Conveyor belt of players continues

The Excel Hull Stingrays will look a very different team when they return to the ice next September for the start of the 2009/2010 season, their forth in the Elite Leauge, and that is not because there will be a fresh, new, albeit rugged, face leading by example as player-coach.

The Rays season-on-season turnover of players has steadily been on the rise during their three seasons in the Elite League under former coach Rick Strachan, and that looks set to continue next season, under Sylvain Cloutier who is expected to retain as few as four of last seasons squad.

Last season the Stingrays signed 11 new players with just six re-signing for a second season with the team. Here are the stats from the Stingrays four post seasons in the Elite League:

05/06->06/07- 9 new players, 8 re-signings
06/07-> 07/08- 9 new players, 8 re-signings
07/08-> 08/09- 11 new players, 6 re-signings
08/09-> 09/10- 2 new player, 2 re-signings (thus far)

With fan favourite Lee Esders and the evergreen Jeff Glowa signed up just 20 days into Cloutier's reign as coach, there are signs that only two more players will re-sign, with the new signings, including Curtis Huppe, beginning to filter through.

Backup netminder Andrew Jazsczyk, Ukrainians Pavel Gomenyk and Konstantin Kalmikov and Lee Mitchell, are amongst the few names that are being seriously linked with a return next term whilst a whole host of last seasons squad including Stuart Kerr, Jason Kostadine and Aaron Wilson are unlikely to return.

It is after the success of Coventry and, more recently, Sheffield, that has sparked an interest in retaining a core of the teams squad. Cardiff and Nottingham have followed suit this season with the early re-signings of large portions of their squads, including of the likes of Brad Voth and Brad Richardson.

It is during the years of success for the Blaze and Steelers that the Stingrays have ploughed on, attempting to re-sign a small core, whilst letting the deadwood, of which there has been plenty, leave stage right. The result? A turnover of more than half of the squad each and every summer and failure followed by failure.

But now, with Cloutier installed as coach, the Stingrays are attempting to replicate the Sheffield and Coventry blueprint. Co-owner Sue Pack said:

"We are trying to build a club going forward and trying to form a group of people to keep together. Teams who are able to retain a core of players tend to be more successful. You think of teams like Sheffield and Coventry who have played together and train three or four times a week.

"Those teams have players who know each other inside out and their plays inside out. That makes for a good product on the ice. They read each other so well, it's a bit like being married."

And it is this post-season that the club plans to implement the 'building for the future' plan.

Although this summer promises to be no different with Cloutier understandably bringing in a fresh approach and new players to implement into a new era for the club, he will sign players with a second year in mind. But a large portion of the retention of next seasons squad, and the teams long term success, relies on the impact of the first season and that is where the coach's biggest obstacle lies.

If the Stingrays were to grasp a playoff berth next term then the squad would subsequently be ravaged by big spending clubs in both the UK and on the continent, with Denmark the current favoured destination for former EIHL players wanting to progress their career.

Likewise, if the season is deemed a failure, then the squad will be swiftly dismantled and rebuilt with just a few core players, again guaranteeing a high turnover of players.

Both options have the same end result, a guarantee of few returning players and a lack of consistency that Sheffield and Coventry have succeeded in reproducing. That will undoubtedly be Sylvain Cloutier's hardest task in his tenure as Stingrays coach.

Phoenix quit Elite League; Eight teams to play on for next season

The Manchester Phoenix have quit the Elite League for the English Premier League, the second tier of British hockey, following weeks of speculation.

The club cited the global financial crisis and increasing costs in the Elite League as their motives for leaving, four years after they re-emerged following the demise of the Manchester Storm.

The move leaves the Elite League with eight teams for the 2009/2019 season, the leagues seventh year of exsistence at the top of the British game.

Huppe re-joins Cloutier at Stingrays

31 year old Canadian forward Curtis Huppe has once again joined up with friend and former team mate Sylvain Cloutier, by signing a two year contract as player-assistant coach with the Excel Hull Stingrays.

6'1 Huppe is no stranger to the Elite League having spent three seasons in Belfast and a season in Coventry with Cloutier, winning the EIHL title in both cities, whilst racking up an outstanding 104 goals and 116 assists in 177 games.

