Coburn shock departure confirmed as Stingrays turnover continues

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

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

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

Departed: Uusivirta, Kalmikov, Sladok

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

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

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

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

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

Kostadine in 07/08

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Kalmikov, Read and Coburn are back as Cloutier focuses on rebuilding squad

The Hull Stingrays confirmed at last nights fans forum that three more players initially signed to the club would take to the ice in Hull this coming year after the clubs takeover.

Returning goalscorer Konstantin Kalmikov, rookie forward Andrew Coburn and former Basingstoke blueliner Trevor Read will line up for the Rays this coming season afterall.

At a well attended fans forum, coach Sylvain Cloutier revealed to huge relief that Ukrainian Kalmikov, who last season netted a club record 31 league goals to set his total in a Rays jersey at 54, would be back for a third season in Hull colours.

And despite rumours that he had signed for Edinburgh, Read, who spent last year in France, was also confirmed as returning under the new Coventry based ownership group.

24 year old Canadian Coburn, who will become one of the youngest imports to ice for the club in the Elite League, also had doubts about committing to the club. However, after rejecting offers elsewhere to remain with the club for the forthcoming season, Cloutier pointed out that the rookie is very excited to come to the UK following three years in the US college system at the University of Alabama-Huntsville, where he racked up 21 goals and 33 assists in 94 appearances.

Coach Cloutier now turns his attentions to replacing the departing fivesome of Matt Suderman, James Archer, Guillaume Lepine, Joshua Mizerek and Chris Korchinski.

With the seasons opening weekend just a week away for many clubs, the majority of British players have already been snapped up and with the Rays able to sign a total of 12 imports this season it looks highly likely that Brit forward Archer will be replaced by an import.

That leaves Cloutier searching for what is likely to be three import defencemen and two import forwards ahead of the start of the Rays season in October.

Signing news is expected soon with contract offers on the table and awaiting signatures. Forwards Jereme Tendler, whom Cloutier coached in Corpus Christi, and Sean Berkstresser, former team mate of Rays keeper Christian Boucher, have been heavily linked with contract offers.

Goalscorer Kalmikov back for third year

32 year old winger Konstantin Kalmikov has re-signed for the Excel Hull Stingrays for his third successive season in Stingrays colours following a 09/10 season in which the Ukrainian registered career best figures of 31 goals, 27 assists and 58 points.

The deadly goalscorer, who, prior to his time in Hull, had played in the AHL, ECHL and top flight leagues in Russia and Italy, had an outstanding last term, somehow outperforming his first year in Hull, when he bagged 23 goals and 23 assists in 44 games.

He capped off a brilliant career year, in which he was named to the EIHL Overseas All Star squad for the annual EIHL Allstar game, by deservedly claiming both the Stingrays Player and Forward of the Year at the clubs end of season awards dinner.

However, despite his heroics, having finished bottom in the EIHL, Stingrays coach Sylvain Cloutier is looking for more of the same from the former Ukrainian international, particularly if the Rays are to make the top eight and claim a playoff spot this year.

"Kalmi was a big player for us last year and scoring the number of goals he did was an outstanding achievement. He brings a lot of experience to the team...Obviously we expect a lot from him. He is our go-to guy offensively."

Of course, Cloutier is hoping to give the former Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick more offensive support next season, not only in order to solve the Rays continual chronic lack of goals, but to also free up the silky skilled 6'1 forward.

"We know he can put up numbers and I will be expecting the same again next season. We relied on Kalmi's goals a lot last year but in [Chris] Korchinski and Silver [Jason Silverthorn] we have more guys who can put the puck in the net."

Kalmikov and former forward Jeff Glowa are the only players to have hit the 30 goal barrier for the Stingrays in the Elite League and, while Jason Silverthorn and, to an extent, Curtis Huppe, provided the team with some scoring last year, Cloutier must find more offence from somewhere.

While Glowa's clubman attitude and legendary status may not be replaced for some years, his goals have been replaced almost like for like plus some added grit by former ECHLer Korchinski and Silverthorn's goals, given his track record in the Elite League, should once again materialise at the 20 goal mark.

However, the departure of Curtis Huppe has seemingly left Cloutier with a shortage of potential goals with just one import forward to come. Unless that import carries significant goalscoring threat, which is, given the clubs suggested wage bill, unlikely, the club does appear to be lacking goals once again.

