Coventry NIHL Blaze are delighted to confirm that captain Daniel Kent will return to the club for the 2026/27 season.

Kent has become one of the most influential players in the modern history of the Blaze, with the upcoming campaign set to be his eighth season with the club.

The forward first joined Coventry in 2017 and has gone on to establish himself as one of the team's most productive players. Elite Prospects currently records Kent with 121 NIHL 2 regular-season appearances, 53 goals and 93 assists for 146 points, giving him an outstanding 1.21 points-per-game average. Those numbers make him the Blaze's all-time leading scorer in NIHL 2 regular-season play.

His contribution isn't simply based on goal scoring, either. Kent's 93 assists underline his importance as a creator, while his 146 regular-season points put him comfortably ahead of the other current Blaze players on the club's NIHL 2 scoring list.

Kent has also been entrusted with the ultimate leadership role. After previously serving as an alternate captain, he was named Blaze captain for the 2023/24 season and has worn the 'C' ever since, leading the team through the 2024/25 and 2025/26 campaigns.

The 2024/25 season was another particularly productive campaign for Kent, with the forward recording 8 goals and 25 assists for 33 points in just 25 league appearances, averaging 1.32 points per game. His 25 assists ranked him among the team's leading offensive contributors that season.

Kent's wider hockey experience also stretches well beyond his Blaze appearances. Elite Prospects' league experience records show 268 appearances, 137 goals, 204 assists and 341 points across his career, highlighting the considerable experience he brings to the Blaze dressing room.

With his production, creativity and leadership qualities, Kent's return represents another significant piece of business for the Blaze as they look to build on last season and challenge for silverware.

The captain stays. Welcome back, Daniel!