Dundee welcomed into Elite League

The Dundee Stars were today officially revealed as the tenth member of the Elite Ice Hockey League following yesterdays EIHL Board meeting, with member clubs unanimously agreeing that the Scottish side should be included for the 10/11 season, the EIHL's eighth year of existence.

After weeks of speculation, the Stars, who made their official proposal by way of a short presentation, were accepted into the top flight by member clubs for the first time in their history.

Their acceptance boosts the league back up to the preferred ten teams for next season with each team meeting three times home and away for 54 game schedule, this is something EIHL Chairman Eamon Convery is particularly pleased with:

"This is a great day for the Elite League and for ice hockey in the UK. We are delighted to welcome Dundee into the Elite League and it proves the sport and the league is going from strength to strength. More teams means more people talking about the sport and we have seen over the last few years a huge increase in the sport’s popularity in the UK."

The Stars, based in Scotland's fourth largest city, are the second team from North of the border to join the Elite League for next season after the Braehead Clan were accepted into the league just under two months ago. The Clan and the Stars join the Edinburgh Capitals as the EIHL's Scottish representatives next year and it is this renewed presence in Scotland that is thought to have been key to Dundee's application to finally join the league. Convery spoke about what will be a season of local derbyies north of the border:

"It’s great there are now three teams in Scotland which means added rivalry. Ice Hockey is very much on the up in the UK at the moment and it’s a very exciting time to be a supporter of one of the now ten Elite League clubs.”

Historically, teams competing in their first season in the top flight EIHL struggle to compete, however, the important things for fans, players and management of Dundee is being accepted into the league and beginning to build something from nothing, starting with the 2010/11 season.

"We are thrilled to be joining the Elite League and are already planning ahead for the new season. These are exciting times to be a Dundee ice hockey supporter and we hope our loyal fans will back us as we take the club in this exciting new direction."

The Stars will now look to sign a coach capable of putting together a competitive roster for their debut season in the league before taking to the ice next September.

Mitchell to link up with GB

Excel Hull Stingrays forward Lee Mitchell has been named in the Great Britain squad to face the Netherlands in a pair of friendlies this weekend ahead of the annual World Championships.

The Kirkcaldy born Scot, who this season registered 14 goals and 21 assists in just 46 games, after missing the start of the season though a knee injury, made his debut for GB at the Euro Hockey Challenge tournament in 2008 in France, however, he has since missed out on the full squad for the World Championships through injury.

Having been named in the squad to face the Netherlands this weekend, the Brit will now be looking to build on a very positive season with a good performance this weekend, which, in turn, may earn him his first full GB cap in Slovenia at the upcoming World Championships.

Elsewhere, former Stingrays defencemen Kevin Phillips and Stevie Lee have also been named in the squad to face the Netherlands at the Trent FM Arena on Saturday (7pm) and Ice Sheffield on Sunday (4pm).

The full Great Britain line-up for this weekend is:

Stephen Murphy, Stevie Lyle, Nathan Craze, Jonathan Weaver, Ben O’Connor, Danny Meyers, Mark Richardson, Steve Lee, Kevin Phillips, Greg Chambers, Colin Shields, Craig Peacock, David Clarke, Matt Myers, Marc Levers, Jason Hewitt, Robert Dowd, Lee Mitchell, Phil Hill, Russell Cowley, Jonathan Phillips, Mark Garside, Matt Towe

Huppe quits Stingrays

 The Excel Hull Stingrays today revealed that they have mutually agreed to terminate the two-year contract of player/assistant coach Curtis Huppe after just a season in Hull.

The 31 year old sniper from Winnipeg, Manitoba hit 21 goals and 23 assists this past season and, after a slow start to the season, his form improved enough to finish the year with an exceptional four goals in the final game of the regular season against Yorkshire rivals the Sheffield Steelers, a team record.

Nevertheless, the general feeling was that Huppe failed to impress at the Hull Arena with his 21 goals not enough to make up for his lack of work ethic and all around game. It is true that there have been few 20+ goal scorers in Stingrays colours, however, from a player that has a notably better pedigree, with 26, 27 and 38 goal seasons, his 21 of this season somewhat pales into insignificance.

