Showing posts with label Cardiff Devils. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cardiff Devils. Show all posts
Monday, 3 February 2014
Sunday, 2 February 2014
Point in Cardiff ensures Stingrays retain sixth place
Cardiff Devils 2-1 Hull Stingrays
The Hull Stingrays tonight ensured they claimed three points from an available four this weekend as they took the Cardiff Devils to overtime and then a shootout before falling by two goals to one on sudden death penalty shots.
The Stingrays - without injured forward Jason Silverthorn - fell behind with just 28 seconds remaining in the first period thanks to a Mac Faulkner goal but Matty Davies struck with 91 seconds remaining in the second period to tie the game up.
A goalless but physical third period followed before the tie went into overtime and then penalty shots.
First round shootout goals from Jereme Tendler and Jake Morrisette and misses from Guillaume Doucet, Max Birbraer, Carl Lauzon and Tomas Kurka then saw penalty shots progress into sudden death.
Tendler and Morrisette missed their sudden death attempts before a miss from Doucet - who produced a massive shootout goal to give the Stingrays the shootout win in Cardiff earlier in the season - allowed Birbraer to claim the extra point for a resurgent Cardiff side.
The incredibly hard fought and valuable point for the Stingrays narrows the deficit between them and Cardiff in eighth to just one point.
Following Coventry's win in Nottingham tonight the Stingrays are now just three points behind the fifth place Panthers, however, they are also now equal on 40 points with the Blaze in sixth place in a tightly packed Elite League.
Nevertheless, shootout loss ensures the gap between the Rays and Fife Flyers in ninth spot in the Elite League is 12 points - down from 13 points last night after Fife's triumph over Edinburgh this evening.
Sylvain Cloutier's side return to action live on Premier Sports on Wednesday night against the Flyers at Hull Arena before two Erhardt Conference fixtures in Belfast and at home to Nottingham next weekend.
The Hull Stingrays tonight ensured they claimed three points from an available four this weekend as they took the Cardiff Devils to overtime and then a shootout before falling by two goals to one on sudden death penalty shots.
The Stingrays - without injured forward Jason Silverthorn - fell behind with just 28 seconds remaining in the first period thanks to a Mac Faulkner goal but Matty Davies struck with 91 seconds remaining in the second period to tie the game up.
A goalless but physical third period followed before the tie went into overtime and then penalty shots.
First round shootout goals from Jereme Tendler and Jake Morrisette and misses from Guillaume Doucet, Max Birbraer, Carl Lauzon and Tomas Kurka then saw penalty shots progress into sudden death.
Tendler and Morrisette missed their sudden death attempts before a miss from Doucet - who produced a massive shootout goal to give the Stingrays the shootout win in Cardiff earlier in the season - allowed Birbraer to claim the extra point for a resurgent Cardiff side.
The incredibly hard fought and valuable point for the Stingrays narrows the deficit between them and Cardiff in eighth to just one point.
Following Coventry's win in Nottingham tonight the Stingrays are now just three points behind the fifth place Panthers, however, they are also now equal on 40 points with the Blaze in sixth place in a tightly packed Elite League.
Nevertheless, shootout loss ensures the gap between the Rays and Fife Flyers in ninth spot in the Elite League is 12 points - down from 13 points last night after Fife's triumph over Edinburgh this evening.
Sylvain Cloutier's side return to action live on Premier Sports on Wednesday night against the Flyers at Hull Arena before two Erhardt Conference fixtures in Belfast and at home to Nottingham next weekend.
Saturday, 23 November 2013
Thursday, 14 November 2013
Sunday, 10 November 2013
Stingrays rebound from Belfast disappointment to record huge win in Wales
Cardiff Devils 3-5 Hull Stingrays
The Hull Stingrays tonight produced their first win of the season over an Erhardt Conference side in the league beating the Cardiff Devils 5-3 in South Wales.
Importantly for their confidence, after being shut out at home by the Belfast Giants on Saturday night, the Stingrays got on the board first through a Jason Silverthorn shorthanded marker after 9.32.
Mac Faulkner quickly responded for the Devils though on the powerplay, netting on the same Guillaume Doucet tripping penalty from which Silverthorn scored a minute later.
Having impressed in the Stingrays 6-5 shootout loss in late October, following his four goals and lovely shootout goal, Doucet was given the chance to replicate that shootout move in the second period as the Rays were awarded a penalty shot.
While on this occasion he would be denied, Doucet would eventually add his fifth goal in two games in South Wales on 25.10 to again level the scores just three minutes after Matt Myers had given the Devils a 2-1 lead.
Having been outshot 12-7 in the middle stanza, the Stingrays then took a surprise lead through Carl Lauzon - who fired home on the breakaway in the 28th minute.
However, in the 32nd minute Cardiff were awarded a penalty shot of their own which new signing and former NHLer Tomas Kurka dispatched for a debut goal, sending the sides into the second intermission level at three goals apiece.
In a tense third period, Sylvain Cloutier's side would have to wait until the 57th minute for Jereme Tendler to bag the game winning goal with his 17th goal of the season before Omar Pacha added an empty net goal with 40 seconds left to complete the victory.
While the win is the Stingrays first this season over an Erhardt Conference side in the league, it is their second victory in less than a week over non-conference opposition following Wednesday night's 5-2 defeat of the Coventry Blaze in the Challenge Cup.
Following what is a huge victory in South Wales, the Stingrays will travel to Scotland next Saturday to face the Braehead Clan before taking on Coventry at home on Sunday.
The Hull Stingrays tonight produced their first win of the season over an Erhardt Conference side in the league beating the Cardiff Devils 5-3 in South Wales.
Importantly for their confidence, after being shut out at home by the Belfast Giants on Saturday night, the Stingrays got on the board first through a Jason Silverthorn shorthanded marker after 9.32.
Mac Faulkner quickly responded for the Devils though on the powerplay, netting on the same Guillaume Doucet tripping penalty from which Silverthorn scored a minute later.
Having impressed in the Stingrays 6-5 shootout loss in late October, following his four goals and lovely shootout goal, Doucet was given the chance to replicate that shootout move in the second period as the Rays were awarded a penalty shot.
While on this occasion he would be denied, Doucet would eventually add his fifth goal in two games in South Wales on 25.10 to again level the scores just three minutes after Matt Myers had given the Devils a 2-1 lead.
Having been outshot 12-7 in the middle stanza, the Stingrays then took a surprise lead through Carl Lauzon - who fired home on the breakaway in the 28th minute.
However, in the 32nd minute Cardiff were awarded a penalty shot of their own which new signing and former NHLer Tomas Kurka dispatched for a debut goal, sending the sides into the second intermission level at three goals apiece.
In a tense third period, Sylvain Cloutier's side would have to wait until the 57th minute for Jereme Tendler to bag the game winning goal with his 17th goal of the season before Omar Pacha added an empty net goal with 40 seconds left to complete the victory.
While the win is the Stingrays first this season over an Erhardt Conference side in the league, it is their second victory in less than a week over non-conference opposition following Wednesday night's 5-2 defeat of the Coventry Blaze in the Challenge Cup.
Following what is a huge victory in South Wales, the Stingrays will travel to Scotland next Saturday to face the Braehead Clan before taking on Coventry at home on Sunday.
