Reynolds re-signs to round off Rays roster

Stingrays' coach Sylvain Cloutier has made his final signing of the off-season by bringing back 28 year old forward Matt Reynolds. The Ontario native had an impressive first season in the EIHL, finishing the year with points totals of 22+33=55 in 51 games.

The 200lbs forward made it known that he had received interest from other teams:

"I had a surprising amount of interest from Elite League, as well as interest from clubs further into Europe.

It's flattering to know teams are interested in you and I considered leaving, but in the end it wasn't that difficult a decision because I believe my best opportunity lies in Hull."

Reynolds was originally signed from the Fort Wayne Komets of the IHL by former coach Rick Strachan in Summer 2008. He had this to say about his recruit:

"Matt is a good player. He has great offensive capabilities, can play in both ends, he is a leader and he is also not afraid to get involved. He will be one of the guys who will be expected to contribute offensively and play on the powerplay which he is comfortable with."

This proved to be true as Reynolds gave the Stingrays another scoring outlet, removing some pressure from the shoulders of the evergreen Jeff Glowa. His willingness to shoot from acute angles pleased long standing Stingrays fans, who had grown used to seeing hesitancy in attacking situations. This was rewarded by an excellent goal from a near impossible angle against the Nottingham Panthers, and shown on Sky Television.
New coach Cloutier was pleased that he was able to lure Reynolds back to East Yorkshire for another season:

“Matt is a really good signing. From talking to people who saw him play in the Central League he comes to work every night and can play physical. He is not shy to mix it up. In the IHL and Central League he has not been afraid to do that."

Though Reynolds regularly finished his checks, he was not involved in a single fight throughout the season, a first in his professional career. This seems unlikely to change, as he suffered a broken hand towards the end of the season. The injury also appeared to hinder his game when he returned, however Reynolds attributes this to a premature healing period.

"I was disappointed with my play down the stretch last year after returning, but I feel I may have rushed back because of the situation we were in and I was desperate to contribute."

The signing of Reynolds completes the 2009/10 starting roster for the Stingrays, as they embark on their third Elite League campaign.