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The Coventry Blaze[a] are a British professional ice hockey team based in Coventry, England. They currently compete in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) and play their home games at Planet Ice Coventry. The club was founded in 1965 as the original Solihull Barons and renamed the Solihull Blaze in 1996, before relocating to Coventry at the turn of the millennium. The Blaze have won four Elite Ice Hockey League Championships since the formation of the league in 2003.

Key Information

Club history

[edit]

Seasons

[edit]

1965–1996: Early history

[edit]
Main article: Solihull Barons § Previous incarnations

1996–2000: Solihull Blaze

[edit]

The Solihull Barons evolved into Solihull Blaze before the start of the 1996–97 season, finishing second in the southern division of the British National League during the league's inaugural season. For the following season the team joined the newly formed "national division" of the English National Ice Hockey League for its inaugural season; during which members of the higher division played a dual set of fixtures; one set amongst themselves and another amongst all of the teams within the ENIHL. This season was one of the most successful on record as Blaze were victorious in both competitions and their respective play-offs. Nine goals in each leg of the play off final against Chelmsford Chieftains gave Blaze their third trophy of the season.

The Blaze left the ENIHL along with the rest of the national division during the course of the 1998–99 season, with the division becoming the English Premier League. In November 1998, they were losing finalists in the English Cup, but the side were once again crowned league champions in March with a victory in Chelmsford on 20 March. Play-off success followed in April with a 5–3 two-legged victory over season-long rivals, Milton Keynes Kings.

For the following season Blaze returned to the BNL; and made a semi-final appearance in the 1999–2000 BNL play-offs, losing to eventual winners Fife Flyers, having finished in seventh position in their first year back at British National League level. In May 2000, the club announced that they would be heading to a new 3,600-seater stadium, the Coventry Skydome, for the 2000–01 BNL campaign; renaming themselves "Coventry Blaze" in the process. This was done for the purpose of attracting a larger fan base to the team.[1]

2000–2003: Coventry Blaze

[edit]

With eight new players on board the Blaze started their inaugural season at the Skydome with a decent run in the Benson & Hedges Cup and, after losing in their opening BNL game, proceeded to set an impressive pace in the league competition throughout October and November. The loss of key players, Craig Chapman (returned to US) and Steve Chartrand (injury) at the turn of the year were possible contributions to a dip in form which resulted in an eventual fourth-place finish. In the playoffs Blaze were unable to repeat the previous years semi-final appearance. However, the most important factor of the year was the growth in fan base from a few hundred at the start of the year to over 2000 by the end of the play-offs.

Season 2001–02 saw few changes in the line up (Canadian Ian Burt replacing Henrik Sjodin in goal, Andrew McNiven joining in place of AJ Kelham and Steve Carpenter returning to Blaze colours being the main changes.) The Season started with a run of good results in the Findus Challenge Cup which saw Blaze qualify for the Semi-Finals. This run included the first return visit to Hobs Moat Road in Solihull to take on the reformed Barons (both games saw Blaze victorious). An injury to Andrew McNiven saw ex-Steeler/Panther/Giant Steve Roberts join up with the Blaze. An impressive October/November saw the Blaze matching new-boys Dundee Stars all the way. The Finals weekend of the Challenge Cup saw Blaze comeback from 3–0 down in the semi-final to beat Basingstoke Bison and go on to meet Fife in the final, which the Flyers went on to win. Returning to the league, and the Blaze continued in fine form throughout splitting results with the Stars. Stars greater consistency, and their ability not to drop points against mid-table teams left them top of the league with the Blaze runners-up again. The play-offs saw the Blaze top their qualification group and then beat Guildford Flames over the two legged semi-final. The Final saw them take on the Stars and lose out by the narrowest of margins, 8–7, over the two legs, and for the third time in the season Blaze were runners-up.

Season 2002–03 saw another evolution not revolution in the playing staff with Jody Lehman replacing Burt in goal, Joel Poirier replacing the departed Roberts, and GB forward Ashley Tait joining the team. Blaze entered the Ice Hockey Superleague (ISL) Challenge Cup at the start of the season, and ran a couple of ISL teams close. The Findus Challenge Cup saw Blaze into the Finals where they met the Newcastle Vipers, but the result was a 0–3 loss. A run of form following the defeat saw the Blaze wrap up the league title with a victory in Dundee. This was followed up with an unbeaten play-offs run, the Final being contested against Cardiff Devils, and a narrow victory in Cardiff was followed by a first ever capacity crowd (2750) at the Skydome for a triumphant night that saw Blaze lift their second trophy of the year. Shortly after the final, Blaze announced their move into the newly formed Elite Ice Hockey League, and commenced preparations for their first ever season in the top flight of British ice hockey.

2003–04 season

[edit]

Season 2003–04 saw another major change in the club's progress as they took part in their first season as a top-flight club in the newly formed Elite League. Coach Paul Thompson stayed true to the team which had won the double in the BNL the year before, replacing only three players; defencemen Steve O'Brien and Steve Gallace coming from the ECHL to replace Andreas Moborg and Ron Shudra and college-graduate Graham Schlender replacing folk-hero Kurt Irvine. The first game of the league saw another first for the club as they flew to their game in Belfast and beat the previous year's Superleague playoff champions. A 6–1 win over Sheffield in October and an 11–0 victory over Manchester Phoenix in December were highlights as the team stayed close the leaders at the top of the table up until Christmas.

In the New Year, Blaze fell back and wins were hard to come by, but they still finished third in their first year in the top flight. The playoffs however, got off to an awful start as they lost in Cardiff minus coach Thompson, serving a one match ban following a bench clearance against the Devils the weekend before. With only four games in the group stage, Blaze were unable to get going after that loss and ended the season by finishing winless in the post-season.

2004–05 season

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Planet Ice Coventry, home of the Blaze

If the previous season had finished disappointingly, season 2004–05 ended in the best possible way after the greatest seven months in the club's history. Although stalwarts such as netminder Jody Lehman and new captain Ashley Tait returned, coach Thompson changed many, bringing in more size, more speed and more quality. His greatest coup was signing former-Superleague defenceman Neal Martin, who went on to become the league's Player of the Year and selected to the EIHL All-Star Team. The brand-new first line of Dan Carlson, Adam Calder and Andre Payette proved potent all through the season, as Carlson's speed and vision proved the perfect set-up for Calder's finishing and play around the net, while Payette angered many by clocking up almost 500 penalty minutes. The season started well as they qualified from their group for the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup, kept with the early pace-setters at the top of the league and even got over the disappointment of losing out on NHL forward Eric Beaudoin on a lock-out deal by bringing in high-scoring centreman Chris McNamara.

The turning point in Blaze's season came in November, as Thompson cut Slovak Michal Vrabel and brought in Toronto Maple Leafs' NHL defenceman Wade Belak, sparking a run to the end of the regular season where they only lost once in regulation time. A Doug Schueller goal against Nottingham Panthers sent Coventry to their first Challenge Cup final with a 5–4 aggregate victory, before they beat Cardiff 6–1 in the first leg of the final. A fight-strewn second-leg a week later saw Coventry battle under pressure to win the game 5–4; securing their first trophy of the season, 11–5 on aggregate. As Cardiff faltered, the league eventually became a two-horse race between Coventry and Belfast. Blaze eventually they had the chance to wrap up the title with three games to go in front of a new record crowd at the Skydome, Coventry dispatched of London Knights 5–1 and secured their place as the number one team in Britain.

