As the Coventry Blaze head out of the Stewart era and into the Moore reign, lots of attention will be on the new coach's first team. From returnees to fresh young talent, the Blaze have shopped around for their 2024/2025 roster.
Buying in for another season of Blaze hockey is 21 year old netminder Will Bray. Bray has competed in the Skydome for the past 6 seasons but is yet to make his league debut. The netminder from Nottingham will be hoping to play a few games this season as the Blaze push for a playoff spot and challenge the top four. However, Bray’s career isn’t all siting around and waiting for a spot at the bench. In the 21-22 season, he played 3 games for IK kronan in II-divisioona of Finland. With all the uncertainty of a spot in the match night roster, Bray will be hoping new head coach Kevin Moore trusts him to gate keep and be ready to be called into action if needed. Having the extra import spot is a must to be competitive in the Elite League.
Now onto the defenders where the Blaze have announced the testimonial and services of David Clements. Across the 2023/2024 season, Clements played 52 games scoring 14 points. After being left out of the Great Britain squad for the 2024 IIHF World Championships in Prague, Clements will be looking to make an impression on the whole league on what is set to be a memorable season for him. A player like Clements will be a key role with the young coach as he knows the club inside out and will no doubt be part of Moore’s leadership group whether it be with a ‘C’ or an ‘A’.
Another returnee to the Blaze blue line is young prospect Archie Hazeldine. Hazeldine has been rewarded his first full time contract after impressive performances at the Telford Tigers where he scored 23 points in the same amount of games. After this run, Hazeldine was called up to the Blaze midway through the season where he played a very mature game scoring 2 points in 28 games. Hazeldine also developed at the IIHF World Junior Championship U20 D2A. He played 5 games at the tournament, registering 3 assists in the time in Dumfries.
On the offensive affairs, The Blaze have announced the signing of British Forward Zaine McKenzie. McKenzie, who spent the 2023/2024 season across 2 NIHL clubs (Bees and Tigers) as well as a brief spell for the Nottingham Panthers. During his time in the NIHL, McKenzie racked up 8 points in 44 games. After not getting his chance at Nottingham, Moore will be looking to play McKenzie on a fourth line unit which will excel in certain games and on the penalty kill. Moore has also nailed down forward Alessio Luciani for a second season in Coventry blue. Coming off the back of a 20 goal season, Luciani will be a key player for the Blaze as he hopes to add more points to their top 4 push. Coventry has been home to Luciani since he became pro in 2023. With his eyes set on silverware, Luciani’s points will be crucial in the 2024/2025 season. Last season the Canadian registered 34 points in 50 games making him a top end producer for the West Midlands side. Another high end producer is the returning Kim Tallberg. Tallberg, who is returning for his 3rd season with the Blaze, requires just 5 goals to hit the century mark of EIHL scores. Last time out, the 32 year old Swedish winger scored 38 points in 54 league appearances netting 13 and assisting 25. During his career, Coventry is the only place that Tallberg has played outside of Sweden. Kevin Moore will be glad to have a player of his ability and skill to his roster and was seen putting Tallberg on the top line in an announcement video.
Another player who is making his first trip out of his home country is Grayson Constable. Constable is beginning his professional career in Coventry as he has signed his first deal after finishing in the American college system. In 23/24, Constable represented the Long Island University team where he played 37 times and scored 18 points. Throughout his career, Constable has been a leader as he captained the College of the Holy Cross side in the 2022-2023 season. Constable will be able to play a good role in the EIHL as his size means he can carry the puck hard and defend on the penalty kill.
Another young player who started his career in Coventry is the returning Tyler Kirkup. Kirkup returns for his third season at the Blaze after tallying 19 points in his 50 appearances last campaign. The 26 year old is just going into his prime after spells in the ECHL and the EIHL, the Canadian will be looking for his best season yet. Kirkup’s contributions don’t often come in scoring goals but his work in keeping them out. His penalty kill ability is very good and he is able to disrupt the opposition's attack.
The future looks bright in Coventry as Kevin Moore has been able to sign up 16 year old star boy Brynley Capps to a 3 year contract. The Chelmsford born star boy played the 2023/2024 season with Raiders IHC where he played 25 times scoring 6 points. Although it is too early to say if Capps is going to be the next Liam Kirk or not, we can say he is going to really develop under Kevin Moore as his player on player coaching is excellent as he showed the league in his difficult spell in Nottingham. Capps, capped off a debut u18 world junior championship (D2A) with a breath-taking 11 points in just 5 games.
Another player with an impressive record at World Junior Championships is Jack Hopkins. Although he competed in the u20’s competition, Hopkins scored 10 points in 5 games. The ex-Nottingham Panther will be looking to compete for a place in Pete Russell’s Great Britain squad ahead of the D1A World Championship in April 2025. Across 43 league games, Hopkins scored 3 points for the Blaze in 23-24 season with the British prospect mainly playing a reduced role.
Coventry have assembled a good squad of top 6 and bottom 6 forwards along with a strong homegrown core. This will be built upon with more imports and new faces.
Wrote by Will Harris
Proofread by Calan Yule
Edited by Calan Yule & Will Harris
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