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)

Tendler scoops second awards night treble in three years

Forward Jereme Tendler scooped his second Hull Stingrays end of season awards treble in three years at tonight's 12/13 awards evening.

The Canadian - who has bagged 41 goals and 66 points in 56 games this season - picked up Forward of the Year, Players' Player of the Year and, the big prize, Supporters Player of the Year at tonight's award evening held at Jazz Bar.

Meanwhile resurgent forward Matty Davies picked up Most Improved Player of the Year after a breakout year, captain Kurtis Dulle was named Defenceman of the Year - having turned around his play in the last couple of months - and Ryan Hand was named Fans Favourite.

Finally, Sylvain Cloutier named rangy defenceman Jeff Smith as Coaches Player of the Year.

Cloutier, Bowns and Tendler to return for 13/14

The Hull Stingrays have this evening announced the retention of three key players for the 2013/2014 Elite Ice Hockey League season.

At tonight's fans forum it was confirmed by owner Bobby McEwan that player-coach Sylvain Cloutier, starting netminder Ben Bowns and topscorer Jereme Tendler would all be returning for the second year of two-year contracts signed.

The return of Cloutier as player-coach will extend his playing career to an incredible 19th season and fifth in East Yorkshire.

While his offensive contributions have varied over the last four years from low of 24 points in 09/10 - after a year in retirement - to a high of 47 in 10/11, his effort, passion and commitment to the club remains unquestioned and unwavering both on and off-ice. Indeed, while there's absolutely no question his career is winding down, even as the club's oldest player and the league's second oldest player Cloutier - who has recorded 11 goals and 27 points in 50 games so far this season - has proved he can still play a role at EIHL level.

Though the Stingrays currently prop up the EIHL in bottom spot and, therefore, seem unlikely to reach any new milestones for the first time in four years, the difference between that bottom spot and another year of improvement is as marginal as a handful of shootout losses.

The seven defeats in seven games via the lottery of penalty shots and two overtime defeats have proved the difference for Cloutier the coach in an incredibly tight and much improved Gardiner Conference this season.

Nevertheless, while the club may not break any obvious milestones on-ice this season, reaching the end of the season is a huge success given the club's predicament this summer, and that's certainly not to say there was ever any doubt they'd reach the end of the year.

Given some of the off-ice issues that have occurred in the past, Cloutier's role in the initial signing of players like Tendler and, ultimately, the retetion of such players year-on-year are down to the man himself and for that he must also be praised.

The return of the 39 year old's passion for the club and the continuity his return brings can only be a good thing in the long run for the Stingrays.

Here's a novel idea....perhaps this off-season he'll be afforded the luxury of a full and proper summer of preparation with no uncertainty for just the second time during his stint in Hull.

While the current season rumbles on, Cloutier has already had to start thinking about re-signing the core of this season's squad - albeit from reports it may not have taken much to convince Tendler to rejoin.

The 29 year old forward currently leads the Elite League with 39 goals in 50 games and has agreed to return for his fourth season in Stingrays colours having racked up at least 125 goals and 203 points in 162 games. Tendler is fast becoming a cult hero at the club and currently requires just 17 goals to become the club's all-time leading goalscorer, taking over from club legend Jeff Glowa - who notched 137 goals in 298 appearances between 2004 and 2010.

The Canadian's goalscoring exploits are unmatched and his return is a huge boost to a club that, prior to his signature from Central Hockey League side Corpus Christi IceRayz in 2010, perennially struggled in the goalscoring column. As pure a goalscorer as you're likely to see in the Elite League, few would bet against him continuing to hit the twine again next season.

Netminder Bowns is undoubtedly another encouraging re-signing for the club.

The former Sheffield Steeldog made his Elite League debut as the Stingrays number one this season at the age of just 21 and has very rarely looked out of place - recording a 3.49 goals against average and 90.1sv.% after 46 games.

Touted as the future Great Britain number one netminder, he made his debut for the national team in Latvia on 10th February in the final Olympic qualifiers. Though he allowed two very early goals against a talented Kazakhstan side that outclassed GB in all areas, he showed astounding maturity to rebound and stop 36 of 42 shots in a 6-0 defeat - showed all the qualities that will likely seem him take over Stephen Murphy's job as number one in future.

Aside from top scorers like Tendler, the other commodity a club like the Stingrays regularly struggle to retain is up-and-coming British players. Players like Stevie Lee and Dave Phillips have all left the club in the past quite rightly seeking to improve their careers and there's no doubting the same will eventually happen with Bowns.

Nevertheless, it's a testament to his commitment and dedication that, while other club's would no doubt have been interested this summer, he wants to return to for his second season in Hull and continue his development.

