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September 25Coventry Kids Make the GradeThe "High and Mighty" Coventry Blaze are delighted to announce that their line up for the Challenge Match against Milton Keynes Lightning on Thursday 17 October will feature three Coventry based young players from the Blaze's own Junior Development Programme. These will be the first such players ever to wear the Blaze shirt. The Junior Development Programme was established just 18 months ago, and it was anticipated that it would be several years before any local players pulled on a Blaze jersey. However, the dramatic progress made by many of the young players in the system has been noted by the Junior Programme Head Coach, James Pease who has reported on the players to Paul Thompson. The game against Milton Keynes, who play in the English Premier League, is seen as the ideal opportunity to introduce players who have impressed in the Junior system training and games and also to rest a number of the senior Blaze stars in order to even the teams strength out (EPL teams retaining just four imported players). The players that will be joining the Blaze squad for this game are Nathanael Williams, Daniel Burgess (both 15) and Joe Law (16). Williams and Burgess both impressed during the recent Under 16's matches with netminder Burgess picking up a 30 shot shutout and Williams leading the attack for the Blaze team. Head Coach Paul Thompson said "I'm really happy to bring in these young guys for this game. It is quite unbelievable that our very own Junior development, which is just over a year old is providing me with these 3 young athletes, and giving them the opportunity to experience and enjoy a playing for the 1st team. "This is our vision as a hockey club and that is why so many people have put in so much time to the junior system. "Also this should send a message to all the other junior players that if you work hard and progress this is the opportunity that awaits you. The three lads will also practice with the Blaze during the week prior to the game." Chairman of the Junior System, and Director of the Blaze, Grant Charman added "I think this is a fantastic opportunity for three of our local youngsters, and it will not be the last such opportunity. The Blaze organisation, as a whole, are totally committed to the development of junior players. Every single one of the more than 150 kids currently registered with our junior system have the opportunity to prove that they deserve recognition with the Blaze and I think that this game will go a long way towards proving that fact. "The future of the sport in Britain has to lie with young British players! It's essential that teams in the Findus British National League bring through promising youngsters at an early age in order to start getting them accustomed to the increased speed and physicality of professional game, if they are ever to make the step up permanently. The jump between the junior leagues and BNL is a huge one and any player hoping to make that jump needs to have a structured introduction. "I'm sure that these three will take this opportunity and look to show what they are capable of, in the training sessions with the Blaze, and in the game itself. They will not become permanent fixtures in the senior squad straight away, that would be unrealistic, but the experience will stand them in good stead and will, hopefully, give them the incentive to push even harder during training and their own matches." The match will also give Blaze fans the chance to see former Blaze stars Barry Hollyhead and Michael Knights, who left the club during the summer to join Milton Keynes. |