Hull Stingrays 2008-2009 Season Review: At The Back

Netminders

Curtis Cruickshank (58GP 88.6%SV)- The Canadian (above) failed to reproduce the form that saw him highly thought of in Elite League stints with Nottingham and Basingstoke. Although he had solid periods of play, normally against the top four, he let in so many soft goals that it may have ended up costing the team a playoff spot. Last year Ladislav Kudrna was berated for his lack of consistency, this year all is forgotten, Ladi, as Cruickshank's consistent errors cost the team dear.

Grade: D-
Should he return: No

Andy Jaszcyzk (10GP 81.5%SV)- Being an EIHL backup is a tough job. Most of the time it involves sitting on the pine for the majority of the season, however when Jaszcyzk stepped onto the ice to guard the goal in relief of Cruickshank, he showed composure and the young goalie should definately return to gain further experience next season.
Grade: C
Should he return: Yes

Defence

Troy Neumeier (35GP 3+10=13 42PIM)- Neumeier (above) made it his ambition to get the Stingrays into the playoffs, in what he knew was his final season in the sport, however his one man crusade ended in disappointment, with the team missing out yet again. At 38, and following an injury layoff mid-season, his legs began to go at the tail end of the season, resulting in a number of hooking and holding penalties, but Neumeier will be remembered for his solid defensive work, drive and passion to get the team to the promised land, the playoffs. His retirement is thoroughly deserved.
Grade: C
Should he return: No

Stuart Kerr (24GP 0+6=6 71PIM)- After improving in each of his 24 games for the club, and endearing himself to fans with a toe-to-toe fight against former NHLer Chris McAllister, Kerr's season unexpectedly succumbed to a continuing knee problem. The injury, which he attempted to return from on a number of occasions, eventually saw him sit out 36 games after going down in November and denied fans the chance to see a player improving with increased ice time.
Grade: C-
Should he return: No

Paul Moran (30GP 0+11=11 36PIM)- Moran's season was decimated by a shoulder injury that has dogged his career. After the loss of Stevie Lee, Luke Boothroyd and Dave Phillips in pre-season, he provided the Stingrays with a much needed British defenceman and, despite a rough patch of form, was largely solid.
Grade: C-
Should he return? Yes

Pavel Gomenyuk (56GP 13+29=42 78PIM)- Gomenyuk (above) rebounded from a dismal 06/07 season with the Stingrays to have a phenomenal 08/09, recording career highs in goals, assists and points as well as a high in points for a Stingrays defenceman. The Ukrainian, like every other Stingrays defenceman, suffered from the odd injury scare, but that did not hinder some fantastic performances both offensively and defensively. His offensive capabilities, which saw him score 13 goals, provided the Stingrays with some attacking force, on a team that, in pre-season, looked like it had none.
Grade: B+
Should he return? Yes

Aaron Wilson (50GP 2+17=19 57PIM)- Recommended by Stuart Kerr, Wilson came in as a big physical defenceman but left as let down. It was a case of almost opposites when descrbing Wilson pre and post signing. Not physical, even soft, and mistake riddled, highlighted by his awful own goal in the Stingrays final game of the season, much more was expected from Wilson. In fact it comes as no surprise that his best game in a Rays jersey came in his most physical encounter, against the Newcastle Vipers, where he bullied the Vipers, even beating EIHL pantomime villain Andre Payette in a scrap.
Grade: D-
Should he return? No

Antti Turunen (20GP 1+4=5 18PIM)- Turunen (above) was brought into the Stingrays at possibly the worst time for himself, with the team in the pits of an injury crisis. That injury crisis saw him come up smelling of roses, performing admirably during times of strife. His tenacious hounding of the puck carrier, grit and determination were what fellow defenceman, Aaron Wilson, missed, and is what made him so popular. He capped his 20 games stint with a much deserved first goal in the Stingrays penultimate game of the season.
Grade: B-
Should he return? Yes

Steve Slonina (60GP 9+31=40 88PIM)- Slonina (above) came in as a forward, and his first dozen games were distinctly average, however 40 games, and a switch to defence, later, Slonina deservedly ended his season as the Stingrays defenceman and player of the year. He, like Turunen, had a never say die style of play that endeared him to fans, but he, alongside Pavel Gomenyuk, also provided the team with offensive capabilities from defence. His ability to rush the puck forward as well as be solid at the back, was previously unseen in a Stingrays jersey and his signature for next season will be hot property.
Grade: B
Should he return? Yes

