The Guildford Flames restored their roster to full-strength on Thursday [19 October], signing Canadian forward Austin Glover as cover for the injured Kobe Walker.
Glover arrives in the Elite League with one season of professional experience, potting 22 points (five goals, 17 assists) in 33 appearances for French outfit Anglet last term.
The 27-year-old boasts a wealth of experience from major junior and collegiate hockey in Canada, headlined by a five-season stint with the University of British Columbia and a six-year career in the Western Hockey League.
With that in mind, British Ice Hockey recaps the Flames’ injury situation, summarises Glover’s skillset, and projects his place in Paul Dixon’s line-up.
Why did the Guildford Flames sign Austin Glover?
The Flames were forced to turn to the free agency market after forward Walker sustained an injury in preseason.
The Alberta-native joined the Flames from the Rochester Institute of Technology, for whom he recorded 80 points (40 goals, 40 assists) in 142 NCAA appearances.
Walker, a product of the junior-a Alberta Junior Hockey League, was tipped for a role in Guildford’s middle-six but is yet to feature for his new club.
“It’s unfortunate that Kobe was not able to get into the lineup because of an issue very early in training camp, so he has had to be moved to the [injury reserve list] so we can open up that roster spot for someone else who can be on active duty,” explained Dixon.
Placing Walker on the injury reserve list created a vacancy on Guildford’s roster, which Dixon filled with Glover.
How will Austin Glover’s skillset help the Guildford Flames?
Throughout his career, Glover has proven himself as a reliable forward who can make plays at both ends of the ice.
The 6-foot-2 attacker was an impressive scorer during his junior run, recording 146 points (51 goals, 95 assists) in 224 Western Hockey League (WHL) appearances.
He was similarly impactful as an import in France’s Ligue Magnus last season, translating a 22-point haul into a second professional contract with the Flames.
“Austin looks like a solid player who can play a two-way game and handle responsibility in all areas of the ice and all facets of the game,” said Dixon.
“He has some size, can play a physical game and has a track record for some offensive production as well.”
Where will Austin Glover play in the Guildford Flames’ line-up?
Glover projects as a middle-six forward for the Flames, who are winless through four games to start the Elite League season.
Comfortable on the right wing or at centre, the Saskatoon-born attacker packs the right amount of offensive punch and defensive responsibility to play in any number of roles for Dixon – who will be hopeful that his new recruit will lift spirits at the Spectrum.
“We are working as quickly as possible to get his visa in place and we are hoping he can be with us in time for the weekend games,” he added.
