The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze are pleased to announce the signing of American forward Griffin Ness for the 2026/27 Elite League season.
Ness, 26, joins the Blaze following a 2025/26 campaign split between the Kalamazoo Wings and Utah Grizzlies in the ECHL. Across 58 games, he recorded 11 goals and 21 assists for 32 points.
During the 2024/25 season, Ness also spent time with both the Toledo Walleye and Utah Grizzlies after a late-season trade. He appeared in 73 games, registering 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points.
Prior to turning professional, Ness spent four seasons at the University of North Dakota, one of the premier NCAA Division I hockey programs, following a successful junior career in Minnesota.
During his collegiate career, he helped the Fighting Hawks capture the 2020/21 NCHC Tournament Championship and was part of teams that earned NCHC Regular Season Championships in both 2020/21 and 2023/24.
In his senior season, he was named to the NCHC All-Academic Team for the fourth consecutive year and twice earned NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete honors.
Head Coach Kevin Moore commented:
“Griffin is a highly versatile player with a great hockey IQ who can slot in anywhere across our lineup. He is a hard forechecker and brings a strong mix of defensive detail and offensive skill, allowing him to contribute in all areas of the game. We are excited to welcome Griffin to Coventry.”
