‘CJ’ FIRED UP FOR BLAZE

ICE HOCKEY BRITISH ELITE LEAGUE

TOP goalie Connor ‘CJ’ Motte is on his way back to Coventry after turning down two top rivals.

Both table-topping Cardiff and Challenge Cup winners Sheffield were keen on the American, 28, who led the Elite League in save percentage last season.

But Motte (left), who helped the Blaze to 17 wins in a row before the campaign was scrapped because of Covid-19, insisted his first choice was to go back to his old club. He said: “There’s a feeling of unfinished business so I’m looking forward to coming back and continuing what we had going.”

Blaze boss Danny Stewart had targeted Motte as his top signing after his late December arrival turned around the team’s season.

He said: “We’re really pleased to have got a deal done and know that he is as committed to us as we are to him.

“He came in last season and completed our puzzle.”