The "High and Mighty" Coventry Blaze would like to confirm that popular netminder, Barry Hollyhead, has asked to be released from his contract and that the club have agreed to his request. Hollyhead has been unable to secure the starting role with the Blaze and has now been offered a starting role with another team.
Coach Paul Thompson was philosophical on the situation "It's very hard for a guy of Barry's quality to sit on the bench, but the way this league is progressing means that it's also difficult for us to give him the ice time he wants. As a club we will never stand in the way of a player who is offered a chance to play more. Barry will go with our blessing and good wishes and the increased ice time will certainly do him good. He's a guy that is right there in the Great Britain squad and deserves the chance to play regularly."
The back-up netminding void that will be left by Hollyhead's departure will be filled by young Welshman Greg Rockman. Rockman practiced with the Blaze for much of last season whilst playing for Birmingham Rockets in the English National League. He also played for the Blaze in one of the Best of British games, and earned rave revues in Hull when standing in for the injured Stephen Foster for a couple of games. Coach Thompson has been impressed by Rockman's attitude and potential and immediately offered him the chance to step up to the FBNL for the coming season.
Operations Director, Grant Charman, added "We are obviously sorry to see Barry go, he's been a stalwart for us over the last three years, but he's received the kind of offer that he cannot refuse at this stage of his career. I'm sure that Barry will do a fantastic job for his new team and will become as popular there as he has been here. Greg is a young guy that has shown lots of potential and I'm confident that he will fit in with us in Coventry."
