ICE HOCKEY: COVENTRY Blaze head coach Danny Stewart admits he wants to go in a ‘different direction’ defensively next season after releasing Jim Jorgensen.
Jorgensen spent two full seasons with Blaze, skating in 100 matches and scoring 52 points – which adds to his stint in the 2014/15 season where he iced 17 times, registering 11 points.
While Jorgensen departs, Stewart confirmed popular skipper Jordan Pietrus and talented youngster Ross Venus will remain for the 2017/18 Elite League season.
Coach Stewart said: “First of all I want to thank Jim for his time and dedication to the club.
“He is a model professional and always conducted himself in the correct manner.
“I can’t fault Jim’s effort at all, but I want us to go in a different direction defensively and so have had to make this tough decision.
“Everyone at the club wishes Jim Jorgenson all the very best.”
Blaze failed to make the end of season playoffs for the first time in the club’s history this season when finishing 9th following a poor record away from home.
But Stewart welcomed the return of Pietrus and Venus, stating both players played well throughout the year.
He said: “Jordan and Ross are hard-working players.
“I think Ross is unlucky not to be in Belfast right now with the Great Britain squad.
“I am looking forward to working with both of them again next season.”
Stewart also confirmed he plans to take his time with regards to recruitment this summer.
He said: “It’s a long period to assess exactly what we need.
“We won’t be rushing into anything.”