Tuesday, 5 November 2013
Thursday, 31 October 2013
Doucet hits four as Stingrays again lose out on penalty shots
Cardiff Devils 6-5 Hull Stingrays (CC)
Four goals from forward Guillaume Doucet tonight helped the Hull Stingrays recover from 3-0 and then 4-2 down to take the game to overtime and then a shootout in the Challenge Cup before ultimately losing out 6-5 on penalty shots to the Cardiff Devils.
The Stingrays trailed 3-0 after just 14 minutes thanks to goal Andrew Conboy, Max Birbraer and Matthew Myers.
However, Doucet added a second period hat-trick including a shorthanded goal after 47 seconds of the period to ensure his side were trailing 5-3 at the second intermission after further markers from Ben Davies and Mark Smith.
Two goals down, Sylvain Cloutier pulled one back 11.37 into the final period before Doucet notched his fourth and 13th of the season with less than four minutes remaining to tie the score.
After a scoreless overtime period, Doucet gave the Stingrays a 1-0 lead in the first round of the shootout. However, misses Jason Silverthorn, Jereme Tendler and a miss from Doucet on his second attempt combined with Cardiff shootout goals from Chris Blight and Jake Morrissette handed the Devils the extra point.
Cloutier's side remain on the brink of elimination from the Challenge Cup but, having claimed a point tonight, can still potentially progress to the Quarter Finals of the competition for the second year in a row with a regulation time win over the Coventry Blaze next Wednesday at the Hull Arena.
After going winless in eight shootouts last season, the loss is the Stingrays second in two games that have gone to penalty shots this season.
However, the Stingrays have started to turn around their form and now have at least a point from five of their last six games in a marked improvement in fortunes.
Four goals from forward Guillaume Doucet tonight helped the Hull Stingrays recover from 3-0 and then 4-2 down to take the game to overtime and then a shootout in the Challenge Cup before ultimately losing out 6-5 on penalty shots to the Cardiff Devils.
The Stingrays trailed 3-0 after just 14 minutes thanks to goal Andrew Conboy, Max Birbraer and Matthew Myers.
However, Doucet added a second period hat-trick including a shorthanded goal after 47 seconds of the period to ensure his side were trailing 5-3 at the second intermission after further markers from Ben Davies and Mark Smith.
Two goals down, Sylvain Cloutier pulled one back 11.37 into the final period before Doucet notched his fourth and 13th of the season with less than four minutes remaining to tie the score.
After a scoreless overtime period, Doucet gave the Stingrays a 1-0 lead in the first round of the shootout. However, misses Jason Silverthorn, Jereme Tendler and a miss from Doucet on his second attempt combined with Cardiff shootout goals from Chris Blight and Jake Morrissette handed the Devils the extra point.
Cloutier's side remain on the brink of elimination from the Challenge Cup but, having claimed a point tonight, can still potentially progress to the Quarter Finals of the competition for the second year in a row with a regulation time win over the Coventry Blaze next Wednesday at the Hull Arena.
After going winless in eight shootouts last season, the loss is the Stingrays second in two games that have gone to penalty shots this season.
However, the Stingrays have started to turn around their form and now have at least a point from five of their last six games in a marked improvement in fortunes.
Sunday, 15 September 2013
Stingrays let three goal lead slip in Challenge Cup defeat to Cardiff
Hull Stingrays 3-4 Cardiff Devils
The Hull Stingrays tonight led the Cardiff Devils 3-0 after just 22 minutes, only for the Welsh side to strike back with four consecutive second period goals and to eventually hold on to a 4-3 Challenge Cup Group B win.
On balance, it was a deserved victory for the visitors - who were forced to dress back-up netminder Joe Myers with starting netminder Dan Lacosta injured and loan signing Greg Blais unable to play against his parent club - as they dominated from the opening face-off and for large parts of the opening two periods.
In fact, the Devils came out so strongly that it took the home side 12 minutes to muster their first meaningful possession.
Ben Bowns time and again denied the Devils during their opening siege on the Rays net in a wonderful first period performance. Nevertheless, for all their chances and possession in the opening half of the period, it would be the the Stingrays that would open the scoring after just one shot.
The Rays first real puck possession came courtesy of Derek Campbell, Jason Silverthorn and debutant Carl Lauzon - who cycled the puck between themselves in the Cardiff zone - before Silverthorn drew a penalty from Devils defecenamn Brad Plumton.
On the ensuing powerplay, an Omar Pacha point shot was blocked high up before falling at the feet of former Devil Silverthorn - who one timed the Rays first shot of the game past Myers for a 1-0 lead.
Having waited 13 minutes for a shot, the Stingrays made it near enough two goals in two shots just 71 seconds later as Matty Davies was put in on the breakaway by a long pass from the defensive end by Guillaume Doucet.
Davies miscontrolled the puck as he broke in on the Devils net but, having waited so long for his first shot of the night only to immediately allow a goal, netminder Myers was understandably indecisive about coming for the puck, eventually allowing a diving Davies to bizarrely chip the puck home from close in for a 2-0 lead.
Unbelievably and quite against the run of play, the Stingrays now fortuitously led thanks to some brilliant netminding in their own end and relatively poor netminding at the other.
It truly was a tale of two netminders as GB international Bowns stopped all 14 first period shots thrown at him, while opposite number Myers allowed two goals on just four shots - with at least one of the two saves he made a debatable shot on goal.
Following the first period it was patently clear to the Devils that, in order to win the game, they simply had to protect their netminder better and that would become much more obvious as the game wore on.
Nevertheless, despite again coming out strongly, that wouldn't stop the Stingrays taking a 3-0 lead just 2.49 into the second period. With captain Matt Suderman sitting a roughing penalty, Campbell was put through on a shorthanded breakaway, following a Bowns save and an outlet pass from Martin Ondrej, and outwaited the Cardiff netminder to net the Rays third of the night.
That would be as good as it got for the Rays in both the second period and in the game though as their opponents intense and physical style of play soon paid off.
First, Phil Hill notched a powerplay goal on 35.17 before two goals from standout Cardiff forward Andrew Lord - with what turned out to be the game winning goal in the final minute of the period - and another from Chris Blight as the Devils finally made the Stingrays pay
Bowns was given no chance on any of the Cardiff goals with his defence too often collapsing on top of him, allowing the Devils to set up in the zone and create traffic in front, making it difficult for the netminder to pick up on the puck with at least two of the goals long range efforts from the blueline.
The 4-3 advantage the Devils held heading into the third was no more than they deserved, in fact there is an argument to say that had it not been for the varying quality in netminding at both ends the scoreline would have looked a lot diffierent as the final 20 minutes began.
Regardless, the Stingrays finally came out of their shells somewhat in the third period and started to show some offensive capabilities but came up against a determined Cardiff side that dug in defensively.
Arguably the highlight of the night came on 44 minutes as Martin Ondrej levelled Cardiff enforcer Andrew Conboy - who took up the role of pantomime villain for the evening - in a lovely open ice hit close to the team benches
The game became increasingly chippy as the third period wore on and Sylvain Cloutier's side were given a number of powerplay opportunities - having had just one in the opening 40 minutes - but were unable to level.
