Tendler becomes Stingrays all-time leading goalscorer in narrow Challenge Cup defeat

Hull Stingrays 4-6 Nottingham Panthers (Challenge Cup)

Forward Jereme Tendler tonight notched a goal to become the Hull Stingrays all-time leading goalscorer but was unable to help his side defeat the Nottingham Panthers in the Challenge Cup as they lost out 6-4 in a tight affair.

With Nottingham - the reigning Challenge Cup champions - already qualified for the Quarter Final stage and the Stingrays all but guaranteed an early exit, the game was something of a dead rubber.

Indeed, the Panthers rested starting netminder Craig Kowalski and forward Lynn Loyns ahead of the start of their Continental Cup campaign, while the Stingrays were without Derek Campbell following his release and suspension last week and Jeff Smith - who received an automatic one-game ban for the match penalty he received in Saturday's victory over Fife.

Facing Nottingham back-up netminder Dan Green, the Stingrays immediately set about testing the British stopper with a series of early shots. Having put in a number of shaky performances in Hull in the past, Green's confidence grew early on as the Rays applied that pressure thanks to two early powerplay opportunities.

The Panthers soon after got their own first powerplay chance of the evening thanks to a Kyle Mariani tripping penalty and they duly and clinically converted for a 1-0 lead. David Clarke picking up a loose pass that had been fired across the Stingrays net before instinctively firing the puck goal bound with Rays netminder Ben Bowns stretching but unable to deny his fellow GB international on 8.19.

An immediate response followed from the Stingrays though as an awful giveaway from Panthers British defenceman Tom Norton gifted the puck to Rays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier - who made no mistake levelling the scores less than 30 seconds later with his first of the season.

Guillaume Doucet then gave the Stingrays a somewhat surprise lead on 10.04, rushing into the zone two-on-two before picking his spot perfectly over the shoulder of Green.

Nottingham responded by controlling the play five-on-five for long periods of the first period with Leigh Salters and the always impressive Matt Francis using a combination of speed and strength to keep the pressure on the Rays in their own end.

The home side did eventually break up the pressure and a great shift from Cloutier on rangy Panthers defenceman Brent Henley eventually forced a great chance for Tendler close in front only for Joonas Saari to deny the opportunity with a clever, perfectly timed infraction.

On the ensuing powerplay the Stingrays were again gifted possession thanks to some sloppy Panthers defending. That allowed a two-on-one Stingrays break only for utility player Mariani to fire his one-timer wide when presented with a gaping net and when it seemed easier to score.

Such is the cruelty of sport, while the Stingrays were ruing a miss that would have put them two goals to the good heading into the first intermission, the Panthers broke and leveled the score through defenceman Chris Murray with less than 30 seconds to play in the period.

The thoroughly enjoyable, 'nothing' game opened up somewhat in the second period as the visitors piled on the pressure five-on-five, only for the Stingrays to determinedly counter-attack - albeit much of the time to little or no effect with a lack of numbers evidently hurting their depth.

The biggest chance of what was a penalty strewn secondperiod for the Rays - with Martin Ondrej picking up a ten minute misconduct for abuse of an official when disputing an earlier call - again fell to Cloutier - who shot his one-timer the wrong side of the post when left open shorthanded.

Former Hull Thunder forward Jonathan Weaver would then give the Panthers a deserved second period lead on 31.43, firing home a point shot on a well oiled Nottingham powerplay for a 3-2 lead.

As the period wore down Jason Silverthorn - who registered a two point night and four point weekend - broke through one-on-one on Dan Green only to be denied by the British netminder - who stopped 23 or 27 shots on the night.

Though there had already been noticeable improvements in the opening two periods from the Stingrays on recent weeks, they further stepped their game up in the third period and took the game to the away side.

It took them just 40 seconds of the third period to equalise on a penalty taken by Salters late in the second with a rebound from a Silverthorn pointshot falling to that man Tendler.

Picking the rebound up in an awkward position almost with his back to net, Tendler backhanded the puck goal bound, beating Green for his fifth goal in five consecutive games and, more significantly, his 139th goal in 181 games in Hull Stingrays colours.

That goal put daylight between Tendler and former fan favourite Jeff Glowa - on 138 goals - to make the the Saskatchewan native the Stingrays all-time leading goal scorer.

