COVENTRY Blaze have signed Canadian defenceman Blake Thompson from Elite League rivals for the 2023/24 season.
Thompson scored 26 points (five goals, 21 assists) in 68 Elite League games for Cardiff last season as the Devils made it all the way to the play-off final.
The 30-year-old also contributed five assists in six games as Cardiff won a bronze medal on the Continental Cup.
Blaze head coach, Danny Stewart, said: “Blake is a top pairing defenceman that can log a lot of minutes.
“He had a great first season in Cardiff, is now accustomed to the league, and will play in all situations for us.
“His skating ability allows him to defend very well off the rush and in zone. He’s got a good head for the game, reads the play, and is another good professional that we prioritise here in Coventry.
“We are excited to get him on board.”
The 6ft 1in two-way blue-liner was playing in his first season in Europe last year after spending the majority of his professional career in the ECHL with Adirondack Thunder.
In 254 ECHL regular season and playoff games, the Listowel, Ontario native registered 71 points (15 goals, 56 assists) and was an associate captain in his final season with the Thunder.
The left-shooter graduated via St. Norbert College where in 2013/14 he was an NCAA III champion and named Rookie of the Year.
In each of the next two seasons he was part of the NCAA III (NCHA) All-Conference Team and held an associate captaincy role in his senior year.