Last season, Huppe came out of a very brief retirement to sign for Cloutier in Corpus Christi of the Central Hockey League, scoring 14 points in a short 28 game stint for the club, however once Cloutier was released, Huppe quickly followed after a disappointing season.

This signing is a statement of intent from the Stingrays management that they will not only do their best to sign one of their best ever teams, but that they are building the club for a crucial two year push for success with both Huppe and Cloutier contracted for two years.

Known as one of the best snipers to play in the Elite League, with more than a goal every other game and at least a point a game in the EIHL, Huppe developed his defensive game under Coventry coach Paul Thompson after gaining a reputation as a one dimensional forward.

Next season Huppe will be expected to hit the back of the net, and often, as he will rack up huge minutes on the Rays first line, as well as time on the powerplay and penalty kill.

Stingrays co-owner, Sue Pack, had this to say about the signing of the Winnipeg, Manitoba native:

"Curtis will bring seniority and leadership to the Stingrays. He's a points scorer and a skilled guy. He has played alongside Sylvain before. They have a good working relationship and he is very excited to be coming over to Hull and being part of something new for him."

The new era under new player-coach Cloutier is beginning to generate an element of excitement amongst not only fans, but also players.

Cloutier's vast experience in North America and reputation as an honest, hardworking player seems to be translating well into his recruitment of players and he indicated that his friendship with Huppe was key to the coup.

"We have a very good working relationship and we get along really well .There is a lot of trust and respect between us, two parts that should be there when you work together. Curtis is a very well-rounded hockey player and one I can count on every night."

"Curtis is a huge component to our team, he brings a lot of respect to the Hull Stingrays organisation. He is a proven winner and he knows what it takes to succeed."

It would seem that the Stingrays next move will be to sign tough guy Andre Payette from the Newcastle Vipers after strong rumours suggest that the 33 year old forward has agreed terms, meanwhile Tommy Sandahl looks set to sign as the teams number one netminder.

Photos courtesy Kingdom of the Giants and Coventry Telegraph

Rumour Mill #2

• Belfast forward Paul Deniset to Denmark
• Curtis Huppe now a virtual certainty to join the Stingrays as player/assistant coach.
• 24 year old Tommy Sandahl to replace Curtis Cruickshank as the Stingrays number one netminder
• Ryan Held and Sylvain Deschatelets to sign for Cardiff
• Steve Slonina to remain in the USA for next season, most likely the ECHL.
• Kevin Young has been offered a contract to make a sensational return to the Stingrays.
• The Stingrays to sign a couple of young players from the Kingston Jets for next season.
• Konstantin Kalmikov to re-sign with the Stingrays and complete the returnees from last seasons squad.
  

Rumour: Stingrays to sign Sandahl?

According to early reports in Scandinavia, Sylvain Cloutier has plumped for 24 year old Swede, Tommy Sandahl, as his netminder for the 09/10 EIHL season.

Hometown hero re-signs

Sylvain Cloutier has made Lee Esders, winner of last years most improved and fans favourite awards at the end of season dinner, his second signing for the Excel Hull Stingrays.

The 20 year old forward from Hull proved a big hit last season after a difficult rookie season in 06/07. He grew in confidence towards the end of season and gradually began to rack up points, eventually more than doubling his rookie totals, ending the season with career high figures of 11 goals and seven assists from 60 games.

Some of the credit for his quick development must go to former head coach Rick Strachan, who, despite Esders having a less than stellar first season, stuck by the plucky pint sized winger, as he did with many prospects in his time in Hull, eventually reaping the rewards with some confident displays last year.

But it was these former Hull prospects that gave the biggest indication that Esders may leave the club. Stevie Lee, who yesterday joined the Nottingham Panthers after a year in Guildford, and Dave Phillips, both quit the club last summer to further their careers in the sport, and it was feared that on the back of such a good season, Esders would not hesitate in taking one of the numerous offers on the table.

But Esders admitted that re-signing was really the only option for him after Sylvain Cloutier replaced Rick Strachan as coach.

