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.

Good and bad news.

After losing the Yorkshire Cup to the Sheffield Steelers by 15 goals to 6, the Excel Hull Stingrays have receieved both good and bad news on the injury front following the double header exhibition games.

Paul Moran, who went down during a scuffle between Andrew Sharp, Jason Hewitt and himself, has been officially ruled out for 2 to 3 weeks with a dislocated shoulder. He suffered a similar, abeit more serious, injury last season, which restricted him to 51 out of the Belfast Giants 61 games. Moran told the Hull Daily Mail:

"I was trying to stick up for a team-mate, but I think I got jumped. I felt my shoulder go so I went down on my knees and didn't attempt to fight back. Somehow the officials let Andrew keep punching me"

"I knew my shoulder wasn't in the joint, but didn't know if it was completely dislocated, all I knew is it didn't feel right. That's why I didn't fight back - because I didn't want to do any more damage.

"I've seen the people at the hospital. They say it was not too bad so hopefully with a couple of weeks rest I'll be back playing."

However he was still very positive about the Stingrays chances this season:

"It's very unfortunate. I had really enjoyed last week's training sessions and was really enjoying myself out there. We were playing really well for the first 10 minutes on Saturday. We were skating well, finishing our hits. I liked the look of our team. Hopefully with a couple of weeks rest I'll be back and we will get back on track."

Meanwhile, Curtis Cruickshank, who went down after a shot to the body during the Yorkshire Cup on Sunday night, has received the OK to play the Stingrays opening EIHL fixture against the Manchester Phoenix at the Hull Arena on Saturday. The club sent Cruickshank for an X-ray to confirm whether or not he had cracked ribs, as feared. Stingray owner Sue Pack had this to say about Cruickshanks injury:

"We sent Curtis to hospital as a precaution, but I've received a message from him to say the x-rays have shown there are no breaks. I'm delighted Curtis will ice, as we didn't want to lose our number one keeper in the warm-up games. It was just a freak occurrence, it wasn't like anyone ran him or anything, it just happened."

The Stingrays move on to a full weeks training with a full squad (minus Paul Moran) with Troy Neumeier and Steve Slonina in the country and ready to face the Manchester Phoenix at 5.30 on Saturday.

EIHL 08/09 Predictions

Predictions, predictions, predictions...

EIHL Winners: Coventry Blaze
Challenge Cup Winners: Nottingham Panthers
Knockout Cup Winners: Coventry Blaze
Playoff Winners: Belfast Giants
Top Scorer: Adam Calder (Cov)
Top Netminder: Davis Parley (Not)
Most PIMs: Andre Payette (New)

Basingstoke Bison

Prediction: 10th
Key player: Kevin Reiter
One to Watch: Jason Goulet
Surprise package: Austin Sutter

The Bison face an uphill struggle this season after a turbulent 07/08 season. After financial troubles, which are now well and truly behind them (EDIT: As of 29th August the Bison's future has been put into doubt, they will need to come up with £30K before the 31st August), and injuries galore, the Bison enter this season with a fresh start and a new enthusiastic owner entering his first full season of ownership. The fresh start has seen "Mr Basingstoke" Brad Cruikshank, Eric Braff and high scoring GB international Greg Chambers return to the club, with them on board coach Ryan Aldridge has added an collection of unknown imports, the standout of which is IHL winning netminder Kevin Reiter. Question marks immediately appeared over the heads of Austin Sutter and Brent Hughes, signed from the lower reaches of North American pro hockey, mostly for their lack of height and toughness. However with 6'5 Jason Goulet, defenceman Curtiss Patrick, who enjoys a good tussle, and enforcer Jeremy Cornish all signed up, those question marks have been eradicated. The point stands however, that the Bison look too light in all areas to make a serious push for anything other than 8th place.

Belfast Giants
Prediction: 2nd
Key player: Evan Cheverie
One to Watch: Mike Burgoyne
Surprise package: Bobby Robins

New owners, a new coach, and largely a new team. Change has not necessarily been a bad thing for the Belfast Giants who enter the season as one of the favourites for the EIHL title. Right from the back the Giants look strong, although with three netminders, two of which are experienced at EIHL level and all three British or Irish homegrown players, they may have one weak spot. The Giants only other possible weakness seems to be the ability of their defence to actually defend, Mike Burgoyne, Tyler Howells and Brit David Phillips are all good going forward however with just Shane Johnson and Graeme Walton the noticeable defensive defencemen this may be their shortcoming. To go with Burgoyne and Howells, Belfast have an unbelieveable array of offensive talent, lead by former Coventry standout Evan Cheverie, Brit Colin Shields and player/coach Steve Thornton, the Giants seem unrivalled up front. With an offensive minded D, possible weak netminding duo and almost unlimited offence in mind, expect goals galore from Giants games. They won't quite make it over the line as champions this season but they will come near as dammit.

