COVENTRY Blaze have completed their forward group for the 2023/24 Elite League season with the signing of American Danny Kristo.
The 33-year-old joins Blaze following a 60-game stint with the Sheffield Steelers where he scored 49 points (20 goals, 29 assists) in Elite League competition.
Kristo joined Sheffield in October of last season, after starting the year with HK Dukla Michalovce of Slovakia where he had a goal and assist in six games.
Blaze head coach, Danny Stewart, said: “Being a younger group we wanted to add some experience and skill to our last spot.
“We have a lot of hard-working talent, and I think Danny’s natural skill and offensive ability will suit the guys around him very well.
“He’s a point producer and will be a big part of our offence five-on-five and on special teams.
“He’s had a year in our league, and I think this will benefit him this season. The makeup of our league is different to others in terms of travel and scheduling and that experience can be key.”
A consistent producer in Europe’s top leagues, Kristo brings plenty of experience to Blaze after playing in Czechia, the German DEL, Russian KHL, Swedish SHL and the NL of Switzerland.
Before embarking on his top-flight career in Europe, Kristo produced impressive numbers over four years in the AHL.
A standout in the NCAA with University of North Dakota, Kristo was a draft pick for the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens in 2008.
Kristo’s college career saw him win three NCAA (WCHA) championship titles in a row while he was also a First All-Star in 2012/13 and a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award for the NCAA Top Collegiate Player.
Internationally, Kristo has represented Team USA at all junior levels and won a bronze medal at the 2012/13 World Championships at senior level.
Blaze have just one import defenceman still to announce to complete the roster for the 2023/24 season.