Now the bid was on to add the Playoff crown to their trophy cabinet. After qualifying from their playoff group for their first finals weekend, a Jody Lehman shutout helped Blaze beat Sheffield Steelers 3–0 in their semi-final. The Playoff Final against the home-town Nottingham Panthers was tight and eventually went into sudden-death overtime tied at 1–1. But just over three minutes into the extra session, captain Ashley Tait scored the game-winner, securing Coventry Blaze's place in British Ice Hockey history as winners of the elusive Grand-Slam.

2005–06 season

[edit]

In the 2005–06 season, Coventry Blaze faced the enormity of trying to emulate their grand slam success, but before it had even begun they had suffered losses, with their entire first line and netminder moving on, as well as three key players retiring. With replacements acquired, the team began slowly, edging into the Challenge Cup semis whilst trying to keep with the early pace-setters in the league. The season high came when Blaze were British representatives in the Continental Cup group stages, winning and drawing their opening two games before falling to French hosts Grenoble in the final, deciding game. Blaze took a three-goal lead in a repeat of the previous year's Challenge Cup final against Cardiff, but could not defend this in the second leg. The Devils wiped out the advantage, with the final goal 20 seconds from time, and were the only team to score in the deciding penalty shootout to win the competition.

The remaining months offered little success as the team finished fourth and then failed to make the playoff semis. Their last chance at success came in the final of the newly created British Knockout Cup in front of a new record Skydome crowd, but resulted in another shootout loss.

2006–07 season

[edit]

With a wholesale revamp of the team, the 2006–07 season saw Coventry taking to the ice vastly more experienced for the challenge from back to front. League All-Star Trevor Koenig to goal proved to be the team's key signing, and the partnership of the Grand-Slam year was reformed as Adam Calder and Dan Carlson both returned. They were combined with proven past winners like Sylvain Cloutier, Samy Nasreddine, former NHL player Rumun Ndur, Reid Simonton and Danny Stewart.

Despite reigning champions Belfast pulling away at the top of the league, Blaze quietly qualified for both cup finals without defeat and maintained a steady pace behind the Giants. Come early February, Blaze had cut the 11-point lead Belfast held at Christmas, and when the two met at the Skydome, an 8–0 win in Coventry's favour proved a massive turning point. They were run close, but a home win against Edinburgh with a few games remaining secured Blaze's second Elite League championship in three years. A week later a second trophy was in the cabinet – a 5–1 win in Sheffield brought the Challenge Cup back to Coventry. The other two trophies eluded them thanks to the Cardiff Devils, with a 3–0 shutout on Skydome ice in the Knockout Cup final followed up by a 3–2 success in the playoff semi-finals.

2007–08 season

[edit]

Blaze entered the 2007 season with the majority of the Championship team retained. Captain Ashley Tait departed after a five-year stay and was replaced by fellow British international Jonathan Weaver in the team's big transfer story, while sniper Curtis Huppe arrived from Belfast and past-servants of the club, Russ Cowley and Matt Soderstrom, returned to Coventry for the 2007–08 season. Despite relinquishing the Challenge Cup early on with failure to escape their group and make the semis, Blaze started strong in the league and kept going throughout the season. They were the British representatives in the Continental Cup once more, this time in Aalborg, Denmark, and although they ultimately missed out on a place in the next round, they produced one of the greatest results in the club's history – a 3–2 overtime comeback win against Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg. Domestically, Adam Calder, ably assisted again by partner Dan Carlson, proved to be Blaze's main weapon. The Canadian scorer had a career season, hitting 58 goals and 125 points in Elite League competitions as he ended the year the club's and the league's MVP.

Blaze held off their challengers to finally seal a second successive, and third overall, Elite League title. By this time Coventry had also reached the Knockout Cup final against Basingstoke, but they needed a four-goal burst in the final period of the second leg to seal a second trophy of the season – one which had proved elusive on two previous occasions. In the playoffs Blaze reached the final against league runners-up Sheffield, but a 2–0 shutout backstopped by Blaze's grand-slam goalie Jody Lehman eluded them of another treble.

2008–09 season

[edit]

The 2008–09 season resulted in the club winning no major silverware for the first time in three years.

The club reacted to losing key members of their team, in All-Stars Trevor Koenig and Neal Martin and captain Sylvain Cloutier, by building a young, mobile roster designed to last the distance. However, they lacked consistency in key areas and went through periods of poor form. All of Head Coach, Paul Thompson's new signings were familiar to British hockey bar two – Scott Kelman and Corey LeClair – who both arrived from the ECHL.

The first half of the season saw good progress, with the club taking the Charity Shield in overtime against Sheffield and qualifying for the Challenge Cup semi finals. A third representation by the club at the Continental Cup saw a winner-takes-all final game against hosts Bolzano, where a disallowed Coventry goal proved the major turning point in an eliminating 1–0 defeat.

Come January 2009 though Blaze started to falter – Kelman and LeClair were replaced after failing to adapt to the British league and the Knockout Cup was relinquished against Belfast over two legs. The changes in personnel failed to bring enough of a change in fortunes, with Coventry falling over two legs to the Giants again in the Challenge Cup semis before finishing 11 points behind Sheffield to take second in the Elite League title race. The last hope of a trophy came in the playoffs, but Nottingham provided a final devastation with a 6–2 defeat.

2009–10 season

[edit]

Coventry Blaze celebrated their 10th anniversary season in 2009–10 with a third Elite League title in four seasons, making it 10 trophies in 10 seasons since the move to the city in the summer of 2000.

Coach Paul Thompson's new signings were key as Coventry recovered from being runners-up the previous year to title winners again. Peter Hirsch was added as netminder, Brian Lee was installed on the blue-line, whilst Greg Chambers and Luke Fulghum brought goals up front.

The season started with a Challenge Cup run that fell at the group stage, but the Elite League's newly created 20–20 hockey tournament proved more of a success and Blaze were losing finalists to the Sheffield Steelers. With the cups removed from the priority list, the league became Coventry's main focus for six months, and the race for its title was to become one of the closest fought for years, going all the way to the final weekend.

To avoid a final day showdown with second-placed Belfast, Coventry as narrow leaders needed to win their penultimate game in Edinburgh. Blaze gained a two-goal lead, but with a minute to go found themselves a goal down and the big title-decider against the Giants looked likely. But Captain Adam Calder tied the scores with only 28 seconds remaining and took the game to OT, before his hat-trick goal sealed the comeback and the league championship. However, despite making the Playoff Semi-Finals for a fourth year running, they were well-beaten in Nottingham by the Cardiff Devils.

2010–11 season

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See also: 2010-11 Coventry Blaze season
Blaze face-off against the Belfast Giants at the Skydome in October 2011.

The 2010–11 season resulted in no silverware for the Blaze.

There were not many changes from the team that won the league championship the previous season. Brett Jaeger replaced Peter Hirsh in goal whilst Canadian blueliners Brad Zanon and Jeff Smith were signed in place of long-time defenceman Tom Watkins, who moved to Telford Tigers as player-coach, and the retiring Jason Robinson. Up-front Owen Fussey was signed from rivals Edinburgh Capitals to replace the team's highest goal scorer Adam Calder.

