Stingrays add first defenceman Lovdahl

American defenceman Shane Lovdahl has today become the Hull Stingrays first defensive signing ahead of the 12/13 Elite Ice Hockey League campaign.

The 28 year old, left shooting blueliner joins the club after spending all three professional season's with the Illinois based Quad City Mallards - one in the International Hockey League and the last two in the Central Hockey League, where he iced alongside former Rays agitator Jason Kostadine.

A former junior champion and top goalscoring and pointscoring defenceman in the United States Hockey League - where he spent three years with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders between 2002 and 2005, lifting the Clark Cup in 04/05 - the Alaska native notched three goals, ten assists and just 22 penalty minutes in 59 games in the CHL last term.

After starting his junior career in the USHL, he returned to Alaska and his hometown of Anchorage in the summer of 2005 - icing in NCAA Div I while studying Management at the University of Alaska - Anchorage. Following four years in the NCAA, the 6ft blueliner ended his hometown stint with eight goals and 33 points in 110 games.

Additionally, Lovdahl also spent the summer of 2010 in the Australia Ice Hockey League with the Adelaide Adrenaline scoring 13 goals and 29 points in 25 games 'Down Under'.

Stingrays coach Sylvain Cloutier calls Lovdahl an "all-around defenceman", adding:

"Shane is a solid defenceman who is a competitor and works extremely hard. He had three great years in Quad City and put up some decent numbers for a defenceman. He is extremely good in his own zone, he battles, he competes every shift and that it what I was looking for."

One thing Lovdahl admits he is not, is an out and out fighter - stating in a 2009 interview to the Quad City Times that "if it's for the team or sticking up for a guy then I'll fight" - having having dropped the gloves on only 16 occasions in more than 450 career game.

Nevertheless, just a couple of months after the interview it is perhaps worth noting he fought Muskegon Lumberjacks right wing John DiPace in a heat-of-the-moment bout:

Given his previous numbers it's highly unlikely Lovdahl - who has become the Rays fifth import signing of the summer - is being brought to the table to provide offence or, despite the above clip, toughness. Much more likely is that his constant and solid presence in his own defensive end will provide Stingrays rookie EIHL netminder Ben Bowns the kind of support that Christian Boucher was not afforded at times last season.

His addition appears to come very much in the mold of former defenceman Stephen Burns - who, himself, impressed during his cut-short season long stay in Hull during 09/10 after a similarly low scoring season in the CHL.

Burns - who, it is thought, came close to agreeing to a return to Hull last season - hit two goals, six assists and 94 penalty minutes in 55 games during his sole season in CHL at Rio Grande after four years in the NCAA and - on paper - Lovdahl compares very well with the former defenceman - who recorded four goals and 16 points in 62 games in the EIHL.

The confirmed departures of standout defencemen Dmitri Rodin and Sam McCluskey and all but confirmed departure of Martin Ondrej mean Lovdahl may be the first of a number of new defensive signings with only captain Kurtis Dulle rumoured to be returning.

Two former EIHL defencemen linked to the club in recent weeks are Jeff Smith and Tomas Valecko. Smith - a former ECHL and AHLer - spent last season in The Hague in Holland, a year after his time at the Coventry Blaze was cut short to just 11 games through injury, meanwhile Slovakian Valecko hit eight goals and 31 assists with the Edinburgh Capitals last season.

It is believed further announcements are imminent with Cloutier confirming to the Hull Daily Mail that he has already all but completed his squad for the 12/13 campaign.

Coburn shock departure confirmed as Stingrays turnover continues

Excel Hull Stingrays coach Sylvain Cloutier yesterday confirmed in the Hull Daily Mail that Andrew Coburn, the club's rookie revelation last season, will not return for a second year in Hull.

Instead - having joined the Rays last summer from the University of Alabama - Huntsville hockey programme - the Mount Forest, Ontario native looks set to end his professional hockey career by likely retiring after an outstanding single season in which he recorded 20 goals and 42 assists for 62 points in 61 games just 61 games.

