Stingrays kick-off summer with five signings

The Hull Stingrays set aside any doubt and uncertainty over their future tonight at a fans forum, kicking off preparations for the 12/13 Elite Ice Hockey League campaign with the signing of player-coach Sylvain Cloutier, Sheffield Steeldogs trio Ben Bowns, Janis Ozolins and Chris Sykes, and the re-signing of Jereme Tendler.

The club's likely new owner Bobby McEwan - who looks certain to complete the formalities of a takeover soon - first confirmed that Cloutier will be return for a fourth and fifth season as player-coach of the club having penned a two-year deal.

On-ice the 38 year old - who has notched 105 points in 157 games since joining in 09/10 - has often lead the club from the front, both physically and emotionally, during his three years in East Yorkshire. Meanwhile off-ice his impact has been even greater, coaching a club previously languishing in the bottom two of the EIHL to improved finishes in each of his three years.

Having struggled on and off-ice in his first term as a player-coach - in which the Stingrays lost out in the EIHL Playoff Quarter Final after receiving a bye to that round in an eight team EIHL - Cloutier guided the team to a record year in 10/11. Despite owners Mike and Sue Pack pulling out at the very last minute - with the Coventry Blaze ownership group taking over in their place - the club hit record highs in all areas - wins (23), goals for (178) and points (49), qualifying for the playoffs on merit for the first ever time.

Another tough year followed last season - with off-ice and financial issues a big distraction - nevertheless, Cloutier lead the team against all odds to it's first ever EIHL Playoff Semi-Final and EIHL Final Four weekend after a historic and memorable two-legged Quarter Final victory over Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Steelers.

Cloutier is already well underway with his preparations and signings for the upcoming season, revealing that Jereme Tendler - the Stingrays top goalscorer over the past two seasons with sensational record of 82 goals in 105 games - has extended his stay in Hull for at least two more seasons.

The Saskatchewan native has been a phenomenal pickup for the club in the last two years and - though his off-ice mistake and failed drugs test for the inadvertent consumption of a banned substance cost the club - he served the full length of his ban handed down by the World Anti Doping Agency and bounced back to record four assists in the Stingrays unlikely run to the Playoff Semi-Finals.

As was said last summer, when he surprisingly returned for a second season, Tendler is so often the kind of player club's like the Stingrays struggle to keep hold of, so for him to commit for a third and fourth season is a true testament to his belief and trust in Cloutier and the club.

Joining Tendler for their first season's at the club, and indeed in the British top flight, are Sheffield Steeldogs trio Ben Bowns, Chris Sykes and Janis Ozolins.

British netminding prospect Bowns, 21, joins the Stingrays on a two-year contract as the club's starting netminder after leading his hometown team for the last three seasons - having spent two season's prior to that under the tutelage of legend Pasi Raitanen at Ice Sheffield. In that time he has helped transform a former cellar dwellar EPL side into last season's surprise title contenders, improving his save percentage from 90.4% in 09/10 to 90.9% in 10/11 and then an astonishing 93.0% last term.

A regular, mainstay at Great Britain U18 and U20 level during the past four years, he is highly thought of in British ice hockey circles and a player many believe will go on to bigger and better things and soon take over from Stephen Murphy as the GB senior team number one.

The netminder - who will this summer carry the London 2012 Olympic torch - is a known quantity to Cloutier having trained with the club for parts of the last two seasons. He made his Stingrays debut, and to date his only appearance for the club, on a two-way deal last season, making one save from one shot on 21 September when coming in for relief of Christian Boucher with nine minutes remaining in a 6-2 loss.

A highly sought after keeper, he turned down a number of club's including the Steeldogs, Nottingham Panthers and one or two of the Stingrays Northern conference rivals - thought to be Braehead and Edinburgh - in order to sign in Hull.

His addition marks the unfortunate end for two season Stingray Christian Boucher. A good shotblocker and always brilliantly consistent game-to-game, the Canadian departs due to a change in direction by Cloutier which - with a British netminder - allows the club the luxury of 11 outskating imports.

he fan favourite leaves Hull on  good teams having backstopped them to two of the best season's in the club's history - albeit he did lose out 10-3 in his final appearance. While a return to the Elite League has been talked about, recent speculation suggesting he may retire from the sport having recently gained employment in Canada at Canada Post according to Twitter.

Another new signing for the 12/13 campaign is that of dynamic, speedy Latvian forward Janis Ozolins - also from the Steeldogs.

The 23 year old Riga born winger - who has played in Belarus, Czech Republic, and his native homeland, and will next season complete a hat-trick of British leagues having previously iced in the ENL and EPL - recorded a mammoth 55 goals and 89 points in 52 regular season games with the South Yorkshire second tier club last season. Those figures put the former Latvian junior international second in EPL scoring last term, 3 behind Swindon Wildcats  forward Jonas Hoog - who appeared in two more games.

A naturally skilled forward and goalscorer, 12/13 will be Ozolins first in the Elite League and he is likely to have a key role to play, with Cloutier categorically stating he will sign at least one tough player to ensure the Latvian - and Tendler - will have confidence to play a natural skillful game. Ozolins' magnificent season was capped off as he was named Ice Hockey Journalists UK EPL Player of the Year in spring.

The third and final Sheffield Steeldog to have signed for the Stingrays next term is Chris Sykes. Another Sheffield born product, Sykes has spent the last two and a half years with the Steeldogs and, like Bowns, is a crucial British signing following the departure of Dan Scott, Sam McCluskey and Tristan Harper and expected departure of Andy McKinney.

Though he has only 20 points to his name in the EPL over the last two seasons and 104 games, Sykes - who iced in two games with the Stingrays two years ago on a two-way contract - will provide much required depth to the Stingrays forward lines. Far from being a bench warmer, the winger could potentially play a key role on the third line - even more so if none of Jack Watkins, Bobby Chamberlain and Matty Davies return to the Stingrays.