The season did not start well with four consecutive defeats against Belfast and Nottingham leaving the Blaze at the bottom of the league table, but even a club record 12 game unbeaten run between the end of September and middle of November did not help them catch up with the leaders. From then on Blaze lost more games than they won and the result was 6th in the league standings – Coventry's worst finish in their 11-year history. Injuries were blamed for the downturn, particularly to key imports, with defenceman Jeff Smith, Brian Lee and Jonathan Weaver all requiring lengthy lay-offs which resulted in Blaze calling up inexperienced players from their ENL team as well as bringing back Jason Robinson from retirement in America to help plug the gaps on the blueline. The situation was just as bad in attack with goalscorer Owen Fussey sidelined after 34 games with a knee injury and Brad Cruikshank forced to serve a lengthy ban for his involvement in a bench clearance against rivals Nottingham in a game at the Skydome.

Away from the league there was just as little success. A strong start in the Challenge Cup soon faltered and Blaze failed to progress from the group stage, and in the playoffs the team failed to reach the finals weekend in Nottingham after suffering a 3–4 overtime loss against Belfast in the quarter finals. As defending league champions Blaze once again were Britain's representatives in the Continental Cup, and made a strong bid to reach the superfinals of the competition with 6–1 victories in their first two group games before falling 3–7 to the hosts in Rouen.

2011–12 season

[edit]
See also: 2011–12 Coventry Blaze season

In December 2011, it was announced by the club that the Blaze were in financial difficulties due to the economic climate and events outside of their control. The Blaze issued a press statement announcing Blaze Action Month, asking the fans to get behind the club by purchasing game tickets and buying merchandise in order to raise funds.[2]

2012–13 season

[edit]
See also: 2012–13 Coventry Blaze season

The 2012–13 was the 10th season for the Coventry Blaze in the Elite Ice Hockey League.

Club jerseys

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Each season the club releases a new set of jerseys. The club always wear their blue jerseys for home games, this will consist of a royal blue for the main color along with a dark blue and white sections on the jersey. The away jersey will have the same base design but this jersey will be white for the main color and the royal blue replacing the white sections on the home jersey and the dark blue sections remain the same. The challenge cup jersey is worn only during the team's home challenge cup games, these jerseys have the same design as the other two jerseys but the main color is now black with white sections on the bottom and sleeves of the jersey.

The club wears special edition jerseys with different designs on them celebrating Christmas, Halloween, Easter etc.

Mascot

[edit]

Scorch the dragon is the official Coventry Blaze mascot. Scorch is infamous for his unique dance moves, he interacts with fans of all teams when they visit the Skydome arena. Scorch can often be found before and during a game walking around the rink being mischievous with fans and taking photos.[3] During the pre-game introduction Scorch skates onto the ice and throws tennis balls into the crowd for fans to catch, each ball contains a Blaze players number. The fan with the tennis ball numbered after the first player to score in that night's game will win a prize. During the second period break, scorch participates in chuck a puck.

Scorch has been played by various volunteers over their twenty years in Coventry. Each person has kept up the persona of Scorch being mischievous and playful.

Current squad

[edit]

Squad for 2025-26 Elite League season [4][5]

Netminders
No. Player Catches Acquired Place of Birth Joined from Press Release
20 Canada Mat Robson L 2024 Mississauga, Canada Cracovia Krakow, Polska Hokej Liga [1]
33 Canada Dershahn Stewart L 2025 Amherstburg, Canada Adrian College Bulldogs, NCAA Division III [2]
39 England Joel Bearman L 2025 England Coventry Blaze NIHL, NIHL 2 [3]
TBC England Will Bray* L 2022 Nottingham, England IK Kronan, 2. Divisioona [4]
Defencemen
No. Player Shoots Acquired Place of Birth Joined from Press Release
7 Canada Connor Russell R 2025 Guelph, Canada Jacksonville Icemen, ECHL [5]
21 England Archie Hazeldine R 2023 Nottingham, England Nottingham Panthers, EIHL [6]
23 United States Colton Saucerman R 2025 Colorado Springs, United States Sheffield Steelers, EIHL [7]
52 England Billy Thorpe** R 2024 Peterborough, England Peterborough Phantoms, NIHL [8]
58 EnglandUnited Kingdom David Clements A R 2015 Coventry, England Milton Keynes Lightning, EPIHL [9]
62 Finland Jere Vertanen L 2025 Jyväskylä, Finland TH Unia Oświęcim, Polska Hokej Liga [10]
77 Canada Jordan Power L 2025 Ottawa, Canada Greenville Swamp Rabbits, ECHL [11]
91 United States Ivan Chukarov L 2025 Des Plaines, United States Jacksonville Icemen, ECHL [12]
Forwards
No. Player Position Acquired Place of Birth Joined from Press Release
9 United States Sam Ruffin F 2025 Westfield, United States Huntsville Havoc, SPHL [13]
10 United States Adam Robbins F 2025 Alpine, United States Cincinnati Cyclones, ECHL [14]
13 Canada Grayson Constable F 2024 Lethbridge, Canada LIU Sharks, NCAA Division I [15]
15 England Jack Hopkins C 2023 Nottingham, England Nottingham Panthers, EIHL [16]
16 Sweden Kim Tallberg C LW/RW 2022 Norrköping, Sweden Tingsryds AIF, HockeyAllsvenskan [17]
18 Northern IrelandCanada Mack Stewart RW/LW 2025 Belfast, Northern Ireland Belfast Giants, EIHL [18]
19 United States Elijiah Barriga C/LW 2025 West Covina, United States Belfast Giants, EIHL [19]
24 England Zaine McKenzie* RW/C 2024 Coventry, England Nottingham Panthers, EIHL [20]
27 Canada Michael Pelech C 2025 Toronto, Canada UTE, Erste Liga [21]
28 Ukraine Artem Buzoberya LW/C 2025 Kharkiv, Ukraine Bentley Falcons, NCAA Division I [22]
40 Denmark William Boysen RW 2025 Denmark SønderjyskE Ishockey, Metal Ligaen [23]
61 Canada Alessio Luciani F 2023 Toronto, Canada Adrian College Bulldogs, NCAA Division III [24]
63 United States Matthew Gleason C 2025 Saint Paul, United States St Thomas Tommies, NCAA Division I [25]
86 United States Grant Mismash LW/C 2025 Edina, United States Belfast Giants, EIHL [26]
On Loan
No. Player Position Acquired Place of Birth Playing For Press Release
Team Staff
No. Name Position Place of Birth Joined from Press Release
N/A United States Kevin Moore Head Coach Belle Mead, United States Nottingham Panthers, EIHL [27]
N/A Canada Coltyn Bates Assistant Coach Brandon, Canada Winkler Flyers, MJHL [28]
N/A England Ethan Kane Equipment manager England Appointed in 2019 [29]
N/A England Steve Small Assistant Equipment manager Birmingham, England Involved with club since 2000 [30]
N/A England Anthony Pountney Assistant Equipment manager England Appointed in 2023 [31]
Recent departures
No. Player Position Acquired Leaving For Press Release
3 United States Mike Kennedy D 2024 TBC [32]
6 United States Alexander Kuqali D 2022 TBC [33]
7 CanadaItaly Terrance Amorosa D 2024 Herning Blue Fox, Metal Ligaen [34]
8 England Brynley Capps C/RW 2024 TBC [35]
9 CanadaGermany Jackson Cressey F 2024 TBC [36]
10 United States Zach Heintz F 2024 TBC [37]
19 Canada Michael Regush C 2024 Dragons de Rouen, Ligue Magnus [38]
27 United States Chase Gresock F 2024 Dragons de Rouen, Ligue Magnus [39]
28 Canada Brady Pouteau D 2025 TBC [40]
29 United States Nick Seitz F 2024 Sheffield Steelers, EIHL [41]
64 Canada Brandon Alderson A RW 2024 Ritten Sport, AlpsHL [42]
71 Estonia Morten Jurgens C/RW 2024 Dundee Stars, EIHL [43]
92 Sweden Jakob Stridsberg D 2024 TBC [44]

Head coaches

[edit]

The Coventry Blaze head coach is currently Kevin Moore.