Not only has Tendler broken the record but he has done so in a significantly shorter period, hitting the mark in 181 games and three and a quarter seasons as opposed to Glowa's 304 games - still a Stingrays record - and six seasons.

Stingrays All-Time Leading Goalscorers 

1. Jereme Tendler - 139 (181 games)

2. Jeff Glowa - 138 (304 games)

3. Jason Silverthorn - 96 (227 games)

4. Konstantin Kalmikov - 78 (166 games)

5. Slava Koulikov - 66 (227 games)

*Source: Elite Prospects

Ignoring the record, the Panthers struck back less than two minutes later as Brandon Benedict was left unmarked in the slot on the powerplay to polish off another well worked powerplay goal as they went three-for-six on the man advantage on the night.

The Stingrays would hit the post through Guillaume Doucet before finding their third and final equaliser of the night.

Having been caught by a stick mid-ice on what he believed should've been an infraction, Carl Lauzon - who, it has to be said, has so far struggled in his early Stingrays career - determinedly skated through the Panthers with speed but at relative ease and coolly slotted home for a powerplay goal that leveled the score at 4-4.

The goal is just Lauzon's second in nine games for the Stingrays, however, more is expected from a player that has consistently been a top scorer in the French top flight over the last three seasons.

Shortly after tying the score, Lauzon and fellow French-Canadian Doucet broke through two-on-one only to be denied a sure-fire goal thanks to a perfectly timed block from the Panthers last defenceman that prevented the puck finding Lauzon at the back post.

After missing a number of big chances throughout the game, the Stingrays were made to pay by the powerful and clinical Panthers in the last ten minutes - despite outplaying them for periods in the third.

Stingrays captain Matt Suderman initially thwarted a charge at the net by Panthers forward Salters, only for his poke-check to force the puck into the path of experienced centre Bob Wren - who fired home the Panthers fifth of the evening and eventual game winning goal.

The goal broke the Stingrays determined spirit with seven minutes to play and, in a subdued final five minutes, Salters would eventually get his goal with just over two minutes to play.

The victory all-but clinches Challenge Cup Group B for the Panthers and eliminates the Stingrays from quarter final contention with three games yet to play.

Despite that and the end result on the night, there are undoubtedly positives to take from the Stingrays performance both tonight and the 4-1 win over Fife last night.

There has been a noted improvement in performance and desire over the last week - perhaps partially a case of fighting against the adversity caused by last weekend's Derek Campbell incident.

Regardless of why, the Stingrays must maintain that momentum heading into next weekend as the Dundee Stars return to the Hull Arena less than two weeks after the Campbell incident.

FBB Three Stars

1. Omar Pacha (0+1)

2. Martin Ondrej (0+0)

3. Guillaume Doucet (1+0)

Jeff 'Mr Hull Stingrays' Glowa departs after six years

Jeff Glowa, the Excel Hull Stingrays club captain, fan favourite and all time leading goal and pointscorer, has officially left the club and joined English Premier League club Peterborough Phantoms, where former Stingrays netminder Curtis Cruickshank was recently appointed head coach.


The 34 year old, who is three years older than his new coach, leaves the Stingrays on good terms after racking up a club record 294 league appearances in which he registered 136 goals, 169 assists and 305 points.

He joined the club in 04/05, in what would be the final year of the British National League, after seasons in the Central Hockey League, World Hockey Association 2 and German Oberliga, and he immediately clicked with both fans and former team mate Dru Burgess as well as impressive new line mate Scott Wray helping the Stingrays to their best ever start to a season. 


Unfortunately, like many players before and since, Wray controversially quit the team for debatable reasons and the wheels came off the wagon as the Rays title hopes fell off towards the end of the season, however, Glowa remained loyal to the team, as he did for the next five years, eventually hitting 35 points in 33 games.


The Rays and new captain Glowa were forced into the EPL, the league he will be joining next season, for just a year in 05/06 and the Calgary born forward excelled, as it is expected he will do next year, scoring 40 goals and adding 35 assists in 46 games as the Rays fell short in both the league and playoffs.


While the team fell short of expectations in both of his opening seasons, Glowa's commitment, never say die attitude and point scoring ability remained, making him particularly popular with the Hull Arena faithful.


Despite his obvious ability, Glowa seemed to systematically re-sign in Hull year-on-year in spite of offers elsewhere and in the hope that better things were around the corner.


