COVENTRY Blaze have confirmed the signing of American forward Griffin Ness for the 2026/27 Elite League season.
The 26-year-old joins Blaze following a 2025/26 campaign split between the Kalamazoo Wings and Utah Grizzlies in the ECHL.
He recorded 11 goals and 21 assists to register 32 points in 58 matches.
Blaze head coach, Kevin Moore said: “Griffin is a highly versatile player with a great hockey IQ who can slot in anywhere across our line-up.
“He is a hard forechecker and brings a strong mix of defensive detail and offensive skill, allowing him to contribute in all areas of the game.
“We are excited to welcome Griffin to Coventry.”
Ness spent time with Toledo Walleye and Utah Grizzlies during the 2024/25 season after a late-season trade.
He registered 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points in 73 games during the 2024/25 campaign.
Before turning professional, Ness spent four seasons at the University of North Dakota, one of the premier NCAA Division I hockey programmes, following a successful junior career in Minnesota.
During his collegiate career, he helped the Fighting Hawks capture the 2020/21 NCHC Tournament Championship and formed part of teams which earned NCHC Regular Season Championships in both 2020/21 and 2023/24.
In his senior season, he earned a spot on the NCHC All-Academic Team for the fourth consecutive year and twice earned NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete honors.