Cardiff Devils
Prediction: 6th
Key player: Rod Hinks
One to Watch: Brad Voth
Surprise package: Likit Andersson

With a new owner now finally here to stay, the Devils have built a solid if unspectacular squad for an attempt at improving on their trophy less last season. The Devils have not been title contenders for a number of years, and on the basis of their latest squad that theme will continue, although they will always be a good shout for a cup competition, of which there are plenty in the EIHL. Brad Voth, who rejected big moves in the summer to stay in Cardiff, will likely lead the line, both offensively and on the entertainment front, whilst former Newcastle centreman Rod Hinks will anchor the Devils first line. Jay Latulippe provides secondary scoring along with Jason Silverthorn, who returns for a second season in Wales. The Devils main strength is their possible "perfect" mix of grit, toughness and skill. They mix the pointscorers such as defencemen Thai born Swede Likit Andersson and the aforementioned Silverthorn and Hinks, with big hitters such as Brad Voth, Mike Prpich and Derek Campbell as well as defencemen Wes Jarvis, Mike Hartwick and Doug MacIver. Perhaps too much strength and not enough skill for the Devils to make a charge for the league, but an entertaining season should prevail for fans in Cardiff.

Coventry Blaze

Prediction: 1st
Key player: Adam Calder
One to Watch: Jonathan Weaver
Surprise package: Carlyle Lewis

Three of the EIHL's best forwards last season, currently the best British defenceman and one of the best British coaches in the history of hockey in this country. Just a few of the reasons why, despite question marks over their defence and netminder, the Coventry Blaze will be amongst the favourites for every trophy going in the EIHL this season. The Blaze have replaced Sylvain Cloutier with Sylvain Deschateles, one of the best forwards in the EIHL last season, rock at the back Neil Martin, with a relative unknown, Corely LeClair and Trevor Koenig, arguably one of the best netminders in the league last year, with former Edinburgh netminder JF Perras. Deschateles for Cloutier is, pretty much, an even strength change, however question marks have again, like last season, been raised over their defence and this time, their netminder. These question marks may have little credibility however, with the same questions being posed last season before the Blaze strolled to the league title and Knockout Cup whilst reaching the playoff final. Paul Thompson sure knows how to build a winning team and this season should be no different with Adam Calder, Dan Carlson and Jonathan Weaver leading the way for the Blaze.

Edinburgh Capitals
Prediction: 9th
Key player: Michel Robinson
One to Watch: Doug Christiansen
Surprise package: Andrei Rajcak

The Caps face a tough season after their first entry into the EIHL playoffs last season. After a season lead by forwards Colin Hemmingway and Mike Stutzel, it will be interesting to see how the Caps do without last seasons standout players. Player/coach Doug Christiansen will put his considerable size, talent and heart into the club, however has still yet to replace Hemmingway (although they have brought back Andrej Rajcak after a season in Denmark, who may yet turn out to be Hemmingways replacement), whilst Stutzel has been replaced by an unknown quantity in Mark Hurtubise. New netminder Michel Robinson looks like he has the credentials to replace JF Perras, and new defencemen Joe Dustin, Shawn Germain and Taylor Christie look like they have the quality to provide a stern test to any forwards looking to get a shot away on Robinson. This may mark a change in tactic for Christiansen; it would have been a huge ask to replace Hemmingway, who was one of best forwards in the EIHL last season. So instead of attempting the near impossible he may have accepted defeat on a replacement, and instead put their emphasis (and funds) on a better defence, but also a defence that can chip in with the points. Either way, from the outset, it looks like the Caps will push hard for that 8th and final play off spot.

