Wednesday 31 March 2010
Monday 29 March 2010
Sunday 28 March 2010
Stingrays bow out of playoffs at first hurdle
Coventry Blaze (6) 4-1 (2)Excel Hull Stingrays
A three goal first period from the Coventry Blaze was enough to end the Excel Hull Stingrays first ever foray into the playoffs at the first hurdle as they went down 4-1 on the night and 6-2 on aggregate to the league champions.
The Stingrays, down by just a goal after the first leg, had hoped to score the first goal at the Skydome and put pressure on the Blaze in front of their own fans, however, a Derek Campbell goal seven minutes in put paid to those ambitions.
It would get worse for Sylvain Cloutier against his former team as further first period goals from Greg Owen and perennial Stingray killer Luke Fulghum handed the Blaze an unassailable four goal lead on aggregate.
At this stage even the most ardent Rays fan would have found it hard to believe that their team could go on to win the tie, even after coach Cloutier's tipped in goal on 30.52, and Fulghum's 15th of the season against the Stingrays nearly two minutes of the into the final period put an end to any remaining belief and the Stingrays season.
In truth a victory over two legs against the most consistent team in the league was always going to be a difficult task but throw in the most prolific scorer against the Rays this season and an inform netminder and that task was near impossible.
Although the first leg could have gone either way, with a Stingrays perhaps more deserved of the win, the Blaze were the superior side, both in the second leg and overall. Paul Thompson's side took their far superior chances when it counted, while the Rays failed to make an impact on netminder Hirsch, particularly during several powerplay opportunities over the two legs including a number of 5-on-3's.
The first leg was a notably better team performance than the second, where Cloutier excelled with a proud showing and just Lee Mitchell and Stephen Burns put in significant performances. In the end, those that went missing over the course of the season as well as the final two legs will not be offered a return for next season and Cloutier, who will be negotiating contracts for re-signings this week, has already hinted that is unhappy with a portion of his squad.
Off-season is now upon the Stingrays and the players will soon be heading home, however, for the top four, who, as expected according to league position, all qualified for the playoff semis, the season has been extended by at least one game. The semi-final matchups, to be played in Nottingham next Saturday, will see Coventry face Cardiff and Nottingham play Belfast for the right to qualify for the Playoff Final, which will this season be broadcast live on Sky Sports 2 (4pm) for the first time.
Until next season: Go Stingrays!
F Block Blog MOM: Lee Mitchell (0+0)
SOG: 43-37
PIM: 22-26
Cloutier's Comments: "It's disappointing to lose out, but we can hold our heads up. We were playing the champions – the best team in the league – you have to give them credit. They deserved it, and that's the way it goes. We competed with them and gave it our best shot. We had our chances with our special teams on Saturday night and we didn't take advantage of it. We were still in the game last night, and we got a goal back, but we were then undisciplined and got a bit carried away. The majority of the guys battled to the end and that is what I wanted to see."
A three goal first period from the Coventry Blaze was enough to end the Excel Hull Stingrays first ever foray into the playoffs at the first hurdle as they went down 4-1 on the night and 6-2 on aggregate to the league champions.
The Stingrays, down by just a goal after the first leg, had hoped to score the first goal at the Skydome and put pressure on the Blaze in front of their own fans, however, a Derek Campbell goal seven minutes in put paid to those ambitions.
It would get worse for Sylvain Cloutier against his former team as further first period goals from Greg Owen and perennial Stingray killer Luke Fulghum handed the Blaze an unassailable four goal lead on aggregate.
At this stage even the most ardent Rays fan would have found it hard to believe that their team could go on to win the tie, even after coach Cloutier's tipped in goal on 30.52, and Fulghum's 15th of the season against the Stingrays nearly two minutes of the into the final period put an end to any remaining belief and the Stingrays season.
In truth a victory over two legs against the most consistent team in the league was always going to be a difficult task but throw in the most prolific scorer against the Rays this season and an inform netminder and that task was near impossible.
Although the first leg could have gone either way, with a Stingrays perhaps more deserved of the win, the Blaze were the superior side, both in the second leg and overall. Paul Thompson's side took their far superior chances when it counted, while the Rays failed to make an impact on netminder Hirsch, particularly during several powerplay opportunities over the two legs including a number of 5-on-3's.
The first leg was a notably better team performance than the second, where Cloutier excelled with a proud showing and just Lee Mitchell and Stephen Burns put in significant performances. In the end, those that went missing over the course of the season as well as the final two legs will not be offered a return for next season and Cloutier, who will be negotiating contracts for re-signings this week, has already hinted that is unhappy with a portion of his squad.
Off-season is now upon the Stingrays and the players will soon be heading home, however, for the top four, who, as expected according to league position, all qualified for the playoff semis, the season has been extended by at least one game. The semi-final matchups, to be played in Nottingham next Saturday, will see Coventry face Cardiff and Nottingham play Belfast for the right to qualify for the Playoff Final, which will this season be broadcast live on Sky Sports 2 (4pm) for the first time.
Until next season: Go Stingrays!
