Coventry Blaze's new signing Mike Denton has said that he wants to win things with Coventry's Ice Hockey team.
Denton made 92 appearances in the NHL with New Jersey Devils and St Louis Blues, posting 15 points and 184 penalty minutes, also played 175 games in the Ontario Hockey League before serving five years for hiring a hitman to kill his agent. After being released he played for Saint Mary’s University and last season IFK Ore in Sweden and Orli Znojmo in Austria.
“My goals are all team oriented. From my discussions with [coach] Paul [Thompson], it is very evident he wants to win. I am in the same boat, " Denton told the Blaze website.
“I enjoy winning and dislike very much to lose hockey games. Winning is infectious and everybody benefits in the end. Therefore, my goal is for the team to play to the best of their ability and win a championship.
“I intend to bring a lot of hockey knowledge and leadership to the Blaze. I have played at many levels and know the game of hockey very well.
“I will bring a great work ethic and dedication to winning as well as an in-your-face style of play. I enjoy playing physical but I will be relied on to put up points in Coventry.
“I expect to be an all-around player that aggravates the other nine teams in the league. The local fans will definitely enjoy my style of play!
“I was speaking to a good friend of mine - Adam Keefe - about possibly playing in the EIHL. He gave me a list of teams that I should contact that he thought were good spots for me.
“Coventry was one of those teams. So, I sent a message over to Paul Thompson and he promptly returned my inquiry. I spoke to Paul over the span of a couple days and was really interested in what he had to say.
“He seemed to be very passionate about winning and professional in his demeanour. I decided the best scenario was Coventry.
“The level of excitement I have is growing every hour. I want the season to start already! The buzz around the city and league seems to be infectious.
“I have heard a lot of good things about Coventry, their tradition, and the EIHL. I am looking forward to the experience.”