MIA

Jonathan Bernier (4GP 0+0=0 9PIM)- He played just four equally awful games for the Rays before bizarrely quitting the team for the AHL. He allegedly provided the Stingrays with toughness, which they already possessed in Rick Kozak, and his positioning as a top four defenceman was horrific. Needless to say that his AHL tryout quickly turned into a short stint in the ECHL before being demoted to the CHL with his former side, the Wichita Thunder.
Grade: E
Should he return? No

Richie Thornton (5Gp 0+0=0 4PIM)- Signed on a two way contract to give the team some depth in the midst of injuries to Kerr, Moran and Neumeier, and largely did his job. Went missing for a number of games, presumably because he had other commitments with his other contract or his job out of hockey, but gave the team some help when they most needed it.
Grade: D+
Should he return? Yes

*Photos all courtesy Arthur Foster

Neumeier retires

The signing of Sylvain Cloutier as Excel Hull Stingrays player-coach marks the very end for veteran defenceman Troy Neumeier.

Neumeier (above), who retired last summer only to make a U-turn and return in the late post-season, had suggested that he would consider any offers on their merits and was a mooted replacement for Rick Strachan.

Speaking before the appointment of Cloutier Neumeier had made it clear that this season was his last as a player but he would consider any further developments.

"As of right now I'm just going to go home and relax, sit back and chill out. I'm not going to approach anyone. If they want to approach me that's one thing. I can't say whether I'm interested one way or another before I go home and talk to my family.

"As of now I'm not going to change my mind about what I plan to do, but funnier things have happened, so I can't say one way or the other."

However, news that the Stingrays were plumping for a player-coach as a result of the recent financial climate, appeared to rule him out of the running. That was confirmed yesterday as his former Coventry teammate, Sylvain Cloutier, was announced as the Stingrays player-coach.

His appointment acts as confirmation that Neumeier will indeed retire this summer after 1333 career games, 79 goals, 278 assists and 993 penalty minutes.

It is a sad end for a player that set his final sights on dragging the hapless Stingrays into the playoffs for the first time. Over a thousand games after starting his career with Prince Albert in the WHL, including his year long spell with the Stingrays, where he scored seven goals and 13 assists in 55 games, Neumeier will finally retire from the game at the age of 38.

"It’s over, that’s enough for me. I am sore and tired and I am finally retired. It will take a while to sink in ."

"It’s been a long time, I have played a lot of games and a lot of years but all good things come to an end. It’s been a hell of a run and I don’t regret anything. Getting drafted was a top priority and I won a couple of championships which is what everyone plays for. Some people go through a whole career without one so that is another highlight."

Stingray news.

Eleven in Eleven

The Excel Hull Stingrays have hit form at precisely the right time with 11 points in 11 games leaving just 12 games to gain an advantage of the Edinburgh Capitals.

It is a run of form that has seen the side leap from 16 points to 27 points, equal with the Capitals and eight points clear of bottom side the Basingstoke Bison. Should they continue on point-a-game form for the remainder of the season they would end up on a joint team record 39 points, a record point total that was set in 2006/07.

Stingrays All Star lineup complete

In a surprising move, Southern All Star coach Paul Thompson has announced that Slava Koulikov would join Curtis Cruickshank, Lee Mitchell and Jeff Glowa as the Excel Hull Stingrays representatives in the Elite Ice Hockey Leagues first ever All Star game.

After initial confusion over whether fellow Eastern European Konstantin Kalmikov had instead been selected, it was confirmed on Monday that Koulikov, who has scored 15 points in 24 games this season, would become to final Stingray to be selected.

In his last ten games Koulikov has scored seven points and he will join up with his fellow All Stars in Coventry on Thursday 19 February.

Brits on form

Since injuries to import forwards Matt Reynolds and Jamie Thompson the Excel Hull Stingrays British forwards have seen increased ice time and more notably increased offensive output.

In the six games since Canadian Reynolds suffered a broken finger, Lee Esders, Slava Koulikov, James Cooke and Lee Mitchell have contributed five goals and six assists, a significant increase in production.

Neumeier makes successful return for home stretch

Troy Neumeier has seemingly made a successful return from a torn knee ligament which had initially threatened to end both is season and career prematurely.

Neumeier, who has set his sights on sending the Excel Hull Stingrays to the playoffs for the first time as his last act on the ice, played in both away games against Manchester and Cardiff and made his return to the Hull Arena on Saturday night against his former side the Coventry Blaze.

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.

Just two defencemen for Rays trip to Scotland?

The injured trio: Troy Neumier, Paul Moran and Stuart Kerr

The Excel Hull Stingrays are down to just two regular defencemen for their 8th place crunch clash against the Edinburgh Capitals at Murrayfield this Sunday.

