Coventry Signs Guthrie
Coventry Blaze today confirmed they have signed former Clarkson forward Shea Guthrie for the 2011-12 Elite League campaign.
The 23-year-old Ontario native was a third round draft pick (76th overall) for New York Islanders in 2005 and spent last season in the ECHL with Utah Grizzlies and Florida Everblades.
He joins fellow new arrivals Peter Hirsch, James Griffin, Matic Kralj, David Phillips, Brandon Stones, John Gordon, Jerramie Domish and Mike McLean on the Blaze roster.
Coach Paul Thompson said: “Shea is going to be a big player for us.
“He had a back injury which ruled him out for most of last season so his stats don’t really show you what he is all about.
“But he has explosive speed, he is a smooth skater, he makes plays and he scores goals. Shea is going to play a big part for us.
“He was one of the quickest players in the ECHL and he is going to love the bigger rinks over here. I don’t think there are going to be any better skaters in the league than Shea and Jerramie Domish.
“Last year we relied heavily on Owen Fussey and Luke Fulghum for goals – this year I want all nine of my forwards to make a big contribution.
“Shea is another young, enthusiastic and hungry player which is what we needed more off in the line-up.
“I spoke to his coach in Utah and he was distraught to be losing Shea. I know how he feels because I have been there.
“I have done extensive research on Shea and I like what I have heard. He is going to be a very good player for us.”
Guthrie spent four years with Clarkson in the NCAA between 2005-2009, posting 45 points in 85 games and winning an ECAC Hockey championship in 2006-07.
He moved to Utah, for whom he has had two spells, in 2009, has also enjoyed two stints with Florida and has accumulated 106 points (39 goals and 67 assists) in 137 games in the ECHL.
