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:
Campbell stated:
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.
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.