With confirmation that the EIHL import limit will remain at 11 for 13/14 season, Bowns' addition means that the Stingrays will have the luxury of signing 11 outskating imports - something of an advantage over most sides in the league.

Stingrays kick-off summer with five signings

The Hull Stingrays set aside any doubt and uncertainty over their future tonight at a fans forum, kicking off preparations for the 12/13 Elite Ice Hockey League campaign with the signing of player-coach Sylvain Cloutier, Sheffield Steeldogs trio Ben Bowns, Janis Ozolins and Chris Sykes, and the re-signing of Jereme Tendler.

The club's likely new owner Bobby McEwan - who looks certain to complete the formalities of a takeover soon - first confirmed that Cloutier will be return for a fourth and fifth season as player-coach of the club having penned a two-year deal.

On-ice the 38 year old - who has notched 105 points in 157 games since joining in 09/10 - has often lead the club from the front, both physically and emotionally, during his three years in East Yorkshire. Meanwhile off-ice his impact has been even greater, coaching a club previously languishing in the bottom two of the EIHL to improved finishes in each of his three years.

Having struggled on and off-ice in his first term as a player-coach - in which the Stingrays lost out in the EIHL Playoff Quarter Final after receiving a bye to that round in an eight team EIHL - Cloutier guided the team to a record year in 10/11. Despite owners Mike and Sue Pack pulling out at the very last minute - with the Coventry Blaze ownership group taking over in their place - the club hit record highs in all areas - wins (23), goals for (178) and points (49), qualifying for the playoffs on merit for the first ever time.

Another tough year followed last season - with off-ice and financial issues a big distraction - nevertheless, Cloutier lead the team against all odds to it's first ever EIHL Playoff Semi-Final and EIHL Final Four weekend after a historic and memorable two-legged Quarter Final victory over Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Steelers.

Cloutier is already well underway with his preparations and signings for the upcoming season, revealing that Jereme Tendler - the Stingrays top goalscorer over the past two seasons with sensational record of 82 goals in 105 games - has extended his stay in Hull for at least two more seasons.

The Saskatchewan native has been a phenomenal pickup for the club in the last two years and - though his off-ice mistake and failed drugs test for the inadvertent consumption of a banned substance cost the club - he served the full length of his ban handed down by the World Anti Doping Agency and bounced back to record four assists in the Stingrays unlikely run to the Playoff Semi-Finals.

As was said last summer, when he surprisingly returned for a second season, Tendler is so often the kind of player club's like the Stingrays struggle to keep hold of, so for him to commit for a third and fourth season is a true testament to his belief and trust in Cloutier and the club.

Joining Tendler for their first season's at the club, and indeed in the British top flight, are Sheffield Steeldogs trio Ben Bowns, Chris Sykes and Janis Ozolins.

British netminding prospect Bowns, 21, joins the Stingrays on a two-year contract as the club's starting netminder after leading his hometown team for the last three seasons - having spent two season's prior to that under the tutelage of legend Pasi Raitanen at Ice Sheffield. In that time he has helped transform a former cellar dwellar EPL side into last season's surprise title contenders, improving his save percentage from 90.4% in 09/10 to 90.9% in 10/11 and then an astonishing 93.0% last term.

A regular, mainstay at Great Britain U18 and U20 level during the past four years, he is highly thought of in British ice hockey circles and a player many believe will go on to bigger and better things and soon take over from Stephen Murphy as the GB senior team number one.

The netminder - who will this summer carry the London 2012 Olympic torch - is a known quantity to Cloutier having trained with the club for parts of the last two seasons. He made his Stingrays debut, and to date his only appearance for the club, on a two-way deal last season, making one save from one shot on 21 September when coming in for relief of Christian Boucher with nine minutes remaining in a 6-2 loss.

A highly sought after keeper, he turned down a number of club's including the Steeldogs, Nottingham Panthers and one or two of the Stingrays Northern conference rivals - thought to be Braehead and Edinburgh - in order to sign in Hull.

His addition marks the unfortunate end for two season Stingray Christian Boucher. A good shotblocker and always brilliantly consistent game-to-game, the Canadian departs due to a change in direction by Cloutier which - with a British netminder - allows the club the luxury of 11 outskating imports.

he fan favourite leaves Hull on  good teams having backstopped them to two of the best season's in the club's history - albeit he did lose out 10-3 in his final appearance. While a return to the Elite League has been talked about, recent speculation suggesting he may retire from the sport having recently gained employment in Canada at Canada Post according to Twitter.