Cloutier confirmed that he is well underway with signings ahead of next season and admitted he is waiting to see if a number of players from last season remain loyal or, understandably, look for better deals elsewhere.

With Bowns between the pipes, the Stingrays player-coach also revealed he will fill the full 11 import quota - which will be made up of four defencemen and seven forwards - and will utilise the club's links with the junior and ENL set up to provide younger players with opportunities to step up. Given that criteria the Stingrays current depth chart looks as follows:

Netminders

Bowns (B) 

Brit

Defencemen

Import, Import, 

Import, Import, 

Brit, Brit (?).

Forwards

Cloutier (I), Tendler (I), Ozolins (I). 

Import, Import, Import.

 Import, Sykes (B), Brit.

Brit (?).

With many things off-ice still up in the air - including the takeover and ice-time, which both still require official confirmation - there will be a further forum in a months time to update fans on progress made.

McCluskey and Harper latest to leave Hull

Lost amongst the chaos of yet more ownership and league structure fluidity within Hull and the Elite League, the Hull Stingrays yesterday lost two more British players from their 11/12 roster with the news that Sam McCluskey and Tristan Harper have returned to Scotland to sign for Northern conference rivals Dundee Stars.

The pair - who were signed in a move that coincidentally saw Craig and Lee Mitchell move in the other direction - return for a second stint north of the border with their hometown club after contrasting years in Hull with the Stingrays.

21 year old McCluskey was the club's standout Brit and one of the most improved players over the course of the season, receiving top four minutes on the blueline - having ousted teammate Dan Scott - while icing in all situations in just his second full season in the EIHL. Having notched two goals and five assists in 54 games in his debut top flight season in 10/11, the Scottish defenceman hit one goal and five assists as an everpresent in all 64 games this term.

A likely future Great Britain international - similarly to former Stingrays prospects Dave Phillips and Stevie Lee - McCluskey's cool head and on-ice confidence belied his age as he stood above most defensively on a blueline and team defence that generally struggled in that area.

Speaking of the defenceman, new Dundee Stars player-coach Jeff Hutchins - who today also added Harper and fellow Dundee native Vince Connon - said:

"Sam is a kid with a lot of potential and he had a steady year at Hull, he had a lot of opportunity to play in key situations and I'm sure that helped develop his defensive skills."

Harper meanwhile struggled during a 40 game stint with the Stingrays which was decimated by poor form and then injury.

Starting the year mixed in with the team's top lines, he found it difficult to gain the kind of momentum which saw him rated highly and net eight goals and 16 points in 38 games with Dundee two years ago.

As a result of that lack of form the 23 year old was dropped down to the third line alongside Jack Watkins, Andy McKinney and occasionally Bobby Chamberlain. A shoulder injury then put paid to the large majority of the rest of his season as he admirably attempted a comeback playing with a shoulder brace before admitting defeat and undergoing shoulder surgery late in the post-season.

By his own admission, Harper - who was the only permanent Stingray not to score during 11/12 - will have been disappointed with his 40 game spell in Hull. Despite a tough year, it is believed he was initially interested in returning to put to bed the unfinished business he had from last season.

Indeed, the Hull Daily Mail revealed earlier in the week that Harper had spoken to Cloutier and was willing to listen to talk of a return:

"I last spoke to coach Sylvain Cloutier about a fortnight ago. He asked about my shoulder and how the summer is going. I think it was just about the time when they officially announced everything about the management team, but I haven't heard anything since then. I've been talking to two or three teams, but if Hull asked me to come back, I would be interested. I am not closing any doors. I don't want to make any official decision until my shoulder is up and running."

However, despite this statement, the Stars today announced that Harper will return to the club alongside friend McCluskey.

Upon signing Harper, Hutchins said his latest signing will play a big part in the Stars 12/13 campaign - which will see them pit against the Stingrays eight times in the regular season over the course of the year:

"I've told Tristan that he's going to be a guy that we will count on a lot. He'll get an opportunity to play alongside two imports and be a big part of what we do. I want to see the Tristan that I saw playing for Dundee two years ago."

The departure of two more British players - following Scott's decision last week to join the English Premier League's Slough Jets - leaves the Stingrays searching for a number of new British players for next season.

With Andy McKinney also set to leave, the club may be looking for as many as three replacement homegrown players -  and that's depending on the club signing their maximum 11 imports, which may seem unlikely to some at this point given the frailty of the ownership.

Forwards Bobby Chamberlain and Matty Davies look like the two Brits most likely to return - though even that is uncertain - while British netminder Ben Bowns - who, if signed, would replace Christian Boucher between the pipes - is widely rumoured to have joined the club.

McEwan to 'go it alone' on Stingrays takeover

Bobby McEwan will takeover the Hull Stingrays on his own after it was this afternoon revealed local businessman Nic Gough will no longer be a part of any takeover bid for the Elite League club.

Gough had joined up with Stingrays assistant coach McEwan to mount a takeover bid from the Coventry Blaze ownership group earlier in the spring.

Though progress was incredibly slow moving due to complications over the initial application, ice-time and then negotiation process with the previous owners - Gough and McEwan looked to be closing in on a takeover towards the latter part of last week and early part of this week.

BBC Radio Humberside confirmed on Monday that Hull City Council (HCC) had called a press conference for Thursday morning at the Hull Arena to announce the results of the ice-time tender at which they will confirm ice-time for the Stingrays 12/13 EIHL campaign

It has now become clear that while the ice-time tender process was closing in on completion, negotiations between the Gough and McEwan and Coventry remained messy and fractured with no accounts shown for their time in Hull, a mooted asking price of between £15,000 and £35,000, and confidentiality issues on the part of the Blaze.

Monday also saw an Elite League board meeting at which the league's ten ownership groups - crucially including McEwan and not Gough - met to agree on a new two conference restructure for the 12/13 campaign.

