Stingrays to get a helping Hand in 12/13

The Hull Stingrays have today confirmed the long-mooted signing of Canadian enforcer Ryan Hand from the Central Hockey League's Texas Brahmas.

The 27 year old - who prefers to play D but can also move up front - brings his considerable physical prowess and enforcing abilities to the Elite League having scored a goal and three assists in 50 games in the CHL last season, adding 122 penalty minutes.

90 of those 122 minutes spent in the penalty box last term stem from the 18 fighting majors he received in bouts against the likes of former Cardiff Devils defenceman Justin Sawyer and Manchester Phoenix forward Brett Clouthier - whom he fought on five separate occasions last season.

Indeed, it was a fight with Phoenix fan favourite and Allen American Cloutier - who also had a spell in Sheffield with the Steelers - that made national headlines, as the pair dropped the gloves pre-game during the ceremonial puck drop of a game between the Brahmas and Americans in April.

Hand - who at 27 has spent 123 games in the CHL, 23 in the ECHL and 66 in the LNAH - has 181 fights to his name in a four year junior career and six year senior career against some of the biggest names in fighting at minor league level including Louis Bedard, Derek Parker, Brandon Sugden and Jon Mirasty.

His career high for fights in a season is 38, set during his second professional season and second season in the renowned LNAH - a predominantly fight based league based in Quebec, Canada. Last season's 18 fights rank third in season career highs for the Ottawa, Ontario native.


With just five goals and 14 assists to his name in more than 220 senior appearances, there will understandably be questions posed once again about the role of the enforcer in the EIHL and whether Hand is a sensible use of a vital import spot. 


However, Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier is confident the 6'1, 181lbs enforcer will play an important role in the Elite League.

"I am extremely excited to have Hand on board. The guy competes, he works hard and battles for his team-mates. He is willing to do anything for the team and from the first time we spoke on the phone I knew I wanted him on my team. Ryan is my type of player, a guy that comes to work every night and you can count on. He will  bring a physical part to our team that we haven't had in a few years, it's a great addition to our team and he can play both forward and D. He will be one of our leaders and he will hold guys accountable"

While there will undoubtedly be both skeptics and critics over the addition of a player who has more than 1200 PIM's to his name, it remains to be seen whether Hand can thrive given a regular shift.

The Stingrays have a particularly spotted history when it comes to signing enforcers and so observers will perhaps be forgiven for being a little apprehensive to begin with.

Delving into the club's short nine year history brings up the name of past enforcers Simon Rizk and Jonathan Bernier. Signed a season apart, Canadians Rizk and Jonathan Bernier were signed by Rick Strachan for the 06/07 and 07/08 campaigns respectively and possessed similar resumes to that of the Rays latest addition - joining from the CHL with high PIM's and low points totals.

Looking to move to Europe to free themselves from the enforcing role which they had been pigeonholed during their early careers in North America, they both failed to make the grade in the EIHL with Rizk released after seven games, one fortuitous goal and 23 penalty minutes while Bernier quit after just four games, no points and nine PIM's.

On the other hand, Cloutier's first out-and-out enforcer Adam Knight was perhaps the club's most successful signing in the role during the player-coaches first season in charge, 09/10.

Although Knight had previously had a high scoring four year spell in the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, he had been similarly restricted to the enforcing role during a season in the CHL prior to moving to the UK - which he split between Colorado Eagles and New Mexico Scorpions - scoring two goals, two assists and 153 PIM over 58 games.

Unlike Rizk and Bernier, Knight - who was also the last out-and-out enforcer signed by the Rays - went on to relish the role in the British top flight becoming a solid depth import, notching seven goals, 20 assists and 121 PIM's while retaining his enforcing duties when called upon - fighting now former Stingray Derek Campbell, Brad Voth and Sean McMorrow three times each.

Campbell himself, while not an out and out fighter, was another example of a 'useful' enforcer at EIHL level because he, like Knight, did not by any means rely solely on his physical abilities. The longevity of Hand's spell in the UK very much depend on his ability to provide the Stingrays with more than just scrapping ability.

The very early signs are at least somewhat positive though.

Much like Knight, Hand comes to the UK labelled a utility player that can fill on both up front or in defence when required - a useful trait for any player and one that indicates teams have had the confidence to play him in a defensive role in the past. He has also chipped in with a few goals throughout his career, though granted not bucket loads - something Rizk could not boast with just one goal to his name.

