Coventry NIHL Blaze are delighted to announce the additions of defenceman Rhys Potts and forwards Logan Johnson and Archie Hollyhead ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The trio will join the Blaze senior setup on two-way arrangements with the Telford Tigers U19s, allowing all three players to gain valuable senior experience with Coventry while continuing their development and receiving regular ice time with Telford.

The move represents another important step in the Blaze's commitment to developing young British talent and creating a pathway into senior hockey.

Rhys Potts

Defenceman Rhys Potts arrives in Coventry after several seasons within the Telford junior programme.

Elite Prospects records Potts with 55 appearances for Telford U19, two goals and 13 assists for 15 points, while he has also represented England at junior level. His 2024/25 campaign with Telford U18 produced seven points in 21 appearances, including one goal and six assists.

The young blue-liner has also gained valuable experience within a leadership environment, having previously worn an alternate captaincy role during his junior career.

Potts will now have the opportunity to learn from Coventry's experienced defensive group while gaining his first taste of regular senior hockey with the Blaze.

Logan Johnson

Logan Johnson brings a strong Coventry connection to the group, having developed through the local hockey pathway before continuing his junior career with Telford.

The 18-year-old centre is listed by Elite Prospects as a 6'0" left-shot forward, with his 2025/26 Telford U19 campaign producing 13 points. His previous U18 season also saw him record nine points in 15 appearances.

Johnson has already demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively at junior level and will now have the opportunity to test himself against senior opposition.

His two-way arrangement with Telford Tigers U19s means Logan can continue his junior development while gaining valuable experience within the Blaze senior environment throughout the 2026/27 campaign.

Archie Hollyhead

Joining Johnson in the forward group is Archie Hollyhead, another exciting young player coming through the Telford pathway.

The centre has been a productive contributor throughout his junior career. Elite Prospects records Hollyhead with 75 Telford U19 appearances, 22 goals and 26 assists for 48 points. His 2024/25 season was particularly productive, with 13 points in 16 appearances, including four goals and nine assists.

Hollyhead will also benefit from the two-way arrangement with Telford U19, giving him the opportunity to continue playing junior hockey while gaining exposure to the pace and physicality of the senior game.

At just 16 years old, his progression into the Blaze setup represents an exciting opportunity for a player who has already demonstrated strong offensive instincts at junior level.

The three signings underline Coventry NIHL Blaze's desire to provide opportunities for young players looking to make the transition into senior hockey.

For Potts, Johnson and Hollyhead, the 2026/27 season will be about learning, developing and competing for opportunities within the Blaze while continuing their junior careers with Telford.

The two-way arrangements with Telford Tigers U19s provide the players with the best of both worlds — exposure to senior NIHL hockey alongside regular junior competition and development.

With an established core of experienced players already returning for the new campaign, the addition of three young prospects adds further energy and potential to the Blaze roster.

Welcome to the Blaze, Rhys, Logan and Archie!