The restructure saw the Stingrays aligned into a coincidentally financially weaker Northern conference alongside Braehead Clan, Dundee Stars, Fife Flyers and Edinburgh Capitals. Crucially as far as the Stingrays are concerned, the changes saw the loss of four home fixtures against Sheffield and Nottingham - who both bring big numbers of visiting fans to Hull Arena - while also increasing the number of times they travel to Scotland to 16 - up from 12.

While it has been alleged that all EIHL clubs agreed to the deal, it is believed that it was McEwan and not Gough - who was not in attendance - that agreed, in principle, with the changes.

Gough was understandably very unhappy with the new structure, however, didn't withdraw his support late on Tuesday night following the announcement ahead of a meeting with McEwan and Cloutier this morning.

Gough, McEwan and player-coach Sylvain Cloutier met at the Hull Arena - prior to a meeting with HCC- at which point McEwan surprisingly revealed that he believed he could take the club on his own.

Though the decision may indirectly be linked to Gough's understandable anger at the Elite League's decision, it is believe McEwan will continue on with plans for the Stingrays 12/13 EIHL campaign with Cloutier likely returning as player-coach.

Gough spoke of his natural disappointment at the decision to F Block Blog:

"I'm as gutted as the next person but you've got to be realistic. It was looking more and more challenging to achieve what we set out to be achieved initially and we were already close to the wire. This [EIHL restructuring] could have a massive ramifications on the club and the gate. We already had a mountain to climb but the EIHL have ensured that we had a mountain to climb in flip flops and shorts. My heart said yes but my head said no"

He later added on Facebook:

"How can a league that purports to be professional and fair implement changes that disadvantage one of its members whilst benefitting the remaining nine - it stinks"

Nevertheless, Gough will remain a dedicated Stingrays fan and has also offered to help out in anyway he can.

"I'm gutted I'm not involved. I'm disappointed it's come to this but I'm behind him [McEwan] 100%. I wish him every success."

As it stands now, and despite a premature press release from the Blaze ownership group confirming a pre-agreement with the takeover group - which attributed quotes to Gough that were, according to him, fabricated - McEwan still needs to complete the deal to takeover with the Blaze.

While the club may not be in the crisis it was in two years ago following the Pack's departure and it does still have a willing suitor interested in taking over, the situation remains on a knife edge. Inparticular the 12/13 EIHL campaign will likely be incredibly difficult financially though this appears to be a situation McEwan believes manageable.

The Stingrays fans forum tomorrow night (8pm start) at the Hull Arena should reveal more information on the future of the Stingrays as a club with McEwan, Cloutier and a surprise guest or two - thought to be the club's first signings of the summer - all in attendance. Gough has also confirmed he will be in attendance to answer any questions on recent events.

BREAKING: Stingrays future in doubt as Gough pulls out of takeover

The Hull Stingrays have once again been left in potential crisis after Nic Gough pulled out of his proposed takeover of the club.

More to follow...

BREAKING: Harper and McCluskey latest to leave Hull

Tristan Harper and Sam McCluskey - who joined the Hull Stingrays a year ago - have become the third and fourth players to depart the club this summer ahead of the 12/13 Elite League campaign, rejoining hometown club and the Stingrays EIHL Northern conference rivals the Dundee Stars.

More soon...

EIHL announce 11 imports, league restructure; Stingrays to enter Northern conference

The Elite Ice Hockey League last night announced a number of controversial changes ahead of the 2012/2013 season.

The biggest and most controversial of these changes came in the form of a league re-structure which will see the current ten strong top flight split into two conferences.

Though the make-up and names of the two conferences are to be officially revealed at a later date, it is has been confirmed by Cardiff Devils owner Paul Ragan and Belfast Giants GM Todd Kelman that the Stingrays will be assigned to a Northern conference alongside Scottish sides Braehead Clan, Dundee Stars, Edinburgh Capitals and Fife Flyers, with the Southern group compromising of the Belfast Giants, Cardiff Devils, Coventry Blaze, Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers.

The 12/13 schedule will see teams face conference rivals four times home and away, and the teams in the opposite conference twice home and away, with the league winner the team with the best overall record throughout the year.

For those familiar with the sport, the structure - agreed upon at an EIHL board meeting on Monday - though a geographical split, also conveniently splits the ten team league into what has been regarded as the 'haves' and 'have nots' financially.

Regardless of that fact, as far as the Stingrays go, the split puts them in a tough position.

In the alleged Northern conference they would face significant increased travel costs and, likely, decreased attendances through away support. As two of the biggest fanbases and the two most local away trips, the loss of home fixtures against Nottingham and Sheffield - who bring vast followings - combined with extra fixtures against traditionally and understandably the four lowest away crowds is concerning and, likely, financially difficult for the Rays

With that said, were the Rays assigned to the Southern group - while they would benefit from healthy attendances thanks to extra games against Nottingham and Sheffield - the on-ice challenge would be massive. The club would likely struggle to compete with the other four clubs given their resources and because of that lack of competitiveness attendances would likely drop, nullifying the advantage of having the regular visits from large followings of Sheffield and Nottingham in particular

That increased competitiveness in both groups is seen to be one of the only positives to the new structure from a Stingrays perspective, as the split has aligned clubs run on similar finances. Though from initial impressions the consensus has been that Braehead could comfortably run away with a Northern group, that remains to be seen.

Another positive is that the league title winners would be the team with the best overall record from both conferences. Given the supposed five 'weaker' teams would potentially be in the same conference, playing each other more often than they would the Southern conference, the fight for a league title could potentially be blown wide open with any one of Braehead, Dundee, Edinburgh, Fife or Hull challenging from the Northern conference.

The Stingrays appear to be the team most adversely affected by this decision given the increase in costs and decrease in away fan income. And while there are negatives and they do beg the question whether the club will receive some sort of financial support, the competitiveness and opportunity to gain on-ice momentum is a tough positive to argue against.

The press release also revealed that the import quota for the upcoming campaign had been lifted from a maximum of 10 imports to 11 due to a high "demand on local players" caused primarily by the departure of a number of GB internationals to Europe which has "stretched the talent pool available".

