Thursday, 27 September 2012
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Steelers hand Stingrays Challenge Cup defeat
Hull Stingrays 3-6 Sheffield Steelers
The Hull Stingrays tonight fell to 1-2 in Challenge Cup Group B as they were powerless to prevent a 6-3 loss to Yorkshire rivals and league leaders the Sheffield Steelers at the Hull Arena.
In the club's first meeting since that memorable EIHL Playoff Quarter Final at Ice Sheffield, the visitors rested number one netminder John Decaro, instead starting British back-up Geoff Woolhouse - and it was he who was indirectly responsible for the Stingrays taking the lead very early on.
Chaos in the Steelers backline behind Woolhouse's net and then terrible indecision around it somehow saw Jereme Tendler credited with a goal that found its way home after just 21 seconds.
The Challenge Cup victory aside, Sylvain Cloutier's side seems to have struggled on the powerplay all season long and the Rays then spurned two early man advantage opportunities before a horrible giveaway in their own zone saw former NHLer Steven Goertzen level after 14.23.
Nevertheless, despite that relatively rank powerplay, the Rays were able to capitalise on a Jonathan Phillips hooking penalty as time ticked down on the first. Cale Tanaka reacting quickest to a loose puck to fire a one-timer past Woolhouse and restore a somewhat fortuitous lead for the home side - who looked second best for periods against a well drilled Steelers unit.
The South Yorkshire side improved even more in the second period using their speed, strength, slick passing and, more to the point, relentless pressing and forechecking to force the Rays D into errors.
They levelled 1.31 into the second after captain Kurtis Dulle unluckily fanned on a clearance right on front of netminder Ben Bowns and