COVENTRY Blaze have signed Finnish defenceman Jere Vertanen for the 2025/26 Elite League season.
The 26-year-old completes Blaze’s roster for the upcoming campaign after an impressive campaign in Poland with Unia Oswiecim.
He registered 32 points (seven goals, 25 assists) in 33 regular season games and added a further six points (three goals, three assists) in 11 play-off appearances.
Vertanen also tallied three points (one goal, two assists) in five games in the Champions Hockey League.
Blaze head coach, Kevin Moore said: “Jere is a big, well-rounded defenceman.
“He skates well and uses his reach effectively in the defensive zone.
“Offensively, he’s a skilled passer who will help us play our up-tempo game.
“We’re excited to have him join us this season.”
The 6ft 5in defenceman will bring a commanding presence and powerful shot to Blaze’s blue line.
He previously spent four seasons in Finland’s Mestis where he earned a reputation as one of the league’s top offensive defencemen.
Vertanen helped Kettera win the Mestis Championship in 2021/22 as he contributed 35 points (eight goals, 27 assists) in 47 regular season games.
He then added a league-leading 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 17 play-off games.
Across his Mestis career, Vertanen played 162 regular season games, producing 121 points (35 goals, 86 assists), along with 23 points (8 goals, 15 assists) in 40 play-off appearances.
