Blaze Sign Tanaka

Last updated : 24 July 2013 By Coventry Blaze

.Coventry Blaze can confirm the signing of Canadian forward Cale Tanaka for the 2013/14 Rapid Solicitors Elite League campaign.

 

The 27-year-old native of Stouffville, Ontario, spent last season with Hull Stingrays, posting 15 points (six goals and nine assists) in 37 appearances.

 

Tanaka enjoyed four seasons for the University of Alabama-Huntsville in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, winning a championship in 2009/10.

 

Before that, Tanaka, who has Scottish ancestry, represented Stouffville Spirit and Aurora Tigers in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, registering 141 points in 183 games.

 

Three years ago he had a spell in France with Montpellier and iced for Dundas Real McCoys in the Ontario Hockey Association's Major League Hockey in 2011/12, scoring a point a game before joining Stingrays.

 

Coach Matt Soderstrom said: “I was really happy with the way the team looked but we had one import spot open and I felt we just needed to strengthen our third line.

 

“We were wondering whether to wait until we were into the season to add to the team but I decided to go for Cale now when I heard he was available. I saw Cale play for Hull last season and he is a player I liked. He is a good skater who brings energy and speed to the team.

 

“Cale will have a key role to play in the team. He will help give our top six forwards a rest by being used on the penalty kill and he will get some powerplay opportunities too. He is a perfect fit.

 

“With Cale and Russell Cowley on the third line, along with a couple of the younger British guys, we have a unit there which is going to be solid and smart defensively and which can also contribute some points.”