"Everyone is buzzing about next season. When I spoke to [player-coach] Sylvain Cloutier he told me of his intentions for next season, the kind of players he is looking for and what he wanted from me. I know he can help me get better and improve.

And with one good season under his belt, Esders has made it his goal to continue to improve and, more importantly, to impress coach Cloutier.

"Another reason why I wanted to come back was to prove last season wasn't a one-off. I got more and more confident and I didn’t want the season to end. But I am going to work hard in the summer and come back stronger next season and improve in a few areas. I feel we are going to have a really good season."

Meanwhile Cloutier himself underlined the importance of Esders continuing his fast development next season.

"Lee had a great season last year. I definitely hope he improves on that, there is always room for improvement no matter how successful you are each season. I am depending on the fact that I see him improving this year."

"I know how Lee can play and I know what I expect from him in order for him to contribute to our success as a team next season. I plan to put him in an offensive role on our team, therefore I definitely see him scoring even more next season."

In a similar fashion to the early careers of many a young player brought through the Hull junior system, Esders has a fearless mentality that regularly sees him physically challenge the biggest and best players in the British game.

The already mentioned Stevie Lee and Dave Phillips, who both played as forward for the Stingrays in the early parts of their career, as well as Ryan Lake, all played the game with the very same chip on their shoulder.

Of course, occasionally he might miss a check and go flying head first in the plexi, he might hit Brad Voth and bounce off him like a flying hitting a windscreen, but it is in his character that, given the exactly same circumstances, he will do it again.

Last season his raw energy and enthusiasm was unifed with a confidence, both on and off the puck, that eventually saw him cross his ten goal target.

Nevertheless, next season Esders will have the chance to really kick on under the guidance of Cloutier. A rugged Canadian, Cloutier won't coach the pluckiness out of the young Brit, but his sheer experience should help other facets of his game improve.

Former fan favourite and prospect returns to the Elite League

Former Excel Hull Stingrays defenceman and fan favourite, Stevie Lee, has been signed by the Nottingham Panthers for the 09/10 Elite League season.

Lee, 18, signed for the Guildford Flames last summer in order to gain more ice time and aid his development as a player, after 152 games and nine points for the Stingrays in the BNL, EPL and EIHL.

He first impressed at just 12 years old, when playing for the Kingston Crunch, and quickly progressed up the junior ladder in the development system at the Hull Arena, under Peter "Jonker" Johnson, before making his Stingrays debut in the British National League at just 14.

Last season with the Flames, Lee added 21 points in 50 appearances whilst clocking up first line minutes for the Surrey based side, who went trophy less for the first time in four years.

But it is his continuing defensive reliability at such a young age, that has seen Corey Neilson sign him up so early in the summer and has earmarked him as one for the future, especially after 29 appearances for the two GB junior sides, resulting in an impressive 18 points from the blueline.

Although Lee just missed out on being drafted to the junior Canadian Hockey League, which allows just two import players and is the premier location for players wanting to be drafted to the NHL, this move is just another step in what should be an illustrious career in, not just British hockey, but further afield.

His commitment and fearless checking of players, usually twice his size, made him a fan favourite in his short three seasons with the Stingrays, but after a season in the EPL, he now looks set to make another big step up the hockey ladder .

Mr Hull Stingrays returns for sixth season

Sylvain Cloutier's first move as Excel Hull Stingrays player-coach has been to re-sign lynch pin forward Jeff Glowa for his sixth consecutive season at the club.

33 year old Canadian Glowa, who leads the clubs all time charts in games played, goals, assists and points, has agreed to return after a career year in the Elite League, where he scored 32 goals and 62 points in 60 games, and despite heavy interest from a whole host of clubs.

Cloutier's first move as coach was always going to be a move that was heavily scrutinised but this signing has captured the imagination of the Stingrays fan base and set the tone for the summer, as Glowa has not only been a loyal and hardworking player but also a talented goalscorer in his time at the team. A club statement reiterated his importance:

"We cannot be happier to have a guy like him back. His work ethic and everything about him is quality. He has just had his best season in a Stingrays shirt and we are all hoping he picks up where he left off. We are delighted Jeff has committed his future to the Stingrays and it is a great way to start our team building plans for the new season."

