Coventry Blaze have confirm that James Isaacs’ short-term trial contract has now been extended until the end of the season.
The 26 year-old Canadian defenceman initially signed a two-game trial deal with the club to cover for the suspended Boris Valabik. Isaacs impressed Head Coach Chuck Weber sufficiently to earn an extension to his trial and now has agreed a further permanent deal until the end of the season.
The 6'1" defenceman has played in all six Elite League games following his arrival, a run which has seen Blaze take 9 points from a possible 12, including four victories.
"I’m very happy to be staying with the Blaze for the rest of the season", said Isaacs to the Blaze website. "I feel like some chemistry has developed on and off the ice with the team and that has turned into a great run of results recently. There is a good group of guys in the dressing room who work to be successful, day in, day out. I’m happy to be part of that. Chuck (Weber) and James (Pease) have been more than fair with me and I can’t say enough about how great the fans have been as well.”
Blaze Head Coach Chuck Weber commented: "We always said that this was an opportunity for James Isaacs to impress us and he has done just that. He works hard, keeps it simple and tries to execute exactly what we ask him to. He does a good job for us on the penalty-kill and I can’t ask for more from him." Weber continued, “James now has the chance to help us climb the ladder for the rest of the season and we are pleased to have him.”
Director of Hockey Operations James Pease confirmed that Isaacs will continue to wear the number 2 shirt for the remainder of the season and also added, "Keeping James was a bit of a no brainer for us, he has done well and impressed Chuck. There was always a chance that this could turn into a permanent deal and as a club we are glad it's worked out so well for both us and him."