One in, one out as Leeds Chiefs sign Patrik Valcak and Ashley Calvert heads through exit door

INCOMING: Former Manchester Storm forward Patrik Valcak has signed for Leeds Chiefs. Picture courtesy of Dean Woolley.

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But while Zajac is delighted to have brought in the former Manchester Storm star, his arrival comes at the same time as the departure of fellow forward Ashley Calvert, who has left after just seven appearances due to increased work commitments.

It means the Chiefs are no better off numbers-wise over the coming weekend and with teenager Ethan Hehir still on international duty with Great Britain Under-20s in Lithuania, it leaves them with just seven forwards.

GONE: Ashley Calvert has exited Leeds Chiefs after just seven games due to increased work commitments. Picture courtesy of Kevin Slyfield.

Valcak, a fourth round draft pick at No 129 overall for the Boston Bruins, arrives having spent the last 18 months or so out of the game, his two years at Manchester in the Elite League being followed by a season in the UAE in 2017-18.

But, after training with the Chiefs in Blackburn earlier this week, Zajac was impressed with what he saw.

“He’s played in some fantastic leagues all over the world in his time, won a couple of different league championships and is just a consummate professional,” said Zajac.

“He was with us on the ice this last week and he’s in unbelievable shape. He’s got great size, great strength and a cracking shot on him and he’s smart. You don’t get to play in the leagues he has played in without being a smart, well-rounded hockey player.”

Zajac said Valcak’s arrival was tempered by the unexpected departure of Calvert. Despite Calvert not registering any points in the handful of games he played for the Chiefs, Zajac was pleased with his contribution and left the door open to a possible return for the former Sheffield Steeldogs forward.

"It’s unfortunate," added Zajac. "Ash came in at a difficult time for us and fitted in well. He’s played a good role for us and done everything that we’ve asked. He’d had four or five weeks off the ice before he came to us, so he felt a little bit rusty that first week.

“We felt he had been getting better with every week and he was a big physical presence for us. He’s going to be a big miss and we’re gutted to lose him but, unfortunately, he’s taken on a lot more at work and with the added travel for us, that extra workload has made it too hard for him to commit fully.

“But that’s not to say that somewhere down the line, something changes and we can maybe start that conversation again and see where he’s at.”