New Coventry Blaze defenceman Mike Egener has admitted to being excited about playing for the Blaze next season in the Elite League. .
The German-born 27-year-old, a second-round draft pick by Tampa Bay Lightning in 2003, has joined Paul Thompson's side after spending last season with Esbjerg in Denmark.
Egener, who is 6ft 4in and 216lbs, played 175 games in the American Hockey League for Springfield Falcons and Norfolk Admirals over a four-year period and has also played in the Western Hockey League, the ECHL and Sweden.
He said to the Blaze website: “I am very excited to be part of the Coventry Blaze organisation. I'm looking forward to a new experience and the opportunity of playing in the Elite League.
“I want to win, that’s the bottom line. It's much more enjoyable. Personally I believe you always have to keep improving and evolving and I will do that.”
Egener has taken part in 100 fights during his career but stressed there is more to his game than just dropping the gloves.
He added: “I used to fight more back in junior. I don't like to be thought of as a fighter because that isn't my role.
“I will be bringing an element of physicality and experience to the ‘D’ corps. I like to believe I have the ability to be a shut-down defenceman with great mobility. I'll be looking to put up more numbers in the points category.”