Another new signing for the 12/13 campaign is that of dynamic, speedy Latvian forward Janis Ozolins - also from the Steeldogs.

The 23 year old Riga born winger - who has played in Belarus, Czech Republic, and his native homeland, and will next season complete a hat-trick of British leagues having previously iced in the ENL and EPL - recorded a mammoth 55 goals and 89 points in 52 regular season games with the South Yorkshire second tier club last season. Those figures put the former Latvian junior international second in EPL scoring last term, 3 behind Swindon Wildcats  forward Jonas Hoog - who appeared in two more games.

A naturally skilled forward and goalscorer, 12/13 will be Ozolins first in the Elite League and he is likely to have a key role to play, with Cloutier categorically stating he will sign at least one tough player to ensure the Latvian - and Tendler - will have confidence to play a natural skillful game. Ozolins' magnificent season was capped off as he was named Ice Hockey Journalists UK EPL Player of the Year in spring.

The third and final Sheffield Steeldog to have signed for the Stingrays next term is Chris Sykes. Another Sheffield born product, Sykes has spent the last two and a half years with the Steeldogs and, like Bowns, is a crucial British signing following the departure of Dan Scott, Sam McCluskey and Tristan Harper and expected departure of Andy McKinney.

Though he has only 20 points to his name in the EPL over the last two seasons and 104 games, Sykes - who iced in two games with the Stingrays two years ago on a two-way contract - will provide much required depth to the Stingrays forward lines. Far from being a bench warmer, the winger could potentially play a key role on the third line - even more so if none of Jack Watkins, Bobby Chamberlain and Matty Davies return to the Stingrays.

Cloutier confirmed that he is well underway with signings ahead of next season and admitted he is waiting to see if a number of players from last season remain loyal or, understandably, look for better deals elsewhere.

With Bowns between the pipes, the Stingrays player-coach also revealed he will fill the full 11 import quota - which will be made up of four defencemen and seven forwards - and will utilise the club's links with the junior and ENL set up to provide younger players with opportunities to step up. Given that criteria the Stingrays current depth chart looks as follows:

Netminders

Bowns (B) 

Brit

Defencemen

Import, Import, 

Import, Import, 

Brit, Brit (?).

Forwards

Cloutier (I), Tendler (I), Ozolins (I). 

Import, Import, Import.

 Import, Sykes (B), Brit.

Brit (?).

With many things off-ice still up in the air - including the takeover and ice-time, which both still require official confirmation - there will be a further forum in a months time to update fans on progress made.

Hull Stingrays 11/12 Season Review: Up Front

Forwards

#37 Derek Campbell

58GP 12+43 264PIM (3GP 5+2 6PIM)

Grade: B

Dismissed the large majority of doubters during his first, and likely only year in Hull, impressing in dual enforcer/offensive role thanks to combination of physicality, strength, willingness to drop the gloves, creativity, stickhandling and playmaking abilities. Crafted a brilliant partnership with Jason Silverthorn, Campbell played a massive part in getting the Rays to their first ever EIHL Playoff Semi-Final - scoring four goals in the Quarter Final including a hat-trick in the second leg. Despite this, it seems unlikely Campbell will re-sign for a second season following his admission that he has yet to hear from Cloutier regarding a return - it is believed he has offers from both EIHL and EPL sides, including the Sheffield Steeldogs.

#90 Bobby Chamberlain

58GP 1+3 93PIM (1GP 0+0 0PIM)

Grade: C+

The emergence of 16 year old Chamberlain was one of the big positives to the 11/12 campaign as he established himself as a huge prospcet for the future. Capped as a GB U18 international, enthusiasm - while very well intended - got the better of the youngster at times in the early part of the year, however, while it will likely always be a huge part of how he plays the game, he rebounded in the second half - despite limited ice-time - to show a new maturity, which was capped off with a well deserved first professional goal against the Nottingham Panthers. It seems likely Chamberlain will return for at least one more year in his hometown before following in the footsteps of other previous Hull prospects Stevie Lee and David and Kevin Phillips, in moving elsewhere - possibly the EPL for more ice-time - and in order to further his hockey career.

#83 Sylvain Cloutier

55GP 11+21 (91PIM)

Grade: C

Remarkably icing in his 17th professional season, player-coach Cloutier hit a Stingrays personal high of 11 goals this season - up from 7 in 09/10 and 9 in 10/11 - though his points production diminished to from 44 last season to 32 this. While his figures aren't quite where they used to be, he continues to play a role in the Elite League - even if that role should be on the third line with the team probably over reliant on his abilities as a second liner at 38. A return for a fourth consecutive season looks all but certain with just official confirmation to follow.

