Thursday [26 June] was a day of ‘stick or twist’ for the Belfast Giants — Ben Lake will be sticking in Northern Ireland after signing a contract extension, while Grant Mismash explores pastures new as the newest member of the Coventry Blaze.
The Giants, league and cup winners from last season, are now well into their summer rebuild, with Lake the fourth player to agree his SSE Arena return alongside head coach Adam Keefe.
Kevin Moore’s Blaze are even further into their offseason business, making Mismash their fourth new addition of the month.
With that in mind, let’s dive this latest edition of Elite League Signing Grades.
Signing Grade: Ben Lake set for sixth Belfast Giants season
Ben Lake remains one of the Elite League’s most underrated players.
Capable of playing up and down the line-up, the 35-year-old has 298 points (126 goals, 172 assists) in 363 regular-season appearances for the Blaze and Giants, all while providing penalty kill prowess and intensity levels matched only by his frenetic coach.
Ben Lake, Belfast Giants (Image: William Cherry)
“Ben brings a lot to this team,” said Keefe.
“He’s dependable, plays hard every shift, and understands what it takes to be a champion in this league.
“He sets the standard in practice and games, and he’s most definitely someone who the locker room has an immense amount of respect for. It’s important to have guys like Laker around if you want to build something that lasts and we’re very pleased to have him back.”
Lake is a cultural centrepiece in Belfast.
Joining the Giants after a 77-point season for Coventry in 2018-19, the Team Great Britain star is deployed in all situations by Keefe — and is often line-matched against the Elite League’s most dangerous forward lines.
Ben Lake: ‘I take a lot of pride in pulling on this jersey’
Ben Lake, Team GB and Belfast Giants (Image: Karl Denham)
“I take a lot of pride in pulling on this jersey and doing whatever I can to help the team be successful and win,” explained Lake, “it’s a great organisation to play for — professionally-run, competitive, and supported by a passionate fanbase.”
Lake’s offensive production has fallen in recent years (from 45 points in 2022-23 to 26 points last term), but there is so much more to his game.
Verdict: The Calgarian’s return to Belfast is an A+ decision by all involved. Lake’s injury record is almost immaculate (a feat made even more remarkable by his physical style of play), making his age a non-factor in this assessment.
Crucial to the Giants’ winning culture, Lake’s defensive solidity and penchant for winning puck battles in difficult offensive zone areas make him a fan and coach favourite in Belfast — exceptional business.
Signing Grade: Grant Mismash swaps Belfast Giants for Coventry Blaze
With the Rouen Dragons enticing Chase Gresock and Mike Regush away from the Skydome Arena, the Blaze have offensive holes to fill.
Grant Mismash’s signing is an important step in the process for Coventry, who were one of the Elite League’s surprise packages last term.
The 26-year-old joins Moore’s squad after a double-winning season with the Belfast Giants, for whom he tallied 43 points (15 goals, 28 assists) in 66 appearances.
Grant Mismash, Coventry Blaze (Image: William Cherry)
“Grant is a dynamic, hard-working player who will be an asset on our player,” Moore said of the former Nashville Predators second-round pick.
“His skill set and grit fit perfectly with out style of play and his fun-loving attitude will be a great addition to our locker room.”
Mismash has produced offensive at an impressive rate at every stage of his career.
The American posted 71 points (32 goals, 39 assists) in 117 NCAA appearances for the University of North Dakota, before transitioning his game to international ice with 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 24 Metal Ligaen outings for Stjernen.
Despite falling short of the potential once identified by NHL scouts, his combination of skill and grit make him a first-line player for most Elite League sides.
Having played a bottom-six role with the Giants last term, increased ice time should boost his output in Coventry.
Verdict: The Edina-born forward is another eye-catching addition for the Blaze, who earn an A-Grade for this deal.
Read More:
- Reaction: Brodie Kay joins Cardiff Devils from Fife Flyers
- Nottingham Panthers sign homegrown talent Finlay Ulrick
- Coventry Blaze sign defenceman Ivan Chukarov
- Belfast Giants set the tone with Scott Conway re-signing
- Reaction: Jordon Southorn joins Sheffield Steelers after two-year pursuit
- Analysis: Matthew Greenfield signs stunning, three-year Sheffield Steelers extension
- All-Star Alessio Luciani signs Coventry Blaze extension
