Blaze add former Stingray Tanaka to roster

Genting Casino Coventry Blaze can confirm the signing of Canadian forward Cale Tanaka for the 2013/14 Rapid Solicitors Elite League campaign.

The 27-year-old native of Stouffville, Ontario, spent last season with Hull Stingrays, posting 15 points (six goals and nine assists) in 37 appearances.

Tanaka enjoyed four seasons for the University of Alabama-Huntsville in the NCAA winning a championship in 2009/10.

Before that, Tanaka, who has Scottish ancestry, represented Stouffville Spirit and Aurora Tigers in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, registering 141 points in 183 games.

Three years ago he had a spell in France with Montpellier and iced for Dundas Real McCoys in 2011/12 before joining Stingrays.

Coach Matt Soderstrom said: “I was really happy with the way the team looked but we had one import spot open and I felt we just needed to strengthen our third line.

“We were wondering whether to wait until we were into the season to add to the team but I decided to go for Cale now when I heard he was available. I saw Cale play for Hull last season and he is a player I liked. He is a good skater who brings energy and speed to the team.

“Cale will have a key role to play in the team. He will help give our top six forwards a rest by being used on the penalty kill and he will get some powerplay opportunities too. He is a perfect fit.

“With Cale and Russell Cowley on the third line, along with a couple of the younger British guys, we have a unit there which is going to be solid and smart defensively and which can also contribute some points.”

Tanaka revealed he contacted NHL forward Matt Beleskey, who posted 33 points in 26 games for Blaze during the lock-out last season, about the move.

He said: “I’m very excited to be joining the Blaze this season. I spoke with my buddy Beleskey about his experience here during the lock-out and he had nothing but great things to say. I’m excited and privileged to be playing in front of the passionate Blaze fans each night.

“Coming into Coventry each game was always a challenge. We knew it would be a battle against a tough and skilled team. I think we are going to have much of the same thing this year.

“Last season was certainly a frustrating year for me. It definitely had its ups and downs. When I was healthy I was making an impact and playing some good hockey. I had some bad luck last year with a couple of fluke injuries and missed a lot of matches but it’s part of the game and was character building. I am very appreciative of the Stingrays organisation, [Sylvain Cloutier] Clouts and the fans for sticking with me last year through it all.

“I’m hoping to bring speed, skill and some edge to the team. I like to play a speed game and use my body, keep puck possession and finish my checks.

“My goals for this season are to continue to play my game and help the team out each match. I’ve always killed a lot of penalties and I know coach Soderstrom is looking to have me make an impact on the PK. I also want to put up numbers similar to or better than I was putting up during the beginning of play last season prior to all my injuries, which was a little under a point per game.”

Tanaka joins Steven Chalmers, Ross Venus, James Griffin, Mike Egener, Adam Henrich, Benn Olson, Russell Cowley, Mike Zacharias, Matt Selby, Dale White, Adam Goss, Michael Henrich, Ryan Ginand, Sean Erickson, Ashley Tait, Brian McMillin, Kevin Harvey and Kenny Kallstrom on next season’s roster.