Post by Steph Cowley on Apr 28, 2008 12:35:16 GMT 1
From www.coventryblaze.co.uk
First Summer Signing
29/04/2008
Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson makes his first summer signing as Ben O'Connor joins the club
Cassidy Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson, today confirmed that he has completed the signing of young British defenceman, Ben O’Connor.
Durham born O’Connor started last season with the Basingstoke Bison before quickly moving onto Edinburgh Capitals where he played the majority of the season.
Still only 19, O’Connor joins the Blaze with significant experience of North American hockey, having played AAA, Tier 2 Junior A and OHL hockey following his move to Canada at the age of 14. He had previously been part of the Sheffield junior development programme. O’Connor has also represented Great Britain at under 18 and under 20 levels and recently won his first two senior caps at the Mont Blanc Euro Challenge tournament earlier this year.
O’Connor is delighted to be joining the Blaze for the new season.
“Who wouldn’t be delighted with a move like this ?” said O’Connor. “Every young player in the league wants an opportunity like this and I’m really excited about it. I was a little surprised when it happened, as it’s not every day a young player gets the chance to move from a eighth placed club to one at the top of the table. But now it’s happened, I can’t wait. I really am very happy about it.
“I also hope it will give me the opportunity to break into the GB senior team. I had my first taste of that when we went to France for the Euro Challenge tournament in February and it’s something I really want to be part of. Everyone wants to represent their country. All the British players want to pull on that GB jersey. Hopefully with Thommo helping me, I’m going to be able to make that jump soon.”
Thompson was equally pleased with his first close season capture.
“I am delighted to have secured the services of one of the best young British talents in the league. I’m sure we can develop Ben’s game so that he becomes a solid Elite League star for a long time to come.”
The six foot, 210lb defenceman has signed a two year contract with the Blaze through to the end of the 2009/10 season.
29/04/2008
Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson makes his first summer signing as Ben O'Connor joins the club
Cassidy Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson, today confirmed that he has completed the signing of young British defenceman, Ben O’Connor.
Durham born O’Connor started last season with the Basingstoke Bison before quickly moving onto Edinburgh Capitals where he played the majority of the season.
Still only 19, O’Connor joins the Blaze with significant experience of North American hockey, having played AAA, Tier 2 Junior A and OHL hockey following his move to Canada at the age of 14. He had previously been part of the Sheffield junior development programme. O’Connor has also represented Great Britain at under 18 and under 20 levels and recently won his first two senior caps at the Mont Blanc Euro Challenge tournament earlier this year.
O’Connor is delighted to be joining the Blaze for the new season.
“Who wouldn’t be delighted with a move like this ?” said O’Connor. “Every young player in the league wants an opportunity like this and I’m really excited about it. I was a little surprised when it happened, as it’s not every day a young player gets the chance to move from a eighth placed club to one at the top of the table. But now it’s happened, I can’t wait. I really am very happy about it.
“I also hope it will give me the opportunity to break into the GB senior team. I had my first taste of that when we went to France for the Euro Challenge tournament in February and it’s something I really want to be part of. Everyone wants to represent their country. All the British players want to pull on that GB jersey. Hopefully with Thommo helping me, I’m going to be able to make that jump soon.”
Thompson was equally pleased with his first close season capture.
“I am delighted to have secured the services of one of the best young British talents in the league. I’m sure we can develop Ben’s game so that he becomes a solid Elite League star for a long time to come.”
The six foot, 210lb defenceman has signed a two year contract with the Blaze through to the end of the 2009/10 season.
