pm).
Following Spellacy’s arrival, Blaze have confirmed American forward Cole Donhauser will leave the club with immediate effect.
The hard-working winger iced 13 times for the Blaze in Elite League competitions scoring six points (one goal, five assists).
23-year-old Donhauser turned professional with Coventry this season and scored his first pro goal in Blaze’s 6-1 win over Guildford Flames in mid-October.
Prior to joining the Blaze, Donhauser spent four seasons in the NCAA at Yale University where he recorded 30 points in 80 games.