Still, it wasn't just the amount of goals he scored but quiet way he went about scoring them, making him unnoticeable much of the time. His work ethic did visibly improve on a number of occasions towards the back end of the season, particularly when he seemed frustrated with his or the team's play, however, that wasn't enough to impress coach, and friend, Sylvain Cloutier, and with Huppe rumoured to be unhappy in Hull, the division was a simple one for both parties

Cloutier commented on the surprising but much mooted moved:

"We had a talk at the end of the season and after lengthy discussions he decided it was best for both parties if we went our separate ways. We wish Curtis all the best for the future."

Huppe has now been rumoured with moves to new Elite League side the Braehead Clan and former team and playoff champions the Belfast Giants, while Cloutier may decide against signing an assistant coach for next year, instead re-signing bench coach Bobby McEwan to a greater coaching role.

Hull Stingrays 2009-2010 Season Review: Up Front

Forwards

 

Jeff Glowa (56GP 12+35 54PIM)

Grade: B

Return: Yes

Glowa is Mr Hull Stingrays, there are no two ways about it, he typifies what the fans want to see from a import Stingray; dedication, goals, skill, hits and that fight to the death attitude. Captain once again, Glowa, was, thankfully, not relied upon so much for his goals this season as his leadership, although he did still post a very credible 14 goals and 52 points in 60 games. At 34, he may not have many more years left in the black, white and grey of the Stingrays but surely Cloutier will retain Glowa, the Stingrays all-time leader in goals, assists and points, for, at least, a record seventh year.

Lee Esders (63GP 10+9 58PIM)

Grade: C

Return: Yes

The Beverly born youngster once again reached double figures in goals, outscoring fellow British forwards Matty Davies, James Archer, Ben Lowe and Shaun Thompson, however, a number of costly errors, including two unnecessary penalties in the Quarter Final 1st Leg against Coventry, may overshadow what was another positive season. He was noticeably less physical than in recent years as a result somewhat less effective, perhaps as a result of his increased role going forward, but nevertheless a return should be on the cards given what is generally expected from the diminutive hardworking forward.

Konstantin Kalmikov (63GP 37+29 4PIM)

Grade: A

Return: Yes

Praise was heaped on the former Ukrainian international last year after he led the Stingrays in a first year with the team in which he netted 25 goals. Fast forward 365 days and a career year in goals (37), assists (29) and points (66), as well as a season full of the Kharkov born winger's natural speed, skill and defensive responsibility, and he deserves yet more praise. The hard work to retain the Stingrays Player and Forward of the Year now begins and it is certain that the Rays fans and management are united in their desire for 'Kalmi' to re-sign, whether other Elite League teams are chasing him remains to be seen.

Lee Mitchell (46GP 14+21 56PIM)
Grade: A-
Return: Yes

It has been another fantastic season for Mitchell, notching a career best 35 points and levelling his a career best in goals (14), despite missing nearly 20 games early in the season due to a knee injury. Had it not been for the injury he would have almost certainly been pushing the 50 point barrier, putting him into the premium British forward category, and into the Great Britain squad, rather than once again being on the brink of Paul Thompson's team. The year-on-year development of the Kirkcaldy born forward at in Hull has been more than noticeable and, after being named Coaches and Players Player of the Year, it is clear that he is highly thought of within hockey circles, particularly in Hull. Like Kalmikov, the challenge is to now keep him at the Hull Arena for at least another year, especially if his expected development is to continue in line with recent years, other Elite League sides will undoubtedly have a say on this however.