The signing comes off the back of increased speculation that he was looking to leave the club following a third successive failure to qualify for the EIHL playoffs under head coach Rick Strachan. Indeed, there had been significant interest from a number of clubs including Cardiff and Newcastle.

"I did contemplate leaving, more than I have ever done, but after talking to Clouts I believe we are on the same page and I told him things can really work here. There is a real positive feeling about next season already," said Glowa

With Strachan gone and Cloutier signed in his place, a new exciting era has begun for both fans, management and players, and Glowa admitted he was keen to be part of what a new coaching era promised.

"Clouts taking over is just what this organisation needs right now. He is well respected on and off the ice, he is a leader and he is a winner and there are going to be exciting times ahead in Hull. I really do believe the sky is the limit."

Whilst it was a simple decision for Glowa to re-sign once he had spoken with the incoming coach, it was a similarly simple decision for Cloutier to hand a five year veteran Glowa, a deal for next season. He said:

"I wanted Jeff back because he is the leader of the team. He has been in Hull practically since day one of the Stingrays and I feel he will be a key component to our success next season. I am very happy and extremely excited that he is coming back to Hull."

"What I remember about Jeff when I played against him was he was one of the most complete players in the Elite League. He competes every night, and that's the type of work ethic I am looking to build on this season"

Glowa's career stats at the Stingrays currently stand at a club leading 246 games played, 125 goals and 135 assists for 260 points, and it will be hoped that Glowa will be able to build on a career year in the EIHL with the help of player-coach Cloutier, who, in his two seasons in the Elite League, scored 114 points, including 48 goals, in 101 games.

It is his hard work, determination and sheer skill that has seen Glowa become a household name amongst followers of British ice hockey, not only in Hull but around the country. He has been a special player since he first stepped onto the ice with linemates Scott Wray and Dru Burgess for the Stingrays home opener against Milton Keynes in 2004/2005.

Glowa, right, scoring in his first game for the club in 04/05

Whilst Wray quit and Burgess fell short in terms of skill, Glowa's all too familiar characteristics, including loyalty to the club and pure ability, have seen him outlast his former teammates and become a fan favourite at the Hull Arena, something which will now continue for another year at least.

Cloutier's attentions will now likely turn to signing the rest of the squad, but specifically 19 year old British sensation Lee Esders, who has already expressed an interest in a returning to his hometown club.

Players eager to return under Cloutier

It has taken less than a week for a whole host of the Stingrays 08/09 squad to express a desire to return under new coach Sylvain Cloutier.

Cloutier, 35, was signed as player-coach a week ago to replace fellow Canadian, Rick Strachan, who had been at the helm of the club in all six years of their existence spanning across the BNL, EPL and Elite League. But fans had become increasingly frustrated and critical of Strachan for his negative tactics, and attendances at the Hull Arena had begun to dwindle in the face of three seasons of playoff-less hockey.

The slowly decreasing crowds, as well as the recent downturn in the global economy, lead Mike and Sue Pack, Stingrays co-owners, to relieve Strachan of his coaching duties, instead employing Cloutier, who will not only coach but also double up as one of the teams key players .

The appointment of Cloutier has proven popular not only with fans of both the Stingrays and other EIHL teams, but also with a number of last seasons Stingrays squad.

Three key components of the Rays team last season have already made it clear that they would be having talks with the new coach regarding the 09/10 season, the teams fourth in the Elite League.

Jeff Glowa, the clubs leading goal and point scorer of all time, told the Hull Daily Mail that he would talk with coach Cloutier, but with as many as three other EIHL clubs interested in signing him for next season, including Cardiff and Newcastle, the Stingrays may face an uphill struggle.

"I haven't talked to anyone as of yet. I definitely want to talk with Cloots, just get his views on things and about coming to Hull. Of course I have said it a million times it's always an option to come back to Hull. I just don't know which way I am heading at the moment."

Meanwhile, fan favourites, Konstantin Kalmikov and Lee Esders, have indicated that they would like to return to the team for second and third seasons respectively.

Kalmikov became one of the teams shining stars after replacing the indisciplined Jake Riddle, and is undoubtedly one of the most skilled players to pull on a Rays jersey in their short six year history.

