ICE HOCKEY: A TRIO of young British skaters have agreed two-way contracts with the Coventry Blaze for the upcoming 2017/18 Elite League season.
Renny Marr, who was Blaze’s back-up goalie last season, has agreed to a two-way deal with Blaze and Swindon Wildcats as has Wildcats team mate Oliver Stone.
Jordan Stokes has also signed up for Blaze to continue his existing deal.
Marr spent two seasons on a full-time contract in Coventry before taking up an opportunity for more ice time with Swindon in the NIHL for the 2017/18 season.
The 19-year-old Scot has iced in more than ten Elite League games and is the current number one for Team GB under-20s.
Defenceman Oliver Stone graduated through the Okanagan Hockey Academy as an associate captain before signing a full-time deal with his home-town club, Swindon, where last season he iced 38 times.
The 18-year-old has received much praise from Wildcats coach Aaron Nell who said the youngster has plenty of potential and works extremely hard.
Finally, defenceman Jordan Stokes will remain on a two-way contract with the Blaze with his parent NIHL club to be announced in due course.
The 18-year-old – who is a product of the Coventry Blaze Academy – spent last season with the Hull Pirates in the EPL, playing in near 60 games.
During the year, Stokes also featured in several Blaze pre-season and Elite League games.
A selection for GB U18s, Stokes also holds experience playing for the Blaze and Solihull NIHL teams.
All three players will spend most their time next season playing in the NIHL but will also train regularly with the Elite League Blaze team and be available for selection where possible.
Head coach Danny Stewart said: “To get some young kids involved on two-ways is hugely beneficial to us, and the players in many ways.
“In Renny Marr we get a goalie who is familiar with Coventry.
“He has done a great job as a back-up for us the past couple seasons, but now is time for him to get more game time and at Swindon he will do that.
“This two-way deal allows him to benefit from training with us occasionally throughout the season, whilst providing additional injury cover, and added depth for that position.”
“Jordan Stokes and Oliver Stone are both up and coming players who have played for the national team at different levels.
“The ability to train with the club during parts of the season and see what the Elite League guys do, day-in and day-out is great for their development and future.
“It allows us to play our part in developing the future of our sport whilst being able to get a closer look at these guys as well.”
