Coventry Blaze coach Danny Stewart says his side have struggled for consistency between the pipes as the club made a switch in goalies.
Coming in is former NHL netminder Matt Hackett, who arrives to replace the departing Miroslav Kopriva, who leaves the club for the second time this season.
And Stewart reckons it’s been a problem area for him all season as they continued to linger just outside the play-off spots in the standings.
“Since Kevin Nastiuk’s decision not to return in the summer, we have struggled to find consistency within the goalie position due to injuries and some inconsistent play,” he said.
“As a club, we thank Miro for coming in to help us on two occasions, and we wish him nothing but the best for his future.
“In Matt, we get a guy that’s played at the very highest level and had success there. We are delighted to get someone of his pedigree. He’s a big guy that will bring us elite goal-tending at this level every night.”
Miroslav Kopriva leaves Coventry Blaze after two short stints at the club this season (PHOTO: Scott Wiggins)
The signing of Hackett is one to excite the Blaze fans, with experience from spells at Minnesota Wild and Buffalo Sabres.
The 28-year-old iced in 213 regular season AHL games between 2010 and 2017 and played in over 33 Calder Cup Playoff games
Last season, he made 28 appearances for Slovakian club HC Detva and was set for a move to EBEL side Medvescak Zagreb, but the deal fell through.
As for Kopriva, he first arrived as cover for the injured Miika Wiikman at the end of September, but left in mid November after picking up an injury himself.
Wiikman’s departure led to a return for the 35-year-old in early December, but the move for Hackett looks to end his time in the UK.
Kopriva made a total of 22 appearances for the Blaze during his two short stints, while Hackett, will make his debut this weekend as Blaze take on Guildford Flames away from home on Saturday.