Similarly to the conference restructure, many have rightly questioned the EIHL on this decision believing that better British players can only be nurtured if they are given an opportunity in the top flight. By increasing the import limit, the league once again reduces the number of spots and amount of ice-time available to British players - particularly those up and coming players looking to make the step up - in the name of protecting their 'product' and the quality of hockey on show. The debate over imports v Brits and development v entertainment rages on and this decision is unlikely to end the arguments one way or another.

Perhaps less controversially, the league also revealed the Challenge Cup will feature all ten sides - split into two an as yet unknown but different combinations of five. Each team will face the other in their group once home and once away before a new two-legged quarter final stage between sides finishing 1st to 4th in the group.

Ice-time deal imminent; fans forum confirmed

BBC Radio Humberside have this morning revealed that Hull City Council have called a press conference for Thursday morning at the Hull Arena - where it is expected they will announce that they have finally agreed to a deal with the Stingrays for ice-time for the 12/13 season.

The ice-time announcement will confirm the long-awaited official takeover of the club by Nic Gough and Bobby McEwan - who are set to complete a deal with the previous Coventry Blaze ownership group - and also confirm that the Stingrays will be back for a landmark tenth season.

Following the press conference there will be a Stingrays Fans Forum with the new owners and a very special guest also on Thursday at Hull Arena with doors opening at 7.30pm for an 8pm start.

Scott becomes second to Jet off as Stingrays await ice-time deal

British defenceman Dan Scott has today become the second player and second blueliner to depart the Hull Stingrays this off-season, leaving to return to the English Premier League with the Slough Jets.

The Kent born Great Britain junior international joined the Rays from the EPL's Telford Tigers a year ago looking to further a young career that had already seen him play in North America and six times in the Elite League with Coventry.

Starting the year in his natural position on the blueline, Scott was ousted into the club's fifth defensive spot early in the year by Sam McCluskey - who already had a full season in the Elite League under his belt. Having struggled to hold down a regular spot on D, the Brit paid the price for some poor defensive performances as a team, and was shifted up front for the remainder of the year.

However, this was by no means a reflection on his potential abilities, more a reflection on his inexperience and the fact the Stingrays defensive frailties meant they weren't able to carry a young defenceman. In reverting to a forward as a young, promising but inexperienced defenceman Scott followed in the footsteps of former Hull defensive prospects Dave Phillips and Stevie Lee - who have since gone on to top four clubs, Great Britain caps and, in the case of Phillips, an AHL berth.

Much like Phillips during his stint as a forward in 2003 as a 16 year, Scott's strength and enthusiasm were the Brits two standout attributes and, though he failed to cut it on this occasion, chances are he will return to the EIHL sooner rather than later. As a popular member of the squad and favourite with fans, his rasping shot and the only goal of his Stingrays stay - which saw him record two points in 58 games - against Coventry was met with delight all-around.

The now 20 year old undoubtedly requires some seasoning and plenty of ice-time in order to aid his development and build on the shoots of positivity shown in 11/12, and that is something the second tier EPL can provide.

He has joined a Slough Jets side now coached by former Stingray Slava Koulikov - who left the club in 2009 and attempted a takeover of the Stingrays alongside Godrey Burley this summer.

The 33 year old is entering his fourth consecutive season in the EPL and first as coach - following in the footsteps of his father Alexandr who recently took over as coach of the Ukrainian national team.

Koulikov was happy to confirm the deal saying:

Danny is a great upcoming defenceman. I have talked to many coaches about him and they all agree that already he has every ability necessary. He is strong, is a good skater and he makes a great first pass. He is a professional, every one I've spoken to agrees. When I spoke to him on the phone he impressed on me his professionalism, he wants to take his hockey as far as he can. He has the ability to be one of the top guys, he is willing to work hard to do that and I expect him to be one of our outstanding players this season."

Meanwhile Scott was "really happy" to have signed with the current EPL Playoff Champions stating:

"From what I'm hearing we're putting together a good team and I'm looking forward to fitting in and helping the team carry on from where they left off last year and hopefully achiving great things. I'm looking forward to carrying on my development while playing for the Jets and this is good for me as it's a lot closer to home than I've been for the last couple of years. I can't wait to get started."

Scott becomes the second member of the Stingrays 11/12 squad to depart this summer following fellow defenceman Dmitri Rodin's decision to drop down to the second tier to ice for the Sheffield Steeldogs. The pair may not be the only two to leave for more ice-time in the EPL this off-season with forwards Matty Davies and Andy McKinney also allegedly considering the move.

The Stingrays remain in limbo for the 12/13 EIHL campaign as new owners Nic Gough and Bobby McEwan - who have had their takeover bid accepted by former owners at the Coventry Blaze - continue to await an outcome from Hull City Council's decision regarding Hull Arena ice-time.

A positive decision is believed to be imminent, however, the pair must await confirmation before making any concrete plans on a coach, players, sponsors and season tickets, and this has so far proven costly on the recruitment front.

Update: A fans forum with McEwan and Gough is to be held at the Hull Arena at 7.30pm on Thursday 31st May with details of the upcoming season.

Scott becomes second to Jet off

Young defenceman Dan Scott has today become the second player to depart the Hull Stingrays this off-season, leaving to return to the English Premier League with the Slough Jets.

More soon...

Hull Stingrays 11/12 Season Review: Up Front

Forwards

#37 Derek Campbell

58GP 12+43 264PIM (3GP 5+2 6PIM)

Grade: B

Dismissed the large majority of doubters during his first, and likely only year in Hull, impressing in dual enforcer/offensive role thanks to combination of physicality, strength, willingness to drop the gloves, creativity, stickhandling and playmaking abilities. Crafted a brilliant partnership with Jason Silverthorn, Campbell played a massive part in getting the Rays to their first ever EIHL Playoff Semi-Final - scoring four goals in the Quarter Final including a hat-trick in the second leg. Despite this, it seems unlikely Campbell will re-sign for a second season following his admission that he has yet to hear from Cloutier regarding a return - it is believed he has offers from both EIHL and EPL sides, including the Sheffield Steeldogs.