Nevertheless, as Cloutier touches on in the press release, and no doubt will talk about further as the season draws in, Hand has not been brought in to simply entertain - though I'm sure he will. He will "hold guys accountable" and will ensure teams do not take liberties with the Stingrays - in particular goalscoring threats Jereme Tendler, Janis Ozolins and Jason Silverthorn - in the upcoming season, something that could turn out to be a momentous task given some signings so far this summer.

EIHL rivals the Coventry Blaze have set their stall out early and tough so far this off-season and lead the way in the toughness stakes. They have so far signed capable fighters Mike Danton, Benn Olsen, Mike Egener and Gerome Giudice - while former Nottingham Panthers enforcer Alex Penner is another rumoured be  signing. Elsewhere, Belfast have the 230 PIM man and all-around entertainer Adam Keefe, Nottingham possess new signing Jason Beckett and Cardiff have signed Tyson Marsh.

Hand's 'handiness' in the fighting stakes could well be a pivotal factor in the Rays season, particularly in the intimidation stakes and games against Southern Conference sides.

The main question marks over Hand's signing are; can he step up his game with the increased ice-time in comparison to North America e.g. Adam Knight? If not, can the Rays afford to use one of their 11 available import slots on an out-and-out enforcer? Stingrays fans, I'm sure, are hoping the answers are an emphatic yes and yes. Rizk and Bernier are evidence enough of what may happen if the answers are no and no.

If all else fails, at least it's likely the Rays will have one of the most entertaining, toughest and fearless players in the league when the EIHL returns in September.


See below for an interview by the Fort Worth Examiner's Troy Depue in which Hand unsurprisingly talks about his favourite fights, fighting style and beliefs as well as his abilities as a player:

Suderman joins Dundee as exodus begins

If the sad and emotional scenes in the early part of this week failed to hit home the reality that the Hull Stingrays will not take their place in the upcoming 10/11 Elite League season, then the disbandment of Sylvain Cloutier's 16 man squad certainly will.

That process began today as defenceman Matt Suderman signed in Scotland with the EIHL's newest side the Dundee Stars.

The departure of the tough 27 year old defensive blueliner marks the beginning of the very end for the Stingrays, at least for this year, and appears to have extinguished any hope of a rumoured saviour for the quickly approaching season. One-by-one during the coming weeks and days Suderman's 15 previously prospective team mates for the upcoming season will join the tough guy in signing elsewhere.

In other news, former Stingrays enforcer Adam Knight was confirmed as signing in the Central Hockey League with Wichita Thunder.

Departures continue

 

Following the surprise departure of player-assistant coach Curtis Huppe last month comes the somewhat less surprising confirmation that tough guy Adam Knight and British defenceman James Hutchinson have both played their final games for the Excel Hull Stingrays.

The pair, both expected to leave the Hull Arena this summer after just a season with the club, have been confirmed by their respective agents as returning to the leagues they joined the Stingrays from last summer.

In his sophomore season in Hull Knight hit professional career best figures, scoring seven times, adding 13 assists and 131 penalty minutes while emerging as a true fans favourite, particularly following tussles with the likes of Sean McMorrow and Brad Voth.

However, the 29 year old, who is not thought to have been offered a deal to return to Hull, will rejoin the CHL where he joined the Stingrays from last summer and where he is likely to be relied on more for his on-ice presence than the offensive numbers which coach Sylvain Cloutier and the EIHL on the whole require from non-British players. He will return to the CHL with an, as yet, unnamed team, where last time out he recorded two goals and two assists in over 50 games with Colorado and New Mexico, following a season in Hull in which he likely doubled his time on the ice during each game and improved as a player as a result.

Meanwhile, Hutchinson will return to the English Premier League (EPL) after a wholly disappointing spell at the Hull Arena. Big things were expected of 'Hutch' after he played a massive part in Peterborough's EPL championship winning side of 08/09, in which he contributed a huge 58 points in 54 games from the blueline, however, for whatever reason, be it the higher standard of competition or the Stingrays struggles, he neither troubled the scorers nor provided Cloutier with the defensive solidity required and like Knight, he was an unlikely returnee.

The favoured destination for the 26 year old North East native seems to be a return to Peterborough in an attempt to reignite the success of 08/09 under former Stingrays netminder Curtis Cruickshank, who has recently been named head coach of the Cambridgeshire based side.

