Huppe to link up with Gomenyuk in Manchester

Former Hull Stingrays assistant coach and sniper Curtis Huppe has today been officially revealed as a Manchester Phoenix player following Ukrainian defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk across the Pennines to the English Premier League club.

Huppe, 31, took a while to get going with the Rays last year but eventually netted 19 times including a Stingrays record four goals against Sheffield in March. Nevertheless, his all around play failed to inspire confidence in his work rate and effort to the cause, and many fans were left undeterred about his return for a second year.

Indeed, it seemed that the feeling was mutual as Huppe came to an agreement with friend and coach Cloutier to end his stay in Hull at a year, and a disappointing year at that.

In Manchester, Huppe will join up with Gomenyk, former Stingray and captain of the Phoenix Luke Boothroyd and former coach and team mate Tony Hand, who brought him to the UK from the ECHL in the first instance.

Huppe quits Stingrays

 The Excel Hull Stingrays today revealed that they have mutually agreed to terminate the two-year contract of player/assistant coach Curtis Huppe after just a season in Hull.

The 31 year old sniper from Winnipeg, Manitoba hit 21 goals and 23 assists this past season and, after a slow start to the season, his form improved enough to finish the year with an exceptional four goals in the final game of the regular season against Yorkshire rivals the Sheffield Steelers, a team record.

Nevertheless, the general feeling was that Huppe failed to impress at the Hull Arena with his 21 goals not enough to make up for his lack of work ethic and all around game. It is true that there have been few 20+ goal scorers in Stingrays colours, however, from a player that has a notably better pedigree, with 26, 27 and 38 goal seasons, his 21 of this season somewhat pales into insignificance.

Still, it wasn't just the amount of goals he scored but quiet way he went about scoring them, making him unnoticeable much of the time. His work ethic did visibly improve on a number of occasions towards the back end of the season, particularly when he seemed frustrated with his or the team's play, however, that wasn't enough to impress coach, and friend, Sylvain Cloutier, and with Huppe rumoured to be unhappy in Hull, the division was a simple one for both parties

Cloutier commented on the surprising but much mooted moved:

"We had a talk at the end of the season and after lengthy discussions he decided it was best for both parties if we went our separate ways. We wish Curtis all the best for the future."

Huppe has now been rumoured with moves to new Elite League side the Braehead Clan and former team and playoff champions the Belfast Giants, while Cloutier may decide against signing an assistant coach for next year, instead re-signing bench coach Bobby McEwan to a greater coaching role.

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.

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...

Huppe re-joins Cloutier at Stingrays

31 year old Canadian forward Curtis Huppe has once again joined up with friend and former team mate Sylvain Cloutier, by signing a two year contract as player-assistant coach with the Excel Hull Stingrays.

6'1 Huppe is no stranger to the Elite League having spent three seasons in Belfast and a season in Coventry with Cloutier, winning the EIHL title in both cities, whilst racking up an outstanding 104 goals and 116 assists in 177 games.

Last season, Huppe came out of a very brief retirement to sign for Cloutier in Corpus Christi of the Central Hockey League, scoring 14 points in a short 28 game stint for the club, however once Cloutier was released, Huppe quickly followed after a disappointing season.

This signing is a statement of intent from the Stingrays management that they will not only do their best to sign one of their best ever teams, but that they are building the club for a crucial two year push for success with both Huppe and Cloutier contracted for two years.

Known as one of the best snipers to play in the Elite League, with more than a goal every other game and at least a point a game in the EIHL, Huppe developed his defensive game under Coventry coach Paul Thompson after gaining a reputation as a one dimensional forward.

Next season Huppe will be expected to hit the back of the net, and often, as he will rack up huge minutes on the Rays first line, as well as time on the powerplay and penalty kill.

Stingrays co-owner, Sue Pack, had this to say about the signing of the Winnipeg, Manitoba native:

"Curtis will bring seniority and leadership to the Stingrays. He's a points scorer and a skilled guy. He has played alongside Sylvain before. They have a good working relationship and he is very excited to be coming over to Hull and being part of something new for him."

The new era under new player-coach Cloutier is beginning to generate an element of excitement amongst not only fans, but also players.

Cloutier's vast experience in North America and reputation as an honest, hardworking player seems to be translating well into his recruitment of players and he indicated that his friendship with Huppe was key to the coup.

"We have a very good working relationship and we get along really well .There is a lot of trust and respect between us, two parts that should be there when you work together. Curtis is a very well-rounded hockey player and one I can count on every night."

"Curtis is a huge component to our team, he brings a lot of respect to the Hull Stingrays organisation. He is a proven winner and he knows what it takes to succeed."

It would seem that the Stingrays next move will be to sign tough guy Andre Payette from the Newcastle Vipers after strong rumours suggest that the 33 year old forward has agreed terms, meanwhile Tommy Sandahl looks set to sign as the teams number one netminder.

Photos courtesy Kingdom of the Giants and Coventry Telegraph