Despite coming up against an inexperienced back-up, far too often the Rays elected not to shoot and instead attempt to set up the one timer or a perfect play low down. On the occasions they did shoot, they either fired wide or the committed Cardiff defence put their bodies in the way and blocked the shot.
The home side were again outshot in the third period, giving the Devils a 42-17 shot advantage overall, however, but for the Stingrays resistance to shooting and the shots blocked by the Devils, the outcome of the shots on goal and, indeed, the game may have been different.
As Cardiff looked to close out the game on a 5-on-3 - with Bowns then pulled for a 6-on-3 - Plumton dropped the gloves with Stingrays forward Campbell in a nothing scuffle with both falling to the floor before another Devil got involved. Suderman - who earlier received a ten-minute misconduct penalty was incensed at referee James Ashton as the final buzzer went and there were clearly some calls that the Stingrays bench were unhappy with but few could have complaints about the final result on the night.
One of the few positives for Cloutier may be that this was a Challlenge Cup fixture and, although they were able to qualify for the Quarter Finals last season at the demise of Cardiff, they may prefer to focus on their league and conference campaign.
Regardless, Cloutier will surely have wanted to have seen a better performance from his side - particularly offensively against a back-up netminder - and they will have to improve heading into Wednesday's Challenge Cup fixture in Sheffield against the Steelers - who will be wanting to rebound for a costly defeat to in form Dundee tonight.
The Hull Stingrays tonight led the Cardiff Devils 3-0 after just 22 minutes, only for the Welsh side to strike back with four consecutive second period goals and to eventually hold on to a 4-3 Challenge Cup Group B win.
On balance, it was a deserved victory for the visitors - who were forced to dress back-up netminder Joe Myers with starting netminder Dan Lacosta injured and loan signing Greg Blais unable to play against his parent club - as they dominated from the opening face-off and for large parts of the opening two periods.
In fact, the Devils came out so strongly that it took the home side 12 minutes to muster their first meaningful possession.
Ben Bowns time and again denied the Devils during their opening siege on the Rays net in a wonderful first period performance. Nevertheless, for all their chances and possession in the opening half of the period, it would be the the Stingrays that would open the scoring after just one shot.
The Rays first real puck possession came courtesy of Derek Campbell, Jason Silverthorn and debutant Carl Lauzon - who cycled the puck between themselves in the Cardiff zone - before Silverthorn drew a penalty from Devils defecenamn Brad Plumton.
On the ensuing powerplay, an Omar Pacha point shot was blocked high up before falling at the feet of former Devil Silverthorn - who one timed the Rays first shot of the game past Myers for a 1-0 lead.
Having waited 13 minutes for a shot, the Stingrays made it near enough two goals in two shots just 71 seconds later as Matty Davies was put in on the breakaway by a long pass from the defensive end by Guillaume Doucet.
Davies miscontrolled the puck as he broke in on the Devils net but, having waited so long for his first shot of the night only to immediately allow a goal, netminder Myers was understandably indecisive about coming for the puck, eventually allowing a diving Davies to bizarrely chip the puck home from close in for a 2-0 lead.
Unbelievably and quite against the run of play, the Stingrays now fortuitously led thanks to some brilliant netminding in their own end and relatively poor netminding at the other.
It truly was a tale of two netminders as GB international Bowns stopped all 14 first period shots thrown at him, while opposite number Myers allowed two goals on just four shots - with at least one of the two saves he made a debatable shot on goal.
Following the first period it was patently clear to the Devils that, in order to win the game, they simply had to protect their netminder better and that would become much more obvious as the game wore on.
Nevertheless, despite again coming out strongly, that wouldn't stop the Stingrays taking a 3-0 lead just 2.49 into the second period. With captain Matt Suderman sitting a roughing penalty, Campbell was put through on a shorthanded breakaway, following a Bowns save and an outlet pass from Martin Ondrej, and outwaited the Cardiff netminder to net the Rays third of the night.
That would be as good as it got for the Rays in both the second period and in the game though as their opponents intense and physical style of play soon paid off.
First, Phil Hill notched a powerplay goal on 35.17 before two goals from standout Cardiff forward Andrew Lord - with what turned out to be the game winning goal in the final minute of the period - and another from Chris Blight as the Devils finally made the Stingrays pay
Bowns was given no chance on any of the Cardiff goals with his defence too often collapsing on top of him, allowing the Devils to set up in the zone and create traffic in front, making it difficult for the netminder to pick up on the puck with at least two of the goals long range efforts from the blueline.
The 4-3 advantage the Devils held heading into the third was no more than they deserved, in fact there is an argument to say that had it not been for the varying quality in netminding at both ends the scoreline would have looked a lot diffierent as the final 20 minutes began.
Regardless, the Stingrays finally came out of their shells somewhat in the third period and started to show some offensive capabilities but came up against a determined Cardiff side that dug in defensively.
Arguably the highlight of the night came on 44 minutes as Martin Ondrej levelled Cardiff enforcer Andrew Conboy - who took up the role of pantomime villain for the evening - in a lovely open ice hit close to the team benches
The game became increasingly chippy as the third period wore on and Sylvain Cloutier's side were given a number of powerplay opportunities - having had just one in the opening 40 minutes - but were unable to level.
Despite coming up against an inexperienced back-up, far too often the Rays elected not to shoot and instead attempt to set up the one timer or a perfect play low down. On the occasions they did shoot, they either fired wide or the committed Cardiff defence put their bodies in the way and blocked the shot.
The home side were again outshot in the third period, giving the Devils a 42-17 shot advantage overall, however, but for the Stingrays resistance to shooting and the shots blocked by the Devils, the outcome of the shots on goal and, indeed, the game may have been different.
As Cardiff looked to close out the game on a 5-on-3 - with Bowns then pulled for a 6-on-3 - Plumton dropped the gloves with Stingrays forward Campbell in a nothing scuffle with both falling to the floor before another Devil got involved. Suderman - who earlier received a ten-minute misconduct penalty was incensed at referee James Ashton as the final buzzer went and there were clearly some calls that the Stingrays bench were unhappy with but few could have complaints about the final result on the night.
One of the few positives for Cloutier may be that this was a Challlenge Cup fixture and, although they were able to qualify for the Quarter Finals last season at the demise of Cardiff, they may prefer to focus on their league and conference campaign.
Regardless, Cloutier will surely have wanted to have seen a better performance from his side - particularly offensively against a back-up netminder - and they will have to improve heading into Wednesday's Challenge Cup fixture in Sheffield against the Steelers - who will be wanting to rebound for a costly defeat to in form Dundee tonight.
FBB Three Stars
1. Ben Bowns (38 saves)
2. Martin Ondrej (0+1)
3. Kyle Mariani (0+0)
Saturday, 14 September 2013
Blais loaned to Devils; Robson joins NIHL on two-way deal; former Stingray news
Hull Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier has had a busy week juggling his squad ahead of Challenge Cup fixtures against the Cardiff Devils on Sunday and against the Sheffield Steelers in South Yorkshire of Wednesday.
As well as awaiting the arrival of new import signings Kyle Mariani and Carl Lauzon, the Stingays boss has also offered two of his depth players the chance to gain ice-time elsewhere.
