An ice hockey legend will be getting his blades on again to help the Coventry Blaze through their current injury crisis.

Former Blaze player Chris Kelland is coming out retirement to bolster the side while captain Steve Chartrand recovers from a broken jaw.

Kelland, aged 43, retired from competitive hockey at the end of last season when he played for Hull Thunder.

The former GB captain has been one of the legends of British hockey since arriving on these shores to play for Murrayfield Racers in the old British Premier Division in the early eighties.

He joined Blaze during season 98-99, also as cover for an injured player, and became a real favourite among the fans, and has also played for Nottingham and Sheffield.

Coach Paul Thompson, who called on his friend to help his side out, said:

"Obviously, replacing Steve Chartrand is impossible. He is a great player that is irreplaceable, so we've had to find someone who can bring a different set of attributes to the team.

“Chris is not a centreman in the way that Steve is, but he'll give 110 per cent every night, and is a vastly experienced, very intelligent hockey player."

"Chris will complement our existing line-up and his talents will gel well with the other guys.

“I think Kell will bring a lot to this team and will be a great signing for us heading towards the play-offs."

SEE [12 JAN 01] CHARTRAND INJURED BUT HOME PLAYERS SHINE