Post by Lee Francis on Nov 8, 2004 22:52:35 GMT 1
The ‘High and Mighty’ Coventry Blaze have made their biggest signing ever – in the form of National Hockey League defenceman Wade Belak.
Belak, aged 28 has played for the Toronto Maple Leafs for the past four years and has played in the NHL for eight years.
A first round draft pick by the Quebec Nordiques in 1994, Belak is a no-nonsense defenceman who will wear the number three shirt, has also doubled up on the right wing as a power forward.
He made the NHL in the 1996-7 season with the Colarado Avalanche before being traded to the Calgary Flames in 1999. Belak switched to Toronto in 2000-1 and led the team in penalty minutes in 2002-3.
Belak has played a total of 275 regular season games in the NHL, scoring seven goals, 15 assists and clocking up over 800 penalty minutes.
A native of North Battleford in Saskatoon, Canada – the same town as netminder Jody Lehman - he stands 6ft 5ins and weighs 221lbs.
Blaze have taken the opportunity to sign Belak, who flies in for this weekend’s games against Newcastle and Basingstoke, because of the lock-out in the NHL.
His arrival means the departure of Slovak defenceman Michal Vrabel. Vrabel played in 17 league games and scored twice.
Coventry Blaze head coach Paul Thompson said: “Michal has not done anything wrong and this change is by no means a reflection on his ability.
“Sometimes I have to make difficult decisions because I have to think of the team as a whole. While Michal’s contribution was valued, we need a change of style in defence. He wasn’t as physical a player as I thought he would be and we need that physical presence.
“I stay as loyal to my players as possible, but I felt I had to make this change. It is sad to see Michal go and we wish him all the best. At the same time, it is hugely exciting to be welcoming a player of Wade’s calibre.
“Wade is thrilled to be coming over. Every time I have spoken to him he has been very enthusiastic. He is exactly the sort of player that I am looking for – he will play with great passion and leadership and stand up for his team-mates.
“He will be landing in the UK on Saturday but will be joining the team immediately and will be playing in the game in Newcastle that night.”<br>
*EDIT: i know its the wrong part of the forum, but more people read this than the transfers section. feel free to move though, if appropriate!
Belak, aged 28 has played for the Toronto Maple Leafs for the past four years and has played in the NHL for eight years.
A first round draft pick by the Quebec Nordiques in 1994, Belak is a no-nonsense defenceman who will wear the number three shirt, has also doubled up on the right wing as a power forward.
He made the NHL in the 1996-7 season with the Colarado Avalanche before being traded to the Calgary Flames in 1999. Belak switched to Toronto in 2000-1 and led the team in penalty minutes in 2002-3.
Belak has played a total of 275 regular season games in the NHL, scoring seven goals, 15 assists and clocking up over 800 penalty minutes.
A native of North Battleford in Saskatoon, Canada – the same town as netminder Jody Lehman - he stands 6ft 5ins and weighs 221lbs.
Blaze have taken the opportunity to sign Belak, who flies in for this weekend’s games against Newcastle and Basingstoke, because of the lock-out in the NHL.
His arrival means the departure of Slovak defenceman Michal Vrabel. Vrabel played in 17 league games and scored twice.
Coventry Blaze head coach Paul Thompson said: “Michal has not done anything wrong and this change is by no means a reflection on his ability.
“Sometimes I have to make difficult decisions because I have to think of the team as a whole. While Michal’s contribution was valued, we need a change of style in defence. He wasn’t as physical a player as I thought he would be and we need that physical presence.
“I stay as loyal to my players as possible, but I felt I had to make this change. It is sad to see Michal go and we wish him all the best. At the same time, it is hugely exciting to be welcoming a player of Wade’s calibre.
“Wade is thrilled to be coming over. Every time I have spoken to him he has been very enthusiastic. He is exactly the sort of player that I am looking for – he will play with great passion and leadership and stand up for his team-mates.
“He will be landing in the UK on Saturday but will be joining the team immediately and will be playing in the game in Newcastle that night.”<br>
*EDIT: i know its the wrong part of the forum, but more people read this than the transfers section. feel free to move though, if appropriate!
) Looks like those of us popping up to Geordie land will be the first to see him in action