F Block Blog MOM: Lee Mitchell (0+0)
SOG: 43-37
PIM: 22-26
Cloutier's Comments: "It's disappointing to lose out, but we can hold our heads up. We were playing the champions – the best team in the league – you have to give them credit. They deserved it, and that's the way it goes. We competed with them and gave it our best shot. We had our chances with our special teams on Saturday night and we didn't take advantage of it. We were still in the game last night, and we got a goal back, but we were then undisciplined and got a bit carried away. The majority of the guys battled to the end and that is what I wanted to see."
Saturday 27 March 2010
Coventry take slender advantage into second leg
Excel Hull Stingrays 1-2 Coventry Blaze
The Coventry Blaze edged the Excel Hull Stingrays 2-1 in a tense, uptempo first Elite League Quarter Final tonight with just a Greg Chambers goal separating the sides.
The Stingrays, playing in their first ever playoff game in the EIHL, clearly valued the crucial first goal and they matched the title winning Blaze in an exciting, end-to-end first period. The action on the ice was matched, if not by the attendance in the Hull Arena, which was somewhat disappointing in comparison to the final regular season game against Sheffield, then by the atmosphere that a good Coventry following and loud home crowd produced.
The second was similarly tight, although it was the home side that opened up the better with a series of huge chances that could have seen them lead. Player-assistant coach Curtis Huppe was particularly guilty of missing one or two chances after he had been gifted a couple of the opportunities produced as the Blaze defence went AWOL for a short period of time.
The Rays could not put that first goal home and they would go on to rue those missed chances in the 34th minute as Luke Fulghum bagged yet another goal against the Stingrays, his 13th of the season, on the powerplay after Lee Esders committed a preventable interference penalty behind play.
Sylvain Cloutier's side formed a quick fire response less than 30 seconds later as Konstantin Kalmikov scored the Rays first ever playoff goal after Jason Silverthorn had found himself with the enough time, space and composure in front of Peter Hirsch to make the pass to Ukrainian Kalmikov unmarked at the side of the net.
Both sides and sets of fans were understandably nervy in the final period, aware that any mistake would give the other the advantage heading into the second leg in Coventry.
Unfortunately for home fans it would be Lee Esders that would make the crucial mistake, once again being called by referee Andy Carson, this time for tripping. On the ensuing powerplay GB and Blaze forward Greg Chambers intentionally fired a shot at Stingrays keeper Martins Raitums from an acute angle behind the goal line and netted the game winning goal on 47 minutes.
Blaze coach Paul Thompson, believing that a one goal lead heading into the second leg would be enough, ensured that his side remained defensively solid for the final minutes of the game, shutting out the Stingrays in front of the impressive Hirsch.
Both sides now gear themselves up for what could potentially be the final time this season at the Skydome Arena tomorrow night with the Blaze one goal to the good and the Stingrays needing two goals to qualify for the final four in Nottingham next weekend.
F Block Blog MOM: Sylvain Cloutier (0+1)
SOG: 31-35
PIM: 10-14
Cloutier's Comments: "We're happy we are still in the game, that was important for us. Coventry are the best team in the league and we kept it close in the first leg. I told the guys before the first leg 'this is like game six, we have to stay alive and then play game seven on the road and then anything can happen. We've got to turn the page and get ready for the second leg."
The Coventry Blaze edged the Excel Hull Stingrays 2-1 in a tense, uptempo first Elite League Quarter Final tonight with just a Greg Chambers goal separating the sides.
The Stingrays, playing in their first ever playoff game in the EIHL, clearly valued the crucial first goal and they matched the title winning Blaze in an exciting, end-to-end first period. The action on the ice was matched, if not by the attendance in the Hull Arena, which was somewhat disappointing in comparison to the final regular season game against Sheffield, then by the atmosphere that a good Coventry following and loud home crowd produced.
The second was similarly tight, although it was the home side that opened up the better with a series of huge chances that could have seen them lead. Player-assistant coach Curtis Huppe was particularly guilty of missing one or two chances after he had been gifted a couple of the opportunities produced as the Blaze defence went AWOL for a short period of time.
The Rays could not put that first goal home and they would go on to rue those missed chances in the 34th minute as Luke Fulghum bagged yet another goal against the Stingrays, his 13th of the season, on the powerplay after Lee Esders committed a preventable interference penalty behind play.
Sylvain Cloutier's side formed a quick fire response less than 30 seconds later as Konstantin Kalmikov scored the Rays first ever playoff goal after Jason Silverthorn had found himself with the enough time, space and composure in front of Peter Hirsch to make the pass to Ukrainian Kalmikov unmarked at the side of the net.
Both sides and sets of fans were understandably nervy in the final period, aware that any mistake would give the other the advantage heading into the second leg in Coventry.
Unfortunately for home fans it would be Lee Esders that would make the crucial mistake, once again being called by referee Andy Carson, this time for tripping. On the ensuing powerplay GB and Blaze forward Greg Chambers intentionally fired a shot at Stingrays keeper Martins Raitums from an acute angle behind the goal line and netted the game winning goal on 47 minutes.
Blaze coach Paul Thompson, believing that a one goal lead heading into the second leg would be enough, ensured that his side remained defensively solid for the final minutes of the game, shutting out the Stingrays in front of the impressive Hirsch.
Both sides now gear themselves up for what could potentially be the final time this season at the Skydome Arena tomorrow night with the Blaze one goal to the good and the Stingrays needing two goals to qualify for the final four in Nottingham next weekend.
