Blaze pick up Kozun, add Kent

Photo: Scott Wiggins

Coventry Blaze have confirmed their goaltending options for 2023/24 with two signings announced on Thursday afternoon.

Joining the Blaze from Cardiff is Taran Kozun. The 28-year-old spent the past two seasons with the Devils, stopping 92.02% of shots in 55 games - logging 34 wins and five shutouts. 

"Getting Taran is a big move for us. His numbers over the past two years speak for themselves and he has been up there with the top goalies," said Head Coach Danny Stewart. "His consistency in stopping pucks and winning games is so valuable in how our league is set up. He has done it at every level that he has played at, and that pattern shows - when called upon to be the guy, he has had success. 

"He has a calm presence back there, and his ability to play the puck on top of everything else is such a bonus for us as well."

Coming into the Elite League and signing with the Blaze is 24-year-old Nolan Kent, for whom the new season will be his first in the professional game. The Canadian has played last season at the University of Alaska-Anchorage in the NCAA, logging a 4-8-0 record with a 90.6 save percentage. He spent the previous four seasons at Northern Michigan University where he played 48 games.

“Nolan is entering his first year as a pro after five years at the NCAA level. An injury disrupted his mid-college career a bit, but he finished strong with a good year at UAA, and he gives us a great secondary option to provide depth and competition in goal," added Stewart.

“He’s a great shot blocker and competitor who had phenomenal junior numbers, and really good college numbers when he was healthy and consistently playing. We have seen the benefit of having three goalies at the deadline last season, and it’s a big move for us to start with three from the beginning.”

Kozun and Kent join Will Bray as the Blaze's netminding trio for the new season.