JF Perras

[bexblaze07]

It's on the website now that he's signed. What do people think about him? I know in the match where the caps beat us he played really well.

discuss...

[Dave]

This signing is getting a bit of stick on the Elite website, but I think he's a very good signing and will be one of the top netminder's in the league next year.

He was very strong for the Cap's towards the end of last season and I think he will produce big things next year with a solid defence in front of him.

[Andy Martin 88]

I think he's going to make a big impression on all of us and will be a solid signing.

My only worry is him adapting into such a high level of pressure quickly, it might be a few shaky first games

But i agree with Davey i think he will be good in front of a solid defence.

[Steph Cowley]

Full report from www.coventrblaze.co.uk

Perras Joins Blaze
28/05/2008

Cassidy Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has signed JF Perras from the Edinburgh Capitals as his new netminder.

The twenty-seven year old French Canadian joined the Capitals at the start of last season for his first bmibaby Elite League campaign and turned in a string of man of the match performances that helped Edinburgh to their best ever Elite League season in making the playoffs and reaching a cup semi final.

Prior to coming to the UK, Perras had a seven year senior career in North America with spells in the OHL and with Lubbock Cotton Kings of the CHL where he won numerous individual awards for his performances.

Thompson has brought in Perras to fill the shoes of all star stopper, Trevor Koenig, who has moved to the Rodovre Mighty Bulls in Denmark for the forthcoming season and believes his new man has all the qualities to keep Blaze challenging for more honours.

“JF in my opinion, was one of the main reasons for the Caps remarkable achievements last year in making the play offs,” said Thompson. “Every time we played against him, I felt he was the difference more often than not. The last third of the season, I thought JF was as good as any goaltender in the country and in talking to him, it doesn’t phase him about whose shoes he will be stepping into.

“I liked what he said to me during our discussions and I like the fact that he is very excited about the challenge that lies ahead. He will have a different pressure here than he did in Edinburgh – the pressure that we look to win every single game we play and will be trying to retain our league championship. I specifically pointed this out to him and he really wants to meet that challenge head on.

“The goaltending position is the key component in a team’s make up and I chose JF over numerous other goalies because I think he has the qualities to ensure we are where we want to be. I must have said to my assistant coach Luc Chabot on numerous occasions last season that I really liked Perras as a goalie. Well, after doing a huge amount of research on him as a person and as a player, I’m delighted to have his services for the forthcoming season.”

Perras himself confirmed that he is more than ready for the challenge that lies ahead.

“I am really excited about the upcoming season. I've heard nothing but great things about the organization and I know after playing in Coventry quite a few times this year with Edinburgh, that Blaze can fill their arena consistently with amazing fans which is great.

“I'm also looking forward to joining a top squad. It will be exciting to get on that winning train again where every night a win is expected. I am very happy to be part of the Coventry Blaze and I hope that we will have a great year and we will be able to achieve a great deal of success as a team.

“I am aware of the expectations of Coach Thompson but I am looking forward to the new challenge. I'm eager to be able to prove myself once again in the league. I'm only in my second season in the EIHL but I did learn a lot about the league and the players from playing last year with the Capitals.

“I had a good time in Edinburgh and I am proud of what we achieved as a team after the Christmas break. It was great for the Caps to make the playoffs after such a great effort. Edinburgh is a great city and the Capitals organization was great to me. I wish to Doug Christiansen and his squad all the best next season.”

[jakemurrall7]

should be a great signing, but we all know that a netminder needs a strong d....

[Rich]

The more I'v thought about it the more delighted I am with this signing.

[Claret & Blue Army]

A goalie is just one part of a defensive unit. Remember how Klempa was let down by lack of comparable strength in front of him to that as enjoyed by Lehman and Koenig.

Potential to be good

[Simon]

J F Perras was certainly impressive for Edinburgh against Blaze last season. I have great faith in Thommo's opinion and he must have seen alot he likes in JF to have signed him. Will be interesting to see how he does in goal for us. Roll on, next season!

[*~Samuel~*]

Good signing IMO

[Claret & Blue Army]

Hi name fits neatly into the chorus of Away From Here by The Enemy if a different goalie chant is needed