Some of those extra goals may have to come from the coach himself, particularly as his measly seven goal effort of last season barely stands up to the 23 and 25 he bagged in Coventry colours, but elsewhere a lot will be expected of British forwards Lee Esders, Matty Davies, James Archer and, perhaps more so, Lee Mitchell, who, given a full season on the ice, is on the brink of becoming a premium British forward.

It is believed that Cloutier already has his squad in place for the upcoming season with the remaining imports, including two defencemen, a netminder and a forward, signed up two and a half months before the Stingrays opening weekend on 4 September, where they will face Cardiff (away) and Belfast (home).

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.

GB call-up Mitchell scoops awards double

Lee Mitchell and Ukrainian forward Konstantin Kalmikov each claimed two awards at the Excel Hull Stingrays end of season awards evening on Monday night, however, the double was particularly sweet for the 22 year old Scot after he was once again announced in the provisional Great Britain squad for upcoming friendlies and the World Championships in Slovenia.

Mitchell, who this season recorded 14 goals and 18 assists in 42 games, two short of his career best, and appeared in his second consecutive Elite League All Star game, despite starting the season 14 games late due to a knee injury, picked up the players and coaches player of the year award on the same night in which he was named in Paul Thompson's provisional 31 man squad for a double header against the Netherlands in April.

He will be hoping that near best career figures, that would have certainly been career best figures had a knee injury not scuppered the early part of his season, will be enough to get him into the full Great Britain squad for World Championship games against Slovenia, Croatia, Korea, Hungary and Poland after years of teetering on the brink. Joining him in the provisional squad are former Stingrays defencemen Dave Phillips, now in the AHL, brother Kevin Phillips, at Belfast, and young prodigy Stevie Lee, in Nottingham.

Stingrays coach Sylvain Cloutier sung the former Fife forwards praises after a season in which he levelled his career best in goals and could potentially make his first full World Championships appearance:

"He's a coach's dream. Anything you ask him to do, he will do it, whether that's playing on the first, second or third lines, the powerplay or penalty kill, he gets his head down and does it. Lee does all the little things right. He's been a go-to guy for us and he's been outstanding for us since he came back from injury."

Meanwhile, Kalmikov deservedly picked up two of the fans voted awards for best forward and player of the year after he recorded career highs in goals (36), assists (29) and points (65) with just four penalty minutes picked despite the former Ukrainian international being an ever-present in the Stingrays roster.

Naturally, Cloutier was forthcoming in his praise for his top scorer:

"...he has been a force for us and has scored some big goals. He is strong in both ends of the rink and is a disciplined player who never complains. He is a great guy to have on the team and I am very pleased for him."

Elsewhere, Adam Knight, nicknamed 'The Dark Knight' by supporters, picked up the fans favourite award following an entertaining season in which he fought 17 times against the likes of Sean McMorrow and Brad Voth, big hitting Stephen Burns picked up defenceman of the year and youngster Matty Davies picked up most improved player after a season in which he recorded four goals and 12 assists in his debut Elite League season.

All Star Stingrays set for Import v Brit showdown

The Excel Hull Stingrays will tonight have five representatives in the Elite League's annual All Star game, this season set to take place at Ice Sheffield, with a British All Star side, coached by the Sheffield Steelers Dave Matsos, taking on an Overseas All Star lineup, coached by Corey Neilson of the Nottingham Panthers.

The Rays will have tough guy Adam Knight and Ukrainian forward Konstantin Kalmikov representing the Overseas All Stars, while Lee Esders, Lee Mitchell and late call up James Hutchinson will represent the British All Stars.

Enforcer Knight, who can play both defence and forward, was voted by fans into the Overseas All Star lineup despite notching just four goals and nine assists in 33 games this season, however, the Canadian has become a fan favourite at the Hull Arena this season for his activities with his fists. Perhaps controversially, he will line up tonight alongside fellow tough guy Sean McMorrow, with whom he has several notable bouts this year.

Kalmikov, who last season netted 25 goals in 48 games and has 22 goals in just 39 games so far this term, has once again has become a pivotal part of the Stingrays success and will wear an alternate captain 'A' during the All Star game.

Esders, who has recently come into form to take his tally to six goals and three assists in 11 games following a career year in which he accumulated 11 goals and 10 assists, was surprisingly selected to the British All Star side by the fans after a slow start to the year.