#62 Matty Davies

51GP 5+12 33PIM (3GP 1+0 0PIM)

Grade: C

Diminutive forward Davies re-signed to the Stingrays to play a top two line role having sensationally quit the club mid-game in 10/11. Starting the year in good form, he failed to have the desired impact on the Elite League as the season progressed in a disappointing year, he then suffered a season changing concussion on a hit from Dundee's Jeff Hutchins. A switch back to the EPL - possibly to Slough where former Stingray Slava Koulikov is head coach - has been rumoured, however, a return to Hull for a second chance at second line EIHL play also isn't completely out of the question.

#26 Tristan Harper

40GP 0+5 43PIM (N/A)

Grade: C-

Harper, even by his own admission, will be disappointed with his season in Hull having signed with great hopes from Dundee - where he scored 16 points in 38 games during 10/11. The only full-time Stingray not to hit the twine in 11/12, his year was ruined by injuries, particularly a shoulder injury which saw him require a brace before surgery eventually ended his season prematurely. Harper has unfinished business and a point to prove in Hull after a poor season, however, whether he will be asked to return by Cloutier or whether he would want to return should a move back to his hometown of Dundee come to fruition, remains to be seen.

#12 Andy McKinney

42GP 4+5 107PIM (3GP 0+0 2PIM)

Grade: C+

A fiesty, agitating British forward, McKinney joined part-way through the year from the EPL and was generally a solid third line presence in his first taste of top flight hockey. The 21 year old provided a spark to the Stingrays lineup, however, he was generally the first person to suffer when the lineup shortened. That said, he was always deservedly the first choice to step up from the third line to second line when required. McKinney has allegedly accepted an offer from an unknown team for 12/13 and, although the Stingrays were believed to want to re-sign the Brit, he may be set to make a quick return to the EPL with a top five side.

#9 Dominic Osman

61GP 26+16 77PIM (3GP 1+1 4PIM)

Grade: B-

Osman - signed in the summer to provide secondary scoring - initially showed only glimpses of what he could do early on and so was an early candidate for release after early season struggles. Luckily, those brief glimpses were enough to see that he remained and Frantisek Bakrlik was released, which in the end proved to be a good decision on Cloutier's part, as Osman - an everpresent for the Stingrays - eventually provided the speed and scoring edge he was brought in for. A fan favourite in Hull for his direct, powerful style, Osman would be a welcome returnee though it is uncertain as to whether he will be offered a return deal.

#21 Jason Silverthorn

59GP 30+44 60PIM (3GP 2+1 6PIM)

Grade: A

Alternate captain Silverthorn shifted his performance level and scoring consistency up a notch this season, producing a career best 30 goals, 44 assists and 74 points - good for 10th in EIHL pointscoring. A constant threat alongside linemate Campbell, Silverthorn used his maturity, professionalism and experience to lead the Stingrays from the front all season long. Cloutier has made no secret of his admiration of Silverthorn and, should the player-coach be confirmed for a fourth season, 'Silver' would surely be top of his list of players to re-sign even if other EIHL sides are circling.

#27 Jereme Tendler

53GP 36+25 10PIM (3GP 0+4 2PIM)

Grade: B

10/11 50 goal scorer Tendler was always going to struggle to hit the half-century again, however, he had another good year - despite missing eight games having tested positive for a banned substance in late December. Notching 36 goals to take his EIHL tally to 82 goals in 105 games, the 28 year old solidified his place as one of the Stingrays most dangerous and constant goalscoring threats. Given his scoring exploits, Tendler will surely be contacted regarding a return for a third year, however, he is another that will certainly have been approached by other sides - EIHL, European and North American.

#93 Jack Watkins

50GP 3+8 6PIM (3GP 0+0 0PIM)

Grade: C-

GB U20 international forward Watkins showed visible signs of development and improvement throughout his first season in Hull, registering his first EIHL goal and assist before eventually hitting eight points in 50 games. Another that understandably saw reduced ice-time in certain situations, the 19 year old's size was a big advantage to a third line, and team, that generally lacked it. Another year under the tutelage of Cloutier is not out of the question, while a return to the EPL for added responsibility and ice-time is another distinct possibility.

MIA: #55 Frantisek Bakrlik (D - Unstoppable pre-season, disappeared regular season)
Also dressed: Craig Thurston, Sam Towner, Andy Ward, Ryan Lake

Excel Hull Stingrays 10/11 Season Review: Up Front

Forwards

Sylvain Cloutier (58GP 11+36 64PIM)

Grade: B-

Return: Yes

Bounced back from a particularly disappointing first year in Hull on-ice and, although he may not have been the threat he once was going forward, he was for the second year in a row the heart beat of the team emotionally. For a 38 year old he was all too often the only physical threat up front. After more than 1000 professional games, next season could well be the final chapter in a lengthy and memorable career.

