Campbell’s addition welcome warmth to Blaze

Genting Casino Coventry Blaze today announced the signing of Canadian forward Derek “Soupy” Campbell.

The 32-year-old was previously part of the Blaze team which won the Elite League title in the 2009/10 season, a feat which he then repeated a year later with the Sheffield Steelers.

Campbell began this season with Sheffield Steeldogs in the English Premier League. He recently rejoined Manchester Phoenix before accepting an offer from Blaze coach, Paul Thompson, to return to the top flight of ice hockey in this country

Thompson said of recapturing Campbell’s services: “I have been looking for a guy who can create some offence for us and Soupy can do that. I also wanted a gritty left-winger with speed and he fits that bill.

“I made a mistake by not bringing him back last time. He had won a championship with us and went on to win a championship the next season in Sheffield and was a big reason why Hull Stingrays had their best season last year.

“I like Soupy as a person, I like what he brings to a team and he plays with an edge. I will be expecting him to produce offensively.

“I am really excited to have him back, it is a great opportunity for him and I know he is looking forward to coming back too.”

It is hoped that Campbell will make his debut in next Saturday’s trip to Belfast Giants and following that will make his first home appearance against another former club, Hull Stingrays, at the Skydome the following night.