F Block Blog MOM: Sylvain Cloutier (0+1)
SOG: 31-35
PIM: 10-14
Cloutier's Comments: "We're happy we are still in the game, that was important for us. Coventry are the best team in the league and we kept it close in the first leg. I told the guys before the first leg 'this is like game six, we have to stay alive and then play game seven on the road and then anything can happen. We've got to turn the page and get ready for the second leg."
Thursday 25 March 2010
Playoff Quarter Final Weekend Preview: Stingrays v Coventry
V
EIHL PLAYOFF QUARTER FINAL
Saturday 27th March 2010: Excel Hull Stingrays (8th) v Coventry Blaze (1st) @ Hull Arena F/O 5.30pm
Sunday 28th March 2010: Coventry Blaze (1st) v Excel Hull Stingrays (8th) @ Skydome Arena F/O 6pm
This is it, the moment the Excel Hull Stingrays have been building up to for four long years. An Elite League playoff quarter final. Two legs of intense playoff action with the winner heading to the coveted final four weekend in Nottingham and the loser dusting off the golf clubs and hitting the course for an agonising six month summer.
Okay, so the Stingrays haven't exactly earned the right to be there, with all eight EIHL clubs automatically qualifying after a 56 game regular season, but try telling that to Sylvain Cloutier and his players, who have just completed the most successful Elite League campaign in the teams short history.
Whether they are worth it or not, the Stingrays are in their first ever Elite League Playoff Quarter Final and they have been presented with a huge chance to make the league's showpiece event for the first time.
They needn't even win two games, winning one game by two goals and keeping the other within one will be enough.
Of course, standing in their way are the four time and 09/10 Elite League Champion Coventry Blaze. A team that dominated the Stingrays during the regular season by netting 46 goals in the ten games between the sides, claiming nine wins in the process. Composed of offensive talent and solid defence in equal measure, the Blaze, coached by current Great Britain coach Paul Thompson, led the Elite League from the front this year and didn't look back.
The Rays will naturally and fairly be labelled the underdogs having claimed just one win over the Blaze all season and having occupied bottom spot for most of the season, however, that win sole win did come in the last meeting between the two sides and the Stingrays have hit form post-Christmas.
If, just if, Sylvain Cloutier's Stingrays can continue post-Christmas home form that has seen them claim nine wins in 13 games by notching up another victory to add to that impressive tally then, with the second leg in Coventry to come, the odds of a shock Stingrays victory may begin to fall. The home leg of the tie is crucial for both sides, lose that, in front of your own fans and it either be an uphill struggle or it'll already be over.
It is a big chance, a huge chance, for Cloutier and his team to get the Stingrays to a place many fans never thought they'd see the team. A two game push to qualify for the final four in Nottingham.
For the first time, it's playoff hockey time! Go Stingrays!
Form
Stingrays: W W W L W
Coventry: L W W W L
Last 3 Meetings
v Coventry
17/01/10 5-3 L A
31/01/10 6-1 L A
27/02/10 2-1 W H
Stingrays Season Series v Coventry Blaze
Record: 1 win, 9 losses (Series Lost)
Points: 2 points
Goals for: 23 (2.3 av. per game)
Goals against: 46 (4.6 av. per game)
Key Players
Stingrays
Konstantin Kalmikov (54GP 31+27 4PIM) The Ukrainian sharpshooter will need to return to form that saw him hit ten goals in nine games at the end of February and beginning of March, which ultimately saw him crowned player and forward of the season. Somewhat worryingly, in the three games since March 10 he has failed to tally one goal and while for most players this would be but a small blip in a brilliant season, Kalmikov's presence and goal scoring ability is vital to the Rays success.
Curtis Huppe (52GP 19+23 36PIM) It will be hoped that assistant coach Huppe will reproduce the four goal, five point effort from last weekend, this weekend against his former club Coventry. The same drive, determination and, most importantly, goal tally is required from Huppe, particularly if Kalmikov is out of form or is being marked out of the game.
George Halkidis (46GP 6+15 36PIM) Halkidis has had a rollercoaster ride in his return to hockey after a year out due to a shoulder injury last year. Points and defensive solidity have come back to his game eventually and, although mistakes and poor positioning have cost the Rays a number of times this season, more of the former will be needed this weekend if the Rays are to move to the semi finals.
Coventry
Jonathan Weaver (56GP 13+54 50PIM) GB defenceman and former Hull Thunder forward Weaver doesn't flinch in the big games. His offensive ability from the back is unquestioned but it is his defensive qualities that will be most important for the Blaze this weekend. Theoretically they have more than enough firepower to deal with the Stingrays, therefore the risk of Weaver carrying the puck forward on the rush is somewhat unnecessary. His shot from the blueline on the Coventry powerplay could be a game winner for Thompson.
Luke Fulghum (56GP 48+32 62PIM) After joining from an impressive Manchester side in summer, little more than secondary scoring was expected from Fulghum in Coventry colours after the service he received from Tony Hand in Altrincham. 48 goals in 56 games is what the forward congered up this season and included in that 12 goals in ten games against the Rays. A Stingray killer you could call him, he has scored in all eight games against the Rays and it is certain that he will be deadly once again this weekend.
