Coventry Blaze Ice Hockey team have signed Canadian forward Kevin Harvey for the 2013/14 Elite League season.
The 28-year-old Ontario native, a ninth-round draft pick by Calgary Flames in 2003, posted 31 points (12 goals and 19 assists) in 59 regular-season and play-off games for Elmira Jackals in the ECHL last season.
Harvey, at 6ft 2in and 196lbs, has had 154 fights during his career and has accumulated more than 2,600 penalty minutes. He has spent most of his time in the American Hockey League, wracking up 495 PIM’s in 126 matches, and the Central Hockey League (804 PIM’s in 183 games).
Last season was split between the Jackals and Toledo Walleye in the ECHL as well as a brief stint in Slovakia with HC Slovan Bratislava.
Coach Matt Soderstrom said to the Blaze website: “We are delighted to have Kevin on board. I felt we needed more size up top and Kevin brings us that.
“We could not bring in a one-dimensional guy, we wanted someone with toughness who could contribute and Kevin will do that. He was given a chance to produce last season and he did with 31 in 53 league games.
“He is a big boy, he plays with an edge and he is not scared to drop the mitts if required. He will create some room out there for our skilled guys.”
Director of Hockey Operations Paul Thompson said: “We have known about Kevin for a few years now. We tried to get him here before but he wasn’t ready to come over then but he now thinks it is the right time.
“He ticks a lot of boxes, we needed some more size up front and he will bring us toughness as well as contribute. He is going to be a fan favourite.”
Harvey said: “I can’t wait to start my next step in hockey by being part of a great club like Coventry Blaze.
“Thommo and I had talked a few years back but I wasn't ready to come over. I was still chasing the dream of maybe getting a chance at NHL level or spending more time in the AHL.
“But now I couldn't be happier to be coming over to play for such a well-grounded club with a great history of winning.