On Wednesday, it was announced that backup netminder - and 12th import - Greg Blais had joined Erhardt Conference side Cardiff on a two-week loan deal.
The 33 year old netminder - who stopped 9 of 11 shots in relief of Ben Bowns in the Rays opening fixture a week ago against the Nottingham Panthers - joins the Devils as a temporary replacement for injured starting netminder Dan LaCosta.
The deal, which will last for two-weeks while Lacosta recovers from a head injury sustained in pre-season, includes a clause which means Blais cannot play against the Stingrays this weekend. He will make his debut in the Welsh capital on Saturday against the Braehead Clan with Joe Myers starting in Hull on Sunday before fixtures next weekend in Dundee and against Nottingham.
Cardiff player-coach Gerad Adams said:
As well as awaiting the arrival of new import signings Kyle Mariani and Carl Lauzon, the Stingays boss has also offered two of his depth players the chance to gain ice-time elsewhere.
The 33 year old netminder - who stopped 9 of 11 shots in relief of Ben Bowns in the Rays opening fixture a week ago against the Nottingham Panthers - joins the Devils as a temporary replacement for injured starting netminder Dan LaCosta.
The deal, which will last for two-weeks while Lacosta recovers from a head injury sustained in pre-season, includes a clause which means Blais cannot play against the Stingrays this weekend. He will make his debut in the Welsh capital on Saturday against the Braehead Clan with Joe Myers starting in Hull on Sunday before fixtures next weekend in Dundee and against Nottingham.
Cardiff player-coach Gerad Adams said:
“Greg will give us another option and demonstrates the proactive approach from the club to find import cover and to work with Joe to help us win hockey games. Whilst it has been challenging this week we are focussed and know what we need to do.”
Following the temporary departure of Blais, Cloutier has also allowed young defenceman Scott Robson to join the NIHL's Blackburn Hawks on a two-way contract.
The 18 year old - who made his Elite League debut with the Rays last season, dressing in 37 games - is highly rated by the Stingrays. However, with the club now able to boast an eight man blueline following the arrival of Mariani, the GB junior international has been allowed to join the Hawks in order to gain valuable and regular ice-time.
The two-way deal will see Robson - who lived and grew up in the North West - primarily ice for the Hawks in the NIHL North 1 while dressing with the Stingrays when the Hawks don't have a fixture or if required by the Stingrays.
On adding Robson to his squad, Hawks player-coach Jared Owen said:
“Scott has been training in Blackburn during the summer and has really impressed me, Dangie and the team with his ability on the ice. He approached us earlier this year and said that Hull were looking for him to get more regular ice time and continue his development. Once the opportunity presented itself we jumped at it. Scott has previously played with the Blackburn Juniors and we’ve been following his career so far with interest. He’s played in the top-tier of hockey in this country and you can see a real difference in his game since training and playing in the Elite League over the last season. We’re really grateful to Sylvain Cloutier and the Hull Stingrays organization for giving us the chance to benefit from the two-way deal and I’m sure he will become a very welcome addition to the team for the new season.”
In former player news, forward Dominic Osman will join the Southern Professional Hockey League's Huntsville Havoc this season.
Osman - who was signed to provide the Stingrays secondary scoring in 2010 - was well liked thanks to his gritty, hardworking style of play during his two season's in Hull - where he hitting 25 and 26 goal seasons as well as 83 points in 120 games.
Having left Hull in April, he moved down under to spend the summer with the Newcastle North Stars of the Australian Ice Hockey League.
He helped the North Stars to a second placed league finish with 18 goals and 51 points - eighth in the AIHL. In the post-season the North Stars progressed to the playoff final but - despite a hat-trick from Osman - were defeated 6-3 by the Sydney Ice Dogs - who lifted the Goodall Cup.
Meanwhile, last season's fan favourite Ryan Hand looks set to return to the Central Hockey League.
The 28 year old enforcer - who recorded two goals and 15 assists as well as 266 penalty minutes and 13 fighting majors last season in Hull - had originally agreed to join the Cornwall RiverKings of the LNAH - a league renowned for fighting.
However, his agent has announced he will instead return to the CHL - where he has previously spent three years of his career, recording two goals, six assists and 302 penalty minutes in 123 games.
Having left Hull in April, he moved down under to spend the summer with the Newcastle North Stars of the Australian Ice Hockey League.
He helped the North Stars to a second placed league finish with 18 goals and 51 points - eighth in the AIHL. In the post-season the North Stars progressed to the playoff final but - despite a hat-trick from Osman - were defeated 6-3 by the Sydney Ice Dogs - who lifted the Goodall Cup.
Meanwhile, last season's fan favourite Ryan Hand looks set to return to the Central Hockey League.
The 28 year old enforcer - who recorded two goals and 15 assists as well as 266 penalty minutes and 13 fighting majors last season in Hull - had originally agreed to join the Cornwall RiverKings of the LNAH - a league renowned for fighting.
However, his agent has announced he will instead return to the CHL - where he has previously spent three years of his career, recording two goals, six assists and 302 penalty minutes in 123 games.
Sunday, 17 March 2013
First regulation defeat against Devils so costly for Stingrays
Hull Stingrays 2-4 Cardiff Devils
The Hull Stingrays tonight suffered a costly first regulation defeat this season against the Cardiff Devils by way of a 4-2 loss at the Hull Arena.
Heading into the fixture, Sylvain Cloutier's side could boast an impressive 4-0-1 record against the Welsh side this campaign and they desperately needed to improve that record to 5-0-1 if they wanted to boost their chances of making the Elite League post-season.
However, a double from Ben Davies and further goals from Stuart MacRae gave the Devils a 3-2 lead after Stingrays strikes from Dominic Osman and Jereme Tendler.
Chris Blight completed Cardiff's first regulation victory over the Stingrays this season with an empty net goal with ten seconds remaining.
The Hull Stingrays tonight suffered a costly first regulation defeat this season against the Cardiff Devils by way of a 4-2 loss at the Hull Arena.
Heading into the fixture, Sylvain Cloutier's side could boast an impressive 4-0-1 record against the Welsh side this campaign and they desperately needed to improve that record to 5-0-1 if they wanted to boost their chances of making the Elite League post-season.
However, a double from Ben Davies and further goals from Stuart MacRae gave the Devils a 3-2 lead after Stingrays strikes from Dominic Osman and Jereme Tendler.
Chris Blight completed Cardiff's first regulation victory over the Stingrays this season with an empty net goal with ten seconds remaining.
Saturday, 16 February 2013
Narrow victory maintains Stingrays impressive Cardiff record
Hull Stingrays 2-1 Cardiff Devils
A late game winning powerplay goal from captain Kurtis Dulle and a 36 save effort from netminder Ben Bowns tonight led the Hull Stingrays to their fourth victory over the Cardiff Devils in five games this season.
The Stingrays began the game missing imports Jason Silverthorn - due to a one game suspension - and long-term injury victim Cale Tanaka but dominated possession in the early stages against a Cardiff side struggling for momentum and without key forwards Mac Faulkner and Phil Hill - who are both sidelined through injury.
