Hull Stingrays 2009-2010 Season Review: At The Back

Netminders

Martins Raitums (23GP 3.68GAA 90.1SV.%)

Grade: B

Return: Yes

Signing the Latvian stopper was probably one of Sylvain Cloutier's best decisions all year as his signature turned the Rays fortunes on their head. In contrast to Tommy Sandahl, whom he replaced, he was solid and confident between the pipes, even behind the Rays creaky defence, and he was also assured when playing the puck. He signalled his quality in his debut at the Hull Arena when a magnificent double save and a couple of very good glove saves immediately endeared him to home fans and, one or two unfortunate goals aside, set him up for an impressive first season away from Eastern Europe. As you would imagine from a netminder that once faced Canada at the World Championships, Raitums handled Elite League hockey well and he would be a solid and stable re-signing, who, based on form, should return. Nevertheless, although he is indeed a good bet to return, Cloutier may still explore his options.

Andy Jaszczyk (6GP 4.24GAA 87.7SV.%)

Grade: C-

Return: Yes

This time last year it was stated that back-up netminder was probably the most unfair in British ice hockey. Well for the Jaszczyk, who last year iced in 13 games, his job just got a whole bit hard because, despite Tommy Sandahl's early struggles in net, his ice time was cut in half this year under Sylvain Cloutier. Nevertheless, he has improved his save percentage to something a bit more respectable and, even without a significant ice time, he appears to be progressing between the pipes. Another year or two as back-up with the Stingrays should see him improve even more ahead of the eventual standard move to the EPL, however, moving too soon, as former backup Tom Chamberlain did, could be a mistake.

Defencemen

Craig Mitchell (58GP 1+9 44PIM)

Grade: C+

Return: Yes

The younger of the Mitchell's was probably the Stingrays most consistent defenceman in his sophomore season in the Elite League. Like the rest of the Rays defensive corps, he was not without the odd hiccup, however, his were fewer and less obvious than the rest and, in general he provided the team with a steady but reliable defenceman that would be exactly where you expected and needed him. His return should be un-questioned and it is expected that Cloutier will re-sign the Scot, however, an offer from Scotland, particularly new side Braehead, could prove inviting.

James Hutchinson (47GP 1+4 44PIM)

Grade: D

Return: No

A lot was, perhaps unfairly, expected of the defenceman after a treble winning season in the EPL last season in which he recorded a massive 58 points in 54 games. Fast forward 51 games and he ended his first season as a Stingray with a poultry goal and 4 assists in the British top flight. While his offensive production was disappointing, his lack of strength in other areas was what caused most concern, with his positioning, on occasion, skating and slapshot from the blueline most concerning. The effort and desire was certainly evident from the 26 year old and he did fill a gap on the roster without being totally and completely outclassed in the Elite League, however, it would not be unexpected if Cloutier to looked elsewhere this summer.

Pavel Gomenyuk (47GP 5+25 97PIM)

Grade: C-

Return: No

After a brilliant return to form last season, Gomenuk continued the trend of one good season, one bad season in Rays colours by failing to live up to last season's standards. In reality, netting 13 goals was always going to be difficult but that is perhaps what Cloutier expected from the stocky Ukrainian and he certainly didn't expect the volume of mistakes that materialised towards the end of the season, including a particularly embarrassing slip against former side Newcastle which handed the Vipers a goal. It is that number of mistakes, his lack of goals, especially with the potential of his menacing slapshot from the blueline, and his lack of pace when getting back defensively that place question marks over his return. It could prove to be one season too many for 'Pasha'.

Stephen Burns (59GP 4+10 105PIM)

Grade: C+

Return: Yes

The big hitting Ontario native entertained and impressed defensively in his first season as a Stingray and just his second year as a professional. While the majority of his game is focused on defensive positioning and solidity, towards the back end of the season he grew in confidence, rushing the puck forward more often and, in the end, he finished the season with four goals, just one less than the notably more offensive Pavel Gomenyuk. On a two-year contract tied in with a university place, Burns will stay in the city this summer and next year looking to build on a good season after this year being voted defenceman of the year and becoming a fan favourite for his fearless big hits and willingness to fight anyone, including Brad Voth.