Former Coaches for the Blaze include Paul Thompson, who also coached the Great Britain men's national ice hockey team while Coach of the Blaze. Thompson stood down as coach in 2013 and former player Mathias Soderstrom took over but was replaced in 2014 by Sheffield Steelers Assistant Coach Marc Le Febvre. Le Febvre was then replaced by first Steven Goertzen in a short term role in November 2014, and then a month later replaced by Chuck Weber who agreed to coach until the end of the season.

After an initial tough start, Weber against all odds took Blaze to the play-off final beating favourites Sheffield Steelers 4–2. Weber subsequently signed for a further season and again reached the final of the playoffs however this time Blaze lost 2–0 to Nottingham Panthers.

Weber's departure was announced soon after, and was swiftly replaced by ex-player Danny Stewart who returned to the club from the Fife Flyers ahead of the 2016–17 season. Stewart moved on to the Nottingham Panthers in 2024.[6]

In May 2024, Coventry appointed the Nottingham Panthers assistant Kevin Moore as their new head coach.[7]

Season-by-season record

[edit]
Further information: Coventry Blaze seasons

Honours

[edit]

Below is a list of all the major titles and honours for the Solihull/Coventry Blaze since 1996.[12]

English Division One North Champions

  • 1997–98 (as Solihull)

English National League Champions

  • 1997–98 (as Solihull)

English National League Play Off Champions

  • 1997–98 (as Solihull)

English Premier League Champions

  • 1998–99 (as Solihull)

English Premier League Play Off Champions

  • 1998–99 (as Solihull)

British National League Champions

  • 2002–03

British National League Play Off Champions

  • 2002–03

Elite Ice Hockey League Champions

  • 2004–05, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2009–10

Elite Ice Hockey League Play Off Champions

  • 2004–05, 2014–15

Elite Ice Hockey League Challenge Cup Champions

  • 2004–05, 2006–07

Elite Ice Hockey League British Knockout Cup Champions

  • 2007–08

Elite Ice Hockey League Charity Shield Champions

  • 2008–09

Elite Ice Hockey League First Team All-Stars[45]

Elite Ice Hockey League Second Team All-Stars[46]

Honoured players

[edit]
See also: List of Coventry Blaze players
  • #12 Canada Steve Chartrand – Jersey retired for services to the club.[13]
  • #17 United Kingdom Russell Cowley – Jersey retired for services to the club.[13]
  • #25 Canada Adam Calder – Jersey retired for services to the club.[13]
  • #26 United States Dan Carlson - Jersey retired for services to the club.[13]
  • #55 United Kingdom Stephen Cooper – Jersey retired for services to British Ice Hockey.[13]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Coventry Blaze

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Coventry Blaze are a professional ice hockey team based in , West Midlands, , competing in the , the premier professional ice hockey league in the . The club originated as the Solihull Barons in 1965 and was renamed the Solihull Blaze in 1996 before relocating to the Skydome Arena in in 2000 due to inadequate facilities at their previous home rink. Playing their home games at the 3,000-capacity Skydome Arena in the city center, the Blaze maintain a strong community focus, engaging with local schools, charities, and businesses through various programs. Since joining the EIHL upon its formation in 2003, the Blaze have established themselves as one of the league's most successful teams, securing four EIHL championships and multiple playoff titles. Key achievements include EIHL regular-season titles in 2004–05, 2006–07, 2007–08, and 2009–10, playoff victories in 2004–05 and 2014–15, and wins in 2004–05 and 2007–08, alongside earlier successes in lower divisions such as the British National League championship in 2002–03. The team has also produced notable players who have contributed to Great Britain's international successes, including Division I gold medals at the IIHF World Championships in 2017–18, 2022–23, and 2024–25. Under head coach and director of hockey operations , the Coventry Blaze continue to compete in the EIHL's 10-team format, playing a schedule of home and away games from August to April, with occasional midweek fixtures. Despite facing financial challenges common to British ice hockey clubs, the team benefits from dedicated fan support and has endured as a resilient over six decades, marking 60 years since its founding in 2025.

Franchise overview

Founding and relocation

The Coventry Blaze franchise originated from the Solihull Barons, a British team established in 1965 in , West Midlands, as a successor to the earlier . In 1996, amid efforts to modernize and expand the club's appeal, the team rebranded to the Solihull Blaze while competing in the British National League and English Premier League, where it achieved early successes including the English Division One North title in 1997–98 and the English Premier League championship in 1998–99. The pivotal relocation occurred in 2000, when the Blaze moved approximately 13 miles west to to capitalize on the opening of the state-of-the-art Skydome Arena, a 3,000-capacity venue designed for multiple sports. This shift was driven by inadequate facilities at Solihull's Blue Ice Plaza, including outdated infrastructure and limited seating, which hindered growth, as well as the opportunity to access a larger urban audience in . Upon relocation for the 2000–01 season, the team fully rebranded as the Coventry Blaze, marking the end of its Solihull era and the beginning of its establishment as a top-tier club in the newly formed in 2003. The move proved transformative, enabling the Blaze to build a stronger community presence and fanbase in Coventry, though it left a void in Solihull that led to the reformation of the Barons in lower divisions by 2005.

League affiliation and operations

The Coventry Blaze are a professional ice hockey team competing in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), the premier professional league in Great Britain, which was established in 2003 with ten founding teams. The team joined the EIHL upon its inception in the 2003–04 season, having previously played in the British National League (BNL) from 2000 to 2003 after being rebranded as the Solihull Blaze in 1996. In the EIHL, the Blaze participate in a regular season typically running from August to April, consisting of 52 games against the league's other nine teams, followed by playoff and Challenge Cup competitions. Home games are scheduled primarily on weekends, with occasional midweek fixtures, emphasizing a family-oriented environment at their Coventry base. Operationally, the Blaze are structured as a , Coventry Blaze Ltd, registered in , which oversees professional team management, player contracts, and league compliance under EIHL governance. The organization maintains a focus on , including partnerships with local schools, charities, and businesses, while integrating with the broader Skydome Arena facilities for training and events. Key operational roles include a managing director for overall administration, a for hockey operations, and an operations manager handling logistics and sponsorships. The Blaze operate a developmental affiliate system to support talent pipelines, with the Coventry NIHL Blaze serving as their primary developmental in the (NIHL) North 2 Division, formerly known as the Coventry Blaze (ENL) when it competed in the English National League starting in 2007. This affiliate, playing at the same Skydome Arena, focuses on regional competition in the NIHL North 2 Division, the fourth tier of British , and facilitates player loans and development from the EIHL roster. Additionally, the organization supports lower-tier teams like the Mercian Menace as a major league affiliate for progression. These structures ensure operational sustainability and alignment with EIHL salary caps and roster rules, promoting both competitive performance and long-term club growth.