The early pressure - particularly from the line consisting of a resurgent Sam Towner, Ryan Hand and defenceman-turned-forward Jeff Smith - very nearly paid off as in-form Dominic Osman squeaked a shot through the pads of Devils netminder Chris Whitley only for the puck to be cleared off the line.
Playing a noticeably defensive road game early on - presumably due to their impact of injuries - the Devils forced their way into the game, holding the Rays in their own end after seven minutes before a number of penalties against the home side gave them a further advantage.
Though the Stingrays penalty kill performed well against a Cardiff side clearly missing the finishing ability of former EIHL leading scorer Faulkner, it would be the Devils that opened the scoring.
Shortly after Dulle and Cardiff forward Stuart MacRae returned to the ice after co-incidental roughing penalties, a rasping shot from the left point by Tyson Marsh was tipped home by Jesse Gimblett for a 1-0 Devils lead.
A response wasn't long in coming from the Stingrays, who leveled the score 43 seconds later thanks to a wraparound from Osman following a great tussle between Dulle - who put in a very good overall performance on the night - and Cardiff defenceman Mark Smith with the former coming away victorious.
Roles reversed at the beginning of the second as the road team came out strongly and controlled the game for much of the opening seven minutes. However, aside from chances for Tom Squires and Danny Wood close in after two Devils collided at mid-ice, there were few talking points from a second period that the Stingrays outshot their opponents 14-9 after a first period shot deficit of 16-9.
The Erhardt Conference side forced the issue in the third period as the game became increasingly chippy, though it was clear that one-goal would again be the difference between the sides.
The two teams traded half powerplay chances with Dmitri Rodin handed what appeared to be a harsh elbowing call that could have proved costly on 51.12.
Gimblett then took the first of three consecutive penalties on 11.41 to cancel out the Rays disadvantage before a beautifully timed diagonal pass from Shane Lovdahl on the blueline gave Sylvain Cloutier a great chance for a late goal, only for the player-coach to fire a one-timer into the body of the Devils netminder with the goal gaping.
Gimblett's second penalty - an elbowing minor - quickly followed, giving Cloutier's side a crucial powerplay with less than six mintues left on the clock. However, this too was soon cancelled out as Dulle - having been wound up by Cardiff player-coach Gerad Adams in the offensive zone - took a cheap boarding minor moments later at the other end of the rink.
The Devils Canadian tough guy's final minor penalty on 17.32 for slashing Jereme Tendler - who was attempting to edge himself around the Devils defence and in front of Whitley - proved to be the most costly.
On the ensuing offensive zone face-off Matty Davies drew the puck back to Rodin on the blueline, who in-turn fed Dulle to fire home what turned out to be the game winning goal with less than three minutes left on the clock.
Adams pulled netminder Whitley with less than a minute remaining but the travelling Devils couldn't make the pressure, nor their superior 12-5 third period shot count tell as time ran down sealing the Stingrays fifth point in a week, though not before Lovdahl and Chris Blight dropped the gloves in a surprising, if entertaining bout with 19 seconds remaining.
Though not the prettiest sixty minutes you're likely to see, the two-one win and team performance will surely prove as a further confidence boost to Cloutier's side ahead of a visit to South Yorkshire to take on the Sheffield Steelers.
After tomorrow night's Yorkshire derby - which will see Silverthorn return to action following suspension - the Rays face five consecutive games against Gardiner Conference sides that will, more than likely, decide their playoff fate.
Currently five points behind Fife - whom they meet twice in two weeks - in the final playoff spot in the league and just three points shy of Braehead in top spot in the Gardiner Conference there remains plenty to play for as the regular season draws to a close.
Both the league and conference are so tight that a good run in the next six games could potentially propel the Stingrays back into the final playoff spot and put them in a strong position to make the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
A late game winning powerplay goal from captain Kurtis Dulle and a 36 save effort from netminder Ben Bowns tonight led the Hull Stingrays to their fourth victory over the Cardiff Devils in five games this season.
The Stingrays began the game missing imports Jason Silverthorn - due to a one game suspension - and long-term injury victim Cale Tanaka but dominated possession in the early stages against a Cardiff side struggling for momentum and without key forwards Mac Faulkner and Phil Hill - who are both sidelined through injury.
The early pressure - particularly from the line consisting of a resurgent Sam Towner, Ryan Hand and defenceman-turned-forward Jeff Smith - very nearly paid off as in-form Dominic Osman squeaked a shot through the pads of Devils netminder Chris Whitley only for the puck to be cleared off the line.
Playing a noticeably defensive road game early on - presumably due to their impact of injuries - the Devils forced their way into the game, holding the Rays in their own end after seven minutes before a number of penalties against the home side gave them a further advantage.
Though the Stingrays penalty kill performed well against a Cardiff side clearly missing the finishing ability of former EIHL leading scorer Faulkner, it would be the Devils that opened the scoring.
Shortly after Dulle and Cardiff forward Stuart MacRae returned to the ice after co-incidental roughing penalties, a rasping shot from the left point by Tyson Marsh was tipped home by Jesse Gimblett for a 1-0 Devils lead.
A response wasn't long in coming from the Stingrays, who leveled the score 43 seconds later thanks to a wraparound from Osman following a great tussle between Dulle - who put in a very good overall performance on the night - and Cardiff defenceman Mark Smith with the former coming away victorious.
Roles reversed at the beginning of the second as the road team came out strongly and controlled the game for much of the opening seven minutes. However, aside from chances for Tom Squires and Danny Wood close in after two Devils collided at mid-ice, there were few talking points from a second period that the Stingrays outshot their opponents 14-9 after a first period shot deficit of 16-9.
The Erhardt Conference side forced the issue in the third period as the game became increasingly chippy, though it was clear that one-goal would again be the difference between the sides.
The two teams traded half powerplay chances with Dmitri Rodin handed what appeared to be a harsh elbowing call that could have proved costly on 51.12.
Gimblett then took the first of three consecutive penalties on 11.41 to cancel out the Rays disadvantage before a beautifully timed diagonal pass from Shane Lovdahl on the blueline gave Sylvain Cloutier a great chance for a late goal, only for the player-coach to fire a one-timer into the body of the Devils netminder with the goal gaping.
Gimblett's second penalty - an elbowing minor - quickly followed, giving Cloutier's side a crucial powerplay with less than six mintues left on the clock. However, this too was soon cancelled out as Dulle - having been wound up by Cardiff player-coach Gerad Adams in the offensive zone - took a cheap boarding minor moments later at the other end of the rink.
The Devils Canadian tough guy's final minor penalty on 17.32 for slashing Jereme Tendler - who was attempting to edge himself around the Devils defence and in front of Whitley - proved to be the most costly.
On the ensuing offensive zone face-off Matty Davies drew the puck back to Rodin on the blueline, who in-turn fed Dulle to fire home what turned out to be the game winning goal with less than three minutes left on the clock.
Adams pulled netminder Whitley with less than a minute remaining but the travelling Devils couldn't make the pressure, nor their superior 12-5 third period shot count tell as time ran down sealing the Stingrays fifth point in a week, though not before Lovdahl and Chris Blight dropped the gloves in a surprising, if entertaining bout with 19 seconds remaining.
Though not the prettiest sixty minutes you're likely to see, the two-one win and team performance will surely prove as a further confidence boost to Cloutier's side ahead of a visit to South Yorkshire to take on the Sheffield Steelers.
