Coventry Blaze ice Hockey team have signed American goaltender Mike Zacharias for the 2013/14 Rapid Solicitors Elite League season.
The 27-year-old Minnesota native has spent the past two years in France for Gap and is a former team-mate of Mike Egener and Adam Henrich.
After four years with Minnesota State University, Zacharias played for Ontario Reign, Idaho Steelheads and Florida Everblades in the ECHL.
Coach Matt Soderstrom said: “Mike came on our radar a month ago and has played with Mike Egener and Adam Henrich so we managed to get a feel about what he is like as a man and his character.
“We also spoke to two coaches and a general manager in France and they all said he was the number one goalie last year – he had a terrific season.
“His coach in Gap wanted him back but Mike wanted a new challenge and a new opportunity. He is young and hungry and he will be one of the top three goalies in the league next season. He is a solid addition in the most important place.”
Blaze have aldo confirmed that British trio Matt Selby, Dale White and Adam Goss have signed for next season.