Hjalmarsson makes move to Blaze

Kelman joined Coventry from Dayton Bombers in May 2008

Coventry Blaze have signed Swedish power forward Erik Hjalmarsson from Danish Elite League Herlev Hornets.

But they have also released summer signing Scott Kelman.

Hjalmarsson, 25, was top scorer at Norwegian Elite League Stjernen before his move to Herlev, where he suffered a knee injury.

"I'm very pleased to be bringing Erik to the Blaze. He's exactly what I think we need right now," coach Paul Thompson told the Blaze website.

"A real energy guy with good speed, good skills, a good shot and very feisty.

Someone has to make way for me to be able to bring in a new face and I've decided to let Scott Kelman go

Blaze coach Paul Thompson

"He's also a right shot and that is something that I think will help us.

"It's something that we haven't really had since we lost Curtis Huppe at the end of last season. "

As for Kelman's departure, Thompson said: "We're still trying to retain our league championship and offensively we need a boost.

"Someone has to make way for me to be able to bring in a new face and I've decided to let Scott go."

Hjalmarsson is expected to make his Blaze debut at home to Newcastle on Saturday.

BBC Sporticehockey