George Halkidis (50GP 7+15 36PIM)

Grade: D

Return: No

After a year out of the game, Halkidis joined the Stingrays and initially proved to be a reliable defenceman, devoid of any flashy brilliance but able to do a job following a number of injuries. As the team returned to full strength, however, he was relied on more for his experience as an all around defenceman and he mostly struggled, particularly with his positioning and speed of foot when retreating from the offensive zone. His scoring streak towards the end of the season suggested he had begun to adapt his play, at least offensively, but defensive errors, and costly ones at that, as well as a distinct lack of physicality and an ineffective slapshot, maybe as a result of his shoulder injury two seasons ago, will most likely find him seeking another club come summer time.

Aivars Gaisins (2GP 0+0 2PIM)

Grade: N/A

Return: No

The Latvian defenceman saw just two games with the Stingrays before breaking his hand in his second game in Belfast. A friend of netminder Raitums, he initially trained with the Stingrays before being signed following a defensive injury crisis in late January. He would provide the Stingrays with good cover, available immediately should injuries strike, however, he is unlikely to be signed to anything other than a temporary contract next season especially given the Rays short comings in defence.

MIA

Tommy Sandahl (40GP 4.23GAA 89.4sv.%)

Grade: D

Return: No

The stats say it all, with just eight wins in four and a half months, Sandahl's stab at his first number one role came a year or two early for the 25 year old. The early signs were there, with rebound after rebound being given in the P&O Channel Cup, it was, in fact, a surprise that Cloutier took so long to replace the Swede. A likeable character, mistakes, a lack of confidence, both in himself and the defence in front of him, and a lack of experience saw to the end of the keeper.

Ryan Jorde (4GP 0+0 6PIM)

Grade: E

Return: No

The lumbering Canadian defenceman showed on his return to the Hull Arena with Newcastle how lucky the Rays were to be handed the excuse of a much publicised off-ice incident to get rid of him after just four games. Slow, poor positionally, with no offensive upside, the only advantage of having Jorde in the team was that he could scrap, not that he did much in Stingrays colours after opening the season with a fight against Nottingham's Dominic D'Armour.

James Sanford (18GP 2+8 47PIM)

Grade: D

Return: No

Sanford did mostly what was expected of him in that, unlike fellow blueliner George Halkidis, he possessed a good outlet pass and could play quarterback on the teams powerplay. Similar in both stature and playing style to Pavel Gomeyuk, defensively he was outplayed by the Ukrainian and his occasional offensive flash could not make up for his obvious lack of pace, particularly when so much of his game is based in the offensive zone.

Sanford finds a home in Odessa

Former Excel Hull Stingrays defenceman James Sanford has found a new team in the Central Hockey League (CHL) after being released from his Stingrays contract last month.

The New Brunswick native joined the Stingrays during an injury crisis and was signed to give the Stingrays more offensive capabilities from defence, while filling the gap on the blueline left by the departure of Ryan Jorde.

During his time in Britian, Sanford totalled an impressive two goals and ten assists in an 18 game stint before the return of Ukrainian defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk from injury forced Sylvain Cloutier to release one of his import defensive corps.

That man was Sanford, however, he has now signed for the Odessa Jackalopes in the Central Hockey League, the same team that former Stingray Stuart Kerr originally signed for in the summer.

The 25 year old has already chalked up two games for the Jackalopes, registering an assist and four shots with a -1 plus/minus rating, while Kerr is no longer with the team.

Sanford Sacked

25 year old defenceman James Sanford has become a victim of the import numbers game at the Excel Hull Stingrays, as the New Brunswick native has been released from his contract with the Elite Leaue team.

Sanford, a former Canadian junior international, was signed to replace Ryan Jorde, who was released from his contract following an 'off-ice incident', but with the Stingrays now back to full strength, following Pavel Gomenyuk's return from a rib injury, Sanford has paid the price for some questionable defensive performances.

