Two of the most promising young players in UK hockey moved clubs this week.
The Coventry Blaze announced the signing of the duo, which fills out their British contingent of five for the upcoming season.
Defenceman Archie Hazeldine and Forward Jack Hopkins are products of the Nottingham junior system.
Though signed to professional two-way deals last season with the Nottingham Panthers, ice time at the Elite League level was at a premium for the pair.
Hazeldine spent a chunk of the season on loan with NIHL outfit Leeds Knights and played his part in a successful campaign for the eventual champions.
The defenceman featured in 42 games for Nottingham in a limited role.
Unsurprisingly, Hopkins was a point-per-game producer in the NIHL last season. Suiting up for the Milton Keynes Lightning, the 19yo registered six goals and ten assists in sixteen appearances.
In 42 games for the Panthers, Hopkins registered four assists and similar to Hazeldine, had little opportunity to impress in a limited role.
The larger arena teams in the Elite League rarely allow young players to cement a place in their top nine or top two pairings. As many associated with those teams like to point out, it’s not a development league in the UK and winning trumps everything.
I don’t disagree with that viewpoint though looking toward the future, it’s a rather short-sighted and even blinkered opinion.
Though unclear whether the two youngsters were pushed or jumped ship, the Panthers had signed Josh Tetlow and Ollie Beterridge, thus taking two British spots on the roster. Both are GB internationals returning to the UK after spending last season in Europe.
However, it’s encouraging that Hazeldine and Hopkins have opted for a fresh start with another Elite League club.
The Coventry Blaze is a second-tier team and with lesser expectations comes the opportunity to experiment with acquiring players, at home or abroad.
Nathan Ripley was given his head last season and the 21yo impressed in his first season as a professional.
Perhaps the success of Ripley has encouraged a team like the Blaze to take a perceived gamble on two of the most promising youngsters in British hockey.
If you have enjoyed this article and would like to support my work please consider donating https://ko-fi.com/markukleaf or PayPal.me/markukleaf
No donation is too small, even if it’s just the cost of a coffee. It would be much appreciated.
Alternatively, if you feel inclined to support me longer term please consider becoming a patron https://www.patreon.com/markukleaf
Thank you for considering the above, reading this article and for your continued support.
UK Hockey Blog 