ICE HOCKEY: COVENTRY Blaze head coach Danny Stewart insists new recruit Garrett Ladd will add speed and skill to his roster.
With the new season now just weeks away, Stewart is putting the finishing touches to his Blaze squad – and Ladd’s addition is the tenth Stewart has made this season.
The 5’10” left shooter joins the club from Tulsa Oilers of the ECHL, where last season he led the team for points by contributing 17 goals and 17 assists.
As well as icing with Tulsa, the 27-year-old also spent time with Adirondack Thunder, Elmira Jackals, Missouri Mavericks and a stint with Stockton Thunder after finishing his collegiate career with Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Amassing 85 games over three years, Ladd’s 37 goals, 54 assists helped the Pointers to back-to-back NCAA Division III National Championship games.
Following an honourable mention in 2012/13, Ladd was named WIAC Player of the Year the following season and was nominated on the All-WIAC First Team.
As a youngster, Ladd was part of the Marquette Rangers of the NAHL, where in 2010 he won the league title.
Coach Stewart said: “Garrett is coming off a very good season in the ECHL.
“Leading your team in scoring at any good level is impressive.
“He will bring some speed and skill to our team that I feel we need more of at this point.
“He offers an element of energy to our lineup and that creativity that is so important.
“He’s another hard working guy that buys into playing both ways which we value here.”
Garrett Ladd said joining Coventry Blaze is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
He added: “It will be a good step forward for my hockey career.
“I chose Coventry particularly because as I talked to past players and coach Stewart – I got a strong sense that the organisation respects their players and has a strong fan base.
“The fans can expect me to be disciplined both defensively and offensively.
“I use speed and creativity to make opportunities for my teammates and myself and bring a strong energy to the ice.”
