The Coventry Blaze are delighted to announce the signing of Canadian defenceman Andrew Nielsen for the 2026/27 season.
Nielsen, 29, arrives in Coventry after an extensive professional career, having played over 450 professional games. He was originally selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round (65th overall) of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. The 6’4″ blueliner spent last season in the ECHL with the Maine Mariners, icing in 37 games and recording 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists).
Nielsen spent two full seasons in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies, where he won the Calder Cup Championship in 2018 before being traded to the Calgary Flames organization and joining the Stockton Heat. He then went on to play more AHL games, notably with Hershey Bears and Tuscson Roadrunners.
Nielsen is also no stranger to the ECHL, having skated in more than 150 games over his nine-year professional career. He has suited up for the Utah Grizzlies, Cincinnati Cyclones, Allen Americans, Worcester Railers, and Maine Mariners, being named to the ECHL All-Star Game in 2022/23.
The Red Deer naitve also brings experience of Europe’s high-level league’s having played in Norway with Vålerenga, Slovakia with HC Banska Bystrica and Sweden at Södertälje SK.
Head Coach Kevin Moore said: “Andrew plays a hard, heavy game and is a good puck mover who will make an immediate impact on our power play. He brings invaluable experience and a proven winning pedigree to our group. We are excited to welcome Andrew to Coventry.”
Nielsen will wear #6 for the Blaze during the 2026/27 Motorpoint Elite League season.