"I'll be talking to Mike and Sue Pack, the team owners. I have enjoyed it with the Stingrays and in Hull and I'd like to see what team they are building for next year. Hopefully we can come to an agreement," said Ukrainian Kalmikov.

And hometown hero, Esders, who surprised everyone with an 11 goal season to finish as the teams highest British goalscorer, whilst continuing his inspiring all around hard work, was similarly enthusiastic about a return:

"I would like to come back to Hull. I like the set-up, it's good and obviously the crowd seem to like me a bit!"

Injury prone, Jamie Thompson, who played 32 games, scoring just nine goals and two assists after replacing Rick Kozak early in the season, also told the Hull Daily Mail that he would love to return to the club after a wholly disappointing season, however it is not expected that Cloutier will extend discussions with the ageing 38 year old forward.

Likewise speculation suggests that forward turned defenceman, Steve Slonina, who developed into one of the teams key players and scored a handy 40 points from defence, will not be returning to the UK.

The former Bakersfield Condor, who joined former teammates Jason Kostadine and Rick Kozak on the Stingrays roster in September, had a career year in points but, despite interest from the Coventry Blaze and European sides, is likely to stay in the United States to be near his close knit family.

Another player expected to be leaving the UK is former Stingrays forward Rob Rankin, who looks set to stay in the US for next season after two seasons in the country.

Rankin had an impressive year with the Stingrays in 07/08 scoring 55 points and 23 goals in 53 games but he slumped to just 30 points in 58 games in Newcastle this season, although did continue his impressive work ethic and defensive play.

It is expected that player-coach Cloutier has already begun preparations for next season and that his first signing is imminent with Curtis Huppe, Rumun Ndur, Jeff Glowa and Lee Esders mooted as the first of many signings, in what promises to be an exciting off-season.

1 Year of F Block Blog

Exactly a year ago to the day, F Block Blog kicked off with this first article about the dismantling of the Excel Hull Stingrays 07/08 squad.

365 days, 9000 hits later, the blog is going better than ever, with over 800 hits a month. Unfortunately the Stingrays remain in an all too familiar position after failing to make the playoffs for the third consecutive season in the EIHL. But that position does have a silver lining with league stability, or as close as possible, sealed for another year and with new player-coach Sylvain Cloutier in the infancy of his tenure in an exciting new era for the club.

This blog was initially conceived to give me a greater experience of writing and in the year since I believe that target has been achieved. But it has since developed into a platform for all the latest Excel Hull Stingrays news and its popularity continues to grow.

So thank you, the reader, for making it more popular than I ever expected. Hopefully it, as well as the Stingrays, will continue for the foreseeable future.

Rumour Mill #1

• Curtis Huppe to become Sylvain Cloutier's first signing as Stingrays player-coach
• Cloutier to also sign former teammate Rumun Ndur as player-assistant coach.
  
• Only Lee Esders is a definate to return to the Stingrays from the 08/09 squad.
• Jeff Glowa will decide between the Stingrays, Cardiff and Newcastle for next season, but has hinted that he may chose the Stingrays for one final push for the playoffs.
  
• One of the EIHL's players of the season, Mark Hurtubise, to either return to Edinburgh or sign in Denmark.
• David Beauregard to join Jody Lehman and a whole host of former EIHL stars in Denmark.
  
• Greg Chambers and netminder Peter Hirsch to Coventry are all but officially confirmed.
• Chris McAllister to Nottingham.
• Sean McAslan to return to the Panthers after a season in Denmark.
  

Cloutiers comments on joining the Rays

35 year old, newly appointed player-coach, Sylvain Cloutier, has spoken to the Official Hull Stingrays website for the first time since his appointment. He said:

"I am extremely excited to be the player-coach of the Hull Stingrays for the next two seasons. I feel with working alongside Mike and Sue Pack we will be able to put together a very competitive team on the ice for next season.

"The fans should be very excited for the upcoming season with all the changes we hope to make in order to make the team succeed. I look forward to meeting the fans of Hull, I have heard nothing but good things about them. Let's hope this will be the beginning to a very exciting and successful season."