With Troy Neumeier already ruled out for the season with a torn ligament, both Stuart Kerr and Paul Moran are unlikely to play the lone game this weekend. Kerr, who has not iced for a full game since November 16, will seek further medical advice on a knee injury with an MRI scan planned for next week to pinpoint the injury.

Whilst British defenceman Moran has suffered a reoccurance of the shoulder injury that has troubled his career to date, with many suggesting that as a reason for his lack of progression in the British game. Coach Rick Strachan has suggested to the Hull Daily Mail that he out for more than just one game:

"Moran will probably be out for a couple of weeks so we are hoping to find a British defenceman to help us out this weekend.

Strachan's search for a British defenceman just comes days after Stingrays co-owner Sue Pack admitted that, in the light of injuries to Kerr and Neumeier, the team will have to end negotiations with replacement forwards. With Steve Slonina slotting in nicely on defence it was suggested that he would remain as a defenceman for the rest of the season and instead the Stingrays would replace Neumeier, a defenceman, with a forward in search of some much needed scoring.

With yet more injuries to an already frail defence the team are now looking to sign a British defenceman for this weekend, and possibly beyondm, as well as an import defenceman or two, which the Packs have already admitted is highly unlikely to arrive this side of New Year.

The lack of defensive coverage comes after the Stingrays were unable, or chose not to, renew the contracts of three Great Britain defencemen this summer. Luke Boothroyd was let go, whilst Stevie Lee and Dave Phillips chose to leave for more ice time and career opportunities respectively and the lack of depth that has previously been a luxury to the Rays is now non-exsistant.

Now, with just Aaron Wilson and, only recently fit, Pavel Gomenyuk as recognised defencemen, Strachan has begun the search for reinforcements ahead of Sundays game against the Capitals.

The Stingrays can perhaps count themselves lucky that they only have one game this weekend and that that is 'only' against fellow strugglers Edinburgh Capitals, who sit on equal points with the Stingrays.

Season ending injury ends Neumeier's career?

The Hull Daily Mail is reporting that the Stingrays 39 year old Canadian defenceman, Troy Neumeier (pictured), suffered a season ending torn right abductor tendon four weeks ago.

It was initially feared that the injury was groin related however further tests have revealed an injury that will keep Neumeier out for the rest of the season.

Speculation now revolves around one of three situations that Stingray fans are hoping will resolve their current eight game losing streak. The first is the persistent rumour (read hope) that Neumeier will step up to become the Stingrays head coach leaving Rick Strachan to either step down as coach or become General Manager of the team.

This long lasting rumour has been doing the rounds for a couple of months now and whilst it would bring change, Neumeier has yet to comment on whether he would welcome a move into a coaching role. Likewise, it is unknown whether Neumeier would be a good choice as head coach as, whilst he is a hugely experience player, he has had just one seasons coaching under his belt with a spell as assistant coach with the Fort Wayne Komets of the UHL in 04/05.

Another option is that Neumeier, who has a family back at home in Canada, will return to North America and retire from the game.

Either way it seems the Stingrays will replace him rather than hope he makes a miraculous recovery before the end of the season with Tyler Hanchuck, a former team mate of Stuart Kerr and Jason Kostadine, tipped to move to the country. However with the severity of Neumeier's injury only recently revealed, the Basingstoke Bison are favourites to seal his signing after announcing they have signed two new imports in the last few days.

The major question is whether Neumeier, who joined the Stingrays in January last season and has scored 15 points in 42 games, remains in the country, becomes coach, or returns home to retire.

Neumeier's will become the fourth import to be scratched from the club this season after Rick Kozak, Jake Riddle and Jonathan Bernier all left the club. Meanwhile Neumeier may not be the final change to the Stingrays this season with two other players rumoured to be leaving the club in the near future.

PICTURE: Troy Neumeier (www.hullstingrays.co.uk)

Neumeier watch

Games to 1000:
32

Strachan names his assistants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neumeier suprise confirms 08/09 squad; Bring on the Steelers.

Just over a month ago it was all but confirmed by Stingrays owner Sue Pack, that Troy Neumeier would not return to the Excel Hull Stingrays and that he had retired from hockey after an astonishing 21 year career spanning all the top North American minor leagues. After spending much of his career in the AHL , British Superleague and UHL, it looked like his career was to come to an abrupt and unusual end in the British Elite League with a season split between Belfast, Coventry and finally Hull.

A month, and a change of heart, later, Troy Neumeier will suit up for his 22nd season in professional hockey, and possibly his last, with the Excel Hull Stingrays.

Neumeier, who completes a defence which includes Pavel Gomenyuk, Stuart Kerr, Jonathan Bernier and Paul Moran, may also be named captain of the team later this month before two pre-season challenge games against the Sheffield Steelers in the Yorkshire Cup.

