Coventry Blaze add Matthew Thompson to forward group for 2021/22

Matthew Thompson has become the latest player to sign for the Coventry Blaze ahead of the 2021/22 season, adding point-scoring ability to Danny Stewart’s top six.

The 6’1” right-shot forward arrives in Coventry having spent last term alongside David Broll in the ECHL as the Indy Fuel’s captain. Thompson collected 81 points (33 goals, 48 assists) in 115 appearances for the Indiana-based franchise, earning five call-ups to the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs.

After finishing the season third on the team for points (50) and assists (29), Thompson added to his impressive resume by being named as Indy’s Rookie of the Year in 2018/19.

A year earlier, Thompson won the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association Player of the Year Award while captaining Adrian College’s NCAA IIII programme. The Ontario native’s honour capped off an impressive junior career, where he registered 128 points and 105 NCAA appearances.

Thompson also helped Adrian to four NCHA regular-season titles, two Harris Cup post-season crowns, and four NCAA Division III tournament appearances.

“We are getting Mathew at a great age,” Coventry Blaze head coach Stewart said of Thompson’s arrival.

“He has had a lot of success early on in his career, and gives us a top six centre. He’s a right-handed guy which we have missed, and his hockey IQ is very good. He can play all situations on both sides of the puck and will eat a lot of minutes for us next season.

“He can create through many different ways and we like his overall game. Being named Captain in your second season of pro says a lot about his character, and that goes a long way in joining a new team with a big core,” the Fort McMurray-born tactician added.

Blaze Signings So Far:

C.J. Motte – 29-year-old goalie, USA

Jordan Hedley – 24-year-old goalie, GBR

David Clements – 26-year-old defenceman, GBR

Justin Hamonic – 27-year-old defenceman, CAN

Dillon Eichstadt – 27-year-old defenceman, USA

Nathanael Halbert – 25-year-old defenceman, CAN-GBR

Ross Venus – 27-year-old forward, GBR

Alex Forbes – 25-year-old forward/defenceman, GBR

Luke Ferrara – 28-year-old forward, GBR

Johnny Curran – 26-year-old forward, CAN

Janne Laakkonen – 39-year-old forward, FIN

Alec Marsh – 25-year-old forward, USA

David Broll – 28-year-old forward, CAN

Matthew Thompson – 27-year-old forward, CAN