He is joined by James Hutchinson after the withdrawal of Cardiff's Jason Stone due to injury and, although he has failed to hit the heights of his numbers in a championship winning season in the EPL last year, he has become a reliable and solid defenceman on the Rays blueline.

After suffering from a knee injury at the beginning of the season, 22 year old Mitchell, who will be appearing in his second EIHL All Star game, has begun to come good for Sylvain Cloutier's side, netting an impressive eight goals and nine assists in 22 games after a career year under Rick Strachan last term in which he scored nine goals and 25 assists for 34 points in 46 games.

Last season saw the Elite League split into North and South for the purpose of the All Star game, with Mitchell, Jeff Glowa, Steve Slonina, Slava Koulikov and Curtis Cruikshank of Stingrays ending up on the victorious Southern All Star side by a score of 12-10, with Glowa grabbing himself a goal.

Stingrays injury curse continues

The Excel Hull Stingrays injury curse, which has plagued the team since their arrival in the Elite League four years ago, has continued

Following the news that Ukrainian defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk will sit out the next five weeks, comes the news that the curse has struck again with forward Jason Silverthorn ruled out after breaking his jaw in his debut last night against Coventry

While the Rays were without just Gomenyuk and Lee Mitchell last night, James Hutchinson, Konstantin Kalmikov and player-coach Sylvain Cloutier shook off niggles to play.

The latest injury to Silverthorn, which has kept him out of tonight's game at home to Belfast after he recorded a goal and an assist in his debut last night, comes a week before the expected re-arrival of Lee Mitchell, who has missed the beginning of the season after a knee injury in the summer.

Cloutier has so far been very open to the idea of changing the team up and bringing in players during injury layoffs, as was seen when James Sanford was brought in during Ryan Jorde's broken arm, and it is thought he may well plump for that tactic once again.

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.

Kalmikov is back for more

Standout Ukrainian forward, Konstantin Kalmikov, has been re-signed by coach Sylvain Cloutier for a second season in Excel Hull Stingrays colours after a superb first season at the Hull Arena.

The 30 year old from Kharkov, Ukraine, was signed to replace the enigmatic Jake Riddle in October last year and went on to become one of the most talented forwards to have played for the club, scoring 25 goals and 49 points in 48 appearances in the Elite League.

Having played against former Ukraine international Kalmikov earlier in his career, Cloutier was immediately interested in re-signing the tall, skillful winger:

"From playing against him in the AHL, I know how much of a competitor he is - he will not accept losing. He wants to have a successful season as much as I do," said Cloutier.

"He will be counted on as a leader on and off the ice."

Cloutier continued to speak about Kalmikov's immense talents:

"It was vital to retain his services. I feel he will be the key to our success next season. He is the most talented player in the Elite League and I am extremely happy to have him back."

A draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1996, Kalmikov began his stint with the Stingrays with four assists in two games against the Basingstoke Bison, as he immediately linked up perfectly with line mate Matt Reynolds and that form remained for much of the season.

His name consistently featured on the score sheet after that opening weekend and not for misdemeanors either, with the Ukrainian picking up just two penalties in his 48 games for the club.

It was his force as an attacking presence and pinpoint finisher that won him forward of the year at the fans voted end of season awards dinner and cemented him as a fan favourite, mainly for his split second, flashes of brilliance that would frequently change a game.

He is, without doubt, one of the most skillful players to have iced for the Rays, and his shot, as former coach Rick Strachan described it, is "NHL calibre".

The disappointment of failing to qualify for the playoffs was evident in Kalmikov's body language following the defeat to Cardiff and subsequent final day defeat to Edinburgh, but it is that disappointment that will drive him on for a successful 2009/2010 season and Cloutier is adamant that 09/10 will be one of the best seasons for the Stingrays.

"I think with the players we are all going to be surrounded by we will all have a great season together," said Cloutier.

Kalmikov will line up with Lee Esders and Jeff Glowa as, thus far, the only returnees from last seasons squad, although Lee Mitchell and backup netminder Andrew Jaszczyk are also now expected to on the list of re-signings for Sylvain Cloutier's first season as coach in the EIHL.

The Stingrays have now signed up four of an expected six import forward lineup, with Andre Payette and Adam Knight rumoured to have sealed deals for the final two spots.

