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.
