Danny Stewart has confirmed that British forward Ashley Tait will not be part of his Coventry Blaze roster next season.
The 41-year-old first joined the organisation in 2002 and has captained the team to eight major trophies.
Tait has also iced for Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers in addition to a season in Italy with Ritten Sport.
In December of last year he became the first player to reach 700 points in Elite League competitions (for Blaze and Steelers) and is one of only two players to reach 250 goals.
Blaze Chairman Andy Buxton said, “I feel very privileged to have worked with Ash for so many years – during both of his spells at Coventry and with the Great Britain team. He’s set standards and records that he should be very proud of.
“We were thrilled to bring him here for his first spell with the club and I must admit, when he chose to leave and join Sheffield at the end of that spell, I didn’t think we would see him in Blaze colours again.
“It was great therefore that we were able to give him the opportunity to return for a second spell which has seen him extend his career at the top level into his forties – an extraordinary feat and testament to his fitness and conditioning.
“I’m also very pleased that we have been able to give him the chance to try work areas away from the ice to help him get a feel for what he would like to ultimately do in the future.
“Finally, I want to thank Ash for his great playing service to the club, as I’m sure our fans will do too. He has been an inspiration to many and he leaves a great playing legacy here.”
(Image permission: Scott Wiggins)