Photos Courtesy: Arthur Foster (FosterA@code.karoo.co.uk)

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.

Kalmikov double seals surprise win

Nottingham Panthers 2-3 Excel Hull Stingrays

Goals from two former Nottingham Panthers, James Cooke and Konstantin Kalmikov, helped the Excel Hull Stingrays to a shock win in Nottingham over the second placed Panthers.

Once again without Stuart Kerr and Troy Neumeier, the Stingrays were also without Matt Reynolds, who was forced to visit hospital after sustaining a hand injury against Sheffield, whilst Pavel Gomenyuk looked to struggle against Sheffield.

Unsurprisingly the Panthers took a 2-0 first period lead through new signing Juraj Golcic and Brit Matt Myers, however that was as far as the Panthers lead would go.

The Stingrays came back strongly and on 27 minutes Konstantin Kalmikov scored his 14th of the season to bring the Stingrays back into the game. Then to the NIC's surprisement little over three minutes later the Stingrays were level through another former Panther, James Cooke, who scored his first of the season.

The Panthers barraged the Stingrays net in the third period with 13 shots however it was Kalmikov that would score his second of the game with less than two minutes left on the clock after a Michel Robinson mistake handed him the chance to take the win on a penalty shot.

It was a chance that the skillful Ukrainian would not pass up and in the process of scoring the shot he handed the Stingrays their third and fourth point of the season against the Panthers and recorded the Rays all time third victory in the NIC.

SOG: 33-24
PIM: 14-8

Stingray News.

- It is hoped that new import forward, Konstantin Kalmikov (pictured), will arrive in time for this weekends double header against Basingstoke. Ukrainian Kalmikov, who has been brought in to replace released Jake Riddle, last season iced for Pensacola Ice Pilots and Pontebba in the Italian Serie A, however he is also a former Nottingham Panther, where he scored 19 points in 28 games. Should everything go through smoothly he will arrive at Heathrow on Saturday but is more likely to make his debut on Sunday in the second leg of the double header against the Bison.

- Yet more rumours are surfacing about Stingrays power forward, Rick Kozak, quitting the club in order to return to North America. Fuelled by his last minute absence on KCFM last night, the Hull Daily Mail ran a story speculating on his departure. As yet no Stingray official has commented on the rumour, which has risen its head for what must be the third or fourth time this season. Perhaps this rumour has surfaced its ugly head one time too many to be false, perhaps not.

- Meanwhile, this weekend the Rays will face a Basingstoke side in turmoil. Amid rumour of financial crisis at the club, head coach, Ryan Aldridge, quit the club. On at ten game losing streak, Aldridge quit because he believed he was not able to do the job that he wished. The club quickly replaced Aldridge with the unknown coaching quantity of, now, head coach, defenceman Eric Braff, and assistant coaches Jeremy Cornish and Greg Chambers, both Bison import forwards. The Stingrays will face a Bison side that will be wanting to prove a point to themselves, their fans, the new coach and the league.

F Block Blog is back.

As the internet here at F Block Blog towers is working again here's a wee update as to what has happened in its brief absence:

27/09- Stingrays lost 7-3 in Sheffield against the Steelers. Stingray goals came from Jake Riddle, Matt Reynolds and Lee Mitchell.

28/09- A credible 2-2 draw at home to the Nottingham Panthers in the Challenge Cup left coach Rick Strachan "super proud". Stingray goals came from Jason Kostadine and Steve Slonina.

30/09- Aaron Wilson signed on to replace the departed Jonathan Bernier. Wilson is 6'4, 220lbs and was defensive partner of Stingrays defenceman Stuart Kerr last season.

03/10- Jake Riddle was released by the Stingrays for on ice indiscipline following a series of 10 minute misconduct penalties which led to him being the Stingrays leader in PIMs (52).

04/10- Ukrainian forward, Konstantin Kalmikov, who has spent extensive time in North America, signed on for the Stingrays to replace Jake Riddle.

04/10- The Stingrays were once again defeated by the Steelers, with Sheffield taking a 5-2 victory in Hull. Stingray goals came from Jason Kostadine and Lee Esders.

07/10- It was confirmed by the Stingrays management that an appeal to have Rick Kozak's ban reduced was successful and that he will now face Nottingham in a crunch match on Saturday night in Hull.