Coventry Blaze are delighted to announce the signing of tough Canadian defenceman Jason Robinson.
The 32-year-old played for Blaze last season and has been brought in as cover for the injured Jeff Smith, who has been ruled out until the new year.
Robinson spent four seasons in the Elite League with Newcastle Vipers, Sheffield Steelers and the now defunct London Racers between 2003 and 2007 before joining Italian side Vipiteno for the 2007/08 season.
The following year he divided his time in the International Hockey League between Kalamazoo Wings and Flint Generals and last season posted 15 points and 153 penalty minutes in 43 league games to help Coventry lift the title.
At 6ft 2in and 210lbs, the Goderich, Ontario , native will bring further size and presence to the Blaze blue-line. He is known as a tough, no-nonsense, stay-at-home defencemen, qualities that led Tampa Bay Lightning to select him in the fifth round of the 1996 NHL entry draft.
Coach Paul Thompson said: "Jeff has been out for a month now and so we have been short back there. I didn't know if we were going to be able to bring anyone in but when Robbo made himself available it was a no-brainer.
"He was a big part of what we did last season. He is a big guy and he holds guys accountable and he is something our team needs right now.
"Robbo is a big, mean defenceman who doesn't like forwards - and he tells them. He is an intimidating player and along with Brian Lee, we have two guys who play the body, play hard and can mix it up. The Skydome isn't going to be a nice place to come."
Robinson arrives in England on Wednesday and will make his debut in the Elite League clash with Hull Stingrays at Hull Arena on Saturday night.