Lee Esders (53GP 7+6 32PIM)

Grade: C

Return: Yes

A slightly disappointing year in which both his production and performance dropped off somewhat. Still, he was named East Yorkshire Sports Personality of the Year, which is an incredible achievement given who he was up against, and he still provided that constant source of energy that has seen him become a fan favourite on the Rays third line. It looks quite likely that he has reached his plateau in Hull and he may well depart this summer.

Jason Silverthorn (55GP 20+31 30PIM)

Grade: C+

Return: Yes

Silverthorn started the year on fire - recording more than a point a game in October - before that great start to the year was brought to a shuddering halt by a massive hit from Nottingham defenceman Guillaume Lepine. The resulting concussion killed an semblance of form he had, affecting the rest of his season, although to his credit he still came very close to maintaining his record as a point-per-game forward in the Elite League.

Lee Mitchell (27GP 11+13 23PIM)

Grade: B+

Return: Yes

Another injury hit year for the Scottish born forward as his season and progression was once again scuppered by a knee injury. Had it not been for his troublesome knee injury he would likely be one of the most sought after British forwards at this point, and a Great Britain regular to boot. However, after coming on leaps and bounds during his time in Hull, he has yet to reach that full potential, leaving many thinking what could have been had the Scot been fit.

Konstantin Kalmikov (59GP 18+24 6PIM)

Grade: C-

Return: No

The award for biggest disappointment of the season undoubtedly has to go to Kalmikov. Previously the go-to 36 goal forward for the club, 'Kalmi' looked a different player from the off this past season. For whatever reason the Ukrainian failed to hit the form that saw him so highly rated previously and he went on to register just 18 goals, half of his previous total. A return to Hull looks very unlikely, although he would be welcome after three years as a fan favourite, however, it seems more than likely that another EIHL club may roll the dice on the 32 year old.

Andrew Coburn (61GP 20+42 68PIM)

Grade: A

Return: Yes

Arguably the signing of the season for the Stingrays. Coburn signed straight from college for his rookie season and, after taking time to acclimatise to the British and professional game in the seasons first few months, outperformed all expectations leading the team in assists but more often than not leading with consistent performances game-in, game-out. A truly brilliant all-around player and one the club will do well to hold on to in the summer.

Jereme Tendler (59GP 50+31 22PIM)

Grade: A

Return: Yes

While many expected Tendler to score goals for the Rays, never in a million years did they expect him to hit the half century mark and end the year as the leagues second top scorer. In a truly remarkable season, he comfortably broke the Stingrays single season goalscoring record by a mere 14 goals and set a benchmark for all future goalscorers brought to the club. Okay, so his all around game may not be quite as good as his finishing abilities but that's fair enough when you hit the twine 50 times in 56 games, while adding 31 assists. Next up? The difficult second season.

Ben Lowe (57GP 2+0 18PIM)

Grade: C

Return: Yes

Lowe received his first meaningful ice-time this season, a year after riding the pine, and made steady progress. His first two professional goals will undoubtedly be a highlight, even if they did come against an understrength Edinburgh, but where he goes from here in order to aid his improvement and potential is the question. Whether there will be room on the Rays roster for him to receive more ice-time remains to be seen but the decrease in import limit may work to his advantage.

Matti Uusivirta (54GP 16+21 66PIM)

Grade: C-

Return: No

Brought in hoping kick a reputation that had seen him pigeonholed as a defensive forward in his homeland, the Finn did little to prove he much else in his locker in his first year in the UK. Injury played its part in restricting him to 16 goals and 37 points as, to his credit, he battled on through the pain for large portions of the season. A good defensive forward but, unfortunately, that role is a luxury British clubs probably cannot afford at present.

Ryan Lake (44GP 5+5 50PIM)

Grade: B-

Return: Yes

After a number of seasons away from the sport Lake proved his worth on the Rays roster this past year, returning alongside his all too familiar, and very entertaining, pinball style of play. A huge fan favourite with a fearless attitude, he also chipped in with a useful five goals and ten points. 

Jozef Sladok (61GP 2+8 193PIM)

Grade: C

Return: No

Brought in as a D-man, Sladok was shifted up front upon the release of Grundmanis, signalling the end of Cloutier's 'twin towers' experiment. Regardless of where he was playing, the Slovak worked as hard as anyone on the roster. Nevertheless, while his work rate and fighting abilities are unquestioned - with 14 fights to his name last season, including bouts with heavyweights Guillaume Lepine and Brad Voth - his efficiency as a forward is questionable, particularly in a reduced import EIHL.