While the Stingrays off-season news has so far been confined to the assumed return of coach Cloutier and Stephen Burns for the second year of their two year contracts, unlike messr Huppe, the rumoured re-signing of the better part of last seasons squad including Lee Mitchell, Craig Mitchell and Konstantin Kalmikov will likely come within the next week or two as Cloutier looks to build a squad capable of challenging and, at least, making the playoffs come April 2011.

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.

GB call-up Mitchell scoops awards double

Lee Mitchell and Ukrainian forward Konstantin Kalmikov each claimed two awards at the Excel Hull Stingrays end of season awards evening on Monday night, however, the double was particularly sweet for the 22 year old Scot after he was once again announced in the provisional Great Britain squad for upcoming friendlies and the World Championships in Slovenia.

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.

Naturally, Cloutier was forthcoming in his praise for his top scorer:

"...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."

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.

All Star Stingrays set for Import v Brit showdown

The Excel Hull Stingrays will tonight have five representatives in the Elite League's annual All Star game, this season set to take place at Ice Sheffield, with a British All Star side, coached by the Sheffield Steelers Dave Matsos, taking on an Overseas All Star lineup, coached by Corey Neilson of the Nottingham Panthers.

The Rays will have tough guy Adam Knight and Ukrainian forward Konstantin Kalmikov representing the Overseas All Stars, while Lee Esders, Lee Mitchell and late call up James Hutchinson will represent the British All Stars.

Enforcer Knight, who can play both defence and forward, was voted by fans into the Overseas All Star lineup despite notching just four goals and nine assists in 33 games this season, however, the Canadian has become a fan favourite at the Hull Arena this season for his activities with his fists. Perhaps controversially, he will line up tonight alongside fellow tough guy Sean McMorrow, with whom he has several notable bouts this year.

Kalmikov, who last season netted 25 goals in 48 games and has 22 goals in just 39 games so far this term, has once again has become a pivotal part of the Stingrays success and will wear an alternate captain 'A' during the All Star game.

Esders, who has recently come into form to take his tally to six goals and three assists in 11 games following a career year in which he accumulated 11 goals and 10 assists, was surprisingly selected to the British All Star side by the fans after a slow start to the year.

He is joined by James Hutchinson after the withdrawal of Cardiff's Jason Stone due to injury and, although he has failed to hit the heights of his numbers in a championship winning season in the EPL last year, he has become a reliable and solid defenceman on the Rays blueline.

After suffering from a knee injury at the beginning of the season, 22 year old Mitchell, who will be appearing in his second EIHL All Star game, has begun to come good for Sylvain Cloutier's side, netting an impressive eight goals and nine assists in 22 games after a career year under Rick Strachan last term in which he scored nine goals and 25 assists for 34 points in 46 games.

Last season saw the Elite League split into North and South for the purpose of the All Star game, with Mitchell, Jeff Glowa, Steve Slonina, Slava Koulikov and Curtis Cruikshank of Stingrays ending up on the victorious Southern All Star side by a score of 12-10, with Glowa grabbing himself a goal.

Esders and Knight crack All Star lineup

Fans of the Elite Ice Hockey League have voted Excel Hull Stingrays forward Lee Esders and utility enforcer Adam Knight, alongside eight fellow EIHLer, into this years All Star game, set to take place at Ice Sheffield on Wednesday January 27.

23 year old Knight, who has two goals and eight assists in 27 games this season, has been voted into the Overseas All Star line up, coached by Nottingham player/coach Corey Neilson, as a defenceman after regularly switching between forward and defence for Sylvain Cloutier's injury hit side.

The rugged Canadian has become a fan favourite at the Hull Arena due to his honest, hardworking play and fearlessness, which has seen him accumulate a league leading 170 penalty minutes and drop the gloves 15 times against the likes of fighting heavyweights Sean McMorrow and Brad Voth.

He has been selected on the blueline alongside Nottingham's Dominic D'Armour, while the rest of the Overseas All Star lineup consists of Knight's Belfast sparring partner Sean McMorrow, skilled forwards from Belfast and Nottingham, Jeff Szwez and Jade Galbraith, and Coventry's Danish netminder Peter Hirsch.

He is joined in the EIHL's second ever All Star game by forward Lee Esders, who has been selected by fans to the British All Star lineup, coached by Sheffield head coach Dave Matsos.


