Ice hockey
New arrival excites coach Thompson

COVENTRY BLAZE head coach Paul Thompson believes recent signing Gerome Giudice has a big part to play next season.

The 23-year-old joins fellow Canadian forward Mike Danton at the Skydome as Thompson continues to build his roster for the 2012/13 season.

Giudice spent last season with Tulsa Oilers in the Central Hockey League and previously played in Italy with Fassa.

“One of the biggest things I liked about Gerome was his attitude,” said Thompson. “He wants to win and wants to be on a team who knows what it takes to win.

“He knows we are rebuilding and he knows what type of team I am looking to put together. He will play hard every night and he is not afraid to mix it up. He ticks all the boxes in terms of what team I am looking to build for next season.

“Gerome also knows he will have to contribute, you can’t afford to have one-dimensional players any more.

“He is a physical player with a nice touch and he is hungry, excited and ready for the challenge.”

Giudice joins Shea Guthrie, James Griffin, Ross Venus, Sam Smith, Russell Cowley, Peter Hirsch, Matt Selby, Jerramie Domish and Mike Danton on the roster for next season.

One player who will not be part of Thompson’s roster is Great Britain international Robert Farmer.

The 21-year-old had initially been set for the second part of his two-year deal at the Skydome but has instead opted for a lucrative move to join a team in Kazakhstan for the 2012/13 campaign.

Thompson added: “I have known about it for a while and the club have planned for his departure. I want to wish Robert all the best. He has been offered an unbelievable contract and we cannot deny Robert that opportunity.”

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