Matty Davies (58GP 4+12 12PIM)
Grade: C-
Return: Yes

Davies started his rookie EIHL campaign on the bench, however, Lee Mitchell's injury gave him the opportunity to prove what he was worth and, after netting two assists in the team's third game of the season against Edinburgh and his first goal against that same Capitals side on Boxing Day, he managed to oust Shaun Thompson from his role on the third line following Mitchell's return. Having been given that guaranteed spot Davies was found out, with his size, or rather lack of size, being a big hurdle to overcome. He showed periods of skill and speed but, more often than not, his size and lack of strength found him easily dispossessed. Next season looks like a tossup between him and nine goal Lee Esders, who is notably more physical, however, there is room for development if he does return alongside Esders.

Jason Silverthorn (45GP 21+27 32PIM)
Grade: B+
Return: Yes

Signing Silverthorn in place of Matt Reynolds was nearly as crucial a signing for Sylvain Cloutier as replacing Sandahl with Raitums. The Ontario born forward continued Elite League form that has seen him record all but point-per-game season's in each of his three previous spells in the UK and in general play he proved to be a great signing for the Stingrays. 'Silver' provided yet more offence behind Kalmikov, Glowa and Huppe but it was his unselfish, all-around play that was more valuable to Clouter. Although he lacked some physicality in his game, which is fair enough give his size and stature, Silverthorn provided goals, playmaking ability, defensive responsibility and, perhaps most of all, good on-ice decision making, most obvious when he decided to pass to Konstantin Kalmikov rather than shoot when presented with a big chance for the Rays 1st Leg Quarter Final goal. The Stingrays best all-around player should in theory return next year, it would be a surprise, given his scoring exploits, if Cloutier were not to at least try and re-sign him.

Adam Knight (55GP 7+13 220PIM)
Grade: D
Return: No

Knight was brought in to not only protect and entertain but also put up numbers after being restricted to tough guy minutes in his rookie year in the Central Hockey League last season. It was mission accomplished for Knight based on his skills as protector and entertainer as fights against the likes of Brad Voth and Sean McMorrow both sent out a message to opposing sides and entertained fans, however, despite setting career bests in all categories, when it came to playing capabilities, the Stingrays require more offensively from their import forwards. It is certain that both he and coach Cloutier will be relatively happy with his contribution but given the benefit of hindsight Cloutier may want to re-assess the balance of skill and toughness in his tough guy or indeed the overall toughness of his team. So, despite becoming a certain fan favourite, Knight does appear to be one of the more expendable components of this years team.

Curtis Huppe (57GP 21+23 38PIM)
Grade: C-
Return: No

For any ordinary Elite League player, netting 21 goals and 23 assists represents a fairly good season, unless, of course, you have scored 26, 28 and 36 goals in three of your last four Elite League showings like Huppe. The Stingrays assistant coach started the regular season very slowly after netting in pre-season against the Panthers and, in reality, he didn't truly get going until post-Christmas. Luckily, the Stingrays form improved as his did and, despite going missing on a number of occasions, he went on the score 21 goals, including an team record 4 against the Sheffield Steelers on the final day of the season. Away from the points and it is a little less impressive for the former Belfast and Coventry sniper, as more often than not, his heart didn't look in it. This was compounded by criticism, some deserved, some not, from the stands. Ultimately, as a top earner at the team, it is this criticism and a spell of poor performances that may see he and good friend Cloutier mutally end the Stingrays-Huppe experiment.

Sylvain Cloutier (51GP 10+20 94PIM)

Grade: C
Return: Yes

Unlike his assistant coach Huppe, on the ice Cloutier showed all the heart, grit and determination that Coventry fans suggested he would show, and then some. In fact, he even went above and beyond that in the playoffs when, against his former side, the coach did his best to lead the Stingrays from the front, playing playoff hockey as playoff hockey should be played...painfully. He may be disappointed with his points and goals totals, although they did eventually rise to reach a respectable 10 goals and 30 points, however, his role as a player is now diminishing with age and his primary role is now coaching, as a result he certainly should not be relied on for goals or points. A confirmed returnee as player-coach, he will have learnt a lot from a tough first year in the position, so expect an improved coach and player next season.

