Giudice glides back in to Coventry Blaze

Canadian forward Gerome Giudice has returned to the Elite League with Coventry Blaze, it was announced today.

The 24-year-old returns for a second spell at the Skydome having posted 15 points (eight goals and seven assists) as well as 102 penalty minutes in 26 games last season.

Giudice, who has an Italian passport, had asked to be released from his contract last December having been offered a two-year deal with Pontebba in Italy’s Serie A.

But coach Matt Soderstrom has moved to bring Giudice back to the club with Blaze short of bodies with defencemen Steven Chalmers, Benn Olson and Kenny Kallstrom out injured.

Soderstrom said: “I know from last year what I am getting with Gerome and what he will bring.

“We are two imports down and some people will wonder why I have brought a forward in when we are short on ‘D’ but I have other options to play on ‘D’.

“It is a good fit for us and for him. He will bring feistiness – he is not shy of the physical element – he can score and will contribute defensively and offensively. He is an all-round player, he can do a little bit of everything.

“He is not coming here just to fill a space and when we are fit and healthy again we will reassess the situation.”

It is hoped that Giudice will feature in the line-up for this weekend’s fixtures against Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers.