Coventry NIHL Blaze are delighted to confirm that forward Harrison Sumner will return to the club for the 2026/27 season.

Sumner, who wears number 12, has become an important part of the Blaze setup since joining the club from Coventry Blaze U18 in 2021. The upcoming campaign will be his sixth season with the senior NIHL Blaze, having first made the move into the senior side ahead of the 2021/22 season.

The 23-year-old forward comes into the new campaign after producing his most productive season to date in Blaze colours.

During the 2025/26 NIHL 2 regular season, Sumner recorded 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points in 23 appearances, averaging 1.22 points per game. Those numbers saw him finish as the Blaze's leading scorer for points and assists, with his 17 assists also leading the entire team.

His contribution wasn't limited to creating chances either. Of his 11 league goals, two were game-winners, while he also contributed six points on the powerplay.

Sumner's 2025/26 campaign was particularly impressive given his continued development since joining the senior Blaze. Across his first five seasons with the club, Elite Prospects records 118 regular-season appearances, 41 goals and 36 assists for 77 points.

That means last season alone accounted for more than a third of his career Blaze points, highlighting the progression the young forward has made.

There is also plenty of experience behind those numbers. Sumner has now accumulated 136 appearances, 48 goals and 44 assists for 92 points in the Blaze's NIHL league experience records covering 2021–2026, while also spending time with Solihull Barons in NIHL 1 during his development.

Sumner's retention gives Head Coach Sean Alderson another key offensive option as the Blaze continue to build their roster for 2026/27, following a 2025/26 campaign in which Coventry finished third in the NIHL 2 regular season.

Welcome back, Harrison!