The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze are pleased to announce the return of British forward Zaine McKenzie on a new two-year deal, keeping him with his hometown club through to the end of the 2027/28 Elite League season.
During the 2026/27 campaign, 22-year-old McKenzie split his season between the Blaze and the Peterborough Phantoms. In 23 NIHL appearances, he recorded three goals and three assists for six points, while also registering four assists in 35 Elite League competition games.
The Coventry native made 27 appearances for the Blaze during the 2024/25 season, recording two assists in his first full campaign with the club. Alongside his EIHL duties, McKenzie also featured in 15 games for the Phantoms, contributing five points (two goals, three assists).
McKenzie originally joined the Blaze following three seasons split between the Elite Ice Hockey League and the NIHL. During the 2023/24 season, he appeared in 12 Elite League games for the Nottingham Panthers, while also icing in 25 games for the Telford Tigers and 23 for the Bees IHC – his second spell with the Berkshire-based side after previously playing there in 2021/22. That same season, he also spent time with the Milton Keynes Lightning.
In 2022/23, McKenzie remained with Milton Keynes while making his professional debut for Nottingham. Prior to turning professional, he spent two years in North America developing at the Ontario Hockey Academy after leaving the UK at the age of 16.
Internationally, McKenzie has represented Great Britain Men’s National Junior Ice Hockey Team twice at the IIHF Under-20 World Championship Division IIA, winning silver in 2022 and bronze in 2023.
Away from the ice, McKenzie has also worked closely with the Blaze Community Foundation throughout the season, supporting the club’s outreach initiatives in local schools and youth programmes to help strengthen connections between the team and the wider Coventry community.
Head Coach Kevin Moore said, “Zaine is someone who bleeds blue. He’s one of the hardest-working players I’ve ever coached, and I fully expect him to take the next step in his development. He is invaluable to our group on and off the ice, and we are delighted to have him signed for another two seasons.”
McKenzie commented, “I’m delighted to have signed a new two-year deal with my hometown club. This is the organisation where I want to continue developing my role as a player and giving everything I have for the team. Kevin’s coaching style is excellent, and I truly believe we can compete for trophies and achieve something special together.
To the fans, thank you for your incredible support. You’re a massive reason why we do what we do. Keep bringing the noise, and I can’t wait to see you all again soon.”
