Twenty seven year old Fussey joins the Blaze after an outstanding debut season in the UK where his 35 goals in 46 games led the Capitals to their best ever Elite League finish. His performances resulted in him being named the Elite League Newcomer of the Season at the 2010 Elite League awards.
A standout junior career, primarily with the Calgary Hitmen, led to Fussey being drafted by the Washington Capitals in the third round of the 2001 NHL draft and two seasons later, after turning professional in 2003, he played four games for the Capitals in the best league in the world. He has played over two hundred games in the high quality American Hockey League for Portland Pirates, Hershey Bears and Toronto Marlies, winning the Calder Cup with the Bears in the 2005/6 season.
An all star season in the Italian league with HC Fassa followed, where he recorded 46 points in 57 games before signing for Edinburgh at the start of last season. Although he was born in Winnipeg in Canada, both his parents are British and Fussey holds a British passport.
The capture of Fussey represents a huge coup for Thompson with several clubs - both in the UK and in Europe - chasing his signature after his stand out first season in the UK.
"Owen is a really big signing for this hockey club," said Thompson to the Blaze press office. "After the season he had in Edinburgh there were always going to be quite a few clubs after his services so I'm delighted that he decided to come to the Blaze.
"Everyone saw what a good player he was last season. Every time he had the puck you felt like he was going to make something happen. His skating is a huge strength and he will be a major component on both powerplay and penalty killing units. He has the ability to both create opportunities and score goals himself and he's a very complete player.
"He also knows what it takes to win, having won the Calder Cup before coming to Europe and that's something I always like in a player. I foresee Owen being a leader, both on and off the ice and I'm excited at the prospect of working with a true professional."
"I am very excited to be joining the Blaze," said Fussey also to the Blaze press office. "The professionalism of the team and the club is known around the league and that's a big thing for any player. I was also really attracted by the opportunity to play for Paul Thompson. He has a great reputation and over the years has continuously put together top notch teams. I really am looking forward to an exciting new season."