THE Genting Casino Coventry Blaze have completed their defence for the 2021-22 Elite League season by signing American Joey Raats.
The 25-year-old Las Vegas native spent the 2019-20 season in France with Briancon and Gap, contributing six points (one goal, five assists).
Blaze head coach Danny Stewart said: “In Joey we are getting a very dependable two-way guy. He’s a right shot that skates well and is a very good puck mover.
“He compliments our back-end where we fell we have a good balance of mobility, size and puck movement.
“Again we had glowing references on Joey’s character and willingness as a team-mate.”
Prior to his debut season in Europe, Raats spent a season with the Utah Grizzlies in the ECHL with eight points (two goals, six assists) in 38 regular season games, Before turning pro, the right-shot blue-liner spent three seasons in the NCAA with Arizona State University.
After a pre-season clash against Manchester Storm last night (Wednesday), Blaze entertain Guildford Flames on Sunday (5.30pm) for a Challenge Cup encounter.