The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze welcome French side Gothiques d’Amiens to the Skydome Arena on Sunday 30 August (5:30pm) for an international pre-season test as preparations begin for the new campaign.
Competing in France’s top division, Ligue Magnus, Amiens will be a familiar name to Elite League fans, with a number of players having moved between the French and British leagues in recent years.
Former Blaze forward Nick Seitz returns to the Skydome for the first time since joining the French club this summer. The visitors also feature former Manchester Storm forward Tyler Hinam and ex-Belfast Giants Goaltender Alexis Gravel, adding further familiarity for UK hockey supporters.
Behind the bench, Gothiques d’Amiens will be led by new head coach Bruce Richardson, who makes his debut season in France following a lengthy coaching career in Canada across the QJHL and QMJHL. Richardson is also no stranger to British hockey, having served as player-assistant coach with the Nottingham Panthers between 2008 and 2010.
Richardson and his side will first visit Nottingham on Saturday 29th August before making the trip down the M1 to Coventry for Sunday’s pre-season showdown.
