There’s a long summer ahead and Rink Mole had a busy time at the Elite League play-off final weekend in Nottingham, with plenty of rumours circulating ahead of the recruitment period for teams across the leagues.

This regular column will bring you all the gossip and rumours in one place – away from the excellent news, features, opinion and interviews from the rest of the BIH team.

Stewart set for Blaze return?

Coventry enjoyed something of an Indian Summer in the play-offs, having largely disappointed during the regular season.

That said, despite a brief late threat from Manchester Storm, the Blaze made the top eight with relative ease in the end.

It may not be enough for Chuck Weber, now 18 months into his stint at the Skydome, even if he does have the 2014/15 EIHL play-off title under his belt.

Rumour has it the recently retired Danny Stewart is being lined up for the Coventry coaching job – some six years after leaving the club as a player.

Stewart (above) was part of the Blaze team that won three EIHL championships in four seasons between 2006 and 2010.

He has spent the past five seasons as Player/Assistant Coach at Fife Flyers, following a year as Player/Coach at the now defunct Newcastle Vipers.

Prolific Storm flyer to move on?

Blaze may also have a new scoring threat on their front line for 2016/17, with the possible addition of Vinny Scarsella from Manchester.

Scarsella scored 31 goals with 43 assists in 60 games in his debut season in the EIHL, making him the third highest points scorer in the league, which has naturally drawn attention from admirers across the league.

With Storm fighting to increase their budget by raising ticket prices for next season, it may still not be enough to keep the fan favourite at Altrincham.

Lachowicz off to Milton Keynes?

The Nottingham Panthers and Great Britain forward has racked up over 450 games in the EIHL, but it’s understood a switch to MK Lightning could be on the cards.

The EPL team are set to move up to the EIHL in 2016/17 and Lachowicz’s experience could be prove vital as they prepare for their future at the higher level.

Lachowicz struggled for form last season and a new challenge could be the perfect boost for his career.

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(Image permission: Fife Flyers)