One In One Out For Blaze

Coventry Blaze have signed Erik Hjalmarsson from Danish side Herlev Hornets but have decided to release Scott Kelman.

The 25 year old forward has been brought in to get goals for the Blaze who have dropped to fourth in the Elite League table.

Speaking to the Coventry Blaze website, Paul Thompson said: "I'm very pleased to be bringing Erik to the Blaze. He's exactly what I think we need right now.

"A real energy guy with good speed, good skills, a good shot and very feisty. He's also a right shot and that is something that I think will help us.

"It's something that we haven't really had since we lost Curtis Huppe at the end of last season. "

As to why Kelman (pictured below) was released, Thompson said: "We're still trying to retain our league championship and offensively we need a boost. "Someone has to make way for me to be able to bring in a new face and I've decided to let Scott go."

Meanwhile, Paul Thompson has apologised to the Blaze fans for the cup exit at the hands of Belfast Giants in the Knock Out Cup. 

"Turning the team's form round is the biggest challenge I've had in years. The fans have to keep faith in the players and me," Thompson told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire's Geoff Foster.