#90 Bobby Chamberlain

58GP 1+3 93PIM (1GP 0+0 0PIM)

Grade: C+

The emergence of 16 year old Chamberlain was one of the big positives to the 11/12 campaign as he established himself as a huge prospcet for the future. Capped as a GB U18 international, enthusiasm - while very well intended - got the better of the youngster at times in the early part of the year, however, while it will likely always be a huge part of how he plays the game, he rebounded in the second half - despite limited ice-time - to show a new maturity, which was capped off with a well deserved first professional goal against the Nottingham Panthers. It seems likely Chamberlain will return for at least one more year in his hometown before following in the footsteps of other previous Hull prospects Stevie Lee and David and Kevin Phillips, in moving elsewhere - possibly the EPL for more ice-time - and in order to further his hockey career.

#83 Sylvain Cloutier

55GP 11+21 (91PIM)

Grade: C

Remarkably icing in his 17th professional season, player-coach Cloutier hit a Stingrays personal high of 11 goals this season - up from 7 in 09/10 and 9 in 10/11 - though his points production diminished to from 44 last season to 32 this. While his figures aren't quite where they used to be, he continues to play a role in the Elite League - even if that role should be on the third line with the team probably over reliant on his abilities as a second liner at 38. A return for a fourth consecutive season looks all but certain with just official confirmation to follow.

#62 Matty Davies

51GP 5+12 33PIM (3GP 1+0 0PIM)

Grade: C

Diminutive forward Davies re-signed to the Stingrays to play a top two line role having sensationally quit the club mid-game in 10/11. Starting the year in good form, he failed to have the desired impact on the Elite League as the season progressed in a disappointing year, he then suffered a season changing concussion on a hit from Dundee's Jeff Hutchins. A switch back to the EPL - possibly to Slough where former Stingray Slava Koulikov is head coach - has been rumoured, however, a return to Hull for a second chance at second line EIHL play also isn't completely out of the question.

#26 Tristan Harper

40GP 0+5 43PIM (N/A)

Grade: C-

Harper, even by his own admission, will be disappointed with his season in Hull having signed with great hopes from Dundee - where he scored 16 points in 38 games during 10/11. The only full-time Stingray not to hit the twine in 11/12, his year was ruined by injuries, particularly a shoulder injury which saw him require a brace before surgery eventually ended his season prematurely. Harper has unfinished business and a point to prove in Hull after a poor season, however, whether he will be asked to return by Cloutier or whether he would want to return should a move back to his hometown of Dundee come to fruition, remains to be seen.

#12 Andy McKinney

42GP 4+5 107PIM (3GP 0+0 2PIM)

Grade: C+

A fiesty, agitating British forward, McKinney joined part-way through the year from the EPL and was generally a solid third line presence in his first taste of top flight hockey. The 21 year old provided a spark to the Stingrays lineup, however, he was generally the first person to suffer when the lineup shortened. That said, he was always deservedly the first choice to step up from the third line to second line when required. McKinney has allegedly accepted an offer from an unknown team for 12/13 and, although the Stingrays were believed to want to re-sign the Brit, he may be set to make a quick return to the EPL with a top five side.

#9 Dominic Osman

61GP 26+16 77PIM (3GP 1+1 4PIM)

Grade: B-

Osman - signed in the summer to provide secondary scoring - initially showed only glimpses of what he could do early on and so was an early candidate for release after early season struggles. Luckily, those brief glimpses were enough to see that he remained and Frantisek Bakrlik was released, which in the end proved to be a good decision on Cloutier's part, as Osman - an everpresent for the Stingrays - eventually provided the speed and scoring edge he was brought in for. A fan favourite in Hull for his direct, powerful style, Osman would be a welcome returnee though it is uncertain as to whether he will be offered a return deal.

#21 Jason Silverthorn

59GP 30+44 60PIM (3GP 2+1 6PIM)

Grade: A

Alternate captain Silverthorn shifted his performance level and scoring consistency up a notch this season, producing a career best 30 goals, 44 assists and 74 points - good for 10th in EIHL pointscoring. A constant threat alongside linemate Campbell, Silverthorn used his maturity, professionalism and experience to lead the Stingrays from the front all season long. Cloutier has made no secret of his admiration of Silverthorn and, should the player-coach be confirmed for a fourth season, 'Silver' would surely be top of his list of players to re-sign even if other EIHL sides are circling.

#27 Jereme Tendler

53GP 36+25 10PIM (3GP 0+4 2PIM)

Grade: B

10/11 50 goal scorer Tendler was always going to struggle to hit the half-century again, however, he had another good year - despite missing eight games having tested positive for a banned substance in late December. Notching 36 goals to take his EIHL tally to 82 goals in 105 games, the 28 year old solidified his place as one of the Stingrays most dangerous and constant goalscoring threats. Given his scoring exploits, Tendler will surely be contacted regarding a return for a third year, however, he is another that will certainly have been approached by other sides - EIHL, European and North American.

#93 Jack Watkins

50GP 3+8 6PIM (3GP 0+0 0PIM)

Grade: C-

GB U20 international forward Watkins showed visible signs of development and improvement throughout his first season in Hull, registering his first EIHL goal and assist before eventually hitting eight points in 50 games. Another that understandably saw reduced ice-time in certain situations, the 19 year old's size was a big advantage to a third line, and team, that generally lacked it. Another year under the tutelage of Cloutier is not out of the question, while a return to the EPL for added responsibility and ice-time is another distinct possibility.

MIA: #55 Frantisek Bakrlik (D - Unstoppable pre-season, disappeared regular season)
Also dressed: Craig Thurston, Sam Towner, Andy Ward, Ryan Lake

Campbell moving on

Derek Campbell looks set to become the second player to depart the Hull Stingrays this summer, according to the Hull Daily Mail.

