Coventry Blaze Ice Hockey club have signed National Hockey League forward Matt Beleskey.
The 24-year-old from Ontario, is a victim of the NHL lock out over pay and becomes the third NHL player to join an Elite League club.
Beleskey has played 173 times for the Anaheim Ducks, scoring 19 goals with 25 assists and is expected to ice against Nottingham Panthers at the Sky Dome in a Challenge Cup tie on Sunday.
The deal was thanks to assistant coach Matt Soderstrom and the club’s sponsors and Coach Paul Thompson told the Blaze website; “Matty spoke to a few of the sponsors and they have helped make this deal possible. I cannot thank Matty and the sponsors enough.
“The sponsors can see the type of team we have and the attitude and commitment of the side and they were happy to help.
“Had we had a full line-up we would not have been looking. But I have been overplaying guys and they needed some support. This is going to give them a huge lift.
“I was looking for a young, hungry player who can play the intense, in-your-face style we have been producing this season and Matt fits the bill. I am expecting him to contribute heavily to our offence.
“I am absolutely excited to have signed Matt. He is a talented player and I cannot wait to have him in our line-up.”
Meanwhile, Beleskey is looking forward to being sent to Coventry and told the Blaze website: “I am excited to be on my way over. I had been trying to find my way overseas to play and luckily enough a friend of my dad's was able to put me in contact with Coventry. I was excited about the opportunity and very happy it's worked out.