Hull Stingrays
Prediction: 8th
Key player: Jake Riddle
One to Watch: Rick Kozak
Surprise package: Jason Kostadine

A hopeful 8th? After 2 years in the EIHL, it is hoped that Rick Strachan has finally found the right idea. After moving from non fighting, non checking Europeans in 06/07, to having a mix of non fighting, non checking Europeans and tough but skillful North Americans, to this season having a team of tough North Americans. Don't let that fool you though, many pundits, fans and fellow bloggers have posed the Rays problem will be up front, however the Stingray fans concerns have been rooted to the back. After losing Brits Dave Phillips, Luke Boothroyd and Stevie Lee, a normally 7 deep defence has become a 5 deep defence with just Paul Moran, and a further four imports, to replace those three. Up front the Rays are deeper than they have ever been in the EIHL. Rick Kozak has joined fresh from an NHL contract, Matt Reynolds has joined from a championship winning Fort Wayne in the IHL, whilst expected first line centre, Steve Slonina, has had two 30 goal seasons in the ECHL. Add to that last seasons first line of Jake Riddle, Jeff Glowa and Slava Koulikov(and minus Rob Rankin), as well as talented Brits Lee Mitchell and James Cooke and the Rays look to have three solid lines, all capable of scoring. A playoff spot is certainly not out of the question, but at the same time neither is a bottom placed finish.

Manchester Phoenix
Prediction: 5th
Key player: David Beauregard
One to Watch: David Beauregard
Surprise package: Grant Jacobsen

Manchester are a team that not many have spoken about during the off season but with a couple of very impressive signings they may well be a good bet to surprise people, a "wild card" if you will. Like Cardiff they always be a team that you expect might make a run at one of the several EIHL Cup competitions, and whilst I am not completely ruling them out of the title race, I expect that's where their threat may come from. With Tony Hands decision to return for one more season, and the possibility that they will for once go with three full lines of both forwards and defence, they have given themselves a big chance before names are even put down on paper. David Beauregard seems to be one of the signings of the summer, he should really push on in the EIHL after scoring plenty of points everywhere he has been, icing him with Tony Hand will only further increase his points return. Their defence is lead by offensive defenceman Kenton Smith, who joins the team after 5 years in Charlotte of the ECHL, recording over 120 points. Nathan Ward and Bruce Mulherin add more forward punch along with Luke Fulghum, who is expected to line up on the first line with Beauregard and Hand. A title push might be too much to expect, but a cup is a very realistic target for Tony's men.

Newcastle Vipers

Prediction: 7th
Key player: Todd Griffiths
One to Watch: Tyler Willis
Surprise package: Rob Rankin

With two imports still yet to sign, and with coach Rob Wilson filling in until their final defenceman is signed, the Vipers are still somewhat of an unknown quantity. Former Sheffield Steeler Joel Irving has already signed and quit the club, meaning the Vipers were forced to look elsewhere, they are now closing in on the final forward however have yet to sign their defenceman. Elsewhere in the squad they have one of the Elite Leagues better netminders, in European veteran Andrew Verne, and better defences with former NHLer Chris McAllister, Burt Henderson and Mark Gouett. Up front they have, as usual, a tough side with Derek Campbell, Andre Payette and also 3 year target Tyler Willis, who many believe will be one of the most entertaining players in the league. Campbell will rack up the points as well as the PIM's for the Vipers, after rejecting moves to Europe to re-sign in Newcastle, and Rob Rankin, who recorded nearly a point per game with the Stingrays last season, and Todd Griffiths expected to take the brunt of the scoring load with longtime Brit David Longstaff.

Nottingham Panthers
Prediction: 4th
Key player: Jade Galbraith
One to Watch: David Clarke
Surprise package: Brendan Cook

A quick turnover for the Panthers who went from being coach less to having a full squad in place in less than three months. Mike Ellis has been replaced by rookie coach Corey Neilson and he has largely installed what looks like one of the best squads in the league, with an attempt at their first ever EIHL title looming. A strong contingent of Brits have returned including high scoring David Clarke, Geoff Woolhouse, Danny Meyers and James Neil to re-join last seasons imports player/coach Neilson, Swede Johan Molin and Canadian Kevin Bergin. A whole host of new imports have joined the club, all of which look very impressive. The names that immediately jump out are netminder Davis Parley, Rumun Ndur, from the Coventry Blaze, forwards Jade Galbraith, Bruce Richardson and lastly, but by no means least, returning to Nottingham is centre Dan Tessier. Tessier, who played at arch rivals Sheffield Steelers last season, came in to replace another standout signing Chris Richards, who has now retired from the game to focus on a career outside of hockey. Despite Richards quitting the club, the Panthers look as good as any one of the other top three clubs (Coventry, Sheffield and Belfast) and so picking a winner between those four teams will be difficult. Nottinghams defence looks susceptable as does their inexperienced coach, which has me placing them in 4th.