Adam Calder (45GP 33+27 82PIM) The Canadian popped up at the perfect time to net a hat-trick, including the championship winning goal in overtime against Edinburgh last weekend. His decision to quit the Blaze and move North as player/coach of Braehead next season is now well known, although not officially announced, and he will want to leave Coventry on a high. Well up there in all-time Elite League goal and point scorers list, Calder is dangerous at the worst of times but this weekend, with the end of his Blaze career in sight, he will want to extend that career for at the very least another game.
Between the Pipes
Stingrays: Martins Raitums (22GP 3.73GAA 89.8sv.%) The signing of the Latvian in place of Swede Tommy Sandahl was a masterstroke by Cloutier. Since he joined the team has gone on the kind of impressive run of form that was expected from the beginning in Hull with the only possible criticism now being that Raitums should have been brought in sooner. Raitums, who once faced Canada at the Olympics, has looked assured and confident in the Stingrays net behind a defence that does, on occasion, go missing. If the Stingrays are to progress two massive games are needed from the Latvian netminder.
Coventry: Peter Hirsch (58GP 3.00GAA 91.5SV.%) After a year of JF Perras, the Blaze have finally found an adequate replacement for Trevor Koenig in former Denmark number one keeper Hirsch. The 31 year old, like Koenig before him, has been consistent in the Blaze goal and that, in itself, has helped them to the title this season, despite, incredibly, criticisms of the defence in front of him. Realistically, if the Blaze play to their strengths and undoubted ability, Hirsch should have to be no more than solid this weekend. If he is being called on too much, chances are a cracking series is in the making.
Absentees
Stingrays: Aivars Gaisins (broken hand)
Coventry: Full Strength
Predictions
Stingrays 4-3 Coventry
Coventry 4-2 Stingrays
Other Games
Belfast Giants (2nd) v Newcastle Vipers (7th)
Nottingham Panthers (3rd) v Edinburgh Capitals (6th)
Cardiff Devils (4th) v Sheffield Steelers (5th)
GB call-up Mitchell scoops awards double
Mitchell, who this season recorded 14 goals and 18 assists in 42 games, two short of his career best, and appeared in his second consecutive Elite League All Star game, despite starting the season 14 games late due to a knee injury, picked up the players and coaches player of the year award on the same night in which he was named in Paul Thompson's provisional 31 man squad for a double header against the Netherlands in April.
He will be hoping that near best career figures, that would have certainly been career best figures had a knee injury not scuppered the early part of his season, will be enough to get him into the full Great Britain squad for World Championship games against Slovenia, Croatia, Korea, Hungary and Poland after years of teetering on the brink. Joining him in the provisional squad are former Stingrays defencemen Dave Phillips, now in the AHL, brother Kevin Phillips, at Belfast, and young prodigy Stevie Lee, in Nottingham.
Stingrays coach Sylvain Cloutier sung the former Fife forwards praises after a season in which he levelled his career best in goals and could potentially make his first full World Championships appearance:
"He's a coach's dream. Anything you ask him to do, he will do it, whether that's playing on the first, second or third lines, the powerplay or penalty kill, he gets his head down and does it. Lee does all the little things right. He's been a go-to guy for us and he's been outstanding for us since he came back from injury."Meanwhile, Kalmikov deservedly picked up two of the fans voted awards for best forward and player of the year after he recorded career highs in goals (36), assists (29) and points (65) with just four penalty minutes picked despite the former Ukrainian international being an ever-present in the Stingrays roster.
Elsewhere, Adam Knight, nicknamed 'The Dark Knight' by supporters, picked up the fans favourite award following an entertaining season in which he fought 17 times against the likes of Sean McMorrow and Brad Voth, big hitting Stephen Burns picked up defenceman of the year and youngster Matty Davies picked up most improved player after a season in which he recorded four goals and 12 assists in his debut Elite League season."...he has been a force for us and has scored some big goals. He is strong in both ends of the rink and is a disciplined player who never complains. He is a great guy to have on the team and I am very pleased for him."