Whilst Neumeier may not be the fastest, nor most energetic player on the side, his experience, leadership, hockey brain and most of all, natural talent, will allow him to be a stand out defenceman, most certainly, on the team but even in the league.

He has received extended praise from owners Sue Pack and Rick Strachan for his leadership abilities, praise which will almost certainly see him take the captaincy from Jeff Glowa. Glowa would be captain over almost anyone, unfortunately for him, or perhaps not if the team perform, the man named "The Destroyer" will most likely take the captaincy.

At a guess, Neumeier may also contribute more offensively than many expect. Towards the end of last year, Neumeier was on pace for a career year with the Stingrays after recording 9 points in 24 games. Given a full season, his ability to set up and score from the blueline may help the Rays, which lack an out and out offensive defenceman in the shape of Craig Minard or Kevin Young. His career highs stand at 7 goals (04/05 Fort Wayne Comets), 18 assists (98/99 Manchester Storm), 24 points (98/99 Manchester Storm) and a massive +45 +/- rating (04/05 Fort Wayne Comets).

Rick Strachan had this to say upon signing the 37 year old:

He is the last piece of the jigsaw and we couldn't have asked for a better way to complete our roster. Troy is big, strong and smart, he is poised on the puck, calm and takes good care of himself. He is a great leader on and off the ice."

Former Coach Ed Courtenays views on him:

"Troy has been one of the top defensive players in every league he has played in over the years. He makes getting to the net difficult for any opposing forwards."

Former GM, Todd Kelmans views on him.

"Ed and I both remember playing against Troy in his time with the Storm in the old Superleague Days and he simply was the best defensive defenceman in the league during those years"

And one final note. In his final season with the Manchester Storm in 00/01, in a tough season he made this comment:

''Last season, many games were brutal. I never want to experience another situation like that. It just makes you want to retire.''

And yet, at least one tough season later, he continues to play at the age of 37

Hull Stingrays 2007-2008 Season Review: At The Back

This blog is avaliable in full at Pro Hockey News but I thought I would post a brief version on here too just so theres more content.

Netminders

Ladislav Kudrna(60G 90.1% SP)- Lacked the consistency of his predecessor, Miroslav Bielik, but did steal one or two games for the Stingrays. Failed to regain the red hot form of 2004-2005.
Grade: C-

Tom Chamberlain (8G 83.3% SP)- Did his job by backing up number one netminder Kurdna well, however did not take his game to the next level where he could be considered anything more than a backup, which is probably what he will return as.
Grade: D+

G=Games Played in, SP=Save Percentage

Defencemen

Dave Phillips(62G 5+13=18 85PIM)- Had his best season as a pro yet, consistant and solid at the back. A regular in the Stingrays blueline recording top minutes who received Best Defenceman at the post season awards and a callup to the GB squad. Could return with top line potential for the Stingrays or move to a top 4 club. (NOTE: Dave Phillips has since signed for Belfast Giants)
Grade: B
Stevie Lee (56G 0+3=3 22PIM)- A Young prospect who will saw increasing minutes through the Stingrays defensive injury crisis as a Dman. Was moved to forward later in the season but should return to the D next season, if he returns, with yet more minutes on the ice. (ABOVE)
Grade: C-

Nikolai Ladygin (61G 3+15=18 36 PIM)- The Ukrainian man mountain proved solid and reliable with 30 minutes of ice time during the Stingrays injury crisis. During the second string of injuries he was reliable as ever as he moved up front as forward. Will be disapointed with his points total after a 30 point 1st season but should return.
Grade: C

Bryce Thoma (61G 4+23=27 63 PIM)- Never let the side down at the back and provided a decent points return for the somewhat defensive D man that he is. Should return but was contemplating retirement.
Grade: C+
Troy Neumeier (24G 4+5=9 20PIM)- Went through 2 teams before he found his feet in a struggling Stingrays side. 38 years old but never looked out of position and provided calm and leadership in an severely inexperienced backline. Another who should return unless retirement gets the best out of him. (ABOVE)
Grade: A

Jani Virtanen (27G 2+3=5 18PIM)- Injured in his first game with the Stingrays and never fully recovered from that injury which kept him out for 2 months. Showed some flashes of what he could do but those flashes were few and far between.
Grade: D+

Luke Boothroyd (60G 3+5=8 84PIM)- An indifferent season for the defenceman, inconsistency at the back, along with some huge mistakes, cost him his place on D and he was swiftly moved up front. Somehow managed a call up into the Great Britain squad for the World Championships Division 1 in Austria.
Grade: D

G=Games followed by Goals+Assists=Points, PIM=Penalties in Minutes