Suderman joins Dundee as exodus begins

If the sad and emotional scenes in the early part of this week failed to hit home the reality that the Hull Stingrays will not take their place in the upcoming 10/11 Elite League season, then the disbandment of Sylvain Cloutier's 16 man squad certainly will.

That process began today as defenceman Matt Suderman signed in Scotland with the EIHL's newest side the Dundee Stars.

The departure of the tough 27 year old defensive blueliner marks the beginning of the very end for the Stingrays, at least for this year, and appears to have extinguished any hope of a rumoured saviour for the quickly approaching season. One-by-one during the coming weeks and days Suderman's 15 previously prospective team mates for the upcoming season will join the tough guy in signing elsewhere.

In other news, former Stingrays enforcer Adam Knight was confirmed as signing in the Central Hockey League with Wichita Thunder.

Stingrays sign Jonathan Bernier (not that one!)

No, whilst the Stingrays do need a number one netminder, they have not pulled off the transfer of the EIHL summer by signing the LA Kings 11th overall pick of the 2006 draft, Jonathan Bernier.

They have, however, signed one of a triplet, from Beaufort City, Quebec, in 24 year old Jonathan Bernier who comes in from Central Hockey League side Wichita Thunder.
He becomes the first defenceman and third import out of 11 to sign for the Stingrays 2008/2009 EIHL campaign. 6'2 Bernier is, unsuprisingly considering Strachans comments to the Hull Daily Mail, a "bruising" defenceman who is known better for his intimidating style and big hits than his skating prowess or skill on the puck. However it is undoubted that Bernier will be one of the most physical defencemen that fans in Hull have ever seen, very much a physical presence on the blueline.

In his first professional season, with the Arizona Sundogs, Bernier recorded 5 assists and 226 PIMs as he played in all 64 games for the CHL team whilst this past season, which he split between Arizona and Wichita, he played in 56 games recording 3 goals and 1 assist.

Bernier, who will join the Stingrays for just his third professional season, has recorded a combined 3 goals, 6 assists and an astounding 448 penalty minutes mainly as a result of the 66 fighting majors he has accrued.

In those 66 fights he has fought a few familiar names to the UK; names like Ryan VandenBussche, Jeff Ewakso, Dennis Maxwell, Stingray target Adam Stefishen and Mike Prpich as well as former Stingrays enforcer Simon Rizk as a junior.

Coach Rick Strachan will hope that given increased ice time, and with a possible pairing on 2nd or 3rd line defence, that Bernier will be able to contribute both offensively, defensively and with his fists during his time with the Stingrays.

Bernier in action for Arizona in 2006-07.