Coventry Blaze Ice Hockey Club have confirmed defenceman Jonathan Weaver will not be back at the Skydome next season.
The 35-year-old Great Britain international had been with the club for five years - winning two Elite League titles and the British Knockout Cup along the way - after joining from Newcastle Vipers in 2007.
Coach Paul Thompson said: “Weaves knows we are going in a different direction next year and he understands that.
“He has been a great player for us, a great captain, and he was great to work with.
“I want to thank him for everything he did for the Blaze – he was part of two championship-winning teams - and I wish him all the very best for the future.”
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Coventry Blaze have confirmed they have signed British forward Sam Smith for the 2012/13 Elite League campaign.
The 20-year-old has spent the past two seasons with hometown team Cardiff Devils, registering 56 points in 115 games.
After playing for the Cardiff junior side and also for Swindon Wildcats in the English Premier League, Smith went to America to ice for Dubuque Thunderbirds in the Central States Hockey League in 2009/10.
Coach Paul Thompson said to the Blaze website: “I am looking to have more size on the team next season and when I heard Sam was available I thought he would be a good fit.
“He is 20 years old and he is 6ft 3in and 220lbs, he has good size, he goes to the net, he has a nice touch and he finishes his hits.
“He is one of those British players I have always noticed out there on the ice and he has been a pain in the backside to play against.
“Sam can be a handful and we are hoping to further develop his game. He is excited to be joining us and we are excited to have him with us.”