Smith won the AHL Calder Cup Championship in 2005

Coventry Blaze defenceman Jeff Smith is relishing taking on the Elite League's top forwards this season.

The Canadian, 29, was briefly in the city on Tuesday to tie up details with the club ahead of his move from Dutch side Nijmegen Devils.

Smith told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire: "I'm not a point getter. I'm more of a shutdown guy - big and physical.

"Not too many guys will stand in front of my net when I'm on the ice, or get space in the corners."

He added: "I like to talk my way out of fights, but obviously if you touch my goalie or do something stupid to one of my team-mates, then I'll be the first guy in line.

"And if you want my team-mates, you're going to have to go through me first."

The Saskatchewan native has signed a one-year deal with the current league champions and was keen to remain this side of the Atlantic.

"Going over to Europe and seeing how the UK league compares to the best teams in Europe, getting to compete against them, that's a huge factor in my excitement for the new season," he said.

"The Coventry fans are very passionate. The way they talk about the team and their rivalries makes me excited to play in front of them this year."

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