After tomorrow night's Yorkshire derby - which will see Silverthorn return to action following suspension - the Rays face five consecutive games against Gardiner Conference sides that will, more than likely, decide their playoff fate.
Currently five points behind Fife - whom they meet twice in two weeks - in the final playoff spot in the league and just three points shy of Braehead in top spot in the Gardiner Conference there remains plenty to play for as the regular season draws to a close.
Both the league and conference are so tight that a good run in the next six games could potentially propel the Stingrays back into the final playoff spot and put them in a strong position to make the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
FBB Three Stars
1. Ben Bowns
2. Kurtis Dulle
3. Sylvain Cloutier
Saturday, 5 January 2013
Bowns stands tall as Stingrays cling on for third Cardiff win
Cardiff Devils 2-3 Hull Stingrays
A 39 save effort from netminder Ben Bowns and two more goals from leading scorer Jereme Tendler tonight helped the Hull Stingrays to their third victory of the season against the Cardiff Devils by way of a 3-2 win in South Wales.
With Jeff Smith sitting out his third consecutive game through injury, Estonian defenceman Dmitri Rodin made his return to the Stingrays line-up after signing from the English Premier League on Thursday.
The first action of the fixture saw Rays enforcer Ryan Hand and his Cardiff counterpart Jesse Gimblett re-acquaint themselves - having fought last time out in Cardiff - dropping the gloves just three seconds in.
With the not-so pleasantries exchanged, the Devils took a 1-0 lead through Ben Davies after just 43 seconds. Chris Blight then instigated the games' second fight, dropping the gloves with Janis Ozolins before a Mac Faulkner goal doubled the home sides lead, shorthanded on 8.44.
The Rays struck back with their own shorthanded marker on 11.35 as Jereme Tendler netted his 25th of the season before Sylvain Cloutier leveled the score at 2-2 with a close range tap in on a pass from Tom Squires after 15.22.
Tendler then gave the Rays an unlikely 3-2 lead with his sixth goal in three games and 26th of the season with less than a minute and a half remaining in the first period scoring their third of the game on just seven shots.
Having outshot the Rays 12-7 in the first period, the Devils outshot the Stingray further in the middle stanza, with Bowns turning away all 13 shots in the Stingrays net, Cardiff keeper Phil Osaer saving all six shots fired at him.
The Devils plied more pressure on the visitors in the final period, however, Bowns again came up huge, saving 16 more shots as the Rays killed the game off and sealed a big win - their third this season - against side from South Wales.
As well as their third victory of the season against the Devils, the win is the Cloutier's sides first of the league campaign against an Erhardt Conference side. The Rays have now claimed seven points from an available eight against Cardiff this season.
They now return home from South Wales to face the Sheffield Steelers in a crunch Yorkshire derby.
Sunday, 23 December 2012
Stingrays leave it late to secure first Erhardt point in overtime loss
Cardiff Devils 2-1 Hull Stingrays (OT)
The Hull Stingrays tonight left it late to secure their first point against an Erhardt Conference side in the league this season, sending the game to overtime before going down 2-1 to the Cardiff Devils in South Wales.
After being flat out denied the chance to drop the gloves against the Sheffield Steelers 24 hours earlier, Ryan Hand got it out of his system early this evening - fighting Jesse Gimblett in an even contest after 6.15.
Sylvain Cloutier's side could boast two wins from two games against the Welsh side this season, however, it was Josh Batch who would open the scoring on the man advantage for the Devils after ten minutes.
The Rays did their best to shut up shop defensively and, with Ben Bowns in top form - turning away 35 of 37 shots - they gradually grew in confidence, outshooting the home side 11-8 in the final period.
Crucially though, after all their defensive work, Jereme Tendler popped up to scramble home his 20th of the year with around six minutes remaining. The goal would seal the Rays first non-Gardiner Conference point of the year and continues their fine form against the Devils this season with a fifth point from six available.
The Devils quickly wrapped up the points in overtime, nevertheless, leading scorer Mac Faulkner requiring just 18 seconds of the 4-on-4 action to claim the extra point for the home side.
Although the overtime defeat extends the losing streak to eight games, their pointless streak ends at precisely that number. They now head into Thursday's big fixture against an in-form and resurgent Edinburgh Capitals side with some confidence after finally reaping a reward for their efforts over the past three games.
The Hull Stingrays tonight left it late to secure their first point against an Erhardt Conference side in the league this season, sending the game to overtime before going down 2-1 to the Cardiff Devils in South Wales.
After being flat out denied the chance to drop the gloves against the Sheffield Steelers 24 hours earlier, Ryan Hand got it out of his system early this evening - fighting Jesse Gimblett in an even contest after 6.15.
Sylvain Cloutier's side could boast two wins from two games against the Welsh side this season, however, it was Josh Batch who would open the scoring on the man advantage for the Devils after ten minutes.
The Rays did their best to shut up shop defensively and, with Ben Bowns in top form - turning away 35 of 37 shots - they gradually grew in confidence, outshooting the home side 11-8 in the final period.
Crucially though, after all their defensive work, Jereme Tendler popped up to scramble home his 20th of the year with around six minutes remaining. The goal would seal the Rays first non-Gardiner Conference point of the year and continues their fine form against the Devils this season with a fifth point from six available.
The Devils quickly wrapped up the points in overtime, nevertheless, leading scorer Mac Faulkner requiring just 18 seconds of the 4-on-4 action to claim the extra point for the home side.
Although the overtime defeat extends the losing streak to eight games, their pointless streak ends at precisely that number. They now head into Thursday's big fixture against an in-form and resurgent Edinburgh Capitals side with some confidence after finally reaping a reward for their efforts over the past three games.
Thursday, 1 November 2012
Stingrays hold on for Quarter Final qualification...just
Cardiff Devils 3-4 Hull Stingrays
Having lead 4-1, the Hull Stingrays tonight held on for a huge 4-3 win over a depleted Cardiff Devils outfit in the Challenge Cup - mathematically booking their place in the Challenge Cup Quarter Finals for the first time in their history with their first away victory of the season.
The visitors - for whom Tom Squires made his debut on a two-way deal from the Sheffield Steeldogs - took a fortuitous lead, Silverthorn opening the scoring with a speculative wrist shot from the halfway line which somehow beat Phil Osaer in the Cardiff net 6.48 in.
A quick feed on a Devils line change then allowed Matty Davies to race in, feeding a backpost pass to Jereme Tendler - who slotted home with his tenth goal of the year.
11 minutes later, Cale Tanaka robbed the puck off Cardiff defenceman Josh Batch and slotted home for his fifth of the season and a surprise 3-0 lead heading into the second period.
The Rays started the second as they had finished the third and debutant Tom Squires added a fourth four minutes in. However, the visitors made hard work of their lead and the Devils comeback was soon on, as Chris Blight kickstarted the fightback with a powerplay goal on 27.50 following a Janis Ozolins penalty.
The Devils gained further momentum with another powerplay, reducing the deficit to 4-2 through player-coach Gerad Adams as Ryan Hand sat out thanks to a roughing penalty. Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier responded by calling a time-out to halt the tide against his side and, perhaps crucially for the Stingrays hopes in both the game and competition, they withheld the Devils offence and rode out the second period two goals ahead.
