Kevin Moore’s contract extension with the Coventry Blaze will keep him behind the bench at the Skydome Arena for the foreseeable future – and it’s the perfect move for all parties involved.
Danny Stewart stepped away from his dual head coach and director of hockey operations role in Coventry last summer, joining the Nottingham Panthers after eight solid seasons at the helm of the Blaze.
The Canadian’s shock exit left the West Midlands outfit with a hole to fill – but also a massive opportunity to kickstart a new era at the Skydome.
They made a bold choice in appointing Moore – who was then an untested head coach at the professional level – and that boldness has already been repaid.
The Blaze sit fifth in the Elite League at the time of publication, just three points behind the fourth-place Cardiff Devils with ten games left to play.
“We’re delighted to have secured Kevin as Head Coach for another two years and have expanded his role to include Director of Hockey Operations,” said Blaze managing director Mike Cowley.
“Since coming on board, he has brought a new energy and impetus to the club, and we’re eager to build on this momentum. This extension gives Kevin the opportunity to begin shaping his team for next season well in advance – and maybe even enjoy a well-deserved break this summer.”
Why did the Coventry Blaze replace Danny Stewart with Kevin Moore?
Stewart walked away from his position with Coventry last summer, drawing his 12-year association with the club as a player, head coach, and director of hockey operations to a close.
The Blaze qualified for the playoffs in six of the seven seasons the Canadian spent as bench boss, finishing third in the regular-season standings in the coronavirus-curtailed 2019-20 season.
Coventry made steady progress under Stewart – but rarely troubled the powerhouse arena clubs as financial disparity in the Elite League came to the fore.
Moore arrived in Coventry offering a fresh perspective, following stints as an assistant coach in Nottingham with the Panthers and in the ECHL with the Indy Fuel.
Kevin Moore, Coventry Blaze (Image: Scott Wiggins)
“When I was initially hired, I felt like it was a perfect fit and I think it is has proven that as the season has gone on,” Moore explained. “I’ve loved everything about living and coaching in Coventry. I appreciate our fanbase and how loud the Skydome has been this season. So, I am excited to roll it back and hopefully be here for a long time.”
Analysis – Kevin Moore inks two-year Coventry Blaze contract extension
Moore has been a revelation in Coventry this season.
The Blaze are on course for a fifth-place finish – and could yet leapfrog the Cardiff Devils for a spot in the top four – and are playing some of their best hockey in years.
Really, the numbers say it all – Coventry lead the Elite League in powerplay conversion (26.9%) and rank second in penalty killing (82.2%).
Moore also deserves credit for his summer recruitment, with new arrivals Chase Gresock leading the league in goals (25) and Mike Regush topping the assists charts (32).
Given the American’s role in shaping Coventry’s roster, making his hockey operations role official is a sensible move.
The Blaze have stood toe-to-toe against the top four, too.
While their record against the Panthers is bleak (1-5-0), Coventry have held their own against the Belfast Giants (2-3-1), Sheffield Steelers (3-2-0), and Cardiff Devils (2-2-0).
Extending Moore is the right decision at the right time – the Blaze aren’t to be underestimated down the stretch.
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