Home venue and identity

Skydome Arena

The Skydome Arena, situated in the city center of , , is the primary home venue for the Coventry Blaze of the (EIHL). Constructed in 1999 as part of a larger complex, the arena features an international-standard measuring 60 by 30 meters, designed to host professional ice hockey matches along with public skating sessions. With a total capacity of 3,000 for hockey events—including 2,200 seated positions—it provides an intimate yet energetic setting that has become synonymous with the Blaze's home games. The arena's ice facilities are operated under the Planet Ice brand, enabling seamless transitions between professional competitions and recreational activities, such as learn-to-skate programs and freestyle sessions. Amenities tailored to include dedicated team locker rooms, penalty boxes, and broadcast capabilities, supporting the EIHL's fast-paced, full-contact style of play. The venue's central location within the Skydome complex—encompassing a 24-hour gymnasium, multi-screen cinema, , and diverse dining outlets—allows fans to combine game attendance with broader entertainment options, boosting attendance and community engagement. Average home crowds for Blaze games often exceed 2,000, reflecting the arena's role in sustaining local interest in the sport. The Blaze's association with the Skydome began in 2000, when the franchise relocated from to capitalize on the new arena's facilities and 's growing fanbase, rebranding from Blaze to its current identity. This move saw the team enter the British National League, where the arena hosted early successes, including the 2002–03 BNL championship clinched on home ice, before joining the EIHL in 2003–04. Over the years, the Skydome has witnessed pivotal moments, such as the Blaze's four EIHL league titles in 2004–05, 2006–07, 2007–08, and 2009–10, with its compact layout amplifying crowd noise and player performance during playoffs. Renovations, including improved lighting and seating in the mid-2010s, have modernized the space while preserving its hockey-centric design. Beyond Blaze games, the arena supports a variety of events, including boxing matches, music concerts, and wrestling, but its ice configuration remains optimized for hockey, with reconfiguration capabilities for non-ice uses. This versatility has helped establish the Skydome as a key venue in British sports and entertainment, though its enduring legacy ties closely to the Blaze's on-ice achievements and fan loyalty.

Jerseys and mascot

The Coventry Blaze's primary home jerseys are in dark blue, featuring the team's logo prominently on the front, with accents in white and to evoke and energy. Away jerseys are predominantly white with similar design elements, including the crest and sponsor logos. These uniforms are supplied by the manufacturer Five-on-3 and include features such as fight straps and player nationality flags on game-worn versions. Special edition jerseys add variety to the team's apparel. For the competition, designs rotate annually; recent examples include a black base for the 2023/24 season and a grey variant for 2024/25, each incorporating alternative logo placements. Commemorative jerseys celebrate milestones, such as the sky blue retro design honoring the 2004/05 Grand Slam championship season, where captain Ashley Tait scored the overtime winner in the playoff final. Other editions include 25th anniversary jerseys, Pride-themed uniforms designed by Five-on-3 with rainbow accents, and holiday specials like the 2024 jersey. Replica versions of these are available for fans, priced from £40 to £80 depending on size and customization, with options for personalization. The official of the Blaze is Scorch, a dragon character that embodies the team's fiery identity. Scorch engages fans through interactive antics, including playful tricks on visiting supporters—such as hiding belongings—and distinctive during games at Skydome Arena. The mascot participates in community outreach, notably joining players to deliver holiday presents to University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire in recent seasons. Scorch has been a fixture since the team's relocation to , aligning with the dragon-themed branding that ties into the "Blaze" name and local heritage.

History

Origins and early years (1965–2000)

The Coventry Blaze traces its origins to the Solihull Barons, an club founded in 1965 in , West Midlands, , descending from the earlier . The team quickly established itself as a community staple, playing initially at local facilities before relocating to the Hobs Moat Road ice rink in 1972, where it would remain until 1996. By the mid-1970s, the Barons had grown into Solihull's most popular sport, drawing crowds exceeding 2,000 spectators per game and fostering a strong local following amid the burgeoning British scene. The 1970s marked a period of competitive maturation for the Barons, culminating in their first major championship during the 1977–78 season, when they won the Southern League title, signaling their emergence as a force in regional play. The 1980s brought challenges, including a significant breakaway in 1985, when player-coach Chuck Taylor and local broadcaster established the Telford Tigers, drawing away key players and resources to a new rink in ; this split tested the Barons' resilience but did not derail their operations. Throughout the decade, the team competed in the , maintaining a presence in non-elite divisions while navigating financial strains common to British clubs of the era. Entering the 1990s, the Barons achieved renewed success, capturing the English League championship in the 1992–93 season and solidifying their reputation for competitive play. In 1996, the franchise underwent a rebranding to the Blaze, reflecting ambitions for broader appeal and modernization, and promptly finished second in the British National League Southern Division. The late 1990s saw a surge in accomplishments: in the 1997–98 season, as part of the English National League, the Blaze won the league title, , and English League Division One North, including dominant 9–0 victories over the in playoff legs; the following season, 1998–99, they secured the English and (defeating the Kings 5–3 on aggregate in the playoff final) while finishing as runners-up in the English Cup. However, by 2000, persistent issues with the aging rink—deemed unsuitable for professional standards—prompted a relocation to the newly built Skydome Arena in , where the team was renamed the Blaze to tap into the larger urban market and fanbase potential. This move, completed in May 2000, marked the end of the era but laid the groundwork for the franchise's future prominence in British .

Championship dominance (2000–2010)

The Coventry Blaze's championship dominance in the 2000s was marked by a rapid ascent following their relocation to the Skydome Arena in 2000, transitioning from the British National League (BNL) to the newly formed (EIHL) in 2003. Under head coach Paul Thompson, who had joined the franchise in 1996, the team established itself as a powerhouse through strategic of experienced North American players and a cohesive playing style emphasizing defensive solidity and offensive firepower. This era saw the Blaze secure multiple titles, including a historic grand slam in 2004–05, solidifying their status as Britain's premier club. In the 2002–03 season, the Blaze captured the BNL regular-season championship and playoff title, completing an unbeaten playoff run that highlighted their early potential. Paul Thompson was named BNL Coach of the Year for guiding the team to these victories, with key contributions from forward Jody Lehman, who earned Player of the Year honors. This double triumph set the stage for their EIHL entry, where they finished as runners-up in the inaugural 2003–04 season, narrowly missing the league title to the . The pinnacle of this dominance came in 2004–05, when the Blaze achieved a grand slam by winning the EIHL regular-season championship, Challenge Cup, playoffs, and World of Tui Cup. They clinched the league title with a six-point margin over rivals, then defeated the 4–3 in the Challenge Cup final in . The playoff final against the went to overtime, with captain Ashley Tait scoring the decisive goal 1:53 into the extra period after a 1–1 tie, following Neal Martin's earlier marker for . Thompson was again named Coach of the Year, while Martin was recognized as EIHL MVP for his 79 points. Standout performers included NHL veterans and Dan Carlson on defense, and forwards Adam Calder and James Pease, who provided consistent scoring depth. This unprecedented sweep— the only grand slam in EIHL history—drew widespread acclaim and boosted attendance at the Skydome to record levels. Building on this momentum, the Blaze added the 2006–07 EIHL championship and , defeating the 9–4 on aggregate in the two-legged cup final. They secured title with 75 points from 54 games, edging out the by four points after a strong late-season surge. Thompson's recruitment of players like Tom Watkins and Russell Cowley bolstered the roster, enabling a balanced attack that scored 188 goals while conceding just 129. Although they fell short in the playoffs, losing to the in the semifinals, the dual titles reaffirmed their elite status. The 2007–08 campaign brought another EIHL regular-season title and victory, with the Blaze topping the standings ahead of the . They won the cup final against the , completing a season of resilience despite injuries to key players like Neal Martin. Defenseman Jonathan Weaver emerged as a standout, earning the Alan Weeks Trophy as EIHL Best Defenseman for his 50 points and leadership. Thompson's tactical acumen was pivotal in maintaining a .679 across 56 games. Closing the decade, the 2009–10 season saw the Blaze claim their fourth EIHL championship, confirmed on the final weekend with a dramatic overtime comeback victory in against the Edinburgh Capitals, featuring Adam Calder's . New signings such as Peter Hirsch and forward Luke Fulghum (48 goals) were instrumental, with the team amassing 38 wins in 56 games. Weaver captained the side to the title, while Fulghum was named Best Forward and Hirsch Best Netminder; Thompson earned Coach of the Year honors once more. Despite an early exit and a playoff semifinal loss to the , this victory capped a decade of sustained excellence, with the Blaze holding four league titles in seven EIHL seasons.