Four seasons, 215 games and 195 points in the EIHL later and all Glowa would have to show for his time in Hull would be a Yorkshire Cup victory over the Sheffield Steelers and a memorable pre-season P&O Cup victory over Tilburg and Nottingham. He would register a multi point night on the penultimate night of the season, hitting two goals and two assists in the comprehensive win over Newcastle, and he would follow that up by scoring his final goal for the Rays in the final game of the regular season, a 3-2 loss to Cardiff.


The most impressive thing about Glowa's time in the Elite League with the Rays is not his 31 goals in 54 games in 08/09, although that in itself is an incredible feat considering he was consistently in a bottom two side, but the fact that he missed just one single league game in four years. That, taking into account the Stingrays chronic injury problems since their move from the EPL and Glowa's natural style of play, which works on the motto "leave it all out on the ice", is a miracle and a testament to the man himself. A captain for five of his six years, he is Mr Hull Stingrays.


For whatever reason, be it the supposed lighter workload of the semi-professional English Premier League for an aging player, a lack of contract offer from the Rays and Sylvain Cloutier, the chance to win in the EPL or a great offer from former teammate Cruickshank, the clubs greatest player, in all senses of the word, will now depart for pastures new.


It is somewhat comforting that he departed at the same high level of play that he spent all his years with the Rays playing at, and that in no way did his play noticeably deteriorate to the point that fans did not appreciate the considerable time, effort and ability that he put into the club.

He will now link up with both Cruickshank and James Hutchinson, who returned to Peterborough from Hull after a tough time in the EIHL last year, and it is hoped, by many fans, that a pre-season game between the clubs can be set up so they can give Glowa the send off he deserves.


Of course, for that to happen the Stingrays have to make it to the start line in the first place. Rumours have quickly spread that the teams main sponsor Excel Laminating, who have been the club since their year of inception, have withdrawn their sponsorship of the club, thought to be around £50,000 a year. 


That is the suggested reason for the lack of news or player announcements from the club with any potential new title or main sponsor, if there are any in the offing, likely to want to their investment to be maximised via publicity of the club and signings. All will be revealed with Mike Pack promising to the Hull Daily Mail that "things will become clearer tonight" at the Stingrays fans forum (7.30pm), stay tuned.

Mizerek to ignite Rays off-season?

Veteran defenceman Joshua Mizerek looks set to become the Excel Hull Stingrays first signing of the 2010 post-season after his former side, HYS Den Haag in the Dutch Eredivisie, announced he had rejected a contract offer from the Dutch capital in order to sign in England with the Stingrays.

The 32 year old American, who captained his side last term and also stepped in as coach for a number of weeks, is a good bet to replace club legend Jeff Glowa as captain at the Stingrays with the evergreen Canadian expected to leave the club this summer, possibly for another EIHL rival, after six years in Hull.

Mizerek's signing will likely be made official in the coming weeks alongside a number of other recent signings, whose announcement has been delayed by Stingrays owners Mike and Sue Pack for an, as yet, unspecified reason.

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.

Gaisins to fill in for Stingrays

Sylvain Cloutier has made former team mate of Martins Raitums, Aivars Gaisins, the Excel Hull Stingrays 15th and final import signing for the 09/10 Elite League season just a day before the transfer window closes.

Latvian defenceman Gaisins, 27, has been training with the Stingrays all season after moving to live and work in the city earlier in the year and he will deputise as a forward tomorrow night against Coventry in place of Jeff Glowa, who suffered what is thought to be his second concussion of the season in the shootout victory over the Devils following a check from Max Birbraer.

The former Latvian international, who stands at 6'2, played on the same ASK Ogre side in the Belarusian top flight as keeper Raitums, where he registered three assists and 79 penalty minutes in 22 games as a defenceman.

His career year came 04/05, when, icing for ASK Ogre in the Latvian league, he netted five times and added seven assists in 27 games from the blueline, however, Sylvain Cloutier has other ideas for Gaisins. He said:

"Aivars is going to be excited about playing. He asked me at the start of the season if he could play for us and now he's finally got his chance. He's a strong, stay-at-home defenceman, but I think I'll play him on the wing."

Gaisins becomes the Excel Hull Stingrays 15th and final import signing of the season and, once Glowa returns from injury, Sylvain Cloutier will have 11 imports to chose from for a 10 import match night roster.

