McKinney returns to EPL

British forward Andy McKinney - who joined the Hull Stingrays mid-way through the 11/12 Elite League campaign from English Premier League side Telford Tigers - has returned to the second tier EPL with the Manchester Phoenix it was confirmed today.

The 21 year old abruptly left Telford in November having hit five goals and five assists in 14 games and joined the Stingrays - where his no nonsense, enthusiastic and energetic style of play from the third line won him many fans.

Starting his spell in Hull as a third liner - relegating Bobby Chamberlain to the bench for a period before injury to Tristan Harper - Sylvain Cloutier's confidence in the youngster grew as the year wore on, and he was soon the first selection to step up to the top two lines ahead of Jack Watkins when required.

He ended the year with four goals, five assists and 107 penalty minutes - due in large part to his agitating, no-fear style of play. That fearless mentality saw him drop the gloves on seven occasions throughout the year including bouts with Coventry enforcer Bryan Jurynec, Nottingham defenceman Brock Wilson and, perhaps most notably,  Jeff Hutchins - following the Canadian's dangerous hit on teammate Matty Davies.

Nevertheless, despite largely impressing in his maiden spell in the top flight, it is believed that the Canadian born British forward was not offered a new deal to remain in Hull. That was likely only down to a change in tact and not a decision based on ability, which will see the club favour local British players that live within travelling distance in the upcoming season, in order to save on accommodation costs.

That decision has so far seen McKinney, Watkins and Harper as well as Dan Scott and Sam McCluskey leave, while Sheffield based netminder Ben Bowns and forward Chris Sykes are currently the only two players signed up. Question marks remain over whether Bobby Chamberlain's development will be better served in junior leagues in North America or at senior level in the EIHL, while Matty Davies may himself yet opt for the EPL over the Stingrays.

McKinney's long rumoured move back to Manchester - where he previously iced in a nine game spell during the 09/10 EPL season, as well as a year in the English National League with Trafford - sees him sign for a Phoenix side looking to build off a second place finish and playoff final appearance last season. He joins former Stingray and former long-term target of Cloutier, James Archer at the club.

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

McKinney becomes full-time Stingray

According to English Premier League side Telford Tigers, the Excel Hull Stingrays have tonight completed the signature of British forward Andy McKinney on a full-time contract for the remainder of the 11/12 campaign.

The 20 year old initially joined the Stingrays on a two-way contract from the EPL side earlier last month - meaning he would be available to play for the Rays when the Tigers were without a fixture - and he went on stand out on debut in the Rays emphatic 9-4 win over Braehead at the Hull Arena on 26 October, narrowly missing a chance to open his goalscoring account in the top flight.

As per the terms of the agreement between Hull and Telford, he returned to ice for the Shropshire based side - eventually totally five appearances, recording just one goal - having made his debut but - having tasted EIHL hockey - he has now decided to terminate his EPL contract and join up with Sylvain Cloutier's Stingrays on a permanent basis.

Canadian born but British trained, McKinney recorded nine goals and 12 assists in 53 games in the British second tier last season having guested for Manchester Phoenix the previous year while playing for Altrincham based Trafford Metros of the third tier English National League - for whom he scored ten goals and ten assists in 25 games.

Though he has scored just one goal this season - that coming in a 7-5 loss to Sheffield Steeldogs on Sunday - McKinney has been performing well, being named Tigers Player of the Month for both September and October - a first at the club.

Telford player-coach Tom Watkins is naturally disappointed to be losing the speedy forward, in an official press release he said, "Andy has been the heartbeat of this team and I won't be able to replace what he's brought to Tigers."

With one import set to leave the Stingrays in the next few days, McKinney's signature is a timely boost for a a squad currently without fellow British forwards Ryan Lake and Tristan Harper through injury. Though it is also understandably a big blow to Telford - who have now lost one of their best players mid-way through the year. 

Indeed, for the Stingrays this signing goes a way to suggesting that coach Sylvain Cloutier is anticipating the release of an import forward by bolstering the offensive numbers, in turn retaining all four import defencemen. That said, considering his fast, physical, composed and all-around impressive debut showing, it seems highly likely that McKinney will play more than just a marginal, bench warming role for the club. 

Nevertheless - provided there are no last minute problems with his release from Telford - it is thought he will go straight into the Rays squad for this weekend's Challenge Cup fixtures at home to Coventry and away to Sheffield, though they were mathematically eliminated from the competition last weekend.

