ICE HOCKEY: DANNY Stewart has boosted his defensive power ahead of the 2017/18 Elite League Ice Hockey season by bringing in 6’2″ defender Dax Lauwers.
The American joins Blaze from ECHL club Alaska Aces, where last season he played 62 games – registering two goals, ten assists, and 142 penalty minutes.
Prior to joining the Aces, the 25-year-old spent time with the Colorado Eagles and Cincinatti Cyclones.
Lauwers’ career started in 2009 with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL where he played two seasons, split by a year with the U.S. Military Academy.
On his return to Lincoln, Lauwers was nominated captain – and went on to lead the team to a Western Conference Championship.
In 2012, the Alaska native joined the Northeastern University of the NCAA where he spent three years, again being made Captain and named ‘unsung hero’ of the Huskies before graduating in 2015.
At the NCAA level, Lauwers competed in 139 contests contributing 14 points and 156 penalty minutes.
Head coach Danny Stewart said Dax is a competitive player who will put it on the line every night.
He added: “Dax takes pride in doing his job night-in and night-out.
“He’s a big body who defends really well and brings a very physical type of game to our back-end.
“Everyone I spoke to about this kid couldn’t say enough about his character and willingness to do whatever it takes to win.
“He will log big minutes for us back there five-on-five and on the penalty-kill.”
Lauwers said: “I am excited to be playing for the Blaze this season.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play hockey professionally overseas.
“Coach Stewart and I have had some great conversations over the phone about the upcoming season and I am confident that Coventry will be a tremendous place to spend the next year on and off the ice.
“I have been blessed with my hockey career so far.
“I’ve been awarded the opportunity to live in places like Nebraska, New York, Boston, Colorado, Ohio and Alaska while playing the game I love.
“I couldn’t be happier to bring that adventure over to England for the upcoming season with the Blaze.
“I have heard nothing but positive things from players like Liam Stewart and Drew Fisher.
“Everyone speaks highly of the EIHL, Blaze and Coventry.
“It feels like the opportunity of a lifetime and I can’t wait to land in England and get the season started.”
Picture: Colorado Eagles.