Cloutier handed Stingrays job

35 year old Canadian Sylvain Cloutier has become the Excel Hull Stingrays second ever head coach after signing a two year contract as player-coach.

The native of Mont Laurier, Quebec, became the popular choice to succeed Rick Strachan in the last week but Cloutier was favourite for the job with co-owners Mike and Sue Pack as soon as they heard that he was interested in a return to the UK after his first coaching spell, in the CHL, ended after less than a year.

"Sylvain got in touch early in the process, pretty well at the same time as one or two people mentioned his name to us as someone who might be worth approaching."

"We said at the outset it was not about getting the first guy who contacted us, but getting the right guy. We almost said 'hang on, let's have a think' as it seemed, as far as we were concerned, we had the right guy almost straight away," said Mike Pack

As a veteran of over 1000 professional games, as well as a reputation as a driven, determined player, Cloutier brings a certain, win at all costs mentality, that was lacking under his predecessor.

That reputation is reflected in his impressive CV which boasts a number of championships, including two league titles in his two years in Coventry, seven games in the NHL with Chicago in 1998, 600+ games in the AHL and two over a point per game seasons in the EIHL with the Blaze.

Cloutier is the kind of player that the Stingrays have never had. Skillful but incredibly determined, and able to use his experience and personality to help motivate his teammates, something that should transfer into his role as coach.

With experience as head coach of the CHL's Corpus Christi Ice Rays, where his recorded ended at 21 wins, 25 losses after being dismissed in February, he has, albeit brief, experience of a head coaching role, but it is his vast experience on the ice and his style of play that is most exciting.

The signing of Cloutier will no doubt set off a whole host of rumours about who he may bring with him.

Last season he brought in his brother of over 300 NHL games, netminder Dan Cloutier, as assistant coach, as well as former Coventry and Belfast sniper, Curtis Huppe.

There is no doubt that these rumours will quickly emerge, but with the team on a tight budget, thought to be one of the lowest in the league, it will be difficult to bring in players of the quality of particularly his brother.

Mike Pack added to the Hull Daily Mail that Cloutier is understanding of the budget that the Stingrays are forced to run with:

"It will be his team, although clearly, as always, there will be a budget constraint determined by how successful the business is."

"We talked about that and he is comfortable with that."

The next question now is how many of last seasons squad will return for the new season. With Cloutier naturally wanting to bring in his own recruits, it could spell the end for many of last years team, with the futures of even the more impressive performers such as Kalmikov, Reynolds, Glowa, Slonina and Gomenyuk, in doubt.

And so begins an exciting new era in Stingrays hockey.

Stingrays set to name new coach

Four weeks ago the Excel Hull Stingrays only ever coach, Rick Strachan, was relieved of his duties as coach of the club he had failed to guide to the Elite League playoffs for three straight seasons.

But now, the club look set for a new era with a new coach being named in the next few days.

The man that seems to be odds on favourite for the role is former Coventry Blaze forward and captain, Sylvain Cloutier. After leaving the Blaze last summer, much to the despair of Blaze fans, Cloutier took up a head coaching role in the Central Hockey League and after an average record left the job less than a year in.

Cloutier (above), who earned a reputation as a gritty, determined centre in his two seasons with the Blaze, appears to tick all the boxes that the club would require from a coach.

After a decorated career in the North American minor leagues, as well as a season coaching there, he clearly has the experience and knowledge to translate into a more than adequate coach and a good recruiter of players, something which is key in the British game.

And after two seasons with Coventry he will be well aware of the intricacies, or not, of the British game and what it takes to win, after winning the EIHL league title in his spell.

But after sitting out last season the only query over his credentials to take the player-coaching role appears to be over his lack of competitive hockey in the last 12 months, but with two point per game seasons in the UK, that isn't thought to be a major hurdle for the talented Canadian.

Other names being heavily linked are Edinburgh Capitals player-coach Doug Christiansen, Slough Jets player-coach Steve Moria and former Stingrays defenceman Bryce Thoma, who is currently an assistant coach with Red Deer Rebels in the junior Western Hockey League in Canada.

But it is Cloutier that is favourite and preferred option for the job, which should be announced within the next week at the most.