Sheffield Steelers
Prediction: 3rd
Key player: Joey Talbot
One to Watch: Ryan Finnerty
Suprise package: Nathan Gillies

With just four changes for this season, the Steelers will once again be a force to be reckoned with next season. All four changes have improved in some way or other, whilst they lost Dan Tessier, they gained toughness in Nathan Gillies and Andrew Sharpe, they released Ian Manzano and signed former Manchester offensive defenceman Scott Basiuk and finally they added Dan Green in place of Davey Lawrence as backup netminder. The rest of their playoff winning squad has been retained including Joey Talbot, Jody Lehman, Jeff Legue, Steve Munn and Ashley Tait. With changes almost all for the better the Steelers, who have become much tougher than last season, have given themselves a good chance to make a run at the title and certainly one of the Cups.

This next EIHL season promises to be one of the best most competitive seasons in the EIHLs history. In general the league can be split into three groups which will be almost certainly correct. Firstly, title competitors (Coventry, Belfast, Nottingham and Sheffield) who have a great chance to win either the title or another of the three cup competitions. Secondly, playoff certainties (Cardiff, Manchester, Newcastle) who will fight to compete for the title but will have more of a chance in the cup competitions. Finally, the teams fighting for playoff qualification (Hull, Edinburgh and Basingstoke) but would do well to have a run in any of the cup comps.

So there it is. Let the 08/09 EIHL season begin.

Notes
* Top scorer= Top goalscorer
* Logos from International Hockey Forums

Yorkshire Cup 2nd Leg: Sheffield Steelers 5-2 Hull Stingrays, 15-6 on aggregate

Game notes

-The Excel Hull Stingrays lost the 2nd leg of the Yorkshire Cup 5-2, handing the Steelers the trophy with a 15-6 aggregate victory

-The game was level at 2-2 going into the 3rd period before the Steelers recorded 3 straight goals to take the 5-2 win.

-Stingrays netminder Curtis Cruickshank went down with an, as yet, unknown injury late in the 3rd period. Backup netminder Andrew Jazcyzk made a number of saves before allowing Ryan Finnerty to score near the end.

- Rick Kozak and Jason Kostadine dropped the gloves against Nathan Gillies and Steve Munn respectively.

-Stingrays goalscorers- Kozak, Reynolds.

-Man of the Match- Stingrays- Lee Mitchell, Steelers- ?
-F block blog man of the match- Stingrays-Lee Mitchell, Steelers-Robert Dowd

-Strachan said: "The 15-6 aggregate doesn't tell half the story. We only had two defencemen left on Saturday and unfortunately we were playing a team that was together last year and already had two games under their belts. I thought there were a lot of positive things to come out of the weekend."

Yorkshire Cup 1st Leg: Hull Stingrays 4-10 Sheffield Steelers

Game notes

- The Excel Hull Stingrays lost an entertaining first game of the season 10-4 to the Sheffield Steelers in the first leg of the Yorkshire Cup, with the second leg coming up Sunday night in Sheffield.

- The Stingrays were down just 3-2 in an entertaining first period before injury to Paul Moran and a 5+GM penalty to Pavel Gomenyuk, in the same incident, left the Stingrays with just 2 recognised defencemen (Kerr and Bernier)

- Stingrays goalscorers: Rick Kozak x2, Matt Reynolds, Jason Kostadine.

- Paul Moran went to hospital with a suspected dislocated shoulder, expected to keep him out for at least 2 weeks.

- Man of the Match- Steelers-Joey Talbot. Stingrays-Rick Kozak
- F Block Blog man of the Match- Steelers-Ryan Finnerty, Stingrays-Jason Kostadine.

- Strach said: "When you lose two defencemen in the first period and you only start with four in the first place, you are always going to be in trouble. It was the turning point because we then had forwards playing as defencemen. As the game went on you could see the guys were exhausted but, no excuses, Sheffield kicked our backsides and exploited our weaknesses when we lost our guys."

