Adam Calder played alongside some fantastic players during his six seasons with Coventry Blaze.

The Canadian, whose No 25 shirt is to be retired on Saturday at Coventry’s Elite League game against Cardiff Devils, selects his favourite five players to play alongside him in a Blaze All-Star line-up.

Goaltender: Jody Lehman

“Jody was a colourful character – a one of a kind – and said what had to be said when it needed saying. He may not have been the most technically sound of goalies but when he had to make the big save he made it. He got the job done.”

Defenseman: Neal Martin

“Neal skated so well and he knew how to play the game. He had a quick transition and his speed helped him out at both ends. He had a lot of experience playing in some top leagues and was a big part of our success.”

Defenseman: Wade Belak

“I think Wade (above) is the best signing the club has made. He came over and wanted to play and loved the game. He was a breath of fresh air. He was an experienced character guy and you knew if something happened on the ice Wade would be there.”

Forward: Dan Carlson

“Dan was the best player I played with. We did not say much but we worked so hard and we just clicked. He was a great guy, a great character and you knew what you were getting every night. He would be one of the best players every night. Thommo (Paul Thompson) broke us up a few times but he always came back to us!

Forward: Andre Payette

“Andre was a big character. I don’t think we would have had the year we did (2004/05 treble) without Andre. He looked out for us out there and there was many a time when big Andre came over the top when something was going down. He created so much room for us on the ice but he also put up some good numbers.”