His signature gives the Stingrays cover up front following Shaun Thompson's departure and Glowa's injury, which, being his second concussion of the season, could see him sit out for a significant length of time as a precaution.

It also gives coach Cloutier options in defence should any of his six defencemen suffer injuries or fatigue in the run in to the Stingrays first appearance in the Elite League playoffs.

With Gaisins in the lineup, the Stingrays now travel to the Cloutier's former club Coventry tomorrow night looking for their fourth win on the bounce in a game which the Blaze will celebrate their 10th anniversary.

Stingray news

Glowa injury fears allayed

Stingrays captain Jeff Glowa should lineup this weekend in the Rays fixtures against Edinburgh, in the Elite League, and Coventry, in the Challenge Cup.

The 33 year old was injured early in the Stingrays hectic fixture in Wales on Sunday night after a Tylor Michel check, which was penalised with a 2+10 for checking from behind, left him with the early effects of concussion.

Although perhaps not 100% fit, Glowa is confident that the injury won't be enough to keep himself out of this weekends games.

He said: "After it happened I had a headache and wobbly legs and didn't think it was safe to go back out there. I did not feel comfortable. I am going to skate today and I will have a couple of visits to the chiropractor but it shouldn't keep me out of next weekend."

Further suspensions pending

After the unsavoury events that marred the end of the Stingrays 5-2 Challenge Cup loss in Cardiff on Sunday night, coach Sylvain Cloutier is awaiting further news from the Elite League regarding the suspensions of at least one of his squad.

Cardiff v Stingrays, Sunday night incident

Whilst Adam Knight and Cardiff's Brad Voth will automatically sit out their next two games (v Edinburgh and in Coventry for Knight), as a result of receiving a double match penalties in the final minutes of the game, speculation suggests Curtis Huppe may also receive a ban for his actions in the brawl.

Cloutier said, "both teams played hard, it was very competitive, it was intense and stuff happened in the heat of the moment. I don't want to say too much but we will have to wait to see what the league say."

The Elite Leangue are currently holding an investigation into the incident, to review whether further punishment is required and their findings are expected within the next week.

Both sides have previous with regards to opening weekend incidents. In the Rays first away game last season, Rick Kozak was banned for a total of ten games after he left Nottingham's Marc Levers needing stitches in his forehead, whilst Voth was involved with Sheffield's Andrew Sharp on the same day last season and received a 12 game suspension.

Mitchell goes under the knife

Forward Lee Mitchell will undergo surgery on his troublesome right knee tomorrow. The Brit, entering his fifth season with the Stingrays, has been kept out of action for the team so far this season after feeling pain in the knee during early pre-season training sessions.

The injury, which was feared to be ligament damage, was confirmed as a tear on his meniscus after an MRI scan last week and is likely to keep him out of action for at least another week. That time frame, however, does look optimistic given that he was forced to sit an extended period of time a year and a half ago with an injury to the same knee.

Five goal weekend seals player of the week for Kalmikov

Coming of the back of a weekend in which the Rays split two highly fought and controversial games with the Cardiff Devils, one player stood out for all the right reasons.

Konstantin Kalmikov has started this season as he finished the last...in form, scoring five of the Stingrays six goals in the doubler header, including a hat-trick on Saturday night to steal the team's first win of the season.

The Ukrainian forward last season netted 25 times in 48 games and won the player of the week award for the first time in mid-January. He continues to push his case as one of the Stingrays purest ever finishers and one of the best players in the team's five year existence, his goalscoring exploits will have to continue if the team is to be successful this year.

Glowa re-named captain

Evergreen Canadian forward Jeff Glowa has been handed the club captaincy for the Excel Hull Stingrays 09/10 season. Meanwhile fellow long term Stingrays, Ukrainian defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk and British forward Lee Mitchell, were also rewarded for their loyalty to the club with the alternate captain badges.

Glowa, who is entering his six season in Hull and leads the club in games, goals, assists and points, is coming of the back of a career year, where he scored 33 goals and 29 assists in 60 games, in a season where he also held the title of captain. Meanwhile Mitchell and Gomenyuk have both spent four seasons with the club and have been two of the team's most consistent performers during that time.

Coach Sylvain Cloutier spoke to the official Hull Stingrays website about his captaincy decisions:

On Glowa:

"Having played against Jeff before I know exactly what type of player he is. He is a leader, a very good two-way player and a guy you know will battle for 60 minutes. He is the complete package.

