The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze are pleased to confirm the return of forward Sam Ruffin for the 2026/27 Elite League season.
Ruffin, 27, joined the Blaze ahead of the 2025/26 campaign following a season split between the ECHL and SPHL. During his time in the SPHL, he impressed offensively, recording 28 points (nine goals, 19 assists) in 29 games.
In his debut season in Coventry, Ruffin registered 16 points (three goals, 13 assists) in 32 appearances before suffering an injury that saw him placed on long-term injured reserve in January.
Following a successful rehabilitation programme with the Blaze medical team, he is expected to return to the line-up in November.
The right-shot winger began his professional career with the Indy Fuel during the 2023/24 season, recording 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in 30 appearances.
Prior to turning professional, Ruffin started his collegiate career at University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2018/19, playing 29 games before transferring to Adrian College, where he worked under Blaze coach Kevin Moore for the first time.
Ruffin enjoyed a highly successful four-year spell with the Bulldogs, helping the programme secure three NCHA Championships and the 2021/22 NCAA Division III National Championship. During that title-winning campaign, he was named NCAA Tournament MVP.
Across 103 games for Adrian College, Ruffin amassed an outstanding 136 points, scoring 50 goals and adding 86 assists. His performances earned him NCHA All-Conference honours and AHCA Second Team All-American recognition on two occasions.
Head Coach Kevin Moore said, “Sam is a player who plays hard, thinks the game at a high level, and can slot into any role. His positive impact on our team culture in the locker room is just as important as his play. We are happy to have Sam back in Coventry for another season.”