The 32 year old forward shone in the Stingrays yellow and blue during the 11/12 Elite League campaign - his sixth consecutive year in the British top flight but first in Hull - accumulating 12 goals and 55 points in 58 regular season games having worked up a great partnership with Jason Silverthorn. 

He added a further five goals and two assists in three playoff games in the post-season, becoming a crucial cog in helping the Rays past former side Sheffield Steelers and into a historic first ever EIHL Playoff Semi-Final and Final Four Weekend. The hat-trick scored by the Ontario native in the 5-2 second leg quarter final win was arguably three of the biggest goals in the club's history.

Nevertheless, despite largely impressing thanks to his unique style and blend of strength, stickhandling, playmaking and enforcing abilities - Campbell admitted to the Hull Daily Mail that he has yet to hear from coach Sylvain Cloutier.

Given the continually uncertain nature of the club's status at present that may not be too surprising, however, speculation suggests Cloutier has had initial contact with those players he would like to retain for 12/13 EIHL campaign, as well as a number of others from outside the club.

Speaking on his year in Hull, Campbell said:

"It was a great time. I had a lot of fun last year, the owners were great, Sylvain was great, as were my team-mates and the fans, even though there was so much going on with sticks and equipment and off-ice stuff. We made it to the playoff semi-finals by knocking out Sheffield and that was a huge thing."

The former Manchester, Newcastle, Coventry, Sheffield and now, likely, Hull enforcer looks set to add another club to his extensive CV. Whether he joins his sixth Elite League club or opts for the English Premier League remains to be seen though it looks highly likely his stay in Hull will end at one year.

Campbell stated:

"I don't think I'll be coming back. It's not me closing the door, it's just that I haven't really talked to Sylvain Cloutier yet and I think if he wanted me back he would have called and sort of stated it. I'm qualified to play in either league. There are a couple of teams in the Elite League and in the EPL I have been talking to and taking seriously. You have to weigh up the options, it's a long summer."

EPL side Sheffield Steeldogs currently appear favourites to secure the signature of Campbell - who would become their second Stingray signing of the off-season, following Dmitri Rodin's addition - though a decision has yet to be officially made either way.

The South Yorkshire side - coached by Campbell's former Newcastle Vipers teammate Andre Payette - would seem to be the obvious choice for the Canadian after his comments today that he'd prefer to join a club where he knows what he's "getting into".

Elsewhere, as previously suggested on FBB, the Stingrays remain on course to lose at least two of the British corps from last season to the EPL.

Done deal; Gough and McEwan take over Stingrays

The Excel Hull Stingrays will enter the 12/13 Elite Ice Hockey League campaign - their tenth season in existence and seventh in the top flight - under new ownership after it was today confirmed that Nic Gough and Bobby McEwan had agreed terms with the Coventry Blaze ownership group to take over the club.

The long awaited deal will transfer ownership of the club and make to local businessman Gough and former Humberside Seahawk and Stingrays assistant coach McEwan the club's third ownership group in ten seasons provided Hull City Council agree, as expected, to their proposal regarding the Hull Arena ice-time contract.

An official statement from the now former owner James Pease read:

"The deal is done pending their award of the ice time contract at the Arena and we are delighted that Nic and Bobby are taking over. The club desperately needs to be under local ownership and direction and now it has that. We kept the club alive when that looked impossible but for it to be taken forward now, it needs to be operated by people from the area. 

From our perspective we were asked by many of the supporters to find them an owner who would keep them in the Elite League and who had the best interests of the club at heart. We've done that and I'm sure everyone will get behind Nic and Bobby as they take over. 

We know things haven't been perfect, especially during last season, but it's been very difficult for us to run two clubs, especially with one being so far away from where we are based. It's now time for us to focus on the job we have to do in Coventry and for Nic and Bobby to focus on taking the Stingrays forward. We look forward to many on ice battles in the coming seasons. 

As we say goodbye, we'd like to thank everyone who supported us during the last two seasons, sponsors, supporters and volunteers but especially, Sylvain Cloutier and the players who did such a great job. We really do wish Nic and Bobby all the very best."

The deal ends a particularly turbulent period in the club's history which began with rumours prior to the end of the season that suggested the Coventry based ownership group of Andy Buxton, Mike Cowley, James Pease and Paul Thompson were looking to offload the club to a willing suitor.

This was confirmed on 9 April in an article in the Hull Daily Mail, however, it took until 25 April for the group to officially rule themselves out of owning the Stingrays heading in to 12/13. After a minor ownership battle with local businessman Paul Fielder and former player Slava Koulikov, Gough and McEwan have now agreed an unspecified fee to takeover as the club's new owners.

The outgoing Coventry ownership have endured a real rollercoaster time during their stay in Hull.

They began their tenure as absolute saviours of the Stingrays - having picked the club up from the depths after Mike and Sue Pack stepped away as the season drew agonisingly close - and they went on to have a successful first year in the city, despite the lack of preparation, increasing attendances as the club had a record year on ice.

Third year coach Sylvain Cloutier was afforded the time and preparation to build a squad from scratch last summer - having been re-signed late in the 10/11 season. However, after a great pre-season, the club struggled to find form early on. Amid rumours of financial problems in Coventry, fans turned on the ownership as Joshua Mizerek and Frantisek Bakrlik were released to see only Kurtis Dulle come in to the club as they ran from December on down one import.

Despite the financial issues - and alleged late payment of players, which only surfaced early in the off-season - the club hit real momentum late in the season as they beat Fife, Sheffield and Dundee before advancing to the EIHL Playoff Semi-Finals and EIHL Playoff Final Four Weekend for the first time thanks to a historic and memorable two legged Quarter Final victory over Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Steelers.

With turbulent times now hopefully behind them, the Rays can look forward to a future with a local owner, amazingly for the first time in their history.

