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Blaze sign first round draft pick centreman, Kelman
14/05/2008
Cassidy Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson today confirmed that he has complete the signing of former Phoenix Coyotes first round draft pick, Scott Kelman from the Dayton Bombers of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).
The 6’ 3”, 210lb Canadian was chosen in the first round of the 1999 NHL entry draft by Phoenix before spending three seasons with the Florida Panthers organisation and two with the Carolina Hurricanes. Although never having iced in the NHL, Kelman has six years professional experience in both the American Hockey League and the ECHL and also represented Team Canada in international tournaments in Europe, including helping the team to a gold medal at the World Under 18 Championships in 1998.
“I’m thrilled to get the opportunity to play for the Coventry Blaze,” said Kelman. “A big part of my decision on where to play next season was that I wanted to go somewhere that has a tradition of winning. From my conversations with Paul (Thompson), I was convinced that by coming to Coventry I would undoubtedly get the opportunity to win every time we step on the ice. I also got the chance to speak to some former players and they told me that the organisation and the fans are second to none.
“My main attributes are my size and strength but I’m a creative centreman who is very strong in the face off circle. I’ve always prided myself on being more of a playmaker than a goal scorer and although I’m an offensive minded player, I’m also very reliable in our own end. I’m coming to Coventry with the intentions of us being the top team in the league again. I want the other teams to look at the game schedule and say oh no, we have to play Coventry tonight !”
Head Coach Thompson is more than pleased with his latest capture.
“I’m delighted to have secured the services of Scott for the forthcoming season. We have been talking for some six weeks now and he feels it’s time to make the break from North America and try his hand over here in Europe. He brings us great size and mobility for a big man. Being a first round draft pick, he has vast experience of both the American Hockey League and East Coast Hockey League. He has great hands and skates very well and is solid in both ends of the ice.
“I’m expecting very good things from Scott. He was not a first round draft pick for no reason and although he didn’t quite make the NHL, he has all the attributes to play a big part in the team next season. Our fans are really going to enjoy Scott being in a Blaze jersey and what enthuses me is that Scott sees this as a fantastic challenge and he’s very excited about joining us.”
Scott will combine his playing with studying at Coventry University as part of the highly successful partnership between the University and the Club.
“Once again, Coventry University has played a major part in getting a player of Scott’s calibre to the club,” concluded Thompson. “It’s great for the player, for the club and for the University and we are very fortunate to have such a fantastic relationship with them.”