James Archer (7GP 3+1 2PIM)

Grade: C+

Return: Yes

Signed on a two-way contract to bolster the Stingrays forward lines, Archer became a must have by the end of his stint despite icing in just seven games. Three goals in his opening five games endeared him to the coach and fans alike, and, as such, it would be a shock if Cloutier did not pursue the Brit once his contract with the Sheffield Scimitars expires in the summer. It was rumoured that 'Cloots' did try and sign him midway through the season only for the Scimitars, whom he recorded 26 goals and 20 assists in 52 games for, to deny his approach. Nevertheless, a re-approach is expected this post-season.

Ben Lowe (23GP 0+0 0PIM)

Grade: D+

Return: No

Lowe was brought in for depth following the sudden departure of Shaun Thompson and, in all honesty, he received little ice time. He did an average job on the rare occasion he stepped onto the ice with the third line but he was no match for fellow British forwards Matty Davies or Lee Esders. He will most likely return to the ENL next season, hopefully combining playing with the Kingston Jets with training with the Stingrays, because, even though Cloutier is very likely to try and sign James Archer or another Brit in his place, he has potential and it is important for the future that the Stingrays develop and nurture that talent.

MIA

Shaun Thompson (41GP 1+10 26PIM)

Grade: D

Return: No

Much was expected of Thompson after a huge career year in Basingstoke last year. For whatever reason that did not develop into another stellar year in the Elite League with the Stingrays and, after failing to impress ahead of Matty Davies, he slipped behind the Beverly born forward in the pecking order. After becoming unhappy with the amount of ice time he was receiving, despite starting the year on the top two lines and bagging just one goal all year, he quit the team to return to Basingstoke, this time in the EPL.

Slava Koulikov (11GP 1+2 6PIM)

Grade: E

Return: No

This came across as the Russian born Brits final chance in Hull after being given numerous by previous coach Rick Strachan. Cloutier, at the very minimum, expected points from Koulikov and, once those points failed to materialise, his salary was cut from the team at the same time as Matt Reynolds in order to make way for a fresh batch of players. It is unfortunate for him after such a long and memorable career with the Stingrays but, in reality, he had ridden his luck far too often in the past. He went on to sign for the Slough Jets in the EPL.

Matt Reynolds (11 1+4 22PIM)

Grade: D+

Return: No

Of the three cut forwards Reynolds can probably count himself most unlucky at being cut. After breaking his hand at the three quarter stage of last season he was not the same player for the rest of the campaign and that form simply continued this year, perhaps an indicator that his hand injury was still giving him trouble. He was begrudgingly released by Cloutier early in the season in favour of Jason Silverthorn and, while Reynolds was a particular fan favourite and didn't perform badly this year, Silverthorn excelled in his place.

Belfast are Elite League Playoff Champions

Belfast Giants 3-2 Cardiff Devils (After sudden death shootout)

The Belfast Giants became Elite Ice Hockey League Playoff Champions for the first time with an thrilling 3-2 victory over the Cardiff Devils at a packed out National Ice Centre in Nottingham

After a tight, goalless first period the Northern Irish outfit took the initiative just a minute and 31 seconds into the second period with Brandon Benedict bagging his first goal of the playoffs shortly after a Matt Miller interference penalty had expired. The Giants then doubled their lead ten minutes later as George Awada was credited with the vital tip in on a rasping Tim Cook slapshot from the point on the powerplay.

The Devils needed a quickfire response and that is exactly what they got when Max Birbraer banked the puck in off the back of Giants netminder Stephen Murphy to halve the deficit. Having had the clear edge over Belfast in the second period, the Devils levelled the scores in the 38th minute as Birbraer scored his second of the game, showing perseverance on the powerplay to eventually slapshot the puck home off the post.

The game then intensified in the third period as referee Moray Hanson made the moral decision to let play flow and let the players decide the outcome of the game rather than a controversial penalty. This allowed for an exciting end-to-end final period of the season with the hockey being played typical of that playoff hockey mentality. Despite the intensity, neither side could find that crucial championship winning goal as the British netminders at either end, Stevie Lyle for the Devils and Stephen Murphy for the Giants , stood tall sending the game into overtime.