The expected early third period deluge from Cardiff followed and soon paid off as Ozolins sat his second minor penalty of the evening to allow Mac Faulkner to convert a third powerplay goal of the evening for the Devils and make it a one goal game. At this stage the home side were putting the Stingrays under huge pressure.
The turning point of the comeback however, came on 52.40 as the Rays - having failed to snub out three of four penalty kills so far - killed a two minute penalty on defenceman Martin Ondrej. The huge kill, combined with a minor penalty on the Devils Kenton Smith halted the momentum and would eventually prove telling.
Cardiff again piled on the pressure in the dying moments, pulling netminder Phil Osaer but Stingrays keeper Ben Bowns once again came up big to help the Rays to their third win in four games and second in two games against the Devils this season - following their 7-5 Challenge Cup triumph earlier in the season.
The victory eliminates the Devils from the Challenge Cup and sees the Stingrays mathematically through to the Quarter Final as, with one game remaining, the Devils can't topple the Rays points total nor regulation wins total (the decider and tie-breaker respectively) in Challenge Cup Group B.
Qualifying for the next round in fourth place, the Stingrays will face the top seed of Challenge Cup Group A - which is currently wide open with Braehead leading (8GP 9PTS), Belfast second (5GP 8PTS), Dundee third (7GP 8PTS) and Fife fourth (8GP 8PTS).
Regardless of their opponents, Cloutier and the Rays will take great heart in qualifying from such a tough group. Even if they only required two wins over Cardiff and an overtime loss against Coventry, the performances, particularly early in the season, at times deserved more.
Having lead 4-1, the Hull Stingrays tonight held on for a huge 4-3 win over a depleted Cardiff Devils outfit in the Challenge Cup - mathematically booking their place in the Challenge Cup Quarter Finals for the first time in their history with their first away victory of the season.
The visitors - for whom Tom Squires made his debut on a two-way deal from the Sheffield Steeldogs - took a fortuitous lead, Silverthorn opening the scoring with a speculative wrist shot from the halfway line which somehow beat Phil Osaer in the Cardiff net 6.48 in.
A quick feed on a Devils line change then allowed Matty Davies to race in, feeding a backpost pass to Jereme Tendler - who slotted home with his tenth goal of the year.
The Rays started the second as they had finished the third and debutant Tom Squires added a fourth four minutes in. However, the visitors made hard work of their lead and the Devils comeback was soon on, as Chris Blight kickstarted the fightback with a powerplay goal on 27.50 following a Janis Ozolins penalty.
The Devils gained further momentum with another powerplay, reducing the deficit to 4-2 through player-coach Gerad Adams as Ryan Hand sat out thanks to a roughing penalty. Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier responded by calling a time-out to halt the tide against his side and, perhaps crucially for the Stingrays hopes in both the game and competition, they withheld the Devils offence and rode out the second period two goals ahead.
The expected early third period deluge from Cardiff followed and soon paid off as Ozolins sat his second minor penalty of the evening to allow Mac Faulkner to convert a third powerplay goal of the evening for the Devils and make it a one goal game. At this stage the home side were putting the Stingrays under huge pressure.
The turning point of the comeback however, came on 52.40 as the Rays - having failed to snub out three of four penalty kills so far - killed a two minute penalty on defenceman Martin Ondrej. The huge kill, combined with a minor penalty on the Devils Kenton Smith halted the momentum and would eventually prove telling.
Cardiff again piled on the pressure in the dying moments, pulling netminder Phil Osaer but Stingrays keeper Ben Bowns once again came up big to help the Rays to their third win in four games and second in two games against the Devils this season - following their 7-5 Challenge Cup triumph earlier in the season.
The victory eliminates the Devils from the Challenge Cup and sees the Stingrays mathematically through to the Quarter Final as, with one game remaining, the Devils can't topple the Rays points total nor regulation wins total (the decider and tie-breaker respectively) in Challenge Cup Group B.
Qualifying for the next round in fourth place, the Stingrays will face the top seed of Challenge Cup Group A - which is currently wide open with Braehead leading (8GP 9PTS), Belfast second (5GP 8PTS), Dundee third (7GP 8PTS) and Fife fourth (8GP 8PTS).
Regardless of their opponents, Cloutier and the Rays will take great heart in qualifying from such a tough group. Even if they only required two wins over Cardiff and an overtime loss against Coventry, the performances, particularly early in the season, at times deserved more.
Stingrays add Squires on two-way
The Hull Stingrays have signed former Sheffield Steelers forward Tom Squires on a two-way contract from English Premier League side Sheffield Steeldogs.
The British winger rejected the Stingrays in the summer to join hometown club the Steeldogs having recorded 14 goals and 34 points in 98 games with the Steelers. Nevertheless, despite dropping down from the EIHL, the Sheffield born forward has so far struggled offensively in the EPL, recording just two assists in 11 games in the second tier.
Rays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier has moved to add Squires in order to boost the Rays numbers following the concussion sustained by Andy Ward in a hit by Sheffield Steelers former NHL forward Tom Sestito which has ruled the Brit out of the lineup.
Cloutier said:
A win for the Stingrays in regulation in South Wales tonight will see them qualify outright for the Quarter Finals of the cup competition for the first time in their history. Their last foray into a cup competition quarter finals came automatically as they were defeated 8-3 on aggregate by the Manchester Phoenix in the Knockout Cup.
The British winger rejected the Stingrays in the summer to join hometown club the Steeldogs having recorded 14 goals and 34 points in 98 games with the Steelers. Nevertheless, despite dropping down from the EIHL, the Sheffield born forward has so far struggled offensively in the EPL, recording just two assists in 11 games in the second tier.
Rays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier has moved to add Squires in order to boost the Rays numbers following the concussion sustained by Andy Ward in a hit by Sheffield Steelers former NHL forward Tom Sestito which has ruled the Brit out of the lineup.
Cloutier said:
"With Andy Ward out injured I wanted to add some depth to the line-up. Tom is someone I wanted to sign in the summer but he went to the Steeldogs. But I spoke to him and asked if he wanted to come and play on a two-way deal. He has that experience of playing in the Elite League for the Steelers and has shown he can play at that level. He has good skill and he will get his chance in Cardiff tonight. It is a good opportunity for him and I expect him to take advantage of that."Former Great Britain junior international Squires will make his debut for the club in tonight's crunch Challenge Cup clash with the Cardiff Devils and will be available to ice for the Rays when the Steeldogs are without a game.
A win for the Stingrays in regulation in South Wales tonight will see them qualify outright for the Quarter Finals of the cup competition for the first time in their history. Their last foray into a cup competition quarter finals came automatically as they were defeated 8-3 on aggregate by the Manchester Phoenix in the Knockout Cup.
Friday, 14 September 2012
Thursday, 13 September 2012
Tendler bags hat-trick on return to lead Stingrays to first win of 12/13
Hull Stingrays 7-5 Cardiff Devils (CC)
A hat-trick from returning forward Jereme Tendler and a second consecutive 40+ save night from keeper Ben Bowns tonight lead the Rapid Solicitors Hull Stingrays to their first victory of the 12/13 campaign by way of a 7-5 Challenege Cup triumph over the Cardiff Devils.