A club statement read:

"We can confirm we have released James Sanford today. Given the fact we are missing some guys this weekend the timing is unfortunate. But a number of other factors came into play which led to us making this decision. On a positive note, we are pleased to have Pavel Gomenyuk back in the line-up for Sunday's Elite League game at Nottingham Panthers after his rib injury and we are hoping to bring in a couple of other British players to boost the roster."

More soon...

Stingray News

Stingrays shine as GB U20 beat Scims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New boys make an impact offensively

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

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

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

Burns and Knight chip in

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

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

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

Reynolds lands in Dijon

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

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

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

Stingray news

Slonina returns to Stockton

American forward-turned defenceman, Steve Slonina, has found a new club, after leaving the Stingrays when his contract expired at the end of last season. He has re-signed with Stockton Thunder, the club he scored 66 points for in 94 games between 2005 and 2006, after a successful tryout with the ECHL club

The Abington, Massachusetts native, joined the Stingrays as a forward last summer and played games in that position before the team's injury crisis struck. He filled in on defence, a position he was no stranger to, after injuries to Stuart Kerr, Paul Moran and Troy Neumeier and shone all season long.

He took home Defenceman of the Year and Fans Player of the Year, at the Stingrays end of season awards ceremony, whilst he also represented the team in the EIHL's first ever All Star game, where he added an assist.

He recorded nine goals and 40 points in 60 games for the Rays last year and became, not only one of the club's most highly rated defencemen, but also a fan favourite, primarily for his tenacious play from the blueline. He returns to the ECHL, where he has a total of 159 points in 281 career games.

Sanford to arrive

The Stingrays latest recruit, defenceman James Sanford, is expected in the country this week ahead of his debut against the Nottingham Panthers at the NIC this Saturday.

The Canadian had been playing in the Dutch capital with HYS Den Haag but was cut prior to the beginning of the season, he was then quickly snapped up by Sylvain Cloutier to replace the injury Ryan Jorde on the Rays blueline. Standing at 5'10, he is expected to add some offensive punch to the Rays defensive corps by stepping in as quarterback on the team's powerplay.

Mitchell close to return?

22 year old forward Lee Mitchell may finally return to the side this weekend after sitting out the opening four weeks of the season.

The Scot had minor surgery on a knee injury that troubled him during pre-season preparations and he has yet to ice under Sylvain Cloutier this season, however he is expected to make a return within the next two weeks, provided there are no complications.

EIHL All Star Game 2010

The EIHL have announced that the EIHL All Star game will return for 2010. The game, which last season featured two Brits and two imports from each EIHL side, will this year be played at iceSheffield on Wednesday January 13 with face-off slated for 7.30pm.

Last season's EIHL All Star game, held at Coventry's Skydome, saw the Southern All Stars, featuring the Stingrays Steve Slonina, Slava Koulikov, Curtis Cruickshank, Lee Mitchell and Jeff Glowa, come out victorious with a 12-10 win over the Northern All Stars.

Stingrays sign Sanford

Experienced 25 year old year defenceman James Sanford has signed for the Excel Hull Stingrays as a replacement for Ryan Jorde, who is expected to be out for over four weeks with a broken arm, in a shakeup of the current team, which has lost six consecutive games.

The Canadian, who has extensive experience in the AHL and ECHL, is a former junior international at U18 level and joins after originally signing to play for HYS Den Haag in the Dutch capital.

He was released by Den Haag prior to the seasons start after failing to live up to expectations as the team's highest paid player during pre-season, but that decision has played into the hands of Rays coach Sylvain Cloutier, who believes he has pulled off a coup to get his signature, the second year coach said, "he is going to be a number on or number two defenceman in this league".

After an very impressive junior career, in which he represented his country at the Junior World Championships in Slovakia and scored 55 goals and added 132 assists in 272 games in the QMJHL, he failed to get drafted into the NHL, primarily because of his apparently small 5'10 stature. Two years later, however, he was signed by the Montreal Canadians to a two-year, two-way contract.

Sandford scores for Moncton

The blueliner, who hails from Moncton, New Brunswick, failed to make an appearance in the NHL, but did go on to compete in 123 AHL games, scoring 51 points, and 102 ECHL games, adding 69 points.

