The 6'3" forward joins the Blaze on a full time contract after an outstanding season with his home town Wildcats where his 45 goals in 57 games helped Swindon to reach the final four of the English Premier League play offs. He finished last season as the second highest British goal scorer in the English Premier League.
The former Great Britain Under 18 and Under 20 international was on a two way contract with the Blaze last season, pulling on the Coventry jersey in 13 games at Elite Level during the club's Elite League Championship winning season. Prior to joining Swindon at the start of the 08/09 season, Nell spent four years playing junior hockey in North America including three years at the Okinagan Hockey Academy.
"I'm really excited about playing in Coventry full time this season," said Nell. "I've been very fortunate in that I was able to spend a lot of time in and around the club last season which gave me the chance to see first hand just what a great organisation it is to be part of. That made the decision so easy for me. There's not a better team or organisation to play for in the UK.
"It's a great opportunity for me to continue to learn from Thommo and the rest of the players in both training and games but of course, being a full time member of the team next season, I really want to do my bit to help the team carry on from the success of last season by winning the championship again."
"This club is a great fit for Aaron and he's a great fit for Coventry," said Thompson of his latest summer signing. "The two way contract last season gave us the opportunity to have a really good look at him and everyone was impressed with this attitude, commitment and skill level.
"He made a big impression last season. He'd travel hundreds of miles just for the chance to train with the team or to play for the Blaze in any type of game. That showed everyone just how determined he is to make it as a player at the highest level. I have no doubt that he's going to really develop next season and I'm looking forward to being able to work with him on a full time basis to help him establish himself as a genuine Elite League player."
Thompson has also confirmed that British forward, Joe Henry is to join Telford Tigers in the English Premier League. Henry made his Blaze debut in 2005 and has played 274 games for the club.
"Even though I would have been delighted to have had Joe back with us next season, it's a great opportunity for him to continue his development under Tom Watkins at Telford. He's had a fantastic apprenticeship at Coventry and now is the perfect time for him to take on more responsibility and to get more ice time in key situations. Joe will stay on a two way contract with us in Coventry which will give him the opportunity to train and play with us from time to time as and when his Telford commitments allow."
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