British defenceman Billy Thorpe and Assistant Coach Zach Vinnell will ice for the Genting Casino Coventry Blaze against Belfast Giants at SSE Arena tonight (7pm).
With defence pair Mike Kennedy and Jakob Stridsberg ruled out, and Brynley Capps on Great Britain Under-18 duty, Thorpe and Vinnell will bolster the blue-line.
Thorpe, 19, is on a two-way deal with the Peterborough Phantoms where he has played 19 times this season with a goal.
The 6’1″ Brit impressed during pre-season with the Blaze, scoring in a 6-3 victory over the Essen Mosquitoes.
A special moment for #️⃣5️⃣2️⃣ Billy Thorpe 🚨 @gophantoms pic.twitter.com/5bFUTwbJ5E
— Coventry Blaze 🐲🏒 (@covblazehockey) September 2, 2024
Vinnell hung up the skates at end of last season after winning the Elite League Grand Slam with Sheffield Steelers to take up the opportunity of Assistant Coach with the Blaze.
But with the team in need tonight, the 26-year-old will take to the ice once again for what will be his 58th game in Elite League competition.
Before arriving in the UK last season, Vinnell graduated through the NCAA with Merrimack College and Bowling Green State University before turning professional with Indy Fuel of the ECHL.
Billy will wear #14 and Zach #23 and we thank them both for stepping up for us tonight.
Cheer the guys on tonight in Belfast with the webcast available at: live.belfastgiants.com
