Genting Casino Coventry Blaze can confirm the signing of Canadian forward Adam Henrich.
The 29-year-old Ontario native, a second-round draft pick by Tampa Bay Lightning in 2002, has been playing in Germany for SC Riessersee this season.
Henrich, at 6ft 4in and 238lbs, is a former Canada Under-18 international and won a championship in Italy with Asiago in 2010/11.
He posted 113 points (52 goals and 61 assists) in 118 games in the ECHL and had 83 points (32 goals and 51 assists) from 189 regular-season and play-off matches in the American Hockey League.
Coach Paul Thompson said: “We needed some size offensively. We are not the biggest team offensively and Adam will give us that.
“We lost some offensive punch with the departure of Matt Beleskey back to the NHL. He was a point-a-game player while the other guys are having a bit of a lull.
“Adam was a point-a-game player in the ECHL and has a lot of American League experience. He is a big man with a big shot and very skilled. He knows where the net is and he is very excited to be coming here.
“We needed to bring someone in to give everyone a lift and also to keep them on their toes. We have gone out and made a positive signing and the fans should be excited too. It is good to bring a fresh face in who will contribute down the stretch.”
Blaze will have Henrich in the line-up for the Challenge Cup quarter-final second leg at Braehead Clan next Tuesday with the tie level at 2-2.
Blaze take on Nottingham Panthers at the Skydome in the Rapid Solicitors Elite League Erhardt Conference on Saturday February 2 (7pm face-off). Tickets can be purchased by ringing the Box Office on 02476 630693 (option 0).