On Gomenyuk:

"Pash is another leader and someone the guys listen to. He also wants the club to be successful and he will help the younger guys.

On Mitchell

"Mitch has been knocking on the GB door for a few years now and I believe he can do the same as Russ Cowley, who I played with in Coventry. He had a breakout season and got in the national team and Mitch can do that too."

Mr Hull Stingrays returns for sixth season

Sylvain Cloutier's first move as Excel Hull Stingrays player-coach has been to re-sign lynch pin forward Jeff Glowa for his sixth consecutive season at the club.

33 year old Canadian Glowa, who leads the clubs all time charts in games played, goals, assists and points, has agreed to return after a career year in the Elite League, where he scored 32 goals and 62 points in 60 games, and despite heavy interest from a whole host of clubs.

Cloutier's first move as coach was always going to be a move that was heavily scrutinised but this signing has captured the imagination of the Stingrays fan base and set the tone for the summer, as Glowa has not only been a loyal and hardworking player but also a talented goalscorer in his time at the team. A club statement reiterated his importance:

"We cannot be happier to have a guy like him back. His work ethic and everything about him is quality. He has just had his best season in a Stingrays shirt and we are all hoping he picks up where he left off. We are delighted Jeff has committed his future to the Stingrays and it is a great way to start our team building plans for the new season."

The signing comes off the back of increased speculation that he was looking to leave the club following a third successive failure to qualify for the EIHL playoffs under head coach Rick Strachan. Indeed, there had been significant interest from a number of clubs including Cardiff and Newcastle.

"I did contemplate leaving, more than I have ever done, but after talking to Clouts I believe we are on the same page and I told him things can really work here. There is a real positive feeling about next season already," said Glowa

With Strachan gone and Cloutier signed in his place, a new exciting era has begun for both fans, management and players, and Glowa admitted he was keen to be part of what a new coaching era promised.

"Clouts taking over is just what this organisation needs right now. He is well respected on and off the ice, he is a leader and he is a winner and there are going to be exciting times ahead in Hull. I really do believe the sky is the limit."

Whilst it was a simple decision for Glowa to re-sign once he had spoken with the incoming coach, it was a similarly simple decision for Cloutier to hand a five year veteran Glowa, a deal for next season. He said:

"I wanted Jeff back because he is the leader of the team. He has been in Hull practically since day one of the Stingrays and I feel he will be a key component to our success next season. I am very happy and extremely excited that he is coming back to Hull."

"What I remember about Jeff when I played against him was he was one of the most complete players in the Elite League. He competes every night, and that's the type of work ethic I am looking to build on this season"

Glowa's career stats at the Stingrays currently stand at a club leading 246 games played, 125 goals and 135 assists for 260 points, and it will be hoped that Glowa will be able to build on a career year in the EIHL with the help of player-coach Cloutier, who, in his two seasons in the Elite League, scored 114 points, including 48 goals, in 101 games.

It is his hard work, determination and sheer skill that has seen Glowa become a household name amongst followers of British ice hockey, not only in Hull but around the country. He has been a special player since he first stepped onto the ice with linemates Scott Wray and Dru Burgess for the Stingrays home opener against Milton Keynes in 2004/2005.

Glowa, right, scoring in his first game for the club in 04/05

Whilst Wray quit and Burgess fell short in terms of skill, Glowa's all too familiar characteristics, including loyalty to the club and pure ability, have seen him outlast his former teammates and become a fan favourite at the Hull Arena, something which will now continue for another year at least.

Cloutier's attentions will now likely turn to signing the rest of the squad, but specifically 19 year old British sensation Lee Esders, who has already expressed an interest in a returning to his hometown club.

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

Slonina and Esders dominate end of season awards

The Excel Hull Stingrays rounded off their 08/09 season with their annual end of season dinner at Wok Ever in Hull.

Forward turned defenceman, Steve Slonina, and hometown forward, Lee Esders, both came away with two awards each with Konstantin Kalmikov, Lee Mitchell and Jeff Glowa deservedly picking up further awards.

Esders picked up the coveted fans favourite award and most improved player, to cap off an impressive and encouraging season after scoring 11 goals, including six in the final eight games of the season.