Esders, 21, has been selected after netting just 4 times in 35 games this season but following a hugely successful sophomore season in which he netted 11 goals and added 10 assists in 60 games under Rick Strachan.

The Beverly born forward is another fan favourite at the Hull Arena after developing through the Kingston Junior Development system and he has been selected alongside Great Britain regulars Stephen Murphy and Colin Shields, from Belfast, David Clarke, from Nottingham and Coventry blueliner Jonathan Weaver as well as former Stingrays D man, and junior international, Stevie Lee, currently at Nottingham.

Stingray News

Stingrays shine as GB U20 beat Scims

Excel Hull Stingray pair Craig Mitchell and Matty Davies were selected and appeared for the Great Britain Under 20's last night against EPL side Sheffield Scimitars.

Davies, who has been a bright spot in the Stingrays season so far, recording three goals and eight points in 19 games, recorded the game winning penalty shot as the U20's beat Sheffield 4-3, while Craig Mitchell played a big part on the blueline.

Rays head towards full strength...no this is not a test

The Excel Hull Stingrays may, just may, ice this weekend with theoretically, a full strength squad, following the news that forward Jason Silverthorn and defenceman James Hutchinson will return to training this week and will most likely make a return to full action during this weekends home double header against table toppers Nottingham and Coventry.

Their return would leave the team with three lines of both defence and forwards, as well as a full compliment of imports for the first time since the opening weekend of the season and even then they were without Lee Mitchell

The Rays have been plagued by injuries ever since they joined the Elite League, and despite a change in coaching, this season has been no different, with no less than seven of the Stingrays squad being hit with by the injury curse.

Mitchell was the first to be struck down, missing the opening ten weeks of the season after picking up a knee injury during summer preparations, however, the Brit finally reappeared last weekend; this weekend will see just Pavel Gomenyuk (fractured rib) sitting on the sidelines.

The injury list has been long and varied for Sylvain Cloutier's side. A concussion, a fractured rib, a broken arm, a broken hand, two broken cheekbones, a serious knee injury, sinusitis and a number of other minor injuries have all been sustained this term, however, coach, squad and fanbase will be hoping the worst is now over.

Once Ukrainian Gomenyuk returns the team will be back up to 11 imports with just ten allowed to ice during each EIHL game. Cloutier will then be left with the tough, but welcome, choice of ditching one import should the team remain at full strength. Their performances over the next few weeks could be key as to who goes, with defencemen under particular scrutiny given the Rays poor defensive record and the surplus which Gomenyuk's return will find them in.

New boys make an impact offensively

Statistically, new signings James Sanford, George Halkidis and, to a lesser extent due to his injury, Jason Silverthorn have made a positive impact on what was a frail Stingrys side that relied far too heavily on a small number of players.

Sanford, while initially struggling to get to grips with the the style of play in the league, has lived up to his name as a powerplay quarterback, notching an impressive eight assists in ten games, while alongside him, George Halkidis has brought an experienced, calm and collected mentality to the team's blueline, adding a similarly impressive two goals and two assists from six games as a Stingray.

Up front, Silverthorn bagged a goal and assist on debut against Coventry before a puck released from Sanford's stick inadvertently broke his jaw in the same game. Nevertheless, with Silverthorn once again icing this weekend, the positive feelings, headed by the new blood, look to be making a welcome return to the Hull Arena.

Burns and Knight chip in

After coming under some criticism during the opening quarter of the season, defenceman Stephen Burns and Adam Knight have hit a purple patch of form during the last two weeks. While goals and points are not the only important factor, the pair have been both hitting the twine and putting in good performances over the last two weeks.

Knight, banned for five games on the opening weekend of the season, lost that offensive spark which impressed fans and coach alike in the Rays pre-season games, but recent weeks have seen the tough Canadian return to form, scoring in the late loss to Newcastle before adding a goal and an assist in the next game against Edinburgh. His importance to the team was never in doubt, and now, thanks to his recent form, neither are his abilities on the ice.

Meanwhile, Burns, who is admittedly the Rays only real stay-at-home import defenceman, netted twice in the loss to Coventry, taking his season total to three goals and two assists in 19 games, and has turned around a period of form that had some questioning his abilities in front of Tommy Sandahl.

Reynolds lands in Dijon

Last week it was revealed that former Stingrays forward Matt Reynolds had signed in France with Ducs De Dijon in the Ligue Magnus, the French top flight.