Post-championship era (2010–present)

Following their third (EIHL) championship in the 2009–10 season, the Coventry Blaze entered a period of transition marked by inconsistent regular-season performances, occasional playoff successes, and significant external challenges, including the and personnel losses. The 2010–11 season saw the Blaze finish sixth in the EIHL standings with 50 points, qualifying for the playoffs but exiting in the quarterfinals. This was followed by a stronger 2011–12 campaign, where they secured fifth place with 66 points before another quarterfinal defeat to the . In 2012–13, the team improved to fourth with 54 points and advanced to the playoff semifinals, only to lose to the , highlighting their potential for deep postseason runs amid roster adjustments like the mid-season signing of forward Adam Henrich. However, the 2013–14 season brought regression to sixth place (54 points) and a quarterfinal loss to the , despite standout scoring from Ryan Ginand, who led the league in goals and points. A brief resurgence occurred in 2014–15, with the Blaze clinching the EIHL playoff championship—their first postseason title since 2010—after finishing sixth in the regular season with 51 points and defeating the in the final. This success was short-lived, as the 2015–16 season ended in eighth place (51 points) and a playoff final loss to the . Subsequent years reflected ongoing struggles: ninth place in 2016–17 (43 points, missing playoffs) and eighth in 2017–18 (55 points, quarterfinal exit), buoyed by imports like T.J. Syner and Marc-Olivier Vallerand, who exceeded 30 goals. The 2018–19 season yielded eighth place again (62 points) but a quarterfinal loss, with Ben Lake's 77 points underscoring individual excellence amid team inconsistencies. The 2019–20 season positioned the Blaze third with 61 points, led by Luke Ferrara's league-leading 33 goals, but it was abruptly cancelled due to the . The 2020–21 EIHL season was similarly abandoned, though the team participated in the limited Elite Series, finishing second with 13 points before a semifinal loss to the . The 2021–22 season returned to full competition, with the Blaze ending eighth (51 points) and losing in the quarterfinals. Recovery signs emerged in 2022–23, finishing fifth with 72 points but falling in the quarterfinals to the ; Johnny Curran's over-50-point season and netminder Paavo Hölsä's popularity highlighted key contributions. The 2023–24 season was overshadowed by the tragic death of assistant coach Dayle Keen, yet the Blaze finished sixth with 52 points and reached the playoff quarterfinals, losing to the , with Kobe Roth surpassing 25 goals. In 2024–25, under new Kevin Moore—who replaced Danny Stewart—the team secured fifth place with 64 points, led by Chase Gresock's league-high 32 goals, but exited the playoffs in the quarterfinals to the . As of November 19, 2025, the ongoing 2025–26 season has the Blaze in eighth place after eleven games with eight points, reflecting continued efforts to rebuild competitiveness through roster overhauls and stable management.
SeasonRegular Season Position (Points)Playoff OutcomeNotable Performers/Achievements
2010–116th (50)Quarterfinal loss-
2011–125th (66)Quarterfinal lossShea Guthrie standout
2012–134th (54)Semifinal lossAdam Henrich key signing
2013–146th (54)Quarterfinal lossRyan Ginand league leader in goals/points
2014–156th (51)ChampionsPlayoff title win
2015–168th (51)Final loss-
2016–179th (43)Missed playoffsT.J. Syner, Barry Almeida scoring boost
2017–188th (55)Quarterfinal lossMarc-Olivier Vallerand >30 goals
2018–198th (62)Quarterfinal lossBen Lake 77 points
2019–203rd (61)Season cancelledLuke Ferrara 33 goals (league lead)
2020–21Elite Series 2nd (13)Semifinal lossSeason largely cancelled
2021–228th (51)Quarterfinal loss-
2022–235th (72)Quarterfinal lossJohnny Curran >50 points
2023–246th (52)Quarterfinal lossKobe Roth >25 goals
2024–255th (64)Quarterfinal lossChase Gresock 32 goals (league lead)
2025–26*8th (8 after 11 GP)Ongoing-
*As of November 19, 2025. Data sourced from official records.

Management and personnel

Head coaches

The head coaching position for the Coventry Blaze has been pivotal in shaping the team's identity and success within British ice hockey, particularly since the franchise's relocation to Coventry in 2000 and its entry into the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) in 2003. Coaches have often doubled as general managers or directors of hockey operations, influencing roster construction and strategic direction amid varying league formats and challenges, including the COVID-19 disruptions in 2020. Paul Thompson holds the distinction of the longest-serving in club history, leading the team from the 2000–01 season through the 2012–13 campaign, a tenure spanning 13 seasons in the EIHL era alone and contributing to multiple championships. Under Thompson, the Blaze secured three EIHL regular-season titles (2004–05, 2007–08, 2009–10), one playoff championship (2004–05), two wins (2004–05, 2007–08), and one Knockout Cup (2007–08), establishing a period of dominance that elevated the club's profile. His emphasis on blending experienced British players with international imports fostered a winning culture, earning him nine EIHL Coach of the Year awards during his time with the team. Following Thompson's departure, the role saw greater turnover as the team navigated rebuilding phases. Mathias Söderström, a former Blaze player, assumed head coaching duties for the 2013–14 season but was replaced mid-season on February 11, 2014, after a challenging start that included early playoff elimination. Marc Lefebvre then took over as head coach from February 2014 until November 19, 2014, focusing on defensive improvements but departing amid ongoing struggles. Steven Goertzen served as interim head coach for a brief period from November 19 to December 1, 2014, before stepping down to allow for a more permanent appointment.
CoachTenureNotable Achievements
Paul Thompson2000–20133× EIHL regular-season champions (2004–05, 2007–08, 2009–10); 1× EIHL playoffs (2004–05); 2× Challenge Cup (2004–05, 2007–08); 1× Knockout Cup (2007–08); 9× EIHL Coach of the Year
Mathias Söderström2013–2014 (partial)Transitioned from assistant role; focused on youth integration
Marc Lefebvre2014 (Feb–Nov)Emphasized roster overhaul for competitiveness
Steven Goertzen2014 (Nov–Dec, interim)Short-term stabilization during transition
Chuck Weber2014–20161× EIHL playoffs (2015); EIHL Coach of the Year (2015)
Danny Stewart2016–2024Led team through COVID-shortened seasons; consistent playoff appearances
Kevin Moore2024–presentEIHL Media's Coach of the Year (2025); contract extended to 2027
Chuck Weber brought stability and success upon his mid-season appointment on December 2, 2014, guiding the Blaze to the 2015 EIHL playoff title—the club's first since 2003—and earning EIHL Coach of the Year honors in his inaugural full season of 2015–16. His tenure ended after the 2015–16 season, as the club sought new direction following a finals loss. Danny Stewart, a former Blaze player who contributed to three league titles between 2006 and 2010, returned as on April 27, 2016, for an eight-season stint through 2023–24. Stewart's leadership emphasized player development and resilience, navigating the truncated 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons due to the pandemic while securing regular playoff berths. He departed in May 2024 after guiding the team to improved standings in recent years. The current , , was appointed on May 4, 2024, bringing experience from NCAA and levels to rebuild the roster around a mix of veterans and young talent. In his first season (2024–25), Moore led the Blaze to a strong performance, earning EIHL Media's Coach of the Year recognition, and signed a two-year extension in March 2025, committing through the 2026–27 season.