Meanwhile Slonina, who moved from forward to defence after injuries to defencemen Stuart Kerr, Troy Neumeier and Paul Moran, was awarded for his consistently impressive performances from the blueline, with defenceman of the year and fans player of the year, as well as the monthly fans player of the year which saw fans vote him the player of the month for three months in a row.

Jeff Glowa, Lee Mitchell and Konstantin Kalmikov, who all had good years offensively, picked up players player of the year, coaches player of the year and forward of the year respectively.

Excel Hull Stingrays 08/09 Award Winners

Defenceman of the Year: Steve Slonina
Forward of the Year: Konstantin Kalmikov
Fans Favourite: Lee Esders
Most Improved Player: Lee Esders
Fans Player of the Year: Steve Slonina
Coaches Player of the Year: Lee Mitchell
Players Player of the Year: Jeff Glowa

Player of Year (Voted for each month by Stingrays supporters via email and Stingrays forum): Steve Slonina

Stingray news

Player of the week. Player of the season?

Ukrainian forward Konstantin Kalmikov has become the first ever Excel Hull Stingray to receive the Elite League's Player of the Week.

The skillful forward, who joined the Stingrays in late October to replace Jake Riddle, sealed the accolade after scoring two of the Stingrays three goals in the last gasp victory over the second placed Nottingham Panthers, with the game winning goal coming from a penalty shot with just under two minutes remaining in the game.

Kalmikov, who is in his second spell in the UK after icing for the Panthers in 04/05, sits third in the team in goals (15) and points (32) but has played 11 less games than category leaders Jeff Glowa, Steve Slonina and Matt Reynolds.

Glowa joins the All Stars

Jeff Glowa has followed Lee Mitchell into the Southern All Stars squad after being selected by South coach Paul Thompson for the inaugural Elite League All Star Game, to be played in Coventry on February 19th.

Glowa, who last year scored 18 goals in the club's second Elite League season, has already surpassed that mark after scoring 22 in the teams first 41 games, adding 20 assists for a points total of 42. With Mitchell and Glowa already selected, Coventry coach Thompson must pick two more Stingrays to complete the agreed four players per team quota.

Defence returning to health?

Defencemen Stuart Kerr and Troy Neumeier are nearing their return to Elite League action. Whilst Kerr did not feel comfortable after warming up against Nottingham Neumeier is expected to make a surprise early return in the next few weeks after initially being ruled out for the season after a torn knee ligament.

Glowa announced as new captain.

The Excel Hull Stingrays top point and goalscorer, Jeff Glowa, has been promoted to permanent captain of the team, replacing injured defenceman Troy Neumeier.

Glowa, who has 17 goals and 13 assists in 30 games for the club, re-assumes his captaining duties after holding the post last season and will move into his new role ahead of tonight's match up against the Belfast Giants, a team the Stingrays have beaten twice in two games this season.

The move signals the very end of Troy Neumeiers season after speculation had suggested that the torn knee ligament injury was not season ending, despite all the signals indicating that it was. He was due to receive results from an MRI scan on his abductor knee ligament this week and the promotion of Glowa suggests that Neumeier will be out for the remainder of the season.

The move sees Glowa move from assistant captain to his old role of team captain, with 21 year old Scottish forward Lee Mitchell named as Glowa's replacement as alternate captain.

Meanwhile 38 year old Neumeier will travel home for a month to visit family over the Christmas period before returning to help Rick Strachan with his coaching duties in January.

Stingray news

- American born forward Jamie Thompson broke his point and goal duck on Sunday night in Nottingham with a powerplay goal which gave the Stingrays a 4-3 lead in a game that eventually finished 5-4 after a shootout. Thompson, who has had four 20+ goal seasons in his career, had previously gone eight games without a point before the goal.

- Jeff Glowa's awesome form continued in the same game on Sunday night after a team blip in Manchester on Saturday night, a game where the Stingrays were shut out 5-0 and recorded just 13 shots on target. Glowa, 32, recorded a goal and two assists in Nottingham to rescue a point for the Rays whilst also increasing his goal streak to 11 goals in 10 games for the Stingrays.

- In the 5-0 whitewash in Manchester the Stingrays 24 year old import, Stuart Kerr, suffered a knee injury which could keep him out of action for an extended period of time. Rays coach Rick Strachan told the Yorkshire Post that is taking a cautious approach to Kerr's injury:

Stu has a sore knee and we will be sending him to a specialist to see what the damage is. He is as tough as nails so you know there is something wrong when he can't get out there and play.

