Rapid Solicitors - who specialise in accident compensation nationwide - have committed what is believed to be a considerable figure to take over from Excel Laminating as the club's main and title sponsor having last season sponsored the Elite Ice Hockey League and previously sponsored the club in other areas. The deal will see the Stingrays officially become known as the Rapid Solicitors Hull Stingrays.
Martin Ward, Commercial Manager of Rapid Solictors said:
"Extending our relationship with the Stingrays in Hull is something we particularly wanted to do because our firm is based in Hull and staffed by local people. Many of us are ice hockey fans so we appreciate the passion and loyalty of Stingrays fans and hope they will support the firm which supports the team."The move brings to an end Excel Laminating's main sponsorship of the club - which dates back nine years to the first day of the club's existence and was previously believed to be one of the longest title sponsorship's in the sport. Their unequivocal support of the club has been a huge factor in getting the club where it is and they too today re-committed to sponsoring the club - continuing their their long association with the Stingrays.
Longtime supporter and Managing Director of Excel Laminating Jeff Thomas said:
"We are really pleased to continue our involvement with the Stingrays. It is great news the club is now under local management and [new owner] Bobby [McEwan] is a bundle of energy. Stingrays are committed to the youth set-up and the community programmes. We are pleased to be involved with an organisation which puts something back into the community and we are committed to supporting ice hockey in Hull."Meanwhile former helmet sponsor Henderson Insurance Brokers have returned to sponsor the club for a sixth season.
Speaking of the deals, Bobby McEwan - who confirmed at Thursday nights fans forum that he now officially owns the EIHL club - said:
"Having been involved with hockey in this city since 1988 I know just how important it is to have local businesses behind you and we thank them for their support...For Rapid to back us in this way is a big step forward. They're a major legal force in the UK and their name is everywhere in Hull, so their endorsement will help us to secure additional sponsorships....I am thrilled Excel have agreed to continue their long association with Stingrays. They have been behind the Stingrays from day one and have made a major contribution to the continuity of ice hockey in the city over the last decade."Having continued his bid to take over the Stingrays without the direct financial support of Nic Gough, McEwan will undoubtedly be delighted with the way in which sponsors and businesses, both new and old, have backed him and the team.
It is believed the club are well on the way to achieving their sponsorship target for next season, however, given the difficulties and start up costs for any new owner - the season ahead promises to be a tough one both on and off-ice.