In the same statement new owner Gough said:

"I'd like to thank Andy, Mike, James and Paul for all they did to keep the Stingrays alive and develop things to where they are now. It's been tough for them at times but, like us, everyone in Hull should be appreciative of the great foundations they have laid for the Stingrays that are now our responsibility to build on. 

The agreement we have reached with them has helped Bobby and I hugely and has shown us how much they want the Stingrays to succeed under new ownership. They are good people and we really want to thank them sincerely for what they've been prepared to do. They have made an unbelievably gesture that has given us a great chance to take the club forward and it's our intention to do that."

As has been widely stated both previously in this very blog and in today's statement, a huge credit should go to the former ownership group for the hard work they have put in in getting the Stingrays to where they are from the tough situation they found the club in. Though the figure the club changed hands for remains unspecified, the statement does seem to indicate the figure was way below the alleged initial price tag of £20k, which will in turn help the new owners going forward.

Now it is time for the club to move on and begin a new chapter in its near ten year history.

It is largely believed that Cloutier has already agreed to return for a fourth season at the helm and that he has already begun approaching a number of player regarding next season - including some of last season's squad as well as British netminder Ben Bowns. However, the real hard work now begins in earnest with the expected official confirmation of his re-signing coming soon, possibly after Gough and McEwan receive the green light on Hull Arena ice time.

Off-ice too, it is likely a huge amount of man hours will need to be put in in order for the club to build from the solid position it was left in by the previous regime.

Whatever the situation, the uncertainly surrounding the Stingrays has now - barring a shock decision from Hull City Council - dispersed and that in itself is reason to once again look forward to the summer and season ahead.

Go Rays!

BREAKING: Done deal - Gough and McEwan take over

The Excel Hull Stingrays will be enter the 12/13 Elite Ice Hockey League campaign - their tenth in existence and seventh in the top flight - with their third ever set of owners following the confirmation that a deal has been struck between bidding pair Nic Gough and Bobby McEwan and the Coventry Blaze ownership group.

The long awaited deal will transfer ownership of the club to local businessman Gough and former Humberside Seahawk and Stingrays assistant coach McEwan, provided Hull City Council agree to their terms regarding this week's Hull Arena ice-time meeting.

More to follow

Rodin first to depart

Defenceman and alternate captain Dmitri Rodin has become the first name to depart the 11/12 Hull Stingrays ranks following today's confirmation that he will join the English Premier League's Sheffield Steeldogs.

The 37 year old rejoined former teammate and Rays coach Sylvain Cloutier last summer from Polish side KH Sanok and quickly became a mainstay in the club's defensive corps. Beginning the season in fine form with three goals and three assists during late September before eventually racking up nine goals and 27 points over 51 games, he deservedly claimed Stingrays Defenceman of the Year at the end of season awards.

Though the Estonian national team captain - who lead his side to a gold medal and promotion from IIHF World Championship Div II in Iceland this Spring - is undoubtedly entering the twilight of his career, he remained the Stingrays best all-around defenceman for much of the year, despite his form dipping post-Christmas.

Positionally sound, with good stickhandling abilities and a great shot from the point, crucially for a European defenceman he also wasn't afraid to get stuck in physically, memorably pulling off a number of signature hip checks - most notably on Jason Hewitt in the EIHL Quarter Final against Sheffield.

The move to the EPL comes as a result of timing, both personally and for the club. While the Rays future remains up in the air - with a number of hurdles still to be overcome before Nic Gough and Bobby McEwan can takeover - Rodin, at the age of 37, with a young family to think of and the time on his 22 year career ticking down, couldn't afford to wait around.

And while it is a fact that he was the club's most consistent defenceman, it is probably an understatement to say the Rays weren't strong defensively last term - allowing a league high 2272 shots on netminder Christian Boucher while also leaking 220 goals, good enough for third worst in the Elite Leauge (or eighth best depending on how you look at it). 

Therefore, given those defensive frailties, there were not necessarily any guarantees that the Stingrays next coach - likely to be Cloutier for a fourth season, provided the takeover goes through as expected - would want to re-sign the Estonian blueliner, despite how well liked he was.

Nevertheless, Rodin now joins a Steeldogs side brimming with confidence following a record 11/12 season in which player/coach and former EIHL enforcer Andre Payette lead his side to an impressive third placed league finish and semi-final playoff berth. 

Though top British netminding prospect Ben Bowns - who posted a 93.0 sv% and 2.40GAA - is set to depart for the Elite League (and potentially the Stingrays) during the off-season, the Ice Sheffield based side are gearing up for another title shot during 12/13.

Speaking of Rodin's addition, Payette said:

"Dmitri's leadership qualities, as reflected in his national team's captaincy, will be massive important on and off the ice next year. He was voted Best Defenceman for Hull Stingrays last season and together with his very physical game, he will bolster what was already the best defensive unit last year."

So far this summer they have already signed up former Sheffield Steelers Tom Squires, Ben Morgan and Steve Duncombe as well as former Coventry Blaze and Basingstoke Bison forward Greg Wood, while Rodin is likely to join up with another former Rays defenceman in Pavel Gomenyuk - who is highly likely to rejoin for a second season having notched up 9 goals and 41 points in 52 league games last season.

Although Rodin is the first and, so far, only name to have been confirmed as departing, it is believed that at least another two or three of last season's squad may have followed suit and signed in the second tier EPL as the Stingrays future is resolved.