Andy Hirst (19GP 2+2 2PIM)

Grade: C

Return: Yes

Signed in mid-season from the EPL following the departure of Matty Davies, Hirst impressively fired home in his debut for the Rays, again albeit against lowly Edinburgh. Immediately stepping in above Lowe on the depth chart, his contributions early on were positive, however, his ice-time soon diminished as the Rays returned to full-strength.

MIA

Matty Davies (36GP 4+16 11PIM)

Grade: C-

Return: No

Quit on the club mid-way through an important game win Dundee, after being dropped to the third line, before signing in the EPL with Peterborough, where he registered over a point a game.

Also iced: James Archer (EPL Manchester Phoenix), Craig Elliot and Christopher Sykes (EPL Sheffield Steeldogs), Kieran Beach (ENL Kingston Jets), Dean Tonks (ENL Solihull Barons) and Callum Rawson (ENL Sheffield Spartans)

Tendler nets final hat-trick of the year with awards treble

Jereme Tendler the Excel Hull Stingrays record goal and points scorer in one season has capped off a magnificent year by claiming an awards treble at the club's End of Season Awards night at Holiday Inn Marina in Hull.

The Canadian forward, whom the Rays have re-signed for next season, deservedly picked up the fans awarded Forward of the Year and Player of the Year before his teammates voted him Players' Player of the Year after a outstanding season in which he has scored a record 50 goals, 81 points, 16 powerplay goals and 11 shorthanded goals.

Elsewhere, in his first year in professional hockey after signing from NCAA Division I college University of Alabama - Huntsville rookie forward Andrew Coburn picked up the Most Improved Player, award from fans. Naturally, it took the 24 year old time to adapt to both the British and professional game, however, once he did he became one of the Stingrays standout performers and signings of the season.

Forward Ryan Lake picked up British Player of the Year for his, at times, short but sweet and energetic performances in a comeback season in which he scored five goals and added five assists in 44 games.

Player-assistant coach Drew Bannister was deservedly awarded Defenceman of the Year for turning around the Rays rearguard upon signing in November while captain Kurtis Dulle won the Clubman of the Year award.

Finally, and perhaps somewhat surprisingly to many, Jason Silverthorn won Sylvain Cloutier's Coaches Player of the Year for his professional attitude.

Record goalscorer Tendler to return for 11/12

Jereme Tendler, the Excel Hull Stingrays franchise leader for most goals (48), points (76) and shorthanded goals (11) in a season, has today agreed to return to the club for the 11/12 campaign.

The 27 year old Canadian - who has been nominated as Elite League Newcomer of the Year after registering 48 goals, 28 assists and 76 points in 57 games so far this season - is a massive re-signing for the club following Sylvain Cloutier's re-commitment to the club last week.

A graduate of American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts, he rejoined Cloutier late last summer on 3 September, having been traded for by the current Stingrays coach while at Corpus Christi Ice Rayz in 08/09.

At the time the Viceroy, Saskatchewan native had spent 36 games of his rookie campaign with the Tulsa Oilers of the CHL, alongside former Stingray Jake Riddle, however, despite a five game stint in the IHL in which he netted five times, Tendler recorded just four goals in Tulsa before Cloutier came in for him.

That trade turned around his fortunes and he went on to end the year with nine goals and four assists in 17 games and three goals in two playoff games before following that up with a 20 goal year in 09/10.

He was reunited with Cloutier this summer as the Stingrays coach brought him across the pond as a late replacement for Chris Korchinski - who quit the club on the verge of collapse to sign in the CHL - and upon signing the Stingrays player-coach described him as "a pure goal scorer who will bring a lot of offence" going on to add that "he can find the net and will compete every night".

At that time few would believe how true those statements would be let alone that Tendler, who recorded 39 goals in his previous two seasons, would go on to be a potential 50 goal scorer, which is what he can be with two goals in the Stingrays two remaining games this weekend.

The incredible feat is all the more remarkable given he has done that on a team that sits seventh in the Elite League and not on a stacked team challenging for the title.

Cloutier spoke of his delight at making the first re-signing for the 11/12 season and explained he hopes the goalscorer will have some help next season:

"I am extremely happy to have him back next year. I want to build the team around him and give him a supporting cast. He was happy to come back. He was grateful to me for giving him the chance to come here and it shows me his is loyal to me, loyal to the club and loyal to the fans. He has show his commitment to Hull and it proves what a great place Hull is to play hockey. I believed in him when I traded for him in Corpus Christi and believed in him when I brought him to Hull so we have a special relationship and we both want to drive this club forward."

