Elite Series: Coventry Blaze sign Norwegian centre Simen Andre Edvardsen
Simen Andre Edvardsen was unveiled as the sixth import signing to join the Coventry Blaze ahead of the 2021 Elite Series.
The 5'11" Norwegian centre has spent his entire career within the Storhamar organisation, rising through the ranks to the senior team in 2016/17.
Blaze head coach Danny Stewart has high expectations of the 22-year-old heading into the Elite Series.
"We are excited about Simen," Stewart said. "We watched a lot of video on him. He’s a good skater, with very good skill and great around the net. He plays with a little bit of physicality as well, and we liked that.
"He’s 22 and coming into the prime of his career. He will come here hungry and pushing for a spot on the national team. I think he will be a big player for us in this series!"
Image: Storhamar IL
Image: Storhamar IL
Before the current Eliteserien was halted, Edvarsen scored 14 goals in 24 games to helps his side lead the league with 18 wins. The left-shot forward's goals tally ranked joint-second in the league, which he backed up with seven assists for a total of 21 points.
Edvarsen has shown continual improvement since turning professional, increasing his goal tally every year since 2016.
The centreman was a constant figure in the Storhamar roster that was crowned Norwegian champions in 2017/18, an achievement that saw Edvarsen compete in the Champions Hockey League a year later.
A high-scorer in Norway's youth leagues, Edvardsen has appeared for his country at the World Championships at under-18 level (D1A) once and won a gold (D1B) and bronze medal (D1A) at the under-20's level.
Edvardsen will wear #34 during the Elite Series, which is set to begin on 3 April. The Blaze will play 12 regular-season games against the Manchester Storm, Nottingham Panthers, and Sheffield Steelers at the National Ice Centre.
Edvardsen joins American winger Tristan Keck in the Blaze's forward line-up. Earlier this month, Stewart secured the signings of defencemen Chris Pohlkamp, Max Krogdahl, and Nicolai Bryhnisveen. Canadian netminder Shane Owen will also ice for the Blaze.
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