Ice Hockey
Blaze signing set for weekend debut

Buy photos » Great Britain defenceman Dave Phillips has left Blaze. (S) Photo by Mark Tredgold

BLAZE new signing Peter Nylander is set to make his debut for the club when they take on Nottingham Panthers in a double-header this weekend.

The 36-year-old had joined Czech side HC Litvinov at the start of the season, but has struggled with a groin injury for much of the campaign.

But the experienced Swedish forward has shrugged off his injury worry and will offer coach Paul Thompson more offensive options as Blaze continue their push for the Elite League play-offs.

"Peter brings a lot of experience having played at a top world standard for many years and I am really pleased to have picked him up," said Thompson.

"He blew his groin earlier this season, but is in great shape and was looking at his options. He will bring more out of the players we have got here.

"We are relying on the same four or five guys to do all the scoring but Peter will be able to take some off the pressure of them."

The club have also confirmed this week that Great Britain defenceman Dave Phillips has agreed to join Danish side SønderjyskE.

The 24-year-old arrived at the Skydome in the summer after spending the past two seasons alternating between the American

Hockey League and ECHL.

After five years with hometown club Hull Stingrays, Phillips moved to Belfast Giants for the 2008/09 campaign and helped them win the Challenge Cup and Knockout Cup before heading to North America, but has now opted to play his hockey in the Danish league.

"Davey received a great offer from Denmark and I was not going to stand in his way," said Thompson.

"He is a big talent and he is joining a top team and I wish him all the very best. Europe is where he wants to be and I hope he is successful there."