NEW BLAZE coach Chuck Weber plans to maximise the Elite League club’s potential after signing a deal until the end of the season.
The New York native brings a wealth of experience to the Skydome having won the Kelly Cup twice (2007/08 and 2009/10) and he was also named the ECHL Coach of the Year in 2007/08.
Weber won the IHL Turner Cup in 2000/01 as an assistant coach too and had been head coach in the KHL with Medvescak Zagreb this season.
The 41-year-old, who will arrive in the UK once he receives his visa, has signed a short term deal with Blaze and he revealed a conversation with club legend Paul Thompson helped swing his decision
“I am very excited to get over and get to work.” said Weber. “There is an exciting base to work with in Coventry and I look forward to meeting the staff, fans and working with the players.
“Paul Thompson called me to gauge my interest and we just talked hockey which I really enjoyed.
“He got me in touch with James (Pease, Blaze’s director of hockey) and we talked about the business side of things and we went from there.
“I have been working closely with James and Andy (Buxton) to get myself over as quick as possible.
“I have had players I have coached in the past who really enjoyed their experience in the EIHL. So I am looking forward to seeing the brand of hockey and work to maximize the Blaze’s potential on the ice.
“I hope to get the best out of this group on and off the ice. I want the team to enjoy coming to the rink and be prepared to work and improve every day as individuals. If we do that the team will get better as well.”
After seven years serving as an assistant coach with Orlando Solar Bears, (IHL), Trenton Titans (ECHL), Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) and Augusta Lynx and Utah Grizzlies (ECHL), Weber’s first head coach role came with Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL) in 2006/07.
During his time with the Cyclones, he won the Kelly Cup twice and was named Coach of the Year, having been a runner-up in voting the previous campaign. Weber also held the Director of Hockey Operations and Vice President of Hockey Operations titles during his four-year stay.
Weber was then head coach for Rochester Americans in the AHL in 2010/11 before moving to San Antonio Rampage, where he was head coach for two seasons before being promoted to Associate Coach and Director of Hockey Operations in his third year in 2013/14.
Turn inside to read how Blaze got on over the weekend the thoughts of new signing Trevor Frischmon.