Cloutiers confirmation that Coburn, named the Rays most improved player, will not pull on the blue and yellow again - despite a "pretty good offer" from the Stingrays - brings the total number of confirmed departures this summer to six, with Matti Uusivirta taking, at the very least, a season out of the sport, Konstantin Kalmikov now all but officially confirmed as leaving the club following a poor showing last year and enforcer turned forward Jozef Sladok likewise also on his way out.

Departed: Uusivirta, Kalmikov, Sladok

With the club opting for a four defenceman, five forward import line-up, there remains just one forward spot to fill after the confirmed offensive foreign quota signings of Dominic Osman, Frantisek Bakrlik, Jason Silverthorn, Jereme Tendler and Cloutier himself, who will suit up for possibly the final year of his career.

Having initially whittled his shortlist down to five players, in the last week the Rays player-coach further narrowed his search for that final spot down to just two players, one new to the UK and one with previous experience in the country.

The pair - both of whom are said to have put up "some numbers" in the past - will likely join the club in an all-around third line role, similar to the one many expected standout forward Coburn to be last summer.

While it will be hoped the new signing will follow in his footsteps and out-do all expectations, Cloutier believes the club is largely set for offensive output with all signed-up import forwards capable, he thinks, of hitting the 20 to 30 goal mark.

The Stingrays are not likely to confirm the identity of the new signing until, at the earliest, next week, however, speculation has already linked the club to former Stingray Jason Kostadine and controversial former NHLer Mike Danton.

Kostadine in 07/08

Hard working agitator Kostadine - who had a career year in 08/09 in Hull netting eight goals and 15 assists in 54 games - fits into the hardworking bracket, although whether his pointscoring exploits last time out in the EIHL, not even good enough for less than half a point per game, would tick the box marked "has put up points previously" remains to be seen. He has since put up just four goals, 14 points and a massive 328 PIM's over two seasons and 125 games between the IHL and CHL, though admittedly the American was a very effective agitator and became a fan favourite at the Hull Arena two years ago.

Danton has a complex history, after being drafted into the NHL by New Jersey in 2000 he recorded 34 points in 69 AHL games  and 14 points in 87 NHL games but was jailed in 04/05 for conspiracy to commit murder.

He made a comeback to the sport following his release from jail in just 09/10 with Canadian college Saint Mary's University and returned there last season, excelling both on and off-ice. He recently stated a desire to take up an opportunity to play in Europe and - having played with 'Clouts' in Albany in 2000/01 - pure speculation turned to him signing in Hull.

The potential negative publicity caused by adding Danton to the roster would likely nullify this rumour as a no-goer but the 30 year old is highly likely to show up in Europe in the near future with Hull or the EIHL a likely destination. Provided he could obtain a work permit to play in the country given his criminal record, the Elite League would be traditionally be ideal territory for such a player to make a return to the professional game as NHL legend Theo Fleury did in 05/06.

Admittedly it may be highly unlikely that Kostadine or Danton will suit up in Hull colours next year, particularly the latter. However, one thing is for sure, the hole left by Coburn is sizeable and his replacement may have to be more than the all-around role player that Cloutier expects of him, especially given the importance of the role imports play in the UK and the lack of offence often attributed to low budget sides.

Kostadine signs in the IHL

Gritty forward and fan favourite, Jason Kostadine, has left the Excel Hull Stingrays and will next season ice for the Port Huron Ice Hawks in the International Hockey League (IHL), effectively North America's fifth tier of ice hockey, after a year in East Yorkshire.

The 27 year old came to the Stingrays with a label as a tough agitator and in his year long spell in Europe surpassed all expectations which had originally suggested that his role on the team would be restricted to the physical side of the game.

