COVENTRY Blaze has welcomed another promising young player back to the Skydome next year in the form of Tom Carlon.

Carlon was playing on a two-way contract with Telford last season, spending most of his time with the English Premier League club.

This year the emphasis has been switched for the 18-year-old forward. Blaze will have the first call on his services if required, and he will train full time in Coventry.

Should he not be needed for Coventry then he will be available for the newly re-named Telford Tigers.

Carlon, a Great Britain under-18 and under-20 international, played in two league games last year and scored three goals in three challenge games.

It was his development in training that caught Blaze head coach Paul Thompson's eye.

"He is a good size, has talent and is good around the net, and there aren't too many young British players with that kind of skill.

"Tom still has a lot to learn but he did well last year on the two-way contract from Telford. He was able to develop his game in training with us and get regular ice time in Telford and he made a noticeable improvement.

"Now it's time for him to step up a level and show that he can perform in the Elite League more regularly. It is the best of both worlds for him, an opportunity I'm sure he will make the most of.

"Unlike last year we will be able to call up Tom if we need him because of injuries. I expect him to play for Telford most of the time but he has the chance to impress and earn a full time contract for the following year."