Wednesday 24 March 2010
Monday 22 March 2010
2009/10 Season Stats
Stingrays Season Series
v Belfast Giants
Record: 2 wins, 6 losses (Series lost)
Points: 4
Goals for: 14 (1.75 av. per game)
Goals against: 37 (4.62 av.per game)
v Cardiff Devils
Record: 2 wins, 8 losses (Series lost)
Points: 4
Goals for: 19 (1.9 av. per game)
Goals against: 43 (4.3 av. per game)
v Coventry Blaze
Record: 1 win, 9 losses (Series Lost)
Points: 2 points
Goals for: 23 (2.3 av. per game)
Goals against: 46 (4.6 av. per game)
v Edinburgh Capitals
Record: 4 wins, 4 losses (Series drawn)
Points: 10
Goal for: 30 (3.75 av. per game)
Goals against: 33 (4.12 av. per game)
v Newcastle Vipers
Record: 5 wins, 3 losses (Series won)
Points: 11
Goals for: 33 (4.12 av. per game)
Goals against: 24 (3 av. per game)
v Nottingham Panthers
Record: 1 win, 8 losses (Series lost)
Points: 4 points
Goals for: 25 (2.77 av. per game)
Goals against: 46 (5.11 av. per game)
v Sheffield Steelers
Record: 4 wins, 4 losses (Series drawn)
Points:8
Goals for: 23 (2.87 av. per game)
Goals against: 29 (3.62 av. per game)
Home Record
Record: 15 wins, 16 losses Points: 30 points
Goals for: 94 (3.03 av. per game)
Goals against: 120 (3.87 av. per game)
Away Record
Record: 4 wins, 26 lossesPoints: 11
Goals for: 66 (2.2 av. per game)
Goals against: 139 (4.63 av. per game)
Season Comparisons
06/07: 9th 54GP 18W 33L 3OTL 114GF 174GA 39 Points07/08: 10th 54GP 13W 34L 7OTL 119GF 197GA 33 Points
08/09: 9th 54GP 16W 33L 5OTL 154GF 243GA 37 Points
09/10: 8th 56GP 19W 32L 5OTL 152GF 234GA 43 Points
Team Records
Biggest Win: 1-7 W @ Newcastle Vipers (06/07/10)Biggest Loss: 9-0 L @ Belfast Giants (04/03/10)
Highest Scoring Game: 6-7 L v Nottingham Panthers (07/03/10)
Longest Winning Streak: 3 (20/12/09-27/12/09, 23/01/10-31/01/10, 10/03/10-14/03/10)
Longest Losing Streak: 8 (11/10/09-01/11/09)
Individual Records
Goals: 31 Konstantin KalmikovAssists: 37 Jeff Glowa
Points: 58 Konstantin Kalmikov
Highest point scoring defenceman: 27 Pavel Gomenyuk
Highest point scoring Brit: 35 Lee Mitchell
PIM: 131 Adam Knight
PPG's: 8 Curtis Huppe
SHG's: 4 Konstantin Kalmikov
Sv.%: 89.8 Martins Raitums
GAA: 3.73 Martins Raitums
Most goals in a game: 4 Curtis Huppe (21/03/10 v Sheffield)
Most assists in a game: 4 Curtis Huppe (07/02/09 v Newcastle)
Most points in a game: 5 Curtis Huppe (21/03/10 v Sheffield)
Most PIM's in a game: 27 Pavel Gomenyuk (06/02/10 v Nottingham)
Final Roster
Netminders#25 Martins Raitums
#33 Andrew Jaszczyk
Defencemen
#13 Craig Mitchell
#47 Adam Knight
#40 Pavel Gomenyuk
#27 James Hutchinson
#52 Stephen Burns
#71 George Halkidis
??? Aivars Gaisins
Forwards
#83 Sylvain Cloutier
#9 Jeff Glowa
#17 Lee Esders
#93 Curtis Huppe
#19 Konstantin Kalmikov
#20 Lee Mitchell
#26 Matty Davies
#41 Jason Silverthorn
#6 Ben Lowe
Two Way Contract
#5 James Archer (EPL Sheffield Scimitars)
Retired numbers
#10 Stephen Johnson
Head Coach: Sylvain Cloutier
Assistant Coach: Curtis Huppe
Bench Coach: Bobby McEwan
Sunday 21 March 2010
Huppe Power: Four goal Curtis leads Stingrays to Steelers series leveller
Excel Hull Stingrays 7-4 Sheffield Steelers
Sylvain Cloutier's Excel Hull Stingrays ended the 09/10 regular season on a high with a 7-4 victory over Yorkshire rivals the Sheffield Steelers thanks to four goals from player/coach Curtis Huppe, in the process the Rays levelled the eight game series between the two sides at four wins apiece.
As he was the previous night against Cardiff, Martins Raitums was beaten early in the game, with Matt Hubbauer netting past the Latvian just two minutes in. While the Stingrays didn't dominate the first period by any stretch, they ended it two goals up thanks to a Jason Silverthorn powerplay goal, a Lee Esders deflected goal and Huppe's first of the night, which came just 45 seconds before the first intermission.
The Steelers offensive defenceman Jonathan Zion added another goal to his impressive tally in the second, however, the Steelers indiscipline, on a night in which they took 45 penalty minutes from referee Dean Smith, cost them for a second time, Jeff Glowa the scorer of the Stingrays second powerplay goal of the night after 36 minutes to restore the home sides three goal lead. Although the Steelers would hit back once again in the 38th minute through the ever impressive Jeff Legue, the night was to belong to the Stingrays, thanks, in part, to a determined effort from the Rays assistant coach.
He would go on to net three third period goals past Green, taking his tally to four for the night and 19 for the season, and in doing so he set a new Stingrays record for goals scored in a single game. As routine as it sounds, it was not until his fourth and final goal on 55 minutes that the home support could breathe a sigh of relief and savour another victory over Sheffield.
It was by no means a poor performance from the fifth placed Steelers, however, with normal starting keeper Verner on the bench and with indiscipline rife amongst the South Yorkshire side, particularly from Joey Talbot, who was given a game miscounduct for abuse of an official, and Kevin Bolibruck, who failed to get the better of Huppe during a number of tussles and gained three penalties as a result, it was bound to be somewhat easier for the Stingrays.
Nevertheless, another victory, and a series leveller at that, against a high budget Sheffield Steelers side is not to be sniffed at, particularly going into the team's first playoff appearance. The Stingrays performance was generally good, although once again defensive frailties were evident, however, naturally the four goals from Huppe immediately stand out after a difficult season in which he has been roundly criticised.