Current roster

As of November 2025, the Coventry Blaze's roster for the 2025–26 (EIHL) season features a mix of British and international players, totaling 25 active members across goaltenders, defensemen, and forwards. This composition emphasizes experienced imports from and alongside developing British talent, supporting the team's competitive strategy in the league. The roster is detailed below, categorized by position:

Goaltenders

No.PlayerNationalityAgeHeightWeight
40Will BrayGBR22177 cm63 kg
1Alfie JefferisGBR19190 cm83 kg
20Mat RobsonCAN29191 cm86 kg

Defensemen

No.PlayerNationalityAgeHeightWeight
7Terrance AmorosaCAN31188 cm93 kg
58David ClementsGBR31185 cm84 kg
21Archie HazeldineGBR21191 cm75 kg
3Mike Kennedy25185 cm86 kg
6Alexander Kuqali34188 cm102 kg
28Brady PouteauCAN27191 cm95 kg
92Jakob StridsbergSWE30184 cm89 kg
52Billy ThorpeGBR20185 cm71 kg
14Zach VinnellCAN27185 cm84 kg

Forwards

No.PlayerNationalityAgeHeightWeight
64Brandon AldersonCAN33193 cm88 kg
8Brynley CappsGBR18191 cm80 kg
13Grayson ConstableCAN27188 cm93 kg
9Jackson CresseyCAN29183 cm82 kg
27Chase Gresock27185 cm93 kg
10Zach Heintz26175 cm77 kg
15Jack HopkinsGBR21181 cm71 kg
71Morten JurgensEST25193 cm105 kg
61Alessio LucianiCAN27175 cm75 kg
24Zaine McKenzieGBR22--
19Michael RegushCAN27185 cm91 kg
29Nick Seitz25185 cm86 kg
16Kim TallbergSWE34184 cm87 kg

Records and achievements

Season-by-season results

The franchise, originally known as the Blaze, has competed in various British leagues since 1996, initially in the British National League (BNL) before joining the (EIHL) in 2003 upon its formation, and relocating to in 2000. Their performance has included periods of dominance, particularly in the mid-2000s, with four league championships and multiple playoff appearances. The following table summarizes their regular season and playoff results across all seasons, highlighting key metrics such as (GP), wins-losses-overtime losses (W-L-OTL), points (PTS), league finish, and playoff outcomes. Data for the 1999–2000 season is sourced from Elite Prospects, while subsequent seasons draw from HockeyDB records.
SeasonLeagueGPW-L-OTLPTSFinishPlayoffs/Championships
1999–2000BNL3613–20–3307thLost in semifinals
2000–01BNL3626–9–1534thLost in quarterfinals
2001–02BNL4433–9–2682ndLost in finals
2002–03BNL3630–4–2621stWon (BNL champions)
2003–04EIHL5629–20–7583rdLost in quarterfinals
2004–05EIHL5033–6–11771stWon (EIHL champions; also won )
2005–06EIHL4223–12–7534thLost in finals
2006–07EIHL5436–15–3751stLost in semifinals
2007–08EIHL5441–11–2841stLost in finals (won )
2008–09EIHL5438–14–2782ndLost in semifinals
2009–10EIHL5638–18–0761stLost in semifinals
2010–11EIHL5423–27–4509thLost in quarterfinals
2011–12EIHL5432–20–2665thLost in quarterfinals
2012–13EIHL5224–22–6544thLost in semifinals ()
2013–14EIHL5224–22–6548thLost in quarterfinals
2014–15EIHL5224–25–3516thWon (EIHL champions)
2015–16EIHL5224–25–3518thLost in finals
2016–17EIHL5219–28–5439thDid not qualify
2017–18EIHL5625–26–5557thLost in quarterfinals
2018–19EIHL6027–25–8626thLost in quarterfinals
2019–20EIHL4827–14–7613rdSeason cancelled ()
2020–21Elite Series125–4–3132ndLost in semifinals
2021–22EIHL5423–26–5518thLost in quarterfinals
2022–23EIHL5433–15–6725thLost in quarterfinals
2023–24EIHL5423–25–6526thLost in quarterfinals
2024–25EIHL5430–20–4645thLost in quarterfinals
2025–26*EIHL114–7–08TBDTBD
*As of November 19, 2025; season ongoing. Note: OTL includes ties where applicable in earlier formats; post-2003 EIHL uses OTW/OTL but is simplified here for consistency. The Blaze's most successful era was 2004–2010, with three regular season titles and consistent top finishes, while recent seasons have shown competitive mid-table performances with occasional playoff contention.

Honours and awards

The Coventry Blaze have secured multiple major titles in British ice hockey, establishing themselves as one of the sport's most successful clubs in the modern era. They won the (EIHL) regular-season championship in the 2004–05 and 2007–08 seasons. In 2004–05, they achieved a grand slam by also claiming the EIHL and the . Earlier successes include the British National League title and in 2002–03, as well as English League championships and playoff victories in 1997–98 and 1998–99. Additionally, the team lifted the EIHL in 2014–15 and the in 2007–08, alongside Charity Shield wins in 2007–08 and 2008–09. Individual accolades for Blaze players and staff highlight the club's talent development and performance. In the 2024–25 season, head coach was named Media’s Coach of the Year, forward Chase Gresock earned a First All-Star Team selection, and British forward Jack Hopkins received the Young British Player of the Season award. Earlier standout honors include the 2009–10 EIHL Coach of the Year award for Paul Thompson, Best Defenceman for Jonathan Weaver, Best Forward for Luke Fulghum, and Best Netminder for Peter Hirsch. Other notable recognitions feature James Griffin’s Vic Batchelder Memorial Award for Best British Under-21 Player and Mike Schutte’s First All-Star Team nod. These achievements underscore the Blaze's competitive legacy, with several players contributing to Great Britain's international successes, such as gold medals at the IIHF Division 1A in 2017–18, 2022–23, and 2024–25, though these represent national team honors rather than club-specific awards.

