Elite League champions Coventry Blaze have signed Canadian forward Scott Kelman from Dayton Bombers of the East Coast Hockey League.

The 26-year-old was a first-round draft pick by Phoenix Coyotes in 1999 and has also represented Team Canada in international tournaments in Europe, including helping the team to a gold medal at the World Under-18 Championships in 1998.

Kelman has six years professional experience in the American Hockey League and the ECHL and coach Paul Thompson said: "He feels it's time to make the break from North America and try his hand in Europe.

"He has great hands and skates very well and is solid in both ends of the ice. I'm expecting very good things from Scott.

"He was not a first-round draft pick for no reason and although he didn't quite make the NHL, he has all the attributes to play a big part in the team next season."

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