Once goals one and two found their way home, Huppe seemed determined to go on to add goals three and four in order to make a point to his critics, and it is this side of Huppe that Sylvain Cloutier and fans alike will be praying for come next weekend. Worryingly, the Stingrays standout player this season, Konstantin Kalmikov, has failed to score in three games now and looked out of sorts this weekend, possible indicators that he is carrying some kind of injury.
With a seven days left to recover and recuperate, Kalmikov and the Stingrays face a crucial week of training ahead of their first ever playoff appearance against EIHL Champions the Coventry Blaze next weekend.
F Block Blog MOM: Curtis Huppe (4+1)
SOG: 41-32
PIM: 12-48
Cloutier's Comments: "We wanted to win but we got away from our game a bit, we got a bit lazy and gave them life to come back all night. You can’t have those bad habits. I know the guys wanted to have some fun and enjoy themselves but I said to them before the third period that we have to take care of our own end and can’t stop back-checking. But now we will work hard all week and focus on next weekend against Coventry.It's disappointing we finished bottom, but we battled for a long way. We are not the worst team in the league, I can tell you that"
Sylvain Cloutier's Excel Hull Stingrays ended the 09/10 regular season on a high with a 7-4 victory over Yorkshire rivals the Sheffield Steelers thanks to four goals from player/coach Curtis Huppe, in the process the Rays levelled the eight game series between the two sides at four wins apiece.
As he was the previous night against Cardiff, Martins Raitums was beaten early in the game, with Matt Hubbauer netting past the Latvian just two minutes in. While the Stingrays didn't dominate the first period by any stretch, they ended it two goals up thanks to a Jason Silverthorn powerplay goal, a Lee Esders deflected goal and Huppe's first of the night, which came just 45 seconds before the first intermission.
The Steelers offensive defenceman Jonathan Zion added another goal to his impressive tally in the second, however, the Steelers indiscipline, on a night in which they took 45 penalty minutes from referee Dean Smith, cost them for a second time, Jeff Glowa the scorer of the Stingrays second powerplay goal of the night after 36 minutes to restore the home sides three goal lead. Although the Steelers would hit back once again in the 38th minute through the ever impressive Jeff Legue, the night was to belong to the Stingrays, thanks, in part, to a determined effort from the Rays assistant coach.
He would go on to net three third period goals past Green, taking his tally to four for the night and 19 for the season, and in doing so he set a new Stingrays record for goals scored in a single game. As routine as it sounds, it was not until his fourth and final goal on 55 minutes that the home support could breathe a sigh of relief and savour another victory over Sheffield.
It was by no means a poor performance from the fifth placed Steelers, however, with normal starting keeper Verner on the bench and with indiscipline rife amongst the South Yorkshire side, particularly from Joey Talbot, who was given a game miscounduct for abuse of an official, and Kevin Bolibruck, who failed to get the better of Huppe during a number of tussles and gained three penalties as a result, it was bound to be somewhat easier for the Stingrays.
Nevertheless, another victory, and a series leveller at that, against a high budget Sheffield Steelers side is not to be sniffed at, particularly going into the team's first playoff appearance. The Stingrays performance was generally good, although once again defensive frailties were evident, however, naturally the four goals from Huppe immediately stand out after a difficult season in which he has been roundly criticised.
Once goals one and two found their way home, Huppe seemed determined to go on to add goals three and four in order to make a point to his critics, and it is this side of Huppe that Sylvain Cloutier and fans alike will be praying for come next weekend. Worryingly, the Stingrays standout player this season, Konstantin Kalmikov, has failed to score in three games now and looked out of sorts this weekend, possible indicators that he is carrying some kind of injury.
With a seven days left to recover and recuperate, Kalmikov and the Stingrays face a crucial week of training ahead of their first ever playoff appearance against EIHL Champions the Coventry Blaze next weekend.
F Block Blog MOM: Curtis Huppe (4+1)
SOG: 41-32
PIM: 12-48
Cloutier's Comments: "We wanted to win but we got away from our game a bit, we got a bit lazy and gave them life to come back all night. You can’t have those bad habits. I know the guys wanted to have some fun and enjoy themselves but I said to them before the third period that we have to take care of our own end and can’t stop back-checking. But now we will work hard all week and focus on next weekend against Coventry.It's disappointing we finished bottom, but we battled for a long way. We are not the worst team in the league, I can tell you that"
Playoff Quarter Final details confirmed
The details of the Excel Hull Stingrays first ever appearance in the EIHL Playoffs have been revealed in a matchup which will see Sylvain Cloutier's side pit against former side and 09/10 EIHL Champions the Coventry Blaze.
Hull Arena will be the venue for the first leg of the Quarter Final next Saturday ( 5.30pm face-off) before the Rays travel to Coventry on Sunday night (6pm face-off), having hopefully claimed a lead in the first leg.
The Skydome based side own the best record against the Stingrays this year, as they dominated the season series between the two sides winning nine of the teams ten meetings, scoring 46 goals and conceding half that amount, on their way to their fourth title in their 10th anniversary season.
Elsewhere in the EIHL, runners up Belfast face the Newcastle Vipers, the 3rd placed Nottingham Panthers play the Edinburgh Capitals and the Cardiff Devils ice against the Sheffield Steelers.