Whilst Kostadine became one of the most entertaining players to don the Rays colours, as well as also being one of most effective wind up merchants in the British game, he also produced unexpected career best figures of 13 goals, 16 assists for 29 points in 60 games, more than doubling his professional career points totals.

Away from his offensive production he was noticeably active in the defensive end and his continuous forecheck made a nice change to a Stingrays forward line that, under Rick Strachan, was notoriously conservative in its lack of gung ho style. When messrs Kozak and Bernier were at the team, providing some physical back up, he was put to good use, however once those two departed there was nowhere for him to hide.

Nevertheless some of his sparring matches, particularly against Nottingham, and their large fanbase, provided good entertainment and usually whipped the Hull Arena into a frenzy.

He came to Europe in search of a chance to prove himself as a player who could agitate after years of bouncing around the ECHL as an out and out agitator, limited to a couple of minutes a game.

Rick Strachan gave him that chance in Hull and he grabbed it with two hands, with a surprising offensive production and very few sub-par performances, Kostadine did the hard work game in and game out and in the end was a valuable asset for a team that once again failed to make the playoffs.

The end of Rick Strachan's reign as coach saw to the end of Kostadine as a Stingray, but the endearing memory of him will be his ability to rile other teams, often resulting in a penalty for the opposing side and always resulting in an entertaining encounter.

Playing in Europe last season was a great experience, but I wanted to be closer to home and Port Huron was a great fit.

He will now return to North America with Port Huron, but he departs Hull safe in the knowledge that he has proved his worth as a hockey player.

Photos Courtesy: Arthur Foster

Hull Stingrays 2008-2009 Season Review: Up Front

Forwards

Lee Mitchell (60GP 9+25=34 46PIM)- It has been yet another solid year of improvement for developing British forward, Mitchell (above). Handed extra responsibilities this season, the 22 year old responded with a series of good performances that have seen him catapulted into contention for a Great Britain debut in the upcoming World Championships in Poland. He is another player that had a career year, not only points wise, but also performance wise, and should be a shoe in for a spot on the Stingrays roster next term.
Grade: C+
Should he return? Yes

Jason Kostadine (60GP 13+16 137PIM)- Kostadine was signed as a chippy agitator that would be backed with brute force from the likes of Rick Kozak and Jonathan Bernier. Despite both Bernier and Kozak leaving the team, he did not stop playing his natural game, however he was instead forced to back up his words with his fists. Remembered for his love-hate, but mostly hate, relationship with the Nottingham Panthers and their fans, Kostadine also chipped in with sporadic periods of offence. After playing limited roles in North America, he achieved career high figures and his hustle was very useful in turning games in favour of the Rays. Fights with a number of British players began to earn him a reputation for targeting the home grown talent, but with names such as Brad Cruikshank, Steve Munn and Kevin Bergin on his fight card, it is clear that he was not a soft nut to crack.
Grade: C
Should he return? No
Jeff Glowa (60GP 33+29=62 48PIM)- When no one thought Jeff Glowa (above) could get any better, he did. The Canadian, whose dedication to the team is unopposed, had another career year in the Elite League with an astonishing 33 of the Stingrays 154 goals in the league. He will surely have his shirt retired by the club when he eventually retires, after five seasons of unquestioned dedication, skill and goals galore. The big question on the lips of all Stingrays supporters is, will he return after yet another season of playoff drought?
Grade: A
Should he return? Yes

Matt Reynolds (51GP 22+33=55 52PIM)- Reynolds was expected to come in a do a good job offensively for the Stingrays and he did exactly that. Without sparkling, Reynolds picked up a point a game and a credible 22 goals in his maiden season in the UK and finally provided the Stingrays with an offensive alternative way from Jeff Glowa. His trademark became shooting, and scoring, from the most acute angles, something he did live on Sky Sports in the first weekend of the season against Davis Parley and the Nottingham Panthers. A broken finger interrupted his season and clearly ended any sort of form he had prior to January 17, but he returned to give the Stingrays 11 points in their ten game run in to a failed playoff qualification.
Grade: B+
Should he return? Yes

