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.

McEwan to 'go it alone' on Stingrays takeover

Bobby McEwan will takeover the Hull Stingrays on his own after it was this afternoon revealed local businessman Nic Gough will no longer be a part of any takeover bid for the Elite League club.

Gough had joined up with Stingrays assistant coach McEwan to mount a takeover bid from the Coventry Blaze ownership group earlier in the spring.

Though progress was incredibly slow moving due to complications over the initial application, ice-time and then negotiation process with the previous owners - Gough and McEwan looked to be closing in on a takeover towards the latter part of last week and early part of this week.

BBC Radio Humberside confirmed on Monday that Hull City Council (HCC) had called a press conference for Thursday morning at the Hull Arena to announce the results of the ice-time tender at which they will confirm ice-time for the Stingrays 12/13 EIHL campaign

It has now become clear that while the ice-time tender process was closing in on completion, negotiations between the Gough and McEwan and Coventry remained messy and fractured with no accounts shown for their time in Hull, a mooted asking price of between £15,000 and £35,000, and confidentiality issues on the part of the Blaze.

Monday also saw an Elite League board meeting at which the league's ten ownership groups - crucially including McEwan and not Gough - met to agree on a new two conference restructure for the 12/13 campaign.

The restructure saw the Stingrays aligned into a coincidentally financially weaker Northern conference alongside Braehead Clan, Dundee Stars, Fife Flyers and Edinburgh Capitals. Crucially as far as the Stingrays are concerned, the changes saw the loss of four home fixtures against Sheffield and Nottingham - who both bring big numbers of visiting fans to Hull Arena - while also increasing the number of times they travel to Scotland to 16 - up from 12.

While it has been alleged that all EIHL clubs agreed to the deal, it is believed that it was McEwan and not Gough - who was not in attendance - that agreed, in principle, with the changes.

Gough was understandably very unhappy with the new structure, however, didn't withdraw his support late on Tuesday night following the announcement ahead of a meeting with McEwan and Cloutier this morning.

Gough, McEwan and player-coach Sylvain Cloutier met at the Hull Arena - prior to a meeting with HCC- at which point McEwan surprisingly revealed that he believed he could take the club on his own.

Though the decision may indirectly be linked to Gough's understandable anger at the Elite League's decision, it is believe McEwan will continue on with plans for the Stingrays 12/13 EIHL campaign with Cloutier likely returning as player-coach.

Gough spoke of his natural disappointment at the decision to F Block Blog:

"I'm as gutted as the next person but you've got to be realistic. It was looking more and more challenging to achieve what we set out to be achieved initially and we were already close to the wire. This [EIHL restructuring] could have a massive ramifications on the club and the gate. We already had a mountain to climb but the EIHL have ensured that we had a mountain to climb in flip flops and shorts. My heart said yes but my head said no"

He later added on Facebook:

"How can a league that purports to be professional and fair implement changes that disadvantage one of its members whilst benefitting the remaining nine - it stinks"

Nevertheless, Gough will remain a dedicated Stingrays fan and has also offered to help out in anyway he can.

"I'm gutted I'm not involved. I'm disappointed it's come to this but I'm behind him [McEwan] 100%. I wish him every success."

As it stands now, and despite a premature press release from the Blaze ownership group confirming a pre-agreement with the takeover group - which attributed quotes to Gough that were, according to him, fabricated - McEwan still needs to complete the deal to takeover with the Blaze.

While the club may not be in the crisis it was in two years ago following the Pack's departure and it does still have a willing suitor interested in taking over, the situation remains on a knife edge. Inparticular the 12/13 EIHL campaign will likely be incredibly difficult financially though this appears to be a situation McEwan believes manageable.

The Stingrays fans forum tomorrow night (8pm start) at the Hull Arena should reveal more information on the future of the Stingrays as a club with McEwan, Cloutier and a surprise guest or two - thought to be the club's first signings of the summer - all in attendance. Gough has also confirmed he will be in attendance to answer any questions on recent events.

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

Cloutier brothers to bid for Stingrays?

The battle to become the Excel Hull Stingrays third ownership group in nine years took an unexpected turn yesterday following a cryptic tweet from three-year player/coach Sylvain Cloutier.

Details of negotiations between a number of parties looking to takeover the Elite Ice Hockey League club from current Coventry based owners for the 12/13 season - their ninth in existence and seventh in the British top flight - have largely been kept behind closed doors.

