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Coventry Blaze ice hockey team are delighted to announce their first new signing of the summer with the acquisition of Canadian powerhouse Joel Poirier from their Superleague neighbours, the Nottingham Panthers.

The 27 year old left winger has signed a one year contract with the Skydome based team and at 6'2" and 198 lb, will provide a physical presence that Coach Paul Thompson has been looking for.

Originally hailing from Richmond Hill, Ontario, Poiriers' junior career was split between the Sudbury Wolves and Winsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League. Poirier was drafted by the Washington Capitals in 1993 but has never quite made it to the NHL. He turned professional in 1995, joining the Hampton Roads Admirals in the East Coast League. In four years with the Admirals Joel played in over 200 games and returned figures of 54 goals and 83 assists, while amassing 319 minutes in penalties.

At the start of the 1999-2000 season, Poirier moved across the Atlantic to join Newcastle Riverkings in the Superleague and returned the Tyneside the following season, before moving on to Nottingham last year. Returning 28 goals and 45 assists over the three seasons and picking up 200 minutes in penalties shows his ability to perform consistently at any level.

A natural leader on the ice, Poirier has been team captain several times during his career, and is a truly intense type of player. Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson, is delighted to have secured his signature :-

"I am Really happy to have Joel on board with us for the forthcoming season, he is big, strong and plays the type of game not only the coaching staff appreciate, but also the Fans. I think everyone will love his workrate and tenacity and he will bring something to our offence which we lacked last season, size and toughness. He has been a captain on his teams for the last 3 seasons so that shows great leadership. Joel is a big signing for the Blaze and brings the Craig Chapman attitude to the game."

Operations Director, Grant Charman, confirmed "He's a type of player that we have been lacking for a while and is a great guy to have on the team. We're sure that Joel will be a huge success, and a new fans favourite, here in Coventry."