Coventry Blaze, the new ice hockey team based at Coventry's Skydome Arena, have pulled off a hat-trick of signings.

They are wingers Michael Tasker and Tom Watkins, signed from Hull Thunder, and Canadian Mike Shewan.

Shewan played for Newcastle and Basingstoke before moving to Solihull and was a key figure in their success last season. He had been a free agent before agreeing his new deal with the club.

As well as playing, he has taken up the role of marketing manager at Blaze, and will start work this week making contacts with business and the community around the Coventry area.

Shewan is confident that Blaze can have a successful season in their new home.

He said:

''I appreciate that the management has asked me to be marketing manager, and I am anticipating a very exciting year both on and off the ice

"We are hoping to improve on last year's result of a seventh place finish and a place in the semis. I think we can improve in both areas.

“This is an opportunity that I'm glad the directors have taken and with the Skydome Arena and a new city, it is a no lose situation. We have the chance to start something special here in Coventry."'

Grant Charman, Operations Director of Coventry Blaze, is looking forward to seeing the new signings in action and is sure they will be important captures.

''These are three really important signings for the Blaze. Tasker is one of the best British players in the league and we are delighted that he has agreed to sign, Shewan is very important in our structure and Tom is a British player with loads of potential''.  

Skydome Arena general manager Simon Burnett said the rash of new signings had ensured a high-profile start for the club at the 4,000-seat indoor complex.

He said: