The Coventry Blaze have signed defenceman Ivan Chukarov to a one-year contract, with the American joining the Elite League side following six seasons in the ECHL.
Chukarov, a product of the University of Massachusetts, arrives in the West Midlands from the Jacksonville Icemen, for whom he recorded 61 points (12 goals, 49 assists) in 137 appearances through the last two seasons.
The 30-year-old’s professional career also includes stops with the Worcester Railers and Adirondack Thunder, totalling 93 points (18 goals, 75 assists) in 286 games played in the North American third tier.
“Ivan is a rangy, skilled defenceman who has great defensive habits,” Coventry head coach Kevin Moore said of his latest addition.
“He possesses the ability to hold tight gaps and use his stick to create transition. He will be a great fit within our team with his competitiveness and grit and I look forward to being able to coach him this season.”
Before entering the professional ranks, Chukarov enjoyed success in collegiate and junior hockey.
The 6-foot-2 defender helped the University of Massachusetts Minutemen clinch the 2018-19 Hockey East regular-season title, tallying 25 points (six goals, 19 assists) through his four-year, 128-game NCAA career.
In 2014-15, Chukarov played a starring role as the Minnesota Wilderness won the NAHL’s Robertson Cup, recording 43 points (12 goals, 31 assists) in a breakout, 51-game campaign.
Analysis: Coventry Blaze add defensive depth with Ivan Chukarov signing
The Coventry Blaze have another solid addition in Ivan Chukarov, a former seventh round pick of the Buffalo Sabres.
Ivan Chukarov, Coventry Blaze (Image: ECHL)
The Des Plaines, Illinois-born defender will neatly slot into Kevin Moore’s defensive corps, adding a little extra size at 92kg.
Chukarov is smart, albeit uncreative, with the puck, preferring a simple possession game on the breakout and in the offensive zone.
Defensively, his frame makes him a natural fit for crease front battles.
Finishing his final season in North America with a +16 rating, Chukarov is a smart, undervalued signing for the Blaze.
Joining Archie Hazeldine and David Clements on Coventry’s blueline, Chukarov projects as a second-pair defender, with further additions needed at the Skydome Arena.
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