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:

“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.

'Ozzy' returns to Hull

Forward Dominic Osman has become the Hull Stingrays 11th signing and 5th re-signing of the 2012 summer - rejoining for a second season in the Elite Ice Hockey League.

The 30 year old American bagged 26 goals, 16 assists and 42 points in 61 regular season games before adding a goal and an assist in the club's three game playoff run - which saw them reach a landmark first ever Playoff Semi-Final and Final Four weekend.

A former ECHLer of 126 games and 62 points and CHLer of 60 games and 47 points, Osman joined the club a year ago from ECHL side Toledo Walleye - where he recorded 10 goals and 15 assists in 56 games alongside fellow EIHLers Adam Keefe and Dave Phillips.

For a team that is understandably more accustomed to signings from the CHL than ECHL, the Michigan native was seen as a big addition to the Rays roster at the time and one that would play a key role in the year to come providing secondary scoring behind former teammate Jereme Tendler.

However, it is believed a slow start to his first campaign in the UK came close to costing the 6ft forward his place of the roster part-way through last season. With Kurtis Dulle brought in from retirement to shore up a leaky defence, the Rays were carrying one too many imports and were forced to make a cut due to finances.

Following early season disappointment Osman and Frantisek Bakrlik were made favourites to be released after failing to hit the twine as expected and after player-coach Sylvain Cloutier's revelation that a forward would have to make way for the club captain and defenceman.

A perfectly timed up-turn in form from Osman in late October through to November though saw Bakrlik released in late November to join Coventry and later Fife.

The decision to retain Osman turned out to be a master stroke by Cloutier as the speedy Michigan native - who once netted 14 goals in 15 games with the Kalamazoo Wings of the IHL - became a favourite with the fans and went on to hit 26 goals for the Rays, despite the slow start.

Those 26 goals rank seventh in goals by a Stingray in a single season, slotting in just behind Jason Silverthorn's 30 of last season and Jeff Glowa's 31 of 08/09 and just ahead of Rob Rankin and Konstantin Kalmikov's 23 of 07/08 and 08/09 respectively.

Given the rate of improvement in the American's game from the start to the end of the last campaign - including that particularly fruitful purple patch during October - it is hoped Osman will again lift his game next season and continue to provide the Rays with much needed secondary scoring.

Of his fifth and more than likely final re-signing Cloutier said:

"I'm pleased to have Ozzy back, I will be counting on him to bring some offence and physical play on the forecheck using his speedy. Ozzy has one of the quickest releases around so there is no reason for him not to put up big numbers this season. He will be a key player to how much success we will have this season. Like I said before it's nice to have guys that stay loyal to the club, those are the guys you want on your team. I am really looking forward to see what Ozzy can do this season, I expect a lot from him."

While their scoring threat pales into insignificance on paper in comparison to some EIHL sides, the Rays now have four genuine scoring options signed up for 12/13.

Jereme Tendler is naturally again the main goalscoring threat with 82 goals in 105 games for the club at Elite League level, meanwhile Jason Silverthorn can boast a 30 goal season in 11/12 and 128 goals in 275 EIHL games - though is perhaps more accustomed to creating goals.

In addition to Cloutier's high hopes of Osman next season, the signature of Janis Ozolins - last season's top second tier English Premier League top goalscorer with an impressive 55 goals in 52 games - gives the Rays a number of strings to their offensive bow.

Whether they further add to their scoring brunt remains to be seen, though NCAA graduate Colin McIntosh is almost certain to become the sixth and final import forward signing of the summer.

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

Osman joins Stingrays

29 year old American winger Dominic Osman has today become the Excel Hull Stingrays first new import signing for the 11/12 season, joining the club from ECHL side Toledo Walleye.

Last season, in his second full year in the third tier of North American hockey the Michigan native registered ten goals and 25 points in 56 games in Ohio while playing alongside former Stingray favourite and GB international defenceman Dave Phillips.

The Lake Superior State University graduate began his career immediately prior to completing his college degree in fire science in 06/07, signing for the ECHL's Reading Royals, where he was forced to play defence and went on to record no points in a short three game stint to begin his professional career.

Osman then spent his rookie campaign in the CHL with the New Mexico Scorpions immediately troubling the scorers by registering 47 points in 60 games, before moving on to spend the beginning of his sophomore season with the Fort Wayne Comets of the IHL.

Having continued to rack up the points with 18 goals and 30 points in 37 games with the Comets, he was traded in mid-March ahead of the playoffs, moving to the Kalamzaoo Wings alongside teammate Dylan Row in exchange for Wings defenceman Rod Aldoff.

That proved to be a particularly profitable move for the 6'0, 200lbs forward who went on to score an impressive 14 goals in 15 regular season games on a Wings side that earlier in the year had seen now Stingrays record goalscorer Jereme Tendler net five goals in five games.

A move to the ECHL for a first stint with Toledo materialised in 09/10 before a mid-season trade saw him move to Florida in exchange for last season Dundee Stars blueliner Chris Zarb.

Once again the trade benefited the Stingrays newest recruit, who improved from scoring 22 points in 47 games with Toledo to bagging 15 in 20 in the Sunshine State.

He returned to Toledo last season, however, the 29 year old will now move to Hull hoping to recreate the a move from North America that fellow former K-Wing Tendler made last summer.

While a landmark 50 goals may not be expected from Osman, who set his current career best of 24 goals in his rookie year with New Mexico, player-coach Sylvain Cloutier would like him to replace either retired defensive forward Matti Uusivirta or last season's disappointment Konstantin Kalmikov, who between them combined for just 34 goals, 16 fewer than leading scorer Tendler having promised more early last summer.

Cloutier is understandably worried about his side being offensively blunt once again next term but he hopes Osman's signing will begin to ease those worries.

"Last season we had a big lack of secondary scoring. Our second unit struggled to put the puck in the net and at times we were carrying passengers and that hurt us."

With 87 goals and 157 points to his name in 235 professional career games thus far, Osman's resume suggests that he should in theory give the Rays another scoring option going forward and, hopefully, one able to regularly backup Tendler, who far too often was relied upon for clinical finishes last term. Cloutier said of his new addition:

"Dominic has a great offensive threat, he has got a great shot, he is a great skater, he competes and never takes a night. He has got some speed, which is something we did not have a lot of last season, and he will relish the bigger ice here."

It is naturally hoped that the drop from four-line hockey to three-line hockey and the subsequent increase in ice-time will give Osman, the Stingrays seventh signing of the summer, the chance to flourish as Tendler did much to everyone's surprise last season.

He joins British defenceman Sam McCluskey and Dan Scott, import forwards Tendler, Sylvain Cloutier and Jason Silverthorn and British forward Tristan Cameron-Harper on the Rays roster for the 11/12 Elite League season.

Osman first new import signing for 11/12

29 year old American forward Dominic Osman has today become the first new import face to sign for the Excel Hull Stingrays ahead of the 11/12 Elite League campaign, joining the club after two years in the ECHL with Toledo Walleye and Florida Everblades.

More soon.