COVENTRY Blaze have confirmed the return of American forward Sam Ruffin for the 2026/27 Elite League season.
Ruffin joined the Blaze ahead of the 2025/26 campaign following a season split between the ECHL and SPHL.
The 27-year-old recorded 16 points (three goals, 13 assists) in 32 appearances for Blaze in his first season with Coventry.
However, he suffered an injury in January which saw him placed on the club’s long-term injured reserve list.
Ruffin is expected to return to action in November later this year after completing a successful rehabilitation programme.
Blaze head coach, Kevin Moore said: “Sam is a player who plays hard, thinks the game at a high level, and can slot into any role.
“His positive impact on our team culture in the locker room is just as important as his play.
“We are happy to have Sam back in Coventry for another season.”
During his time in the SPHL, Ruffin recorded 28 points (nine goals, 19 assists) in 29 games.
The right-shot winger began his professional career with Indy Fuel during the 2023/24 season, recording 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in 30 appearances.
Prior to turning professional, Ruffin started his collegiate career at University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2018/19, playing 29 games before transferring to Adrian College.
During his time at Adrian College, he worked under Blaze coach Moore for the first time.
Ruffin enjoyed a highly successful four-year spell with the Bulldogs, helping the programme secure three NCHA Championships and the 2021/22 NCAA Division III National Championship.
And he was named NCAA Tournament MVP during the side’s title-winning campaign.
Across 103 games for Adrian College, Ruffin amassed 136 points, scoring 50 goals and adding 86 assists.
His performances earned him NCHA All-Conference honours and AHCA Second Team All-American recognition on two occasions.