Slava Koulikov (39GP 8+22=30 18PIM)- Koulikov is a contentious issue amongst Stingrays fans and this season did nothing to sway the demand for the Russian born Brit to be let go. After starting the season seemingly in form and having turned a corner, he suffered a shattered collarbone that would eventually see him sit out two months of the season. He returned the player of previous years, a player that looked lazy and disinterested, and that earned him much criticism from the teams fan base. Despite this criticism, sometimes deserved, sometimes not, he scored 30 points in 39 games, and ended the season on an impressive eight points in four games at a crucial time in the season.
Grade: C-
Should he return? Yes

James Cooke (60GP 3+10=13 14PIM)- Cooke had an quiet start to the season, making just a few mistakes whilst not particularly endearing himself to the fans. But with growing confidence, an inform line mate and, following the injury crisis, an import line mate, Cooke began playing well as the season drew to a close. Although his skating style is a little awkward and his puck handling isn't that of Wayne Gretzky, he works hard and plays the role of defensive forward well. Most importantly he ended the season with a nice goal and two assists against Edinburgh and hopefully that confidence will carry over to the 09/10 season.
Grade: C-
Should he return? Yes
Lee Esders (60GP 11+10=21 16PIM)- One of the highlights of the season was seeing a young, developing hometown Esders (above), turn into a brilliant prospect, brimming with confidence. Like Cooke, he started the season quietly, with just the continuous chants of 'Ezzy, Ezzy, Ezzy' to remind you of his presence, but before long he put in some brilliant, but responsible, individual performances. With increased ice time following two injuries to Jamie Thompson, he grabbed the chance to make a name for himself, scoring ten points in the seasons final eight games. A remarkable achievement, and one that will hopefully see push him forward as a real British prospect, despite not making an of the GB junior teams.
Grade: B+
Should he return? Yes
Konstantin Kalmikov (48GP 25+24 4PIM)- Kalmikov is one of the most skillful players to have ever played in Hull, and certainly the most skilled to have donned the Stingrays colours. He was not named offensive player of the season ahead of Jeff Glowa and Matt Reynolds for no reason. His shot was a sight to behold, whether it be a snapshot, a quickly released wristshot from the slot or a one timed slap shot from the point on the powerplay. As Rick Strachan put it, he has an NHL calibre shot and this provided the team with another capable scorer. He very seldomly went missing offensively for the Stingrays, although he crucially disappeared in the teams penultimate, and must win game of the season, when challenged by a physical Cardiff Devils side. Nevertheless, Kalmikov is up there with Minard, Wray and Cabana as one of the best players to ice for the six year old Stingrays.
Grade: A-
Should he return? Yes

Jamie Thompson (30GP 9+2=11 16PIM)- Thompson had massive boots to fill in replacing the brilliant, but controversial, Rick Kozak. Boots that, six months later, he failed to fill in a big way. A couple of massive hits aside, including on peach on Cardiff defenceman Jason Stone which left the rest of the Devils chasing him around the rink, Thompson provided little to the Stingrays when, realistically, he should have given them a fourth consistent scorer, something he was signed to do. A concussion and neck injury did not help him improve on some discouraging performances, and he ended a poor season on the sidelines.
Grade: D
Should he return? No

MIA

Rick Kozak (4GP 3+1=4 31PIM)- Had he not left then the Stingrays season may have turned out a lot differently. As it is, he received a ten game ban in his first competitive game for the club and followed Jake Riddle out of the door in very suspicious circumstances. Despite being the clubs franchise signing in the summer and one of the most anticipated players in Stingrays history, he and the Packs decided to mutually terminate his contract after an impressive pair of games in pre-season and after sticking together during his lengthy ban.
Grade: D
Should he return? Yes