Hull Stingrays 11/12 Season Review: At The Back

Netminders

#53 Christian Boucher

64GP 3.84GAA 89.sv% (3GP 4.88GAA 88.2sv.%)

Grade: A

28 year old Boucher answered his first season critics in a big way this term after a mediocre first season. Though he's not necessarily the kind of netminder to win you a game all on his own, his consistently solid performances generally gave the club a fighting chance from the drop of the puck.  The netminder - who faced a league high 4,438 shots - proved during outstanding 56 and 53 save winning efforts over Dundee in October and Cardiff in November that he is capable of the odd match winning performance. Indeed, after helping the Rays through to the EIHL Semi-Finals thanks to two brilliant performances against Sheffield in the Quarter Finals, the Ottawa native was particularly unfortunate to be between the pipes as the Rays were thrashed 10-3 in that first ever Final Four appearance. During his two years in the UK Boucher has proved he is a more than capable netminder at EIHL level and a much liked member of the Stingrays. While open to a return, whether he re-signs for a third season is very much dependent on both the status of the club and whether the rumoured addition of a new netminder comes to fruition.

#30 Andy Brummit

4GP 3.65GAA 91.7sv.%

Grade: C

With Boucher injury free and in fine form for much of the year, 18 year old backup Brummit's chances were limited in the Elite League. Restricted to just four appearances, he appeared to do well for such a young backstop during his bit-part appearances when called upon, notably turning away 17 shots against the Dundee Stars on the final day of the regular season, and that despite conceding on his first shot. The big advantage of having a senior ENL side closely linked to the Rays EIHL side was that the backup was offered the opportunity to regularly turn out in the third tier of British hockey - where he iced in 19 games posting a 91.6sv.% as the ENL Rays ended the year 4th in ENL North 2. Certainly an able back up and prospect for the future, there would be few, if any complaints were Brummitt to return for a second season.

Also dressed: Liam Jackson, Ben Bowns.

Defencemen

#8 Kurtis Dulle

58GP 36+25 10PIM (3GP 0+4 2PIM)

Grade: B-

Rays fans reluctantly said goodbye to Dulle last summer as the Canadian signalled his intention to end his career following a short spell in the Australian Ice Hockey League. With the Rays struggling and unconvinced by life post-hockey, the Saskatchewan native ended that short lived retirement in November and his offensive abilities from defence immediately helped the Rays to their longest win streak of the year, just 3 games. His offence generating first pass and skating abilities from the back came as a huge help to a team that generally lacked such attributes, while naming the 32 year old captain - following the release of Joshua Mizerek - provided a welcome boost to team morale. However, despite the many positives to his return, the defenceman's game remained riddled with minor penalties - not that he would change this aspect of his game at such a late stage - and, for the most penalised team in the league, this was more often than not costly. Unlike last summer, Dulle has refused to rule out a return to the ice for another year - be it in Hull or not - instead he looks intent on biding his time and making a decision closer to pre-season.

#19 Sam McCluskey

61GP 1+5 58PIM (3GP 0+0 4PIM)

Grade: B+

One of the club's most solid defencemen come the season's end, the 21 year old Scot grew into his role with the Rays - having edged out Dan Scott for a regular shift on defence. Much like former defensive prospects Dave Phillips and Stevie Lee that have passed through the Stingrays in recent times - McCluskey exuded confidence for such a young defenceman and was very rarely panicked into making a rash decisons. Sure there were mistakes, no player is perfect, but at 21 years of age McCluskey's mental and physical attributes belied his age. Given a few more years in the EIHL - be it with the Rays or Stars or elsewhere - the Dundee born defenceman and Stingrays British Player of the Year will surely be bound for a Great Britain berth.

#6 Martin Ondrej

57GP 2+14 73PIM (3GP 0+1 6PIM)

Grade: C-

Probably one of the club's biggest question marks defensively, Slovakian Ondrej was all too often caught high on the offensive blueline early in the year, unable to provide the pace to cover any player that knocked the puck around him high up the ice. At times questionable positionally, he was rumoured to be one of the players up for release prior to Christmas alongside eventually releasee Mizerek following a number of poor performances. However, unlike the American, the 28 year old began to turn things around, keeping his game simple, and he eventually improved the defensive side of his game enough to stave of release. The Semi Final loss to Nottingham aside, he ended the season putting in arguably his two best performances of the year in the two legged Playoff Quarter-Final's against Sheffield. Given his initial fallacies defensively, it seems highly unlikely he would be signed for a second year in Hull or the Elite League, though, provided he can keep his game simple, a spot in the EPL would not necessarily be completely out of the question.

#7 Dmitri Rodin

51GP 9+18 101PIM (3GP 0+1 4PIM)

Grade: B

Equally adept be it with a big shot from the blueline or on a breakaway in the shootout, Rodin - the Stingrays leading pointscoring defenceman this season - was probably the club's biggest surprise signing. At 37, expectations were admittedly low for the largely unknown Estonian, however, though he may have lost a step or two of pace, he proved he hasn't lost any skill during his 18 years as a professional. Alongside McCluskey, Rodin was the Rays standout defenceman and, indeed, one of the club's most consistent performers, and he was rewarded for his performances over the season with Defenceman of the Year at the Stingrays End of Season awards. He topped off a successful first season in the UK by captaining Estonia to the IIHF World Championships Division II title in Iceland in April - in the process promoting them back to the third tier in international ice hockey. Though, he would be a welcome returnee in Hull despite his age, rumours earlier in the off-season alleged he had been offered a deal to sign in the English Premier League with Andre Payette's Sheffield Steeldogs.

#13 Dan Scott

58GP 1+1 27PIM (3GP 0+0 0PIM)

Grade: C-

The Kent born defenceman started the year - his first in the EIHL - receiving semi-regular minutes on the blueline but was ousted following the standout performances of the more experienced McCluskey. Having failed to convince Cloutier as a D-man, Scott was reverted to forward mid-season and gradually improved throughout the year. Though at 20 he understandably needs some further seasoning to make it as an Elite League defenceman, there are undoubtedly shoots of positivity there for Scott - who bagged a much deserved first EIHL goal against Dundee. Though he may yet return to the EIHL, it seems more likely that next season he will seek that extra seasoning in the EPL - where he previously turned out for Telford.

MIA: Joshua Mizerek (D- - Poor, signing came 2 years too late for Rays)
Also dressed: Thomas Jeffrey, Ryan Johnson, Tom Ralph, James Pease