COVENTRY Blaze have confirmed the appointment of American Kevin Moore as the club’s new head coach following the departure of Danny Stewart.
The 35-year-old joins Blaze from Nottingham Panthers where he spent last season as assistant coach.
Moore replaces outgoing Blaze coach Stewart who departs after seven seasons in charge at the Skydome Arena to take over as head coach at the Panthers.
Moore said: “I am extremely excited to be joining a great organisation in Coventry.
“It was clear from the beginning of this process that the organisation and its people are first class.
“I cannot wait to get started and put a team on the ice that our fans will be proud of.”
Blaze managing director Mike Cowley added: “We are delighted to have secured Kevin’s services for next season.
“He had opportunities both abroad and, in this country, but when the head coach position arose with us, he made it clear he would relish the opportunity to come to the Blaze.
“He’s a relatively young coach but has had success in various past roles. He will no doubt bring fresh ideas to the organisation, and we very much look forward to working with him.”
Prior to his move to Nottingham, Moore held the same role for the Indy Fuel of the ECHL, helping them to a play-off place in the competitive Western Conference.
The former netminder also has extensive coaching experience in the NCAA and was director of hockey operations for Princeton University Tigers in 2021/22.
During the 2020/21 season, as head coach of College of St. Scholastica (NCAA III), Moore led the team to their first play-off win and semi-final appearance in five years.
Moore also spent two seasons as the assistant coach at Adrian College, where he helped the team to a NCHA Regular Season title and tournament championship in 2020.
Additionally, in 2020 Moore became assistant coach for Team USA’s under-18 team in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and for three years was part of the USA Hockey National Player Development selection camps.