Nine teams remain in EIHL

The Elite League has announced that all of this years clubs, minus the Basingstoke Bison, who have applied to the EPL, will continue in the league for next season.

Prior to a board meeting today there had been concern voiced by fans around the league to the rumours of the league splitting, with Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh being ousted by the other six clubs.

But following the meeting those fears have been allayed, with all of the nine teams committing to the 09/10 season, which will see all teams limited to ten import players.

In the same announcement, the EIHL also stated that next seasons league campaign will span 48 games for each club, whilst the British Knockout Cup will be scrapped with an extended and revised Challenge Cup competition taking its place, with the final at a neutral venue in similar fashion to that of the playoff weekend.

The news comes as great relief to fans across the country and should, hopefully, allow the Elite League to continue in a similar fashion as it has done in the past six years with continuous development and competitiveness.

In other rumours it has recently been suggested that teams from Belgium, the Netherlands and another team from Scotland will join the Elite League for next season. Although these rumours have yet to be officially confirmed or denied, with very little mention in the EIHL press release, representatives of the overseas leagues were present at the recent Playoff Weekend and with Basingstoke leaving the league this season it is thought the league would prefer to have a minimum of ten teams.

Full EIHL Press Release HERE

Steelers retain the EIHL playoff title

The Sheffield Steelers regained the Elite League playoff title for a second consecutive season by shutting out their fierce rivals the Nottingham Panthers 2-0, in the process completing a deserved double championship winning season.

Following their capture of the EIHL league title just four weeks ago, the Steelers went into this game as heavy favourites after easily beating the Edinburgh Capitals last week and edging past the favoured Cardiff Devils yester, however the Panthers were backed by thousands of fans on home ice at the Trent FM Arena and entered the tie with two easy wins over Manchester and Coventry.

In the end though, the Steelers, lead by a Jody Lehman shutout, a record breaking tenth of the season, and goals from Steve Munn and Ryan Finnerty, secured their third trophy in two seasons in a tightly fought victory.

Panthers and Steelers to compete for EIHL playoff title

The Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers will renew acquaintances in the EIHL Playoff final after scoring easy victories over the Coventry Blaze and Cardiff Devils respectively, in front of a sold out crowd at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham.

The Steelers continued their brilliant season with a 5-2 win over an in form Cardiff Devils side which puts them into the playoff final for the second time in two years and hands them a chance to regain the trophy they won 12 months ago.

Meanwhile the Panthers seem to have hit form at the right time. After sweeping aside the Manchester Phoenix in the Quarter Finals, they pushed the Coventry Blaze aside with equal ease, eventually progressing passed the Blaze, 6-2.

In what is undoubtedly one of the biggest rivalries in British ice hockey, the sides will meet tomorrow in front of a capacity crowd once again for the chance to lift the playoff trophy.

EIHL Playoffs 2009: Final Weekend Predictions

Following a wholly successful set of Quarter Final predictions, with four out of four predictions correct, albeit with no correct results, here, amid a collapsing BMI Baby Elite League, are my predictions for the Elite League Playoff Final Weekend.

Semi Final

Sheffield Steelers (1) v Cardiff Devils (6)

After scoring an easy first leg victory over the Edinburgh Capitals, the Sheffield Steelers cruised to an aggregate victory over the Caps. Meanwhile, as predicted right here, the Cardiff Devils shocked the Knockout Cup and Challenge Cup winners, the Belfast Giants, with an overtime second leg win. This game pits the underdogs of the playoffs against the number one seeds, and two teams that are not without rivalry and history this season. It is almost a certainty that the playoff champion will prevail from this tie, with the Steelers edging it in a low scoring affair. But if there is to be a shock, be sure that the Devils will provide it, after a scintillating end to the season and a surprise win over the Giants.

Prediction: Steelers 3-2 Devils

Coventry Blaze (2) v Nottingham Panthers (4)

Another game that is not without it's intense rivalry. This game pits the fallen champion and, thus far, trophy less, Coventry Blaze, against so-called Team Hollywood, aka perennial underachievers, the Nottingham Panthers. The Blaze just about passed the Newcastle Vipers in the Quarters, thanks to a stellar final ten minutes, whilst the Panthers expectedly beat the Manchester Phoenix. With the Panthers playing in front of thousands of home fans at the NIC, significantly more than any other team, and with the Blaze eager to end a god awful season, by their own high standards, it is difficult to see the Panthers lose this one. But once again this semi final matchup presents everything you need from a playoff game, fierce rivalry, two good teams and the goal of the playoff final, in front of a packed Trent FM Arena.

