COVENTRY Blaze have confirmed the return of British forward Zaine McKenzie for the 2025/26 Elite League season.
The 21-year-old made 27 appearances for his hometown club last season as he registered two assists in his first full season with Blaze.
He also played 15 games for the Peterborough Phantoms in the NIHL where he contributed two goals and three assists.
McKenzie said: “I am excited and grateful to be returning for my second year with the Blaze.
“Playing for my boyhood club, where I grew up, means everything to me.
“I believe in what Kevin is building here, his philosophy is clear, and it is going to bring results.
“I want to continue developing my game and cementing my role as a player.
“The fans were huge for us last year, the support was incredible, and I appreciate that greatly.”
Blaze head coach, Kevin Moore added: “Zaine is one of the hardest workers I have ever coached.
“He has fully embraced his role and is extremely valuable to the character of our locker room.
“Zaine is an incredible person who will no doubt continue to develop in the finer details of the game and thrive as a ‘do-anything’ type of player.
“I’m thrilled to have him back for another season.”
Coventry-born McKenzie joined Blaze following three seasons split between the Elite League and NIHL.
He made 12 appearances for Nottingham Panthers in 2023/24 and also played 25 games for Telford Tigers and 23 with Berkshire Bees.
The youngster has also featured for Milton Keynes Lightning.
Prior to turning professional, he spent two years in North America at the Ontario Hockey Academy after the leaving the United Kingdom at the age of 16-years-old.
He has represented Great Britain twice at the IIHF Under-20 World Championship Division 2A as he won silver in 2022 and bronze in 2023.
