DURHAM, ENGLAND – Coventry Blaze have appointed long serving defender Matt Soderstrom to their back room staff. It is understood that Soderstrom will work alongside Blaze assistant coach Luc Chabot and that he will also work as the club’s defensive coach.
Blaze skipper Jonathan Weaver
Soderstrom has spent almost a decade with Blaze over 2 spells with the Paul Thompson’s side and everyone at the Sky Dome will be hoping that the vastly experienced blue liner will be able to bring the best out of home grown defenceman such as Jonathan Weaver and David Phillips. Though it has not been confirmed Soderstrom could well still be asked to lace up the skates next term if any of the Blaze’s principle d men were to pick up an injury next term.
Coventry have confirmed that 7 of last years roster will not be returning to the Sky Dome next season. Jason Robinson has retired from the game while Brian Lee, Brad Zanon, Sean Selmser, Greg Chambers, Brad Cruickshank and Jeff Smith have all moved on from the midlands. Blaze had one of their worst seasons in recent memory last campaign and Coach Thompson will be keen to change things around as he will no doubt be hoping that his side can taste success during the 2011/12 term.
Jason Robinson who has recently retired
Blaze have already made one astute signing ahead of the new campaign as former Newcastle Vipers forward Matic Krajl has already signed for Coventry. Krajl has experience of the Elite League from his time on Tyneside and the 28 year old Slovenian will bring a great deal of trickery and skill to Coventry’s offence. After his sides struggles last term Paul Thompson will be keen to change the make up of his squad and the signing of Krajl illustrates that Blaze could be aiming to ice a highly skilled side during the coming campaign.
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
Images courtesy of Paul Lynch Photography
