As expected, Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has completed the signing of rising British star, Robert Farmer from the Ottawa 67's of the Ontario Hockey League.
Despite being drafted in the first round of the OHL import draft, Farmer's time with the Canadian club proved to be short lived and he now returns to the Elite League where he made such an impact with the Sheffield Steelers last season.
After stepping up from the English Premier League to join the Steelers full
time in November, Farmer posted 17 points in 36 games and earned rave reviews for his powerful, aggressive play that he combined with an eye for goal.
At just 19 years of age, winger Farmer is one of the country's top young
prospects and has already won international medals with the Great Britain team at both under 18 and under 20 levels. In the GB Under 20's most recent gold medal winning campaign, Farmer contributed an outstanding 9 goals and 5 assists in just 5 games.
"I'm really pleased that Robert is joining the Blaze," said Thompson. "He is
going to give us the depth that we've been lacking in the roster so far this
season. He's a big lad with huge potential and I know that he will make an
impact in our line up. I had the chance to look at him first hand at the last
senior Great Britain training camp and obviously we all saw the impact he had when he came into the league last season. He's going to have the chance to play with a great teacher and veteran, Sean Selmser as his centreman and I'm sure we'll see his game develop even further.
"Once it was clear that he had no intention of playing in the English Premier
League again this season, we simply had to make a move for him. With Russ
Cowley still out of the line up and Jonathan Weaver waiting for surgery, this
signing has come at a very important time.
"I'm looking forward to working with Robert and think he can add the same type of dimension as Phil Hill has in Cardiff. A big power forward who hits and goes to the net with presence."
Assuming all the international paperwork can be completed in time, Farmer is expected to make his Blaze debut in the home and away series against the
Newcastle Vipers this weekend.
ENL Blaze can rejoin Whitley Bay at the top of the league this Saturday (9th October 2010) if they defeat their arch nemesis, the Nottingham Lions, at the Sky Dome.
The face off is back at the usual 5pm this week, so come down the the Skydome and don't forget to bring the noise too.
http://www.coventryblaze.co.uk/news_enl.php?id=113
Ticket prices - ENL League games
Adults £5.00
Children/Seniors/Students NUSXcard £3.00
Family Tickets (2 adults and up to 3 children £12.00)
Senior Blaze Season ticket/Corporate ticket holders (on production of season/corporate ticket)
£4.00 (adults)
£2.00 (Children/Seniors)
Coventry Blaze Juniors: Free (on production of Junior Membership card)when accompanied by a paying adult (one player per adult)