Jake Riddle (9GP 2+2 52PIM)- Riddle received a second chance last season after a poor season and he recieved a third chance to returned to the Stingrays this season. However he once again failed to repay the faith showed in him with a string of indiscipline, both on and off the ice, that lead to him rightly being shown the door.
Grade: D-
Should he return? No

Craig Elliot (1GP 0+0=0 0PIM) Elliot, like Davies, came in on a one game contract to gain experience in a pointless cup game against Manchester. After being called up to the Great Britain's U18 squad, Elliot was impressive in his first team debut and should return to the Stingrays next season with the hope of following in Lee Esders footsteps.
Grade: C+
Should he return? Yes

Matt Davies (1GP 0+0=0 0PIM)- Davies was the one that got away. A former Hull junior, who was expected to have a good chance in the game, was overlooked by coach Rick Strachan, forcing Davies to look elsewhere for his hockey. On a one game contract, his youthful exuberance impressed Strachan and his points in the EPL suggest that he does still have a good future in the game.
Grade: C+
Should he return? Yes

*Photos courtesy Arthur Foster

Strachan names his assistants

As expected coach Rick Strachan has named Russian born Brit, Slava Koulikov, as one of his two assistant coaches for the upcoming 08/09 season, which begins on Saturday with the visit of the Manchester Phoenix.

29 year old netminder Curtis Cruickshank has taken the other assistant coaches role after a 5 year career in British hockey, spanning from Nottingham, Newcastle to Basingstoke and now Hull.

The on ice captaincy has been handed to returning 38 year old defenceman Troy Neumeier, with the alternate captains being given to last seasons captain, Jeff Glowa, and new boy Jason Kostadine.

Strachan had this to say about his new on-ice management and captaincy:

"I think three heads are better than one. They [Koulikov and Cruickshank] are both senior guys and have been around. They know the game. With Curtis being a goalie he can see the whole picture from the ice. As a forward, Slava will give us a different perspective. Feedback from everyone is very important, especially for me."

"Troy has played 1,000 professional games. He's a well-respected, senior guy. He has all the qualities needed. He's very level-headed and doesn't get over-excited. He's seen it all, done it all and will make an excellent captain."

This move will give the Stingrays three avenues of thought for tactics, player lineups and other on ice details, and is likely to please a small section of Stingrays fans who have grown tired of Strachans tactics over the past few years. As Strachan says himself "three heads are better than one" and some new ideas, which will inevitable be thrown into the mix by Cruickshank and Koulikov will do nothing but help the team.

The additional of Neumeier as captain will help the Stingrays on so many levels. Neumeier is not only a brilliant defenceman (ok a little devoid of pace at 38), but he will put the squad into place both on and off the ice. Jeff Glowa will be reluctant to give up the captaincy however with him taking the alternate captain badge, the Stingrays will have twice the experience to rely on, meanwhile Jason Kostadine is likely to be the alternate captain who sets an example with his relentless work ethic and constant checking.

Kost of Rankin leaving is minimised.

It has now been confirmed that Rob Rankin turned down both the Excel Hull Stingrays and Swedish side Olofstroms IK in order to join Newcastle Vipers for his second season in Britain and the EIHL.

Rankin recorded 24 goal, assists 33 for 57 points in his maiden season with the Stingrays and was undeniably one of the best and most consistent performers on the team.

Meanwhile gritty, tough forward Jason Konstadine signs for his first stint in Britain after spending 4 years in the ECHL. He was drafted in the 8th round of the 2002 NHL Draft by Chicago Blackhawks and recorded 96 PIMs in 30 games late last season with the Bakersfield Condors after starting the season with the Augusta Lynx. He will be expected to provide energy, grit and some much needed toughness to a Stingrays side that has often lacked toughness in its first three seasons on the EIHL. It sparks the beginning of what could be a much much tougher side next term as it is expected coach Rick Strachan will opt to go with aggression and entertainment in order to bring more fans through the doors.

Trull Vs Kostadine