Netminder Kevin Nastiuk has signed for Coventry Blaze.
The 31-year-old moves to the Elite League from Dresdner Eislöwen of Germany’s DEL2 where he posted post a league best save-percentage (93.78%) and goals-against-average (1.99) amongst all regular starting goalies last season.
Blaze boss Danny Stewart said: “After considering several options we are delighted to have Kevin join us in Coventry.
“He is a proven winner at very good levels and is coming off arguably his best season statistically. A lot of his references were similar and that’s always a good sign.
“He’s a steady guy back there, who doesn’t let much phase him, which sends that confidence to the guys in front of him.
“He has that bounce-back-ability from game-to-game and within games, and that’s very important here in the UK with the workload and importance of the league.
“A further strength that really attracted me to Kevin was his ability to play the puck. Having a goalie who is confident to do that helps to prevent teams playing more in our zone.
“Opposition will have to be smarter as to what areas they put pucks and our defence will hopefully take less contact, plus it helps with transition as well.
“We have found a really good team player here who guys are going to want to battle in front of. He’s going to help us get better.
“I’d also like to say a big thank you to Coventry University Business School for the part that they have played in allowing us to sign a player of Kevin’s calibre.
“He will be taking advantage of the education package that we are able to offer by studying for an MSc in Sport Management and again I can’t reiterate how important that partnership with the Business School is to us.”
Nastiuk added: I’m really looking forward to the new opportunity in the UK. I have recently played six years in Germany and I have thoroughly enjoyed living in Europe.
“Coventry has had lots of success in the past and I’m looking towards having a great season. I’m a calm goalie who relies on technique and quickness.
“I’ve heard Coventry has great fans and I look forward to playing in front of them for the upcoming season.”