Updates to follow....

Breaking news: McKinney becomes full-time Stingray

According to English Premier League side the Telford Tigers, the Excel Hull Stingrays have tonight completed the signature of British forward Andy McKinney on a full-time contract for the remainder of the 11/12 season.

The 20 year old joined the Stingrays on a two-way contract from the EPL side earlier this month, meaning he would play for the Rays when the Tigers didn't have a game, and he went on stand out on debut in the Rays emphatic 9-4 win over Braehead at the Hull Arena.

He returned to ice for the Shropshire based side - who he has scored a lone goal for in five games this season - as per the terms of the agreement, but he has now decided to terminate his contract and join up with Sylvain Cloutier's Stingrays on a permanent basis.

More soon...

Former captain Dulle returns to Hull

31 year old defenceman and last season's Excel Hull Stingrays captain Kurtis Dulle has today made a surprise return to the club.

The blueliner registered 12 goals and 31 assists last season before leaving at the end of his contract to sign with Sydney Bears of the Australian Ice Hockey League - whose season  spans the British summer - for what was expected would be the final stop in a six year professional career.

Former longtime CHLer Dulle notched eight goals and 19 points in 21 games down under but returned to North America from Australia unsure as to whether he wanted to end his career in the sport.

He and Sylvain Cloutier kept in touch throughout the summer but with the Rays struggling in the early season, particularly in defence - having won just one game and claimed just three points in 13 fixtures - Cloutier put the wheels into motion a couple of weeks ago and offered a contract to the Rays former captain.

Dulle was originally signed in 2010 as a late replacement for captain-to-be Joshua Mizerek and he went on to become one of the captures of the summer last season alongside fellow imports Jereme Tendler and Andrew Coburn.

He thrived alongside former NHL veteran and last season's assistant coach Drew Bannister - who joined the club in November - as they lead the club to a record year. 

The kind of all-around defenceman that the Stingrays have lacked since offensive blueliners Kevin Young and Craig Minard donned club colours, Dulle thrived in Hull and Cloutier will be hoping he will have a similar influence on what has so far this season been a lacklustre defensive corps. He said:

"He played a huge part in our success last season. He reads the game well, he can play defensive byt also jump in on the play if necessary. It will take the pressure off our young defencemen and help them out too...Kurtis brings a lot of experience and leadership, he knows me, he knows the team, the league and the city, so there will be no adjustments there so that will be key."

While his influece on-ice on the current roster may not be called into question after a standout year in yellow and blue last season, the effects his signature has on the other nine imports and their future job prospects does.

Dulle's signature brings the Rays up to 11 imports - one more than is allowed on any EIHL match day roster. Part of Cloutier's thinking in bringing back his former captain is that, not only will he improve the playing roster in the short term - boosting the squads defensive numbers to six - but it will also allow the Stingrays coach to analyse, assess and tackle any weaknesses in the squad.

Once player-coach Cloutier decides to return to the ice there will be tough decisions and at least one cut to be made dependant on where he has spotted frailties.

At present, netminder Christian Boucher, defenceman Dmitri Rodin and forwards Jason Silverthorn and Jereme Tendler will - provided their performances don't deteriorate in the near future - be safe, while recent outings have also seen Dominic Osman raise his game and settle somewhat in the UK.

That leaves defencemen Martin Ondrej, captain Joshua Mizerek and forwards Frantisek Bakrlik and Derek Campbell in a particularly prone position. Nevertheless, with Cloutier stepping onto the bench, one thing he has made clear is that no player will be safe - whether they have impressed, or not, at the start of the season - if they don't perform in the next handful of fixtures.

"All the guys' jobs are on the line, so whoever doesn't produce over the next week or so could lose their job. Whether it's a forward or a defenceman it doesn't matter, someone's going to be gone."

It has been confirmed that Dulle should be back in the UK in time to face former team mate Bannister's new Braehead Clan side on Wednesday as they face the Stingrays for the first time this season at the Hull Arena.

Also making his Stingrays debut that night will be Telford Tigers British forward Andy McKinney. The 20 year old - who has joined the club on a two-way contract - will be hoping to help the Stingrays look build on a topsy-turvy weekend in which they lost to bottom side Edinburgh at home before beating Dundee in Scotland.