28 year old Reynolds enjoyed a successful first season in Britain last term, scoring 22 goals and 55 points in 51 games, however, he struggled to re-find that form in his second year in the country, this time under Sylvain Cloutier, recording just five points and one goal in 11 games.

Dijon are currently sitting top of the Ligue Magnus table, one point ahead of Morzine-Avoriaz, with four wins from five games.

Stingrays duo banned for five games

The Elite League have confirmed that Stingray forwards Curtis Huppe and Adam Knight have each been banned for five games for their parts in the chaotic scenes at the end of the Stingrays 5-2 Challenge Cup defeat in Cardiff.

28 year old Knight automatically received a two match ban after being handed two game penalties, for fighting in the last two minutes and travesty of game, by referee Dean Smith. That was extended to five games by the Elite League because the Canadian failed to go straight to the dressing room after being ejected from the game, resulting in the ensuing off-ice fight with Voth. Like Kozak and Voth last year, he also has a six game suspended ban hanging over his head, meaning that, if he incurs another Travesty of Game penalty this season, he will be automatically forced to miss six further games.

Player-assistant coach Huppe, who threw a stick from the Stingrays bench into the Devils bench in a javelin motion, will also be banned for a combined five games after being handed one game for throwing an object and a further four games due to the reckless nature of the incident.

The Canadian sniper told the Hull Daily Mail:

"I do regret what I did and it was out of character – I am not that type of player. It was done in the heat of the moment and I know I shouldn't have done it. I am disappointed, though, I was not allowed to give the league my version of events and have my say. Adam Knight was getting hit by some of their players' sticks and I just wanted to distract them although I know what I did wasn't the right thing to do."

For the Devils, Brad Voth has been given a five game ban, with a further six games suspended, whilst Scott Romfo, Mike Hartwick and Max Birbraer will also sit out Saturdays game with Sheffield after getting single game bans.

The Stingrays pair will miss Elite League games against Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast as well as Challenge Cup ties with Coventry and Nottingham.

Five game suspension for Knight and Huppe

Various media reports suggest that Stingrays forwards Curtis Huppe and Adam Knight have been banned for five games each for their parts in Sunday's brawl in Cardiff.

Knight had automatically been given a two match ban for receiving a double match penalty in South Wales, however a further review of the game has seen that extended to five games with Huppe also suspended for five games.

More soon...

Stingray news

Glowa injury fears allayed

Stingrays captain Jeff Glowa should lineup this weekend in the Rays fixtures against Edinburgh, in the Elite League, and Coventry, in the Challenge Cup.

The 33 year old was injured early in the Stingrays hectic fixture in Wales on Sunday night after a Tylor Michel check, which was penalised with a 2+10 for checking from behind, left him with the early effects of concussion.

Although perhaps not 100% fit, Glowa is confident that the injury won't be enough to keep himself out of this weekends games.

He said: "After it happened I had a headache and wobbly legs and didn't think it was safe to go back out there. I did not feel comfortable. I am going to skate today and I will have a couple of visits to the chiropractor but it shouldn't keep me out of next weekend."

Further suspensions pending

After the unsavoury events that marred the end of the Stingrays 5-2 Challenge Cup loss in Cardiff on Sunday night, coach Sylvain Cloutier is awaiting further news from the Elite League regarding the suspensions of at least one of his squad.

Cardiff v Stingrays, Sunday night incident

Whilst Adam Knight and Cardiff's Brad Voth will automatically sit out their next two games (v Edinburgh and in Coventry for Knight), as a result of receiving a double match penalties in the final minutes of the game, speculation suggests Curtis Huppe may also receive a ban for his actions in the brawl.

Cloutier said, "both teams played hard, it was very competitive, it was intense and stuff happened in the heat of the moment. I don't want to say too much but we will have to wait to see what the league say."

The Elite Leangue are currently holding an investigation into the incident, to review whether further punishment is required and their findings are expected within the next week.

Both sides have previous with regards to opening weekend incidents. In the Rays first away game last season, Rick Kozak was banned for a total of ten games after he left Nottingham's Marc Levers needing stitches in his forehead, whilst Voth was involved with Sheffield's Andrew Sharp on the same day last season and received a 12 game suspension.

