Thompson lauds Lee return for Coventry Blaze

Coventry Plumbing and Heating Blaze coach Paul Thompson admits the return of American defenceman Brian Lee “has given everyone a lift”.

The 26-year-old, last season’s player of the year, has been sidelined since rupturing a hamstring during the 2-0 Challenge Cup win over Hull Stingrays at Hull Arena on December 18.

But he is back in training and is expected to take his place in the line-up, ironically at Hull on Saturday.

Fellow defenceman Jason Robinson will also return against the Stingrays having had a short break back in Canada although Brad Cruikshank will be suspended.

Thompson said: “Having Brian Lee back in the room has given everyone a lift. I got a buzz just seeing him back. He skated in his full kit yesterday

“He is a big player for us back there, he plays the body, is physical and he plays on our special teams.

“We will also have Robbo back which is another major boost. Unfortunately just when we get two bodies back we lose Shanker.

“But it will strengthen our defence and it means other guys can have that little bit of an extra rest.”

In a further boost for Blaze as they prepare for the play-offs, Canadian defenceman Jeff Smith is also not far away from a return after being sidelined since October with a knee cartilage injury.

Having Lee and Robinson back is going to be a huge boost to the Blaze who will now be gearing up for a charge at the Playoff title. With Jeff Smith due to be back by then as well, whichever of the top 4 teams (looking like Panthers) ends up playing Coventry is going to have a very tough time getting to the final weekend.

Does anyone know if Jeff Smith being fit takes Blaze over their import limit? I'm guessing not as Fussey is still out.