Sport Blaze buoyant at Vallerand signing

GENTING Casino Coventry Blaze have signed 28-year-old Canadian forward Marc-Olivier Vallerand.

The Longueuil, Quebec native joins the club following a successful season in the well-respected Austrian EBEL with HC Bolzano-Bozen.

In 61 games, the left-shooter’s 27 points helped the Italian-based side to a fourth-placed finish in the regular season and a play-off semi-final berth.

Vallerand’s European experience also extends to time in the Swiss NLB, Denmark’s Metal Ligaen and a hugely productive year in Italy’s Serie A.

Before establishing a career in Europe, Vallerand was a stand-out in the ECHL with the Greenville Road Warriors.

Vallerand’s first ECHL season saw him lead all rookies for scoring with 28 goals, representing the Road Warriors at the 2011 All-Star Classic where he scored and provided two assists in the game. His stellar play in the ECHL also earned the dynamic winger a number of callups to the AHL with Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Rockford Ice Hogs and Norfolk Admirals.

Blaze head coach Danny Stewart said: “We wanted to get a little more dynamic up front and with Marc, we have done that.

“He has consistently put the puck in the net wherever he’s played and that’s something we needed a bit more of.

“He has top-end speed at this level.

“He also brings us that element of skill we were looking for at the same time. He will be here to score no doubt, but what I also liked is that he’s a player that can create opportunities for other guys as well.

“This is a big signing for us and will compliment our current group very well.”

Vallerand said: “I’m super excited to have a fresh start and be a big part of a successful year in Coventry. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone from my team-mates, to the staff and the fans.

“I’ll play my heart out on the ice and hopefully score a couple of game-winning goals.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about the country and the league,” he added.