Blaze record breaker Russ set to retire

GENTING Casino Coventry Blaze forward Russell Cowley has confirmed his intention to retire following the current Elite League season.

The 33-year-old, will hang up his skates following a career which began in Swindon before signing a two-way deal with the British National League Blaze back in 2001.

Except for a single season with the Cardiff Devils during 2006/07, Cowley has since been an ever present at the Skydome Arena, completing 16 seasons with the club and celebrating a testimonial year in 2012. During that time, the number 17 has lifted a British National League double, the Elite League three times in addition to the Play-offs twice, the Challenge Cup and the Knock-Out Cup – including the Grand Slam in 2004/05.

He will depart holding the record for most all-time appearances for the organisation (920 + any additional playoff games), the most games of any single player for the Blaze in Elite League competitions (752 +) and second for all-time EIHL competition appearances of any player (802 + for Coventry and Cardiff).

In April, Cowley who has represented Team Great Britain over 60 times, aims to end his playing career by participating in the World Championships (Division 1B) taking place in Belfast.

In recognition of Russell’s achievements for the club, chairman Andy Buxton has announced that the number 17 jersey will be retired and raised to the Skydome rafters alongside other Blaze greats such as #12 Steve Chartrand, #25 Adam Calder and #26 Dan Carlson.

“Russell has been such a great servant to the club,” said Buxton. “It’s going to be strange to see a Blaze team take to the ice without number 17 in the line-up.

“But, of course there comes a point in every player’s career when they feel the time is right to hang up the skates and Russell can look back on an amazing journey that has seen him win just about everything in the British game. It’s been a privilege for us to have him here for so long and he has been an incredible ambassador for this club and our great sport. We will certainly miss him.”