COVENTRY Blaze have confirmed the re-signings of duo Dillon Lawrence and Justin Hache for the 2019/20 Elite League season.
Canadian forward Lawrence impressed during his debut season for the Blaze, registering eight goals and assists and claiming 16 points in 54 Elite League regular season games.
His performances led to him being named the most improved player at the recent end of season awards, having become a more prominent member of the Coventry team towards the tail end of the campaign.
Meanwhile, fellow Canadian defenceman Hache has committed his future to the club, after a debut season in which he struck eight goals, three being game winners, and laid on 24 assists for his team-mates.
The new deal comes with the Blaze player combining his playing duties with a years’ study at Coventry University.
Speaking on the signing of Lawrence, head coach Danny Stewart said it was a no-brainer to bring the 24-year old back for next season.
“Dillon contributed all of his points in the final 26 games of the season last year.
“With increased time due to injuries, he stepped up and proved he could play in our line-up.
“There are many things I like about Dillon: for his size he skates very well and has a good skill level.
“He is still young, and I think he has a lot more to offer, and hopefully next season he will progress even further.”
Meanwhile, further sentiments from Stewart came the way of Hache, who the Blaze tactician views as a vital cog in the way his side play.
“Getting Justin back is a big signing for us.
“He’s a top pairing guy who excels at both ends of the ice.
“He plays in all situations and eats up big minutes on the back-end.
“An injury disrupted him this past season, but he came back and was healthy at the end.
“Guys that can produce at both ends of the ice are vital in today’s game and he does that for us in a big way.”
