With British backup netminder Will Bray currently recovering from injury, the Genting Casino Coventry Blaze can confirm that 18-year-old Alfie Jefferis has agreed to provide emergency backup cover until Bray returns to full fitness.
Jefferis has spent this season developing through the 96 Giants Midget AAA and Youth Hockey Program. As a key member of the 95 Giants under-18 team, he recorded an impressive .939 save percentage in 26 18U AAA appearances.
In January, he represented Great Britain at the IIHF U20 IIA World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, playing five games with a .897 save percentage.
During the 2023/24 season, the 6’3” Welsh netminder played for South Kent School’s under-18 team, making 16 appearances before representing Great Britain at the U18 Division 2A World Championship. He played a pivotal role in securing a silver medal for his country while also recording the tournament’s best save percentage (.913).
Jefferis began his hockey journey in the Swindon youth system and also spent a year with the Okanagan Hockey Academy.
The Blaze would like to extend their gratitude to Hayden Laverick of the NIHL Blaze and Andrew Little of the Kirkcaldy Kestrels for providing emergency cover over the past weekend.
Head Coach Kevin Moore said, “Alfie is a young goaltender with a bright future. He tracks the puck well and uses his size efficiently. I am happy to provide him with a great development opportunity while Will is on the mend.”