The home side got off to a great start, utility man Ryan Hand - pigeon-holed as an enforcer before arriving in Hull - beating Phil Osaer for his first of the season after just 47 seconds for a 1-0 lead.
The Devils two big offensive signings of the summer, Mac Faulkner and Chris Blight, then bagged two goals in three minutes before Cale Tanaka followed Hand's example and netted his first of the year with a lovely solo move and wraparound goal to level the scores at two.
Faulkner restored the Devils lead less than 40 seconds later before Tendler - who was returning to action after sustaining a wrist injury against the Sheffield Steeldogs in pre-season - bagged an eight minute natural hat-trick with two powerplay goals and a shorthanded goal early in the third. Jason Silverthorn then added his second in two games to give the Rays a 6-3 lead against his former side on 48.36.
Gerad Adams' side came back strongly thoufh and Faulkner completed a hat-trick of his down 10.43 into the third before Max Birbraer edged the Devils back into it 13 seconds later to bring the scoreline to 6-5.
The home side weren't about to throw away their first victory of the 12/13 campaign however, and Slovakian defenceman Tomas Valecko sealed with victory with a shorthanded empty net goal on 59.21.
The home side got off to a great start, utility man Ryan Hand - pigeon-holed as an enforcer before arriving in Hull - beating Phil Osaer for his first of the season after just 47 seconds for a 1-0 lead.
The Devils two big offensive signings of the summer, Mac Faulkner and Chris Blight, then bagged two goals in three minutes before Cale Tanaka followed Hand's example and netted his first of the year with a lovely solo move and wraparound goal to level the scores at two.
Faulkner restored the Devils lead less than 40 seconds later before Tendler - who was returning to action after sustaining a wrist injury against the Sheffield Steeldogs in pre-season - bagged an eight minute natural hat-trick with two powerplay goals and a shorthanded goal early in the third. Jason Silverthorn then added his second in two games to give the Rays a 6-3 lead against his former side on 48.36.
Gerad Adams' side came back strongly thoufh and Faulkner completed a hat-trick of his down 10.43 into the third before Max Birbraer edged the Devils back into it 13 seconds later to bring the scoreline to 6-5.
The home side weren't about to throw away their first victory of the 12/13 campaign however, and Slovakian defenceman Tomas Valecko sealed with victory with a shorthanded empty net goal on 59.21.
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Rays snatch first win in Wales since February 2009
Cardiff Devils 2 - 3 Stingrays (SO)
Phew!
Following that on Twitter and The Inferno's Match Night Live sure was as fun as it ever is following the Stingrays from afar....!
The Rays looked to be cruising to their first win in South Wales for more than two and a half years after twenty minutes, 2-0 up thanks to goals from Dominic Osman and Jereme Tendler.
However, Rays fans will know things are very rarely that simple and the Devils forced their way back into the game, peppering Christian Boucher with 19 second period shots. Bouch - who I'd add has been outstanding recently, barring perhaps Fife's second goal blip on Sunday - stood tall but further third period pressure (17 more shots for the record) saw Cardiff tie things up in the third with goals from Stu Macrae and Kenton Smith.
Heartbreaking for Sylvain Cloutier, who had never won in Cardiff as Rays coach and who - like myself - must have been thinking two and a half years was about to edge closer to three years.
Turning away 53 shots - his second highest save count of the year after the 56 turned away in the loss to Dundee in October - Boucher saved the Stingrays bacon and forced the game into overtime....and then into penalty shots, where, once again, I (and I'm sure the rest of the Rays fanbase) were fearing the worst. Ever the pessimist when the Rays are involved away from home I'm afraid.
It's a cliche to say they're a lottery but after the Devils Jeff Pierce had earlier missed one in regulation this was finally to be the Stingrays day in Wales. Frantisek Bakrlik and Osman scoring their penalty shots to give Cloutier his first win over Cardiff since a Konstantin Kalmikov hat-trick on 12 September 2009. In doing so they improved their shootout record this season from 1-1, from two contest against Fife, to 2-1.
For those wondering, the Rays last win in Wales? 1st February 2009 under former coach Rick Strachan and that only coming thanks to a late unassisted goal from defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk!
The 3-3 Challenge Cup tie last season and 2-2 a couple of weeks ago aside, the Stingrays have been beaten by the Devils in 12 of their last 16 meetings - including that infamous 12-0 loss last season. Here are those last 16 defeats:
Phew!
Following that on Twitter and The Inferno's Match Night Live sure was as fun as it ever is following the Stingrays from afar....!
The Rays looked to be cruising to their first win in South Wales for more than two and a half years after twenty minutes, 2-0 up thanks to goals from Dominic Osman and Jereme Tendler.
However, Rays fans will know things are very rarely that simple and the Devils forced their way back into the game, peppering Christian Boucher with 19 second period shots. Bouch - who I'd add has been outstanding recently, barring perhaps Fife's second goal blip on Sunday - stood tall but further third period pressure (17 more shots for the record) saw Cardiff tie things up in the third with goals from Stu Macrae and Kenton Smith.
Heartbreaking for Sylvain Cloutier, who had never won in Cardiff as Rays coach and who - like myself - must have been thinking two and a half years was about to edge closer to three years.
Turning away 53 shots - his second highest save count of the year after the 56 turned away in the loss to Dundee in October - Boucher saved the Stingrays bacon and forced the game into overtime....and then into penalty shots, where, once again, I (and I'm sure the rest of the Rays fanbase) were fearing the worst. Ever the pessimist when the Rays are involved away from home I'm afraid.
It's a cliche to say they're a lottery but after the Devils Jeff Pierce had earlier missed one in regulation this was finally to be the Stingrays day in Wales. Frantisek Bakrlik and Osman scoring their penalty shots to give Cloutier his first win over Cardiff since a Konstantin Kalmikov hat-trick on 12 September 2009. In doing so they improved their shootout record this season from 1-1, from two contest against Fife, to 2-1.
For those wondering, the Rays last win in Wales? 1st February 2009 under former coach Rick Strachan and that only coming thanks to a late unassisted goal from defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk!
The 3-3 Challenge Cup tie last season and 2-2 a couple of weeks ago aside, the Stingrays have been beaten by the Devils in 12 of their last 16 meetings - including that infamous 12-0 loss last season. Here are those last 16 defeats:
1-7, 7-1, 2-5, 5-2, 4-1, 5-7, 5-1, 7-4, 12-0, 4-1, 1-3, 6-1, 2-7, 1-2 (Playoffs), 6-3 (Playoffs), 4-2.
In penalty news tonight, Stingrays Derek Campbell and Cardiff's Brad Voth tangled, Bobby Chamberlain received a 5+Game for butt-ending and Jason Silverthorn also received a 2+10 against his former side for checking from behind.
Standout defenceman Dmitri Rodin was the Rays import that sat out of this game due to a knee injury expected to keep him out for three weeks. He joins British forwards Tristan Harper and Ryan Lake on the sidelines.
Next up for the Rays are the Nottingham Panthers at the Trent FM Arena and then a streaky Braehead Clan side that was beaten 9-4 last time out at Hull Arena.
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
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