The Coventry Blaze announced a pair of roster moves on Tuesday [21 February], with centreman Tyler Kirkup and netminder Miklós Rajna committed to the Skydome Arena club for the rest of the season.
The Blaze are fifth in the Elite League, with a record of 22-12-6 on the season.
Who is Coventry Blaze forward Tyler Kirkup?
Tyler Kirkup is a 24-year-old forward from Canada, who joins the Coventry Blaze from the ECHL’s Reading Royals.
“Adding depth at centre was crucial for us,” explained head coach Danny Stewart.
“We saw how tough it was to get cover last season when Mathew Thompson went down. Tyler offers quality depth as well. He has good size, moves well and is smart on both sides of the puck. He’s at a good age and will bring some added grit to our line-up as well.”
Kirkup, a first-year professional, recorded 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 43 appearances with the Royals this term.
Previously, the 6-foot-1 forward spent four seasons in the NCAA with Bemidji State University, posting 48 points (21 goals, 27 assists) in 131 games played.
Who is Coventry Blaze goaltender Miklós Rajna?
Miklós Rajna is a 31-year-old netminder who has spent his entire professional career based in his native Hungary.
He joins the Coventry Blaze on loan from Újpesti Torna Egylet (UTE) of the Erste Liga, which features clubs from Hungary and Romania.
Ranja, a 53-cap international, is a three-time Hungarian Netminder of the Year, two-time MOL League Champion, and two-time save percentage leader.
“We wanted to add a goalie for this last stretch of the season to help protect Paavo [Holsa], as he has played a lot of hockey,” explained head coach Danny Stewart.
“When Miklós became an option we not only added protection, but quality as well. He’s had a great career on both the domestic and international levels. He is very excited to play here in the UK and we want to thank his current club for giving us the ability to sign him.”
Ranja and Kirkup are eligible for selection this weekend, with a back-to-back versus the Sheffield Steelers on the horizon.
Analysis: Why the Coventry Blaze’s deadline ambition is great for the Elite League
The Coventry Blaze are pretty much locked into fifth position.
Danny Stewart’s squad hold a 16-point cushion over the sixth-place Nottingham Panthers, but are also ten points back from the Cardiff Devils in fourth.
The Blaze are therefore unlikely to move in either direction between now and the playoffs, meaning they can plan for a date with the fourth seed in the quarters.
In that context, Coventry’s ambition at the deadline is admirable.
It’ll take an upset for the Blaze to make the final four, but decision-makers in Coventry believe in the squad they have built.
And why shouldn’t they, especially after the arrival of Tyler Kirkup and Miklós Rajna?
Kirkup addresses their lack of depth at centre.
Rajna improves their options in net.
Coventry have made a bold play, here.
Let’s see if it pays off in the playoffs.