Tendler will and has naturally credited a large portion of the hard work of scoring 48 goals to his teammates and that is a testament to the tight nit group in Hull this season. Nevertheless, one stat almost solely reliant on his own abilities is the Elite League record 11 shorthanded goals he has snatched this season.

The fact he has repaid the faith shown in him by Cloutier, who must be praised for bringing the Canadian to the UK, by re-signing in Hull rather than waiting for what could potentially be a lucrative summer is all the more endearing to the supporters.

The last seven days has seen Tendler receive the acclaim he so right deserves as he was selected into the Ice Hockey Journalists First All Star team for 10/11 and nominated as EIHL Newcomer of the Year. Cloutier added:

"Jereme is one of the best goalscorers in the Elite League and he will help us move forward and build on what we have achieved this year. Jereme has had a phenomenal season for us and his efforts quite rightly have been recognised by his nomination for the newcomer award."

Those awards just highlight the fact that the forward is the kind of goalscorer many Stingrays dreamed of seeing a Rays colours, even for just one season. For him to return for a second year - which, given more preparation time, could potentially be even more successful than the current campaign - is not only a great statement for the club to make but also very exciting for the fan base and the future of the club.

Mitchell selected; Tendler nominated

The Excel Hull Stingrays have today received a double dose of good news in the final week of the season with the announcements that leading scorer Jereme Tendler has been shortlisted for the Elite League Newcomer of the Year award and that Lee Mitchell has once again been named in the initial Great Britain squad for the upcoming World Championships and friendlies against the Netherlands.

27 year old Tendler - who last night netted his fourth hat-trick of the year against Edinburgh - has enjoyed a phenomenal debut year in the UK, scoring a Stingrays all-time high 48 goals - including an EIHL record 11 shorthanded goals - while adding 28 assists for 76 points, also a franchise high.

He faces tough competition from Cardiff Devils pair Jon Pelle and Craig Weller. American Pelle, also in his first year in the country, tops Tendler with a league high 54 goals this season, while Weller, a former NHLer that can play both up front and in defence, gave the Devils a legitimate league MVP that has since propelled them into title contention.

Meanwhile Mitchell, who added a goal and two assists in last night's 8-0 win, has been named to the GB initial 34 man squad for the third year in a row, with that roster set to be cut to 26 for the pair of friendlies, to be played in Nottingham and Hull, before again being reduced to 23 for the World Championships in Ukraine during April. After another injury hit start to the year, the Scottish born forward is now back to full health and has totaled an impressive nine goals and ten assists in just 24 games this season.

He is the only Stingrays representative in the 34 man roster although former defencemen David and Kevin Phillips have been selected after season's spent in North America and Braehead respectively.

Tendler is December FBB Player of the Month

Jereme Tendler, the Excel Hull Stingrays leading goal and point scorer, has been named the F Block Blog Player of the Month for December, deservedly claiming  the award on count back just ahead of new signing Drew Bannister, after the pair both ended the month on 30 points.

In a very tight month, Tendler, who leads the club in goals and points, scooped a first star in the month's first game, an emphatic win 7-4 win over Sheffield in which he bagged a hat-trick, adding a crucial game tying shorthanded goal and a second star two weeks later in a 4-2 win against Braehead. He claims the award on count back, given his higher score in November.

Player-assistant coach Bannister, who missed out due to Tendler's 10 point haul in November, has helped transform the Stingrays form in December, recording one goal and five assists while bringing out the very best in the club's once shaky defence. The veteran was awarded the FBB first star in the Rays 3-2 overtime loss to Newcastle on the 28th, having shown his class at the back end, before claiming the second star with an assist 24 hours later in the 6-1 win over Dundee at the Hull Arena.

In joint third place for the month came Konstantin Kalmikov and Trevor Read, who both thoroughly improved their play in the last month of the year having started the season out of form. Surprisingly, the previously out of favour pair sit second in scoring their respective positions.

Tendler collects second EIHL Player of the Week award

Excel Hull Stingrays forward Jereme Tendler has collected his second EIHL Player of the Week award in two months after picking up the last weeks accolade for his performances in the club's massive two win, four point weekend.

On Saturday, the Saskatchewan native bagged the first hat-trick of the Stingrays season in the 7-2 demolition of Yorkshire rivals the Sheffield Steelers. He went on to post a crucial goal and assist in the club's 5-4 shootout victory over Nottingham at the Trent FM Arena on Sunday, taking his goalscoring tally to an incredible 21 in 24 games.

