COVENTRY Blaze have bolstered their blue-line for the 2018-19 Elite League season with the signing of 26-year-old American defenceman Chris Joyaux.
The 6ft 1ins Bloomingdale, Illinois, native has spent the past two years with Tulsa Oilers of the ECHL where in 107 appearances, the right-shooter posted 28 points and was a regular plus player.
Last season he was named associate captain of the club.
Before his first taste of pro ice hockey in 2016, Joyaux was a NCAA (CCHA) regular season and NCAA (NCHC) champion with Miami University.
At junior level, he holds over 100 appearances in the USHL with Chicago Steel, Des Moines Buccaneers and Tri-City Storm.
During his time with the Blaze, Joyaux will study at Coventry University’s Business School.
Blaze head coach Danny Stewart said: “Chris is a very mobile, puck moving defenceman that plays 200 feet very well.
“He’s got good size and can play in all situations.
“He is another guy that comes to us at a good age and is still hungry to get better.
“He will log lots of minutes for us this season and bring some energy to our line-up, both on and off the ice.
“Finding good solid right handed guys isn’t always easy, and in Chris we feel we have found one.”
Joyaux added signing for Coventry would be an exciting experience and was looking forward to representing Blaze and the city.
“Coming from a captaincy role, I know I can contribute in the locker room and be someone guys can count on, talk to and trust both on and off the ice,” he said.
“My skating ability, sense of the game, puck movement and my shot are known to be my biggest assets.”