Hull Arena will be the venue for the first leg of the Quarter Final next Saturday ( 5.30pm face-off) before the Rays travel to Coventry on Sunday night (6pm face-off), having hopefully claimed a lead in the first leg.
The Skydome based side own the best record against the Stingrays this year, as they dominated the season series between the two sides winning nine of the teams ten meetings, scoring 46 goals and conceding half that amount, on their way to their fourth title in their 10th anniversary season.
Elsewhere in the EIHL, runners up Belfast face the Newcastle Vipers, the 3rd placed Nottingham Panthers play the Edinburgh Capitals and the Cardiff Devils ice against the Sheffield Steelers.
Saturday 20 March 2010
Lacklustre Stingrays condemned to bottom spot
Excel Hull Stingrays 2-3 Cardiff Devils
The Excel Hull Stingrays will finish the 09/10 season in 8th place after their penultimate league tie ended in a disappointing 3-2 loss to the Cardiff Devils, their second 3-2 loss in two home games against the Welsh side.
The result put an end to the Rays hopes of over throwing the three point gap to the seventh placed Newcastle Vipers, with just two points available in their final game of the season against the Sheffield Steelers, and ended their hopes of finishing with a 500. record at home.
The Rays and Devils exchanged first period powerplay markers through Jeff Glowa, assisted by Pavel Gomenyuk and netminder Martins Raitums, and Mark Richardson, however, it was the Devils that deserved to lead, outshooting the Stingrays 12 to 5 and largely dominating proceedings with an aggressive forecheck and uptempo play.
The home side started the game slowly in the first period and they continued that theme in the second as the Devils took the lead 25 seconds in through defenceman Mike Hartwick. The Rays eventually began to improve and Jason Silverthorn levelled the scores again after working hard on the forecheck to disposess the Devils defence just prior to the 28 minute mark.
Lacklustre play returned to the Stingrays game in the third period and Phil Hill would net to deservedly earn the side from South Wales the two points, their second tight 3-2 success over the Stingrays in two games at the Hull Arena.
Home fans left disappointed after the potential that had been evident in the Stingrays last nine home games, in which they had claimed seven wins, failed to materialise. Likewise, the chance to play a Devils side minus two catalysts of their team, Brad Voth and Ryan Finnerty, must have been appealing to Sylvain Cloutier and his management team, however, they must now be regretting a missed opportunity to prevent a second ever wooden spoon for the Rays.
In all honesty it was a poor performance from a side that was so confident after a brilliant run of form following last months 9-0 loss to Belfast. Raitums in the Stingrays net was once again solid and Stephen Burns was one of the few players willing to play physical against a normally chippy Cardiff side, while Jason Silverthorn was dogged in offence, however, notable performances other than those listed were few and far between.
Coventry's overtime win over Edinburgh handed Paul Thompson's side the Elite League title for the fourth time in the leagues seven year history with one game to spare and, coupled with the Rays loss, confirmed that Cloutier will meet his former side Coventry in the quarter finals of the Elite League playoff, the Stingrays first foray into the EIHL post-season.
The Stingrays will now look to close out their best ever Elite League season in form with a series levelling fourth victory of the season over the Sheffield Steelers before progressing to their first playoff double header against champions elect Coventry next week.
F Block Blog MOM: Jason Silverthorn (1+0)
SOG: 25-36
PIM: 8-14
Cloutier's Comments: "We have to respond better tomorrow. We owe it to ourselves and our fans. We have to come out and have a big game. It was shakey, it pretty much lacking in intensity. For some reason Cardiff have given us our hardest time this season. Fortunately we don't have to face them again this season – unless we reach the final four. I'm glad that one has gone."
The Excel Hull Stingrays will finish the 09/10 season in 8th place after their penultimate league tie ended in a disappointing 3-2 loss to the Cardiff Devils, their second 3-2 loss in two home games against the Welsh side.
The result put an end to the Rays hopes of over throwing the three point gap to the seventh placed Newcastle Vipers, with just two points available in their final game of the season against the Sheffield Steelers, and ended their hopes of finishing with a 500. record at home.
The Rays and Devils exchanged first period powerplay markers through Jeff Glowa, assisted by Pavel Gomenyuk and netminder Martins Raitums, and Mark Richardson, however, it was the Devils that deserved to lead, outshooting the Stingrays 12 to 5 and largely dominating proceedings with an aggressive forecheck and uptempo play.
The home side started the game slowly in the first period and they continued that theme in the second as the Devils took the lead 25 seconds in through defenceman Mike Hartwick. The Rays eventually began to improve and Jason Silverthorn levelled the scores again after working hard on the forecheck to disposess the Devils defence just prior to the 28 minute mark.
Lacklustre play returned to the Stingrays game in the third period and Phil Hill would net to deservedly earn the side from South Wales the two points, their second tight 3-2 success over the Stingrays in two games at the Hull Arena.
Home fans left disappointed after the potential that had been evident in the Stingrays last nine home games, in which they had claimed seven wins, failed to materialise. Likewise, the chance to play a Devils side minus two catalysts of their team, Brad Voth and Ryan Finnerty, must have been appealing to Sylvain Cloutier and his management team, however, they must now be regretting a missed opportunity to prevent a second ever wooden spoon for the Rays.