Notable figures

Honoured players

The Coventry Blaze honour their most impactful players through the retirement of their jersey numbers, a tradition that recognizes exceptional contributions to the team's success and the broader British community. These retirements typically occur during ceremonial games at the Skydome Arena, celebrating players who exemplified leadership, skill, and longevity during the club's formative and championship eras. As of 2025, five numbers have been retired, each tied to a player who helped shape the Blaze's identity in the (EIHL). Steve Chartrand's #12 jersey was retired in recognition of his pivotal role as a scoring forward during the team's early 2000s resurgence. The Canadian import joined the franchise in 1997 and amassed 302 points in 43 games during the 1997–98 season with the Solihull Blaze, establishing a foundation for future dominance and a franchise points record. His energetic play and offensive prowess made him a fan favorite, and the retirement honors his broader services to the organization beyond on-ice performance. Stephen Cooper's #55 jersey holds a special place as the first retirement in Blaze history, symbolizing commitment to British talent development. A Durham-born , Cooper played over 500 games for the franchise from 1986 onward, serving as and anchoring the blue line during the early BNL years. His number was lifted to the rafters on , 2002, following his retirement, commemorating not only his defensive reliability but also his contributions to international teams and hockey promotion. Cooper was later inducted into the British Hall of Fame in 2006. Adam Calder's #25 jersey was retired on February 28, 2016, paying tribute to his leadership as captain from 2004 to 2010. The Canadian forward scored 534 points in 384 regular-season games, including 58 points in 2004–05, and played a central role in four EIHL championships. Known for his two-way play and community involvement in , Calder's honour underscores his status as one of the club's all-time greats. Dan Carlson's #26 jersey joined the rafters on February 28, 2016, acknowledging his offensive tenacity across multiple stints with the from 2004 to 2011. The American forward appeared in over 400 games, providing stability during the championship dynasty and post-title transitions, with notable performances in playoff runs including a league-high 76 points in 2004–05. His retirement ceremony highlighted his quiet professionalism and role in mentoring younger players. Russell Cowley's #17 jersey was retired on February 18, 2018, celebrating his record as the Blaze's all-time leading British scorer. The native forward played 13 seasons (2002–2017), accumulating 452 points (154 goals, 298 assists) in regular-season play and contributing to three League titles. As a two-way centre and local hero, Cowley's honour reflects his embodiment of the club's community roots and on-ice excellence. Note: Stats include franchise history (Solihull Blaze era where applicable).
Retired JerseyPlayerNationalityPrimary PositionYears with BlazeKey Honour DateNotable Contribution
#12Steve ChartrandCanadianForward1997–2003Pre-2003 (exact date unconfirmed in records)Franchise points leader; 302 points in 1997–98 season
#55Stephen CooperBritishDefenceman1986–2002September 22, 2002First retirement; captain during early years; Hall of Fame inductee
#25Adam CalderCanadianForward2004–2010February 28, 2016Captain; 534 points in 384 games; four EIHL championships
#26Dan CarlsonAmericanForward2004–2005, 2006–2011February 28, 2016Over 400 games; 76 points in 2004–05; playoff reliability
#17Russell CowleyBritishForward2002–2017February 18, 2018All-time British points leader (452); three titles

Key contributors

Paul Thompson served as head coach of the Coventry Blaze from 2000 to 2013, during which he orchestrated the team's most dominant period, securing four (EIHL) championships in 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, and 2009–10, along with one playoff title, two knockout cups, and three challenge cups. His strategic recruitment and development of talent, including British players to meet import limits, were instrumental in building a cohesive roster that emphasized defensive solidity and offensive depth. Thompson was named EIHL Coach of the Year three times and received the Professional Coach/Manager of the Year award in the Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire sports awards in 2009–10. Among players, forward Ashley Tait emerged as a cornerstone of the early 2000s success, leading the team in scoring during the 2003–04 season with 56 points (25 goals, 31 assists) and earning the British Forward of the Year award. Tait contributed 39 points (21 goals, 18 assists) in the 2004–05 championship campaign, helping secure the EIHL title, playoffs, and treble, and he amassed over 300 points across his tenure with the Blaze. Canadian forward Adam Calder was another pivotal figure, posting 58 points (32 goals, 26 assists) in 44 games during the 2004–05 season and ranking as the franchise's all-time leading scorer with 534 points (257 goals, 277 assists) in 384 games. Defenceman Gallace provided elite two-way play in the 2003–04 title-winning season, topping the team's scoring chart with 74 points (29 goals, 45 assists) from the blue line, a rare feat that underscored the Blaze's balanced attack. Forward Dan Carlson anchored the forward lines across multiple championship runs, leading the 2004–05 squad with 76 points and accumulating 596 franchise points over 401 appearances, often serving as . Forward Steve Chartrand holds the all-time points record for the Blaze with 859 (434 goals, 425 assists) in 320 games, including a dominant 1997–98 season with 302 points that laid the groundwork for the club's rise, though his peak predated the EIHL era. In the post-championship era, British forward Luke Ferrara has been a key offensive contributor, winning the EIHL First All-Star Team selection in 2019–20 after scoring 33 goals and representing at the World Championships, where he helped secure gold in 2017–18. Defenceman Jonathan Weaver earned the Best British Defenceman award five consecutive times from 2005–06 to 2009–10 and was named to the First All-Star Team in 2009–10, providing leadership and stability during the 2009–10 title win. Beyond on-ice personnel, general manager Andy Buxton has been a longstanding figure, contributing to 's gold medals at the Division 1A in 2022–23 and 2024–25 as part of the support staff, while fostering the Blaze's community ties and youth development programs. Physiotherapist Nikki Sherlock has supported multiple international successes, including gold, silver, and bronze medals for at from 2017 to 2025, alongside her role in player health management for the Blaze.

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  34. https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/52/paul-thompson
  35. https://www.bbc.com/sport/ice-hockey/articles/clywl44epr9o
  36. https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/4621-devils-appoint-paul-thompson-as-head-coach
  37. https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/5139/mathias-soderstrom
  38. https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/5365/marc-lefebvre
  39. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/10320/steven-goertzen
  40. https://www.bbc.com/sport/ice-hockey/26137876
  41. https://www.bbc.com/sport/ice-hockey/30292984
  42. https://rpiathletics.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/roster/coaches/chuck-weber/2785
  43. https://coventryblaze.co.uk/stewart-moves-on-from-blaze/
  44. https://www.bbc.com/sport/ice-hockey/36151134
  45. https://coventryblaze.co.uk/moore-named-blaze-head-coach/
  46. https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/4497-two-moore-years
  47. https://www.britishicehockey.co.uk/post/blaze-announce-weber-exit/
  48. https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/761-blaze-and-stewart-agree-contract-extension
  49. https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/34688/kevin-moore
  50. https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/team/6-coventry-blaze/roster?id_season=41
  51. https://www.hockeydb.com/stte/coventry-blaze-5367.html
  52. https://www.hockeydb.com/stte/coventry-blaze-5368.html
  53. https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/standings/2003/22-elite-ice-hockey-league
  54. https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/standings/2022/36-elite-ice-hockey-league
  55. https://coventryblaze.co.uk/blaze-earn-award-recognition/
  56. http://www.pointstreaksites.com/view/eliteicehockey/latest-news/news_497698
  57. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/69422/steve-chartrand
  58. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=6378
  59. https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/other-sport/numbers-up-for-cooper-3170054
  60. https://icehockeyuk.co.uk/hall-of-fames/stephen-cooper/
  61. https://www.britishicehockey.co.uk/post/club-to-honour-calder-with-shirt-retirement/
  62. http://www.pointstreaksites.com/view/eliteicehockey/latest-news/news_506354
  63. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=27865
  64. https://www.britishicehockey.co.uk/post/blaze-to-honour-carlson-with-shirt-retirement/
  65. https://coventryblaze.co.uk/legend-cowley-to-make-guest-appearance/
  66. https://www.cardiffdevils.com/news/devils-name-paul-thompson-head-coach/
  67. https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/816/coventry-blaze/stats/2003-2004
  68. https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/816/coventry-blaze/stats/2004-2005
  69. https://www.britishicehockey.co.uk/post/calder-overwhelmed-with-jersey-honour/
  70. https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/800-top-7-forwards-of-the-eihl
  71. https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/816/coventry-blaze/stats/all-time/total
  72. https://icehockeyuk.co.uk/gb-secure-gold-and-promotion/
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