Coventry Blaze

Coventry's recruitment has been measured rather than spectacular, but it reflects a club with a clear identity. By retaining the core of last season's side and adding experienced, hard-working imports, the Blaze look well equipped to challenge for another playoff place and could push higher if their new arrivals provide the additional scoring punch they're looking for.

The Blaze blue line looks stronger and more balanced than it did a year ago. Connor Russell provides a dependable two-way presence, Nick Grima adds size and mobility after two productive seasons in the ECHL, while David Clements continues to offer valuable leadership and consistency. Carson Musser joins after 4 years in the ECHL where he got 88 points in 224 games. Márkó Csollák makes the move from Hungary for his first foray to the UK and is a huge imposing 6'4" defenceman. It may not be the league's flashiest defence, but it has the depth and experience to become one of Coventry's biggest strengths.

Up front, Coventry look deeper than they did a year ago. Grant Mismash returns after establishing himself as one of the Elite League's most dangerous forwards, while Matthew Gleason's impressive rookie campaign suggests there's still more to come. Tanner Kaspick adds experience and versatility through the middle, Griffin Ness brings speed and energy, and the returning Sam Ruffin, Artem Buzoverya, Brynley Capps, Jack Hopkins and Zaine McKenzie ensure the Blaze once again possess a hard-working forward group capable of rolling four lines.

Between the pipes, we don't know yet! At the time of writing, the Blaze don't have a netminder following Mat Robson's switch to Nottingham.

Coventry's recruitment has been measured rather than headline-grabbing, but every addition appears to fit Kevin Moore's style of hockey. Tanner Kaspick adds experience and versatility through the middle, Nick Grima strengthens an already solid defensive group, while Griffin Ness brings pace and energy to the forward lines. With a fair few roster spots still to fill, there remains room for the Blaze to add further quality before opening night.

The Blaze have also had to replace some important departures, most notably Mat Robson, However, by retaining a good amount of last season's core and recruiting with continuity in mind, Coventry look well placed to build on the progress they made last year once the remaining pieces of the roster are confirmed.

Here's how we have the Blaze lining up this season.

First Line: Grant Mismash, Matthew Gleason and TBC

Second Line: TBC, Tanner Kaspick and Griffin Ness

Third Line: Artem Buzoberya, Sam Ruffin and TBC

Fourth Line: Brynley Capps, Jack Hopkins and Zaine McKenzie

First Pairing: Andrew Nielsen and Nick Grima

Second Pairing: Márkó Csollák and Connor Russell

Third Pairing: Carson Musser and David Clements

Netminders: TBC