The sides would further cancel each other out in overtime and, once again, the Giants would rely on their superior shootout skills to finish the job, Evan Cheverie the lucky Giant firing the championship winning shot past Lyle sending the Northern Irish fans into a frenzy.

Devils and Giants to contest EIHL Playoff Final

The Cardiff Devils and the Belfast Giants progressed to the final of the Elite Ice Hockey League Playoff Final on Sunday with victories over the Coventry Blaze and the Nottingham Panthers respectively.

After leading for much of the game thanks to a Michael Jacobsen strike, the Giants were forced to overtime and penalty shots by the Panthers after Jade Galbraith had levelled with less than four minutes remaining. In a game dominated by netminders Kevin St-Pierre and Stephen Murphy, it was Jeff Szwez that netted the game winning goal in the third round of sudden death penalty shots to fire the Giants into the final.

Earlier in the day the Devils progressed somewhat easily over a depleted Coventry side with a 6-3 victory. Brad Cruikshank scored once and league leading scorer Luke Fulghum managed to net twice for the league champion Blaze, however, doubles from Phil Hill and Matt Miller, as well as further goals from Jay Latulippe and Max Birbraer sent the Devils through.

The two victorious sides now face each other in a Sunday final, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 2 at 4pm, for the chance to become EIHL Playoff Champions.

Hull Stingrays 2009-2010 Season Review: At The Back

Netminders

Martins Raitums (23GP 3.68GAA 90.1SV.%)

Grade: B

Return: Yes

Signing the Latvian stopper was probably one of Sylvain Cloutier's best decisions all year as his signature turned the Rays fortunes on their head. In contrast to Tommy Sandahl, whom he replaced, he was solid and confident between the pipes, even behind the Rays creaky defence, and he was also assured when playing the puck. He signalled his quality in his debut at the Hull Arena when a magnificent double save and a couple of very good glove saves immediately endeared him to home fans and, one or two unfortunate goals aside, set him up for an impressive first season away from Eastern Europe. As you would imagine from a netminder that once faced Canada at the World Championships, Raitums handled Elite League hockey well and he would be a solid and stable re-signing, who, based on form, should return. Nevertheless, although he is indeed a good bet to return, Cloutier may still explore his options.

Andy Jaszczyk (6GP 4.24GAA 87.7SV.%)

Grade: C-

Return: Yes

This time last year it was stated that back-up netminder was probably the most unfair in British ice hockey. Well for the Jaszczyk, who last year iced in 13 games, his job just got a whole bit hard because, despite Tommy Sandahl's early struggles in net, his ice time was cut in half this year under Sylvain Cloutier. Nevertheless, he has improved his save percentage to something a bit more respectable and, even without a significant ice time, he appears to be progressing between the pipes. Another year or two as back-up with the Stingrays should see him improve even more ahead of the eventual standard move to the EPL, however, moving too soon, as former backup Tom Chamberlain did, could be a mistake.

Defencemen

Craig Mitchell (58GP 1+9 44PIM)

Grade: C+

Return: Yes

The younger of the Mitchell's was probably the Stingrays most consistent defenceman in his sophomore season in the Elite League. Like the rest of the Rays defensive corps, he was not without the odd hiccup, however, his were fewer and less obvious than the rest and, in general he provided the team with a steady but reliable defenceman that would be exactly where you expected and needed him. His return should be un-questioned and it is expected that Cloutier will re-sign the Scot, however, an offer from Scotland, particularly new side Braehead, could prove inviting.

James Hutchinson (47GP 1+4 44PIM)

Grade: D

Return: No

A lot was, perhaps unfairly, expected of the defenceman after a treble winning season in the EPL last season in which he recorded a massive 58 points in 54 games. Fast forward 51 games and he ended his first season as a Stingray with a poultry goal and 4 assists in the British top flight. While his offensive production was disappointing, his lack of strength in other areas was what caused most concern, with his positioning, on occasion, skating and slapshot from the blueline most concerning. The effort and desire was certainly evident from the 26 year old and he did fill a gap on the roster without being totally and completely outclassed in the Elite League, however, it would not be unexpected if Cloutier to looked elsewhere this summer.

