The Coventry Blaze have completed the signing of punishing defenceman Connor Russell, who joins the Elite League side following four seasons in the ECHL.
The 29-year-old made 128 appearances in the North American third tier, tallying 31 points (three goals, 28 assists) for the Jacksonville Icemen, Greenville Swamp Rabbits, and Iowa Heartlanders.
Russell’s professional career follows four seasons in USports, with spells at Brock University and the University of Ottawa.
The Canadian is Coventry’s second summer addition from the Icemen, with Ivan Chukarov also signed from Jacksonville.
“Connor embodies the tenacity we value in Coventry,” said Blaze head coach Kevin Moore.
“He’s a tough, physical defender who always puts the team first. I’m excited to have him with us this season.”
Signings continue to litter the off-season as everyone gears up to the new campaign. Keep yourself busy in the off season with live dealer casino games to try your luck ahead of watching your team’s fortunes when the new season gets underway.
While some clubs are further ahead than others in terms of recruitment, it still remains tough to call which clubs will be happier going in to the start of the 2025/26 season. Only time will tell, as more players arrive over the coming weeks.
Connor Russell, Jacksonville Icemen (Image: ECHL)
Analysis: Coventry Blaze add physical edge with Connor Russell signing
Connor Russell arrives in the Elite League with a well-established identity and style of play.
The Guelph-born blueliner finished his final season in the ECHL with 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) and 78 penalty minutes in 58 games played.
Russell’s output last term was a continuation of his efforts from the year prior, when he recorded 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) and 89 penalty minutes in 61 outings.
The 29-year-old isn’t afraid to drop the gloves, throw his body, or engage physically. In fact, it’s his biggest strength at 201lbs.
Russell will play a depth role for the Blaze — and is a likely partner for Archie Hazeldine on Kevin Moore’s third pair.
Connor Russell, Jacksonville Icemen (Image: ECHL)
With David Clements and Ivan Chukarov pencilled-in as second pair options, the Blaze have their bottom four set.
Now, their attention turns to adding star quality at the top of their defence corps.
Overall, the Blaze find themselves in a mini-rebuild.
Several key players have exited the Skydome Arena in recent weeks, including leading scorers Chase Gresock and Michael Regush (both to Rouen) and bottom-six tempo-setter Morten Jurgens to the Dundee Stars.
Those departures add extra significance to Russell’s signing, who will be expected to set the culture in Coventry.
Having a hard-hitting defenceman who is willing to drop the gloves is never a bad thing in the Elite League — and that is exactly what the Blaze have signed in Russell.
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