Signed in the summer to score goals, the 27 year old has had a thoroughly impressive debut season in Europe, picking up the same award three weeks ago for bagging five goals in three games, including three shorthanded tally's.

His efforts have been crucial right throughout the year and will continue to be for the remainder of the year as Sylvain Cloutier's side search for the consistency that will allow them to retain and build on their current seventh place.

Tendler named EIHL Player of the Week

Excel Hull Stingrays forward Jereme Tendler has been named EIHL Player of the Week having netted five goals and an assist in the Stingrays three fixtures last week.

29 year old Tendler, who joined the Stingrays in the summer from the Corpus Christi Ice Rayz, registered game winning goals against Braehead and Coventry this past week, also netting three shorthanded goals within those five markers.

The Canadian has been a revelation for Sylvain Cloutier thus far this year, accumulating 14 goals from 17 games including all four of the Stingrays game winning goals.

It's never Dulle in Hull as three sign up

The Hull Stingrays today revealed the capture of imports Kurtis Dulle and Jereme Tendler, and the return of young British forward Ben Lowe for the 10/11 Elite League campaign, set to get underway in exactly four weeks time.

30 year old defenceman Dulle and 26 year old forward Tendler join from the Central Hockey League, where last season the pair iced for coach Sylvain Cloutier's former side Corpus Christi Ice Rayz. Indeed, it was during Cloutier's difficult time in the CHL that he first witnessed the pair.

Dulle iced alongside new Rays keeper Christian Boucher and former defenceman Stephen Burns with the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees in 08/09 and iced against Cloutier's Ice Rayz in a year he was named an CHL All Star after notching career bests in goals (7), assists (28) and points (35). Last year Dulle found himself on the Ice Rayz roster with Tendler after starting the year once again in Rio Grande before moving on to Colorado and Allen along the way, he finished the regular season with six goals and 21 assists.

Tendler also experienced playing against the Rays current player-coach with the Tulsa Oilers before impressing Cloutier enough to earn a trade to his Corpus Christi side, going on to hit nine goals and 13 points in 17 games in Texas

Well versed in the ways of the CHL having played there for at least part of the last five seasons, Dulle looks to have replaced the experienced hole left by Joshua Mizerek's defection to his former side HYS Den Haag. Although he is unlikely to take the place of Jeff Glowa as club captain, as Mizerek was expected to do, his stats going forward look ever so slightly more impressive than Mizerek's, with 33 goals and 98 assists in five CHL years, even if his leadership skills may not be enough for him to be handed the C.

Meanwhile, forward Tendler, who totaled 49 goals and 48 assists in 126 games in Springfield, Massachusetts at NCAA college side American International College is a boost to the Stingrays offensive line. He moved on to professional hockey in 08/09, after his stint in the NCAA, as he split the year between CHL sides Tulsa and Corpus Christi, and IHL side Kalamazoo. Between the three clubs he netted 18 times in 58 games, after starting the year with just four goals in 36 games, and he returned to Corpus Christi last year hitting career best figures.

However, he was left without a club this summer following the Ice Rayz reformation in the junior North American Hockey League (NAHL). With the club opting to for the junior league ahead of the merged CHL and IHL offering his much mooted move to the UK finally materialised.

The Saskatchewan native comes to the UK as a goalscorer rather than playmaker, with goals outnumbering assists at each of the five clubs he has graced in the last three years and with hat-tricks in both the CHL and IHL. With ice time guaranteed in the three line Elite League, it is fair to say goals are expected from the Canadian with hopes of another career year not beyond reasonable doubt.

And while a definite goal getter, on first glance he appears to be the 'extra' and 11th import promised by the new owners after Brit James Archer departed, as opposed a high spec replacement for star man Chris Korchinski, whose replacement is rumoured to be 40 point ECHL man Sean Berkstresser.

Meanwhile, 19-year old Beverley born forward Ben Lowe returns to the club having signed his first professional deal with the club last year. Seldom used until the result was beyond doubt, Lowe failed to register a point in 20 games with the club but will enter the season as a young prospect on the fringes of the squad.

There he may be joined by energetic 27 year old forward Ryan Lake, who has begun training with a mixture of players currently based in Hull after a few years out of the professional game. The former fan favourite has only just resumed training, however, an appearance later in the season is not completely out of the question.

The club now requires a minimum of two defencemen and one forward, all likely to be imports, taking Cloutier's roster to 17 players and 11 imports, ahead of an opening day Challenge Cup clash with Cardiff on Sunday 3 October.