One In, One Out For Blaze

Last updated : 31 March 2011 By Covsupport News Service

Coventry Blaze Ice Hockey club have signed Owen Fussey but announced that Jason Robinson has retired.

The 27-year-old, signed last summer from Edinburgh Capitals, was the team’s leading scorer when he tore his medial collateral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament in December.

Fussey posted 39 points (24 goals and 15 assists) in 34 games and still finished the team’s third-highest goalscorer despite missing half of the season.

Coach Paul Thompson said to the Blaze official website: “I am absolutely delighted Owen is back with us next season. To say we missed him is a huge understatement.

“He was brought in to be a franchise player and he was well on course to get 40-plus goals before his horrible injury.

“But the commitment and dedication Owen has shown is his recovery just shows how professional he is. He is more determined than ever and that is the kind of guy we want back.

“Owen does not just bring us goals. He is a leader and his work-rate in practice and in games is incredible.

“He is a huge part of our powerplay and has a cannon of a shot. But he also brings a physical element which we have also missed. He is as good a power forward as anyone in the Elite League.

“Owen is also brilliant with the youngsters. He is always talking to them and encouraging them. He is very popular in the dressing room.

“Even to the end he – as well as Jeff Smith – were coming to all the away games and showing their support. The pair of them have been absolutely first class in their recoveries and I have to thank them for that.

“Owen has impressed everyone in the organisation and we are all glad he is back. He is excited to be back and wants to help the club get back to where it should be.

“I have been planning for a while for next season and searching for the right kind of players and personalities I want to help get this club back up there again and there will be more signing news shortly.”

Robinson had been brought back as cover for Jeff Smith in November and ended up staying for the rest of the season. He has retired to spend more time with his family and the defenceman told the CT's Anthony Hopker: "I'll go home now, have my wife yell at me for being away so long and then look for a job."