Mitchell goes under the knife

Forward Lee Mitchell will undergo surgery on his troublesome right knee tomorrow. The Brit, entering his fifth season with the Stingrays, has been kept out of action for the team so far this season after feeling pain in the knee during early pre-season training sessions.

The injury, which was feared to be ligament damage, was confirmed as a tear on his meniscus after an MRI scan last week and is likely to keep him out of action for at least another week. That time frame, however, does look optimistic given that he was forced to sit an extended period of time a year and a half ago with an injury to the same knee.

Five goal weekend seals player of the week for Kalmikov

Coming of the back of a weekend in which the Rays split two highly fought and controversial games with the Cardiff Devils, one player stood out for all the right reasons.

Konstantin Kalmikov has started this season as he finished the last...in form, scoring five of the Stingrays six goals in the doubler header, including a hat-trick on Saturday night to steal the team's first win of the season.

The Ukrainian forward last season netted 25 times in 48 games and won the player of the week award for the first time in mid-January. He continues to push his case as one of the Stingrays purest ever finishers and one of the best players in the team's five year existence, his goalscoring exploits will have to continue if the team is to be successful this year.

Knight joins Stingrays ranks

Versatile tough guy, Adam Knight, has joined the Excel Hull Stingrays from the Central Hockey League (CHL) for the 09/10 season, and Stingrays coach Sylvain Cloutier believes that the 6'2 Alberta native will become a fan favourite in East Yorkshire.

The 27 year old, who will play defence for the Stingrays but is also an effective forward, joins after a rookie season split between the Colorado Eagles and New Mexico Scorpions, where he accumulated 153 penalty minutes along with two goals and two assists in 53 games.

Last season known for his toughness, as a junior playing in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) during the 00/01 season he developed a point scoring touch which will please Stingrays fans, as he recorded 39 points alongside an impressive 239 penalty minutes in 54 games.

He followed that up with an impressive 76 points, including 32 goals, in a four year, 79 game spell in college with South Alberta Institute of Technology. However, next season, Knight will be required to implement his versatility, playing on defence, as opposed to his preferred forward role, where he has played for the majority of his junior and senior career.

Knight (white) scoring for South Alberta Institute of Technology

Something that comes natural to the Canadian is the tough role of enforcer.

With 17 fighting majors last season alone, including fights with former EIHLer's Jason Goulet, Robin Gomez and, fan favourite in the UK, Dennis Maxwell, he is not afraid to drop the gloves, and that is one of the reasons why Stingrays coach Sylvain Cloutier has brought Knight to the EIHL for his first season outside of North America.

"I'm very pleased to have Adam as part of our club, he will bring a physical element to our defence. He plays the game hard and with honesty, the way it should be played. Adam won't have a problem sticking up for his team-mates."

And although toughness is one, albeit big, part of his game, Cloutier commented that, despite recording just four points in his first professional season, he will not follow in the footsteps of former Stingrays Simon Rizk and Jonathan Bernier in lacking playing abilities.

"Not only can he bring a physical element to the game, he is also a very good hockey player...He will be a big piece of the puzzle. Adam comes to play every night which is very important in my book. It won't take long for him to be a fans favourite."

Knight comes in the very same mould as former Stingray Cole Byers, who, although suffering from injuries in his two seasons spell at the Hull Arena, provided the team with toughness and 100% work ethic, whilst also chipping in with a few points.

Like Knight, Byers also played in the BCHL, scoring 15 points in 52 games, and was similarly capable in roles as a forward and defenceman, and should he become half as popular as the rugged forward, then he will have a successful first season in Europe.

With so little ice time in the CHL, the Elite League will allow Knight to ice more and develop his skills as a relied upon hockey player, and not just a policemen of other teams tough guys.

Although he is expected to ice as the Stingrays fourth, and least important offensively, defenceman, he will have to implement his tough style of play in the perhaps less familiar territory of defence.

Knight in action in the CHL

Elsewhere in Stingrays news, it was confirmed that, although talks had taken place, fellow tough guy Andre Payette will not be joining the Stingrays after intense speculation.

The 32 year old forward has touted his signature around the league with , so far, little success, after the Stingrays, Sheffield Steelers and Newcastle Vipers all passed on his signature. The Edinburgh Capitals are the final team, yet to have ruled themselves out of a move for Payette, although a return to Newcastle is not completely out of the picture.

Photos Courtesy: 37 Hockey, Les Stockton, Stephanie Alaina