Coventry Blaze will be welcoming left-winger Joel Poirier back for his third season with the club for the 2004 / 2005 campaign.

Poirier was voted the best forward by the fans last year after the side's first season in the Elite Ice Hockey League.

Despite a dip in the team's form during the run-in, Poirier held his form and scored 23 goals and 23 assists to record his most productive year since coming to the UK in 1999.

Poirier is very much a fixture in the Blaze line-up, and was selected by Head Coach Paul Thompson as his player of the year for last season.

Thompson said: "I'm really glad Joel is coming back to us. He kept to the level that he plays at all year. When the team went into a bit of a lull it didn't affect Joel's performance.

"I think he tried to pick the team up by the scruff of its neck to get us back on track.

"He is a very versatile player and adapted well when he was asked to play at centre when injuries hit us.

"If we can get a new centreman for his line who will share some of the responsibility that he took, I think that there will be yet more to come from him."

Poirier said: "Over the last two years I have really enjoyed my time with the Blaze both on and off the ice. I can thank the Blaze organisation for being such a tight knit group making my on ice experience up there with the best times I have had playing. Off the ice, the supporters have been absolutely amazing as well!

"Needless to say that it didn't take much convincing for me to decide to come back.

"Next year is going to be a very exciting year. There are going to be a few new faces on the squad and it is my only ambition to help mould those new guys into the team.

"The Blaze now know what it takes to play in the top flight in British Ice Hockey and I am looking forward to next season to help the team win the first piece of silverware in the Elite League!"