Last week, it was believed at least three separate parties were interested in the club with confirmed bids from last season's assistant coach Bobby McEwan and local businessman Paul Fielder as well as a mooted bid from former player Slava Koulikov, while a rumoured bid from agent Ben Milhench was refuted.

Indeed, aside from McEwan and Fielder making their intentions known in the media through the Hull Daily Mail, any details of the negotiations and potential bidders have been sketchy with the current owners silent as they review the best course of action.

Last night, it appeared that three bidders may soon become four as Cloutier took to Twitter to write, "should my brother and I do it or not do it, that is the question".

Though that is as specific as the message got, many immediately interpreted that suggestive message to mean Sylvain and younger brother, and former NHLer, Dan Cloutier were looking at making a bid for the club. As quickly as the message was read and understood, the Rays fans threw their full support behind the Canadian's bid - unsurprising since he guided the club with his blend of passion and determination to three consecutive record years on-ice.

He and Dan were rumoured to be at the heart of a potential takeover earlier in the month only for this to be denied by Sylvain during a Stingrays Fans Forum live on West Hull Community Radio (WHCR) prior to the Stingrays EIHL Playoff Semi-Final defeat to Nottingham.

According to Hockey Zone Plus 35 year old Dan Cloutier earned $12,075,000 during a ten year NHL career that saw him ice in more than 300 NHL games with the likes of New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vancouver Canucks and LA Kings, and so he, it is believed, would hold more than enough financial clout to back his brother in a joint ownership of the Rays.

More recently he has been involved in coaching as goaltending coach of the Barrie Colts in the Ontario Hockey League, while he was also part of a mooted bid for an unnamed junior hockey team in Canada that initially saw Sylvain deny their interest in taking over in Hull.

Though the rumoured bid is flaky at best, his tweet has already received backing from player Tristan Harper, Coventry Blaze coach Luc Chabot and agent David Imonti - who have added credibility and credence to the speculation that the tweet was regarding the Stingrays by weighing in to encouraging the Canadian to do the deed - whatever that may be.

Of course, despite universal and unequivocal support from the Rays fanbase and beyond, there would be no guarantee that any bid - should it materialise - would be accepted by the current Coventry based ownership  - who have already stated they may yet remain for a third season in Hull as unlikely and possibly unpopular as that may be.

The seven to ten day time frame which club director Andy Buxton promised would make the club's future "clearer" has now been and gone, and with every day that passes goes another crucial day of preparation for any new owner or coach ahead of the 12/13 campaign.

The clock is ticking, though it appears it may be only a matter of time before the Stingrays are on to their third set of owners - at least if the fans have anything to do with it.

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)

Cloutier re-signs for third year

Excel Hull Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier has today agreed to return to the club as player-coach and Director of Hockey Operations for a third year.

The 37 year old, whose current Stingrays side are likely to finish in an all time high seventh place in the Elite League, joined the club two summers ago having had his spell as head coach of CHL side the Corpus Christi Ice Rayz cut short.

Although last season, his first as coach in the UK, ended in an eighth place finish and also saw the veteran of some 1000 games record his lowest points total since 02/03, just 24 points from 44 games, he returned for the second year of his two year contract early on, eager to improve the club's fortunes this year.

A turbulent summer ensued in which Cloutier quickly built a squad only for the club's funding to be withdrawn by founding owners Mike and Sue Pack, who departed after seven years at the club, leaving the club very much on the brink.


Just as it looked too late, the club was miraculously saved late in the day by his former employers at the Coventry Blaze, where the Canadian spent two years prior to initially retiring in 08/09, and he was retained with the aim of rebuilding the previously completed squad.

Impressively, that very same reconstructed team, give or take one or two changes, is the same squad that today sits proud in seventh spot in the Elite League.

The Mont-Laurier, Quebec native has today been rewarded for the hardwork put in during those difficult months last summer with a new contract that will give him the time and opportunity to build a squad on level terms with the rest of the league and he spoke of his happiness at agreeing to terms for a third year:

"I am extremely excited about coming back again next year and building on what we have achieved in the last two years. The organisation wanted me back and I wanted to come back. With the new management taking over, we have made a big improvement this year and there is a lot to look forward to."

His re-signing provides some much needed continuity for a club that generally struggles to hold on to its players and his next task will be retaining a solid core of the team as soon as possible ahead of 11/12 season.