Kerr, a defenceman who joined in post season from the Austin Ice Bats in the CHL, has recorded just six assists in 23 games so far this season. However Strachan told the Yorkshire Post of the admiration he had for the work Kerr has done so far this season despite the lack of points:

He is an unsung hero. He blocks 25 shots a game, takes tonnes of hits and makes a load of hits. He does whatever it takes to win.

- On a positive note, Ukrainian defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk successfully returned from an upper body injury on Saturday night against Manchester and played in both games this weekend as the Stingrays look to recover from recent injuries with Slava Koulikov also close to returning.

- The Stingrays will likely remain without both Kerr and Troy Neumeier for a number of weeks and so Rick Strachan has hinted that he may be looking to make changes to improve the Rays form and strengthen their defensive lineups. Strachan told the Hull Daily Mail that he will "look at that[changes] this week."

Stingray news.

- Stingrays defenceman, Pavel Gomenyuk, was injured in his first shift on Sunday night against the Sheffield Steelers. He is thought to have missed the majority of the game with a back injury, although it is unclear at the moment whether he will ice this weekend against Edinburgh.

- The Stingrays game against the Belfast Giants in Northern Ireland, on Sunday, has been cancelled. The match, which would have pit the Stingrays against the side they beat 6-3 last Saturday, is thought to have been cancelled by the EIHL due to international call-ups for Great Britains Olympic Qualifiers this week.

- Lee Mitchell, the Stingrays leading British pointscorer with three goals and seven assists in 18 games, is on the reserved list for Great Britains Olympic Qualifiers in Poland this week. Team GB kick off with a game against host side, Poland, on Thursday, before games against Japan and Romania for the right to qualify for the next round.

- Coach Rick Strachan has put new forward, Jamie Thompson's, pointless weekend down to fitness after the Canadian recorded just two penalty minutes in games against Sheffield and Belfast this weekend. Thompson, who came in to replace Rick Kozak, will be expected to score goals and put up points for the Stingrays, something he didn't do this weekend:

"I think Jamie has got a lot to offer the team. He was nowhere near match fitness. When he is I believe he will make a huge contribution to the team. He's a solid player, he's got some good hands and he can hit hard. He's very patient with the puck and will create a lot of offence." said Strachan.

Evidence of his goalscoring may not have been felt by the team, however Scott Basiuk certainly felt his ability to throw a hit, with a huge hit early in the first period which left a big impression on home fans.

- Jeff Glowa has walked away with the fans voted, player of the month for October. Glowa, who recorded five goals and five assists in seven games in October, walked away with the title ahead of forward Matt Reynolds and departed forward Rick Kozak.

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.

Glowa is back for more

Canadian forward Jeff Glowa has re-signed for his 5th season with the Hull Stingrays and follows Lee Mitchell and Jason Kostadine into agreeing for the 08/09 season.


Glowa, who has played for the Stingrays in 5 of their 6 seasons of exsistance, finished the 2007/08 campaign with 18 goals, 35 assists for 53 points as well as 44 PIMs which extends his lead at the top of the all time Stingrays goals, assists and points totals. He is the current leader in total league games (194), goals (94), assists (111) and points (205) for the Stingrays who have competed in three levels of British Ice Hockey during his time at the club; the BNL (at the time 2nd tier), EPL (now the 2nd tier) and EIHL (top tier). However he brings much more than that to the table.

On the ice he epitomises what Stingrays fans like to see from their players; commitment, dedication and a passion for the club, but for him to have the ability to put up 42 and 53 point seasons in the top league in the UK makes him a valuable asset to the Stingrays.

Off the ice he is a friendly face, an approachable guy and frequently gets involved in community events which the Stingrays are so often involved with.

It is expected that he centres the first or second line. Which of those two lines he ends up centreing is entirely dependant on Rick Strachans final 6 forward signings. It would be possible that Strachan sees him as a second line centre which would be mixed with grit and skill. However equally possible is that he sees the team going with a tough second line, where points are not likely to be the option, and a skill line capable of scoring points, of which Glowa would definatly be a part of.

Theres no doubt that if Glowa can replicate last seasons 53 points, which he did with little celebration as Rankin and Riddle took the plaudits, the Stingrays will have the foundations of a team which can make the playoffs should the teams other signings be equally talented.