Pavel Gomenyuk (47GP 5+25 97PIM)

Grade: C-

Return: No

After a brilliant return to form last season, Gomenuk continued the trend of one good season, one bad season in Rays colours by failing to live up to last season's standards. In reality, netting 13 goals was always going to be difficult but that is perhaps what Cloutier expected from the stocky Ukrainian and he certainly didn't expect the volume of mistakes that materialised towards the end of the season, including a particularly embarrassing slip against former side Newcastle which handed the Vipers a goal. It is that number of mistakes, his lack of goals, especially with the potential of his menacing slapshot from the blueline, and his lack of pace when getting back defensively that place question marks over his return. It could prove to be one season too many for 'Pasha'.

Stephen Burns (59GP 4+10 105PIM)

Grade: C+

Return: Yes

The big hitting Ontario native entertained and impressed defensively in his first season as a Stingray and just his second year as a professional. While the majority of his game is focused on defensive positioning and solidity, towards the back end of the season he grew in confidence, rushing the puck forward more often and, in the end, he finished the season with four goals, just one less than the notably more offensive Pavel Gomenyuk. On a two-year contract tied in with a university place, Burns will stay in the city this summer and next year looking to build on a good season after this year being voted defenceman of the year and becoming a fan favourite for his fearless big hits and willingness to fight anyone, including Brad Voth.

George Halkidis (50GP 7+15 36PIM)

Grade: D

Return: No

After a year out of the game, Halkidis joined the Stingrays and initially proved to be a reliable defenceman, devoid of any flashy brilliance but able to do a job following a number of injuries. As the team returned to full strength, however, he was relied on more for his experience as an all around defenceman and he mostly struggled, particularly with his positioning and speed of foot when retreating from the offensive zone. His scoring streak towards the end of the season suggested he had begun to adapt his play, at least offensively, but defensive errors, and costly ones at that, as well as a distinct lack of physicality and an ineffective slapshot, maybe as a result of his shoulder injury two seasons ago, will most likely find him seeking another club come summer time.

Aivars Gaisins (2GP 0+0 2PIM)

Grade: N/A

Return: No

The Latvian defenceman saw just two games with the Stingrays before breaking his hand in his second game in Belfast. A friend of netminder Raitums, he initially trained with the Stingrays before being signed following a defensive injury crisis in late January. He would provide the Stingrays with good cover, available immediately should injuries strike, however, he is unlikely to be signed to anything other than a temporary contract next season especially given the Rays short comings in defence.

MIA

Tommy Sandahl (40GP 4.23GAA 89.4sv.%)

Grade: D

Return: No

The stats say it all, with just eight wins in four and a half months, Sandahl's stab at his first number one role came a year or two early for the 25 year old. The early signs were there, with rebound after rebound being given in the P&O Channel Cup, it was, in fact, a surprise that Cloutier took so long to replace the Swede. A likeable character, mistakes, a lack of confidence, both in himself and the defence in front of him, and a lack of experience saw to the end of the keeper.

Ryan Jorde (4GP 0+0 6PIM)

Grade: E

Return: No

The lumbering Canadian defenceman showed on his return to the Hull Arena with Newcastle how lucky the Rays were to be handed the excuse of a much publicised off-ice incident to get rid of him after just four games. Slow, poor positionally, with no offensive upside, the only advantage of having Jorde in the team was that he could scrap, not that he did much in Stingrays colours after opening the season with a fight against Nottingham's Dominic D'Armour.

James Sanford (18GP 2+8 47PIM)

Grade: D

Return: No

Sanford did mostly what was expected of him in that, unlike fellow blueliner George Halkidis, he possessed a good outlet pass and could play quarterback on the teams powerplay. Similar in both stature and playing style to Pavel Gomeyuk, defensively he was outplayed by the Ukrainian and his occasional offensive flash could not make up for his obvious lack of pace, particularly when so much of his game is based in the offensive zone.