COVENTRY Blaze have confirmed the signing of American forward Matthew Gleason ahead of the 2025/26 Elite League season.
The 23-year-old will turn professional with Blaze after graduating from the University of St. Thomas (NCAA).
He played four seasons on the Minnesota-based programme and tallied 45 points (16 goals, 29 assists) in 72 appearances, becoming associate captain in his senior year.
Blaze head coach, Kevin Moore said: “Matt is a 200-foot player with great detail to his game.
“He is relentless in hunting pucks and getting to the hard areas.
“He will be a great fit in our locker room and in our style of play, and I’m excited to have him on board this season.”
Gleason ranked fourth on the team for both goals and overall points in his most recent campaign.
He also boasted a 50 per cent face-off win percentage – winning 189 of 378 draws.
Gleason earned all-academic and scholar-athlete honours during his time on the programme.
Before joining St. Thomas, Gleason spent three seasons at Colorado College (NCAA), contributing 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 70 games.
Gleason began his journey in the sport at Cretin-Derham Hall High School where he holds the all-time records for goals and points.
He will wear the number 63 jersey for Blaze.