While his return as coach should have almost been a foregone conclusion, given how well he did building his current squad last summer with massive time constraints, his return on the ice as a player was less so.

At 37 he is the second oldest player in the league behind only Dundee player-coach Dan Ceman (38), who happens to lead his side in every offensive category, and, put simply, Cloutier does not lead his side in any statistical category, far from it.

Far more important than that though is that on the ice, emotionally and physically, Cloutier - who will enter his 19th professional season next year - leads his side near enough every night. It is very easy to see why the Stingrays player-coach was a captain for so many successful, championship winning sides, and for a team like the Stingrays, that can't afford a night off, that attitude and mindset is so very important.

Five games remain in the 10/11 regular season and each of those five is crucial for the Stingrays momentum as they progress towards just their second ever playoff appearance with a real chance of making the final four weekend in Nottingham in the first weekend in April.

After the challenging task of leading the Rays in the playoffs, Cloutier must then once again start from the beginning, rebuilding as he did twice last summer. This time though there are some big decisions to be made with big players that have not contributed as expected but that may once again contribute next season. Likewise, there are a number of players that have outperformed expectations that will either want an increased wage or a move to another club, in which case they will need to be replaced.

Either way, provided there are no last minute summer setbacks, Cloutier will be happy to have time on his side this time round ahead of the 11/12 season.

Stingrays are back!

The Hull Stingrays have been revived for the 10/11 Elite League campaign with new owners Paul Thompson, James Pease, Andy Buxton and Mike Cowley of the Coventry Blaze stepping in at the last minute to save the club.

The sports unlikely and somewhat surprising return to the city after less than a week away will see former Blaze defenceman and current Blaze General Manager Pease come in as Stingrays temporary GM, while the owners appoint Hull's own management group, with Sylvain Cloutier returning for a second term as player-coach.

With the opening weekend of the season just two and a half weeks away, it has also been confirmed that the club has received clearance from the EIHL to start the season a month after the leagues other nine teams during the first weekend of October. This will not only allow the new owners to put in place a new off-ice structure but will create the time necessary for Cloutier to reassemble his squad and replace any players that have understandably decided to depart.

So far just James Archer, Matt Suderman and unannounced signing Guilamme Lepine have officially left the club, however, defenceman Trevor Read is strongly rumoured to have found a new club and others may yet make way. New GM Pease also announced on BBC Radio Humberside that the Rays will run with 11 imports, one more than anticipated under the previous ownership, leaving Cloutier searching for at least three new imports ahead of the new season.

Further details of the forthcoming season including fixtures, sponsors, shirt designs and signing news are expected soon.

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.

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.

Excitement continues to build in Hull

The building for possibly the most anticipated Excel Hull Stingrays season yet continued last week as new player-coach Sylvain Cloutier made a whistle stop tour of his workplace for the next two years.

Cloutier visited Hull to meet a number of next season's squad and attended a hugely successful fans forum, where he, and players James Hutchinson, Shaun Thompson, Matty Davies and Pavel Gomenyuk, spoke to fans about the upcoming season.

At a packed Hull Arena bar Cloutier re-iterated his excitement for the upcoming season, admitting that the season can't come quick enough:

"I can’t wait to get going. I am extremely happy with the guys we have signed so far, we have done really well on the recruiting and we have a really good group and a good mix. We are going to have three solid lines.

"We want to compete every night. I have put a team together to do that and I know we are going to give Sheffield, Coventry, Nottingham and Belfast their money's worth."

With just over two months until opening face-off, Cloutier has signed 14 of next season's squad, and with a further two import spots signed but unannounced, he is left to search for the team's final two signings, a Brit and an import.

As revealed on their agents website earlier in post-season, Matt Reynolds and CHLer Mike Beynon have both signed for unnamed Elite League teams, and with Cloutier's admission that two imports have been signed and sealed for next season, the two Canadians could be set for two of the three remaining slots, with an player announcement expected this Wednesday.

Reynolds, a forward, and Beynon, a defenceman, would presumably leave the Rays searching for an import blueliner, in order to fill three lines of defence, and, alongside that assumption, Cloutier announced at the forum that the final import will be tough, and will help forward turned defenceman Adam Knight with the team's enforcing duties.

But with a Brit yet to be announced, that tough player could yet be British, although sensible money would go on enigmatic British trained forward Slava Koulikov returning for a sixth season, especially given the lack of British players willing to fight Canadian heavyweights on a regular basis.