It is this sort of experience that Cloutier believes the Stingrays require to shore up a, so far, frail defence that has conceded 45 goals in all competitions.

"I am really excited about this signing. If you play that many games in the AHL then you are a pretty decent hockey player. He has got all the tools. He is a defensive-minded defenceman but he is also strong offensively. He will improve our transition which is something we needed to do and will improve our powerplay as he moves the puck well."

Last season he split his time between Utah (ECHL), where he scored 18 points in 24 games, Chicago (AHL), where he was called up to appear in seven games, and the St Georges CRS Express (LNAH), where he offensively excelled scoring 15 points, including six goals, in 14 games.

He said, in an official press release, that he is excited to be joining the team, even if they are currently struggling to find any semblance of form.

"I am really looking forward to it....I cannot wait for the first game. I have been in touch with the coach and some of the players and I know they have been having a tough time with injuries and suspensions so I hope I can help them out and get the team going"

He went on to describe what sort of player he is:

"I am an offensive defenceman and powerplay specialist. I have made my living out of running powerplays. I feel I am good at reading the play and being in the right position. I just do all the little things right"

The signing leaves significant question marks over a number of the Stingrays current squad, particularly the defencemen that have allowed netminder Tommy Sandahl's goal to be breached so frequently.

They, particularly favourite to leave Pavel Gomenyuk and Stephen Burns, are now left fighting for their jobs ahead of Sanford's arrival next weekend and Jorde's return to action in around a month.

Cloutier gets tough; new defenceman incoming

Sylvain Cloutier has today put out a stark warning to his current squad: shape up or ship out.

The Canadian, who has seen his side lose seven of their opening eight games, announced to the Hull Daily Mail that he is in the process of signing a new defenceman to guard the ever impressive Tommy Sandahl in the Rays net, whilst Ryan Jorde recovers from a broken arm.

The revelation that he will sign a new blueliner comes with strong words to his current squad, the 35 year old coach said:

"I know the guys who care and the guys who are here just for a ride. Those things are going to be addressed and we are going to make sure we bring guys in who want to be here.

"Hopefully that will send a message to some of the guys that they can't get comfortable...We are not going to accept being in last place and lose hockey games and just go through the motions."

With Jorde out, and with Cloutier bringing in a new defenceman during his layoff, the commitment questions are being firmly laid at the door of current D men Stephen Burns and Pavel Gomenyuk, although it is still feasible that those question marks are over an import forward.

If that were the case, Cloutier would have to re-shuffle his pack by releasing said forward and keep tough guy Adam Knight up front, where he has produced some decent performances so far this season.

In what is a clear message for his side to improve following a bad run of form, Cloutier believes that the defenceman will be one of the best in the country, therefore implying that this is not a temporary signing and that he will be staying in Hull once Jorde returns to the lineup in early November.

"There is a defenceman coming in and if that doesn't send a message to anybody to pick up their game… he is going to be a number one or number two defenceman in this league and hopefully the paperwork will go through this week and we can get him after next weekend."

Very early speculation suggests that James Sanford, a 5'10 D man from Alma, New Brunswick, has signed for the side after his agents website announced he would be joining an unnamed EIHL club.

The 25 year old, who last season played 24 games in the ECHL with Utah and seven games in the AHL with the Chicago, had initially joined HYS Den Haag in the Dutch capital this season before they were forced to release him, as one of their highest played players, for poor performance.

A former Canadian junior international at under 18 level and prolific scorer at junior level in the QMJHL, with over 170 points in 200 plus games, in 2004 he signed a two-way contract with the NHL's Montreal Canadiens and he would significantly improve the Rays rearguard options, providing them with a clear number one at the back.

This seemingly unexpected move has been taken by Cloutier to shake things up and to get the side performing after a torrid couple of games in Elite League and Challenge Cup action, including a 9-2 thrashing at the hands of the Edinburgh Capitals.

With Adam Knight and Curtis Huppe set to return on Saturday against that same Edinburgh, and with Lee Mitchell well on the road to recovery, the, as yet, unnamed player could join the team a week on Saturday, forcing the current squad into a month long scrap for jobs before the return of Jorde.