Prediction: Blaze 3-4 Panthers

Final

Sheffield Steelers (1) v Nottingham Panthers (4)

It is the final that the Elite League and both sets of supporters will have hoped for, and, if both sides make it, it promises to be one of the best, most enthralling games of the season. The Sheffield side have not had it all their own way over the Panthers this season, especially given their dominance over the rest of the league, so there is hope for the Panthers to score a victory over the unstoppable Steelers. However Sheffield have such a solid side it is difficult to see them pass up the opportunity for a second playoff triumph, even if it does take overtime and penalty shots.

Prediction: Steelers 4-3 Panthers

Finals for 08/09

Stingrays Final Stat Leaders

60 GAMES

GOALS
33
Jeff Glowa

ASSISTS
33
Matt Reynolds

POINTS
62
Jeff Glowa

PIMs
137
Jason Kostadine

PP GOALS
7
Jeff Glowa
Pavel Gomenyk

SH GOALS
3
Matt Reynolds
Jeff Glowa

CRUICKSHANK WATCH
Sv%- 88.6
GAA- 4.26


Stingrays 08/09 Squad

Netminders
#34 Curtis Cruickshank
#33 Andrew Jazscyzk

Defencemen
#2 Stuart Kerr
#40 Pavel Gomenyuk
#23 Aaron Wilson
#5 Steve Slonina
#3 Antti Turunen
#44 Troy Neumeier
Richie Thornton (two way contract with Billingham Bombers)

Forwards
#9 Jeff Glowa (c)
#74 Slava Koulikov
#11 Matt Reynolds
#18 James Cooke
#20 Lee Mitchell (a)
#27 Jason Kostadine (a)
#17 Lee Esders
#19 Konstantin Kalmikov
#16 Jamie Thompson

Head Coach: Rick Strachan
Assistant Coaches: Slava Koulikov, Curtis Cruickshank

#55 Jonathan Bernier: quit, joined Wheeling Nailers (ECHL)
#22 Jake Riddle: released, joined Tulsa Oilers (CHL)
#61 Rick Kozak: released, joined Laredo Bucks (CHL)
#42 Paul Moran: suffered season ending dislocated shoulder which requires surgery.

The end is not nigh- Elite League

The Elite League have just issued a press release alleging that Newcastle, Edinburgh and Manchester were aware of the EIHL meeting on Monday, but following the decision to continue next season with the same wage cap and playing conditions as this season, despite a worldwide recession, those three clubs failed to appear.

The press release reads:

"Over the past months there has been considerable consultations and meetings between the elite league clubs regarding a plan going forward.All clubs in one way or another have had to consider how best to adapt to the economic climate in order to ensure progress for their club.

The process culminated in a meeting on Monday 30^th March of those clubs who were, with out conditions, committed to participation in the 2009/10 season.

The clubs not present, but fully aware of the meeting being held, had consistently throughout earlier meetings and correspondence put forward a number of points which they required to be considered or adopted by the league.

Immediately following the meeting all clubs were advised of the out come, which is to continue effectively under the same playing conditions as was the case in 2008/2009 and the league presently awaits the remaining clubs to formally confirm if they are continuing there involvement in the league."

The stance of the Excel Hull Stingrays now seems to make more sense, given that the import levels and wage cap will stay the same as this season. The Stingrays, who, truth be told, rely on large away followings from teams like Sheffield and Nottingham, have continually said that a change of league is not a viable option, with both the NPL and EPL posing increased travel costs and smaller away followings.

But with added impetus put on marketing the club next season, with a new coach and a new approach, it is presumably hoped that the Stingrays can increase crowds whilst retaining the large away crowds.

One thing is for sure, this is certain to run and run, with the Manchester Phoenix issuing their thoughts on the events with a 'major press release' at 7am tomorrow morning.