In all honesty it was a poor performance from a side that was so confident after a brilliant run of form following last months 9-0 loss to Belfast. Raitums in the Stingrays net was once again solid and Stephen Burns was one of the few players willing to play physical against a normally chippy Cardiff side, while Jason Silverthorn was dogged in offence, however, notable performances other than those listed were few and far between.
Coventry's overtime win over Edinburgh handed Paul Thompson's side the Elite League title for the fourth time in the leagues seven year history with one game to spare and, coupled with the Rays loss, confirmed that Cloutier will meet his former side Coventry in the quarter finals of the Elite League playoff, the Stingrays first foray into the EIHL post-season.
The Stingrays will now look to close out their best ever Elite League season in form with a series levelling fourth victory of the season over the Sheffield Steelers before progressing to their first playoff double header against champions elect Coventry next week.
F Block Blog MOM: Jason Silverthorn (1+0)
SOG: 25-36
PIM: 8-14
Cloutier's Comments: "We have to respond better tomorrow. We owe it to ourselves and our fans. We have to come out and have a big game. It was shakey, it pretty much lacking in intensity. For some reason Cardiff have given us our hardest time this season. Fortunately we don't have to face them again this season – unless we reach the final four. I'm glad that one has gone."
20th/21st March Final Weekend Preview
V
Saturday 20th March: Excel Hull Stingrays (8th) v Cardiff Devils (4th) @ Hull Arena F/O 5.30pm
Sunday 21st March: Excel Hull Stingrays (8th) v Sheffield Steelers (5th) @ Hull Arena F/O 6pm
Form
Stingrays: W L W W W
Cardiff: L W L L W
Sheffield: W W L L L
Last 3 Meetings
v Cardiff
30/01/10 2-1 W H
13/02/10 2-3 L H
14/02/10 7-0 L A
v Sheffield
21/02/10 3-2 W H
28/02/10 6-2 L A
13/03/10 2-3 W A
Season Series
v Cardiff: 2-7, 4 points, 17 GF, 40 GA
v Sheffield: 3-4, 6 points, 16GF, 25GA
Players to Watch
Stingrays: Konstantin Kalmikov (54GP 31+27 4PIM)
Cardiff: Max Birbraer (52GP 22+34 56PIM)
Sheffield: Jeff Legue (54GP 33+40 70PIM)
Between the Pipes
Stingrays: Martins Raitums (20GP 3.75GAA 89.9sv.%)
Cardiff: Stevie Lyle (54GP 2.72GAA 90.8sv.%)
Sheffield: Andrew Verner (46GP 2.83 90.0sv.%)
Absentees
Stingrays: Aivars Gaisins (broken hand)
Cardiff: Brad Voth (suspended)
Sheffield: Rod Sarich (broken foot)
Predictions
Stingrays 3-1 Cardiff
Stingrays 4-3 Sheffield
Sunday 14 March 2010
New record high points total as Stingrays hit Vipers for six
Excel Hull Stingrays 6-3 Newcastle Vipers
Saturday 13 March 2010
Stingrays beat Steelers again to level record EIHL points total
Sheffield Steelers 2-3 Excel Hull Stingrays (After overtime)
Friday 12 March 2010
12th/13th March Weekend Preview
V
Saturday 13th March: Sheffield Steelers (5th) v Excel Hull Stingrays (8th) @ Sheffield Arena F/O 7pm
Sunday 14th March: Excel Hull Stingrays (8th) v Newcastle Vipers (7th) @ Hull Arena F/O 6pm
Sunday 14th March: Excel Hull Stingrays (8th) v Newcastle Vipers (7th) @ Hull Arena F/O 6pm
Form
Stingrays: L L W L W
Sheffield: W W W W L
Newcastle: L W L L L
Last 3 Meetings
v Sheffield
24/01/10 2-5 W A
21/02/10 3-2 W H
28/02/10 6-2 L A
v Newcastle
20/02/10 5-4 L A
06/03/10 1-7 W A
10/03/10 3-2 W H
Season Series
v Sheffield: 2-4, 4 points, 13GF, 23GA
v Newcastle: 4-3, 9 points, 27 GF, 21 GA
Players to Watch
Stingrays: George Halkidis (42GP 6+15 30PIM)
Sheffield: Matt Hubbauer (41GP 22+19 91PIM)
Newcastle: Brent Hughes (13GP 5+8 14PIM)
Between the Pipes
Stingrays: Martins Raitums (18GP 3.9GAA 89.7sv.%)
Newcastle: Michel Robinson (39GP 3.8GAA 90.7sv.%)
Sheffield: Andrew Verner (44GP 2.77GAA 90.0sv.%)
Absentees
Stingrays: Aivars Gasins (broken hand)
Newcastle: Full Strength
Sheffield: Rod Sarich (broken foot)
Predictions
Sheffield 2-3 Stingrays
Stingrays 4-1 Newcastle
Wednesday 10 March 2010
Monday 8 March 2010
13 goals in two games for Rays as comeback falls just short against Panthers
Excel Hull Stingrays 6-7 Nottingham Panthers
Saturday 6 March 2010
Thursday 4 March 2010
Monday 1 March 2010
The Clan join EIHL
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