Should the final import be a tough defenceman, it would leave the Rays defence looking somewhat weak however it is believed that Cloutier has great faith in the abilities of British defencemen Craig Mitchell and particularly James Hutchinson, who is coming from a treble winning season in the EPL.

Finally, the club announced that the team will have a new equipment manager for next season, with former Newcastle equipment man Tim Blake joining the team, further bolstering the Stingrays off-ice staff following the appointment of Jon Kynaston as Commercial and Community Development Officer.

The excitement in the Stingrays camp and amongst the fan base is growing in anticipation of Sylvain Cloutier's first game in charge of the team, which is expected to come on September 8, with the fixtures announcement expected in July.

Photo Courtesy: Arthur Foster

Players eager to return under Cloutier

It has taken less than a week for a whole host of the Stingrays 08/09 squad to express a desire to return under new coach Sylvain Cloutier.

Cloutier, 35, was signed as player-coach a week ago to replace fellow Canadian, Rick Strachan, who had been at the helm of the club in all six years of their existence spanning across the BNL, EPL and Elite League. But fans had become increasingly frustrated and critical of Strachan for his negative tactics, and attendances at the Hull Arena had begun to dwindle in the face of three seasons of playoff-less hockey.

The slowly decreasing crowds, as well as the recent downturn in the global economy, lead Mike and Sue Pack, Stingrays co-owners, to relieve Strachan of his coaching duties, instead employing Cloutier, who will not only coach but also double up as one of the teams key players .

The appointment of Cloutier has proven popular not only with fans of both the Stingrays and other EIHL teams, but also with a number of last seasons Stingrays squad.

Three key components of the Rays team last season have already made it clear that they would be having talks with the new coach regarding the 09/10 season, the teams fourth in the Elite League.

Jeff Glowa, the clubs leading goal and point scorer of all time, told the Hull Daily Mail that he would talk with coach Cloutier, but with as many as three other EIHL clubs interested in signing him for next season, including Cardiff and Newcastle, the Stingrays may face an uphill struggle.

"I haven't talked to anyone as of yet. I definitely want to talk with Cloots, just get his views on things and about coming to Hull. Of course I have said it a million times it's always an option to come back to Hull. I just don't know which way I am heading at the moment."

Meanwhile, fan favourites, Konstantin Kalmikov and Lee Esders, have indicated that they would like to return to the team for second and third seasons respectively.

Kalmikov became one of the teams shining stars after replacing the indisciplined Jake Riddle, and is undoubtedly one of the most skilled players to pull on a Rays jersey in their short six year history.

"I'll be talking to Mike and Sue Pack, the team owners. I have enjoyed it with the Stingrays and in Hull and I'd like to see what team they are building for next year. Hopefully we can come to an agreement," said Ukrainian Kalmikov.

And hometown hero, Esders, who surprised everyone with an 11 goal season to finish as the teams highest British goalscorer, whilst continuing his inspiring all around hard work, was similarly enthusiastic about a return:

"I would like to come back to Hull. I like the set-up, it's good and obviously the crowd seem to like me a bit!"

Injury prone, Jamie Thompson, who played 32 games, scoring just nine goals and two assists after replacing Rick Kozak early in the season, also told the Hull Daily Mail that he would love to return to the club after a wholly disappointing season, however it is not expected that Cloutier will extend discussions with the ageing 38 year old forward.

Likewise speculation suggests that forward turned defenceman, Steve Slonina, who developed into one of the teams key players and scored a handy 40 points from defence, will not be returning to the UK.

The former Bakersfield Condor, who joined former teammates Jason Kostadine and Rick Kozak on the Stingrays roster in September, had a career year in points but, despite interest from the Coventry Blaze and European sides, is likely to stay in the United States to be near his close knit family.

Another player expected to be leaving the UK is former Stingrays forward Rob Rankin, who looks set to stay in the US for next season after two seasons in the country.

Rankin had an impressive year with the Stingrays in 07/08 scoring 55 points and 23 goals in 53 games but he slumped to just 30 points in 58 games in Newcastle this season, although did continue his impressive work ethic and defensive play.

It is expected that player-coach Cloutier has already begun preparations for next season and that his first signing is imminent with Curtis Huppe, Rumun Ndur, Jeff Glowa and Lee Esders mooted as the first of many signings, in what promises to be an exciting off-season.