Stingrays v Steelers, Yorkshire Cup Weekend Preview 30th/31st August

Saturday 30th August: Excel Hull Stingrays v Sheffield Steelers @ Hull Arena, f/o 5.30pm

Sunday 31st August: Sheffield Steelers v Excel Hull Stingrays @ Sheffield Arena, f/o 6.00pm

The first game of a brand new EIHL season. A new slate. A new start. For the Stingrays new contingent, of which there are 13, a chance to get off to a good start and make an early impression on their new fans. For Jonathan Bernier, a chance to give his pre-season fight training a test against one Andrew Sharpe. For the Steelers, a chance to build on their playoff success of last season.

The Yorkshire Cup returns for its third airing, with the series currently sitting at 1-1 and with the Steelers as the current holders. The Stingrays will be looking to win back the trophy which in 2006 became the clubs only ever piece of silverware, whilst the Steelers will be looking for a second consecutive victory after royally thrashing the Stingrays over two legs last year, 9-2 on aggregate.

The competition gives the Rays a chance to brush away the cobwebs of summer after a week of interrupted training, the Steelers enter the games after two weeks training and on the back of a 10-3 aggregate loss against German Bundesliga side Bietigheim Steelers in the LUK Cup.

After a long summer, hockey is back with a bang in Hull as the Rays look to bed in their new bigger, tougher, stronger squad against the 07 Playoff Champion Sheffield Steelers.

Key players
Sheffield- Joey Talbot- The former Alaska Aces star was a Stingray killer in games between the Rays and Steelers last season, as Talbot went on to record a career high season in goals (39), assists (36) and points (75). A huge part of the Steelers playoff success last season, it is hoped that he can replicate that form and help the Steelers to yet more success.

Stingrays- Rick Kozak- Kozak is the most anticipated Stingray signing this off-season, and one of the biggest signings in the clubs history. Drafted in the 3rd round of the NHL draft just 5 years ago, before being traded for Vladimir Malakhov to New York in 04, Kozak had (and may still have) NHL pedigree. Someone in New York obviously believed that, as the Rangers had him signed to a 3 year, 2 way NHL contract which ended last year. He never made it to the NHL but it is clear his speed, aggressive drives to the net and willingness to fight for the cause will get him noticed as one of the best power forwards in the EIHL today. He will play a key role in this weekends games, especially if he wants to make an early impact on the league.

Head to head EIHL record
Games: 15
Stingray wins: 2
Stingray goals: 19
Steeler wins: 13

Steeler goals: 64

Last 3 results
26/01/08: Sheffield 3-0 Stingrays
03/02/08: Stingrays 2-3 Sheffield
17/02/08: Sheffield 10-1 Stingrays

Missing players
Stingrays- Steve Slonina (misses weekend to attend sisters wedding), Troy Neumeier (doubtful: awaiting VISA)
Steelers- None

Defensive Line Predictions

See below this post for Offensive line predictions.

Here are what I guess will be the defensive line combinations for the Stingrays next season:

Defencemen

Line 1
Troy Neumeier (C)-Pavel Gomenyuk



Line 2
Jonathan Bernier-Stuart Kerr


Paul Moran Rotating/Replacing for both forwards and defencemen.

As the forward lines fit together perfectly, the defensive options look slightly more jumbled and a little weaker than they have been in recent years. The reason behind that? The departure of three up and coming British players. And whilst the reasons for the non-re-signing of Stevie Lee (to gain top line experience in the EPL), Luke Boothroyd (occasional slips on defence) and Dave Phillips (unable to compete with Belfast and the perks of playing for a top 4 side) are generally accepted, it does leave the Rays with a worrying lack of depth.

The Stingrays have historically (if 5 years can be classed as history) gone with a lot of depth in defence, however Rick Strachan seems to have ditched those ideas for the season, replacing Lee, Phillips and Boothroyd with just Paul Moran. As a result the Rays have just two and a half lines of defence as opposed to the three (and sometimes even three and a half).

Troy Neumeier will almost certainly be the top line defenceman, with the C, playing top line minutes at the age of 38. Who he plays with is pure guesswork, but Strachan knows exactly what Pavel Gomenyuk will give him and so expect Neumeier to play the defensive defenceman role with Gomenyuk there to rack up points similar to his 22 points in 53 games in 06/07 with the Rays. An out and out offensive defenceman in the mould of Kevin Young or Craig Minard seems to be the most obvious omission in the Stingrays squad at this point, so for the time begin Gomenyuk will have to take that slot.

The second line D could go one of two ways. With Jonathan Bernier expected to be the most active fighter on the Stingrays, Paul Moran may begin on the 2nd line with Stuart Kerr. Either that, or Bernier and Kerr will be paired up until someone (most likely Bernier) gets sent to the box, at which point Moran will replace them. However, another capable British defenceman in the shape of Richie Thornton, or someone similar, wouldn't go a miss.

Forward Line Predictions

With the expected lull in news following the signing of Troy Neumeier, who became the 17th and final Stingray for the 08/09, I have put together what I think will be the Stingrays forward and defensive lines for the opening game, in pre-season, against the Sheffield Steelers on August 30th. Here's how I think the forwards will shape up:

Forwards

Line 1
Rick Kozak-Steve Slonina-Matt Reynolds


Line 2
Jake Riddle-Jeff Glowa(A)-Slava Koulikov(A)


Line 3
James Cooke-Lee Mitchell-Jason Kostadine


Lee Esders Rotating/Replacing

There have been significant upgrades in the Stingrays offense, with what is expected to be a brand new first line, demoting last seasons first line to the second line. This is a trend that Rick Strachan has followed before. In 04/05 he brought in Scott Wray and Jeff Glowa, and demoted Ukrainians Andrei Nikolai and Slava Koulikov to the second line. The Rays ended up having a strong season, not before Messrs Wray and Minard bolted back to the CHL.

Whilst many non Stingray fans are questioning the Stingrays goal scoring ability for the upcoming season, Stingrays fans themselves can see the obvious progress made with the incoming forwards and are left questioning the Rays strength in depth at the back.

Up front they look to posses 3 strong, if unspectacular, lines. Steve Slonina looks, at least to the fans, to be twice the player that former first line centre Brad Patterson was, whilst Matt Reynolds, who is coming off a championship season, looks like he has to potential to rack up points at roughly the same rate as the player he is replacing, Rob Rankin. Rick Kozak, who will certainly be a first line and key player for the Rays, is coming from an NHL contract with the New York Rangers and is thought to have the potential to score a point a game, whilst being one of the most exciting players the Stingrays have ever had.

A line of Glowa, Koulikov and Riddle will provide secondary scoring, the likes of which haven't been seen with the Stingrays before; of course injuries will more than likely take toll on that statement. Rick Strachan has made a point of making sure that the Stingrays have 6,7 or even 8 players that are capable of scoring, and on the opening day of the season it will certainly look like that, with 3 lines capable of getting the Rays some offense.

The third line too is strong, and whilst it definitely looks like it won't produce the goals of the first two lines, it will be defensively strong and able to take chances should they fall to them. Lee Mitchell, who scored 20 points in 40 games last season, and James Cooke are British players with great potential, although I suspect creating chances will be the key problem. Jason Kostadine will provide energy and grit and in turn will agitate the opposition, I still expect him to surprise some, especially with his skating ability.

Finally, should the Rays lack passion or drive, Lee Esders will provide cover for any injuries, suspensions or penalties (which let face it, will be a regular occurrence this season). Esders became a fan favourite last season with a number of inspiring performances, hopefully more of which is to come this season.

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

Ladygin is a non runner, as expected...

Whilst fans await the Excel Hull Stingrays final signing, an import defenceman. Big Ukrainian defenceman Nikolai Ladygin has been confirmed as signing in Russia with HK Dmitrov, and therefore will not return for his third consecutive season with the Stingrays.

Dmitrov, which sits 40 miles North of Moscow, currently sit in the Russian 2nd tier, the Vysshaya Liga, one below the newly formed, and highly controversial, Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Ladygin, who posted 45 points in two seasons and 115 games for the Rays, including an outstanding first season where he scored 10 goals and ended up with 27 points , had previously played in Ukraine and both the Russian 2nd and 3rd tiers.

Ladygin wasnt a fan favourite of Evgeny Alipov proportions, however he very very rarely put a foot wrong and was a solid defenceman, which many fans appreciated. It was all but confirmed that he would not be returning when coach Rick Strachan said there would be limited returnees from last season, and before that when he was played as forward in the final part of last season when Brad Patterson left the team. His strength and confidence to take anyone on at the back (physically and defensively) was what endeared him to the fans the most.

My final Ladygin memory? In one of his first games (could well have been the first pre-season game of 06/07) for the team, against the Sheffield Steelers, he wound up for a slapshot from the blueline. The shot trickled along the ice and somehow found its way into the net, a truely memorable effort for its lack of technique and power. He went on to score 10 league goals, most of which were slapshots from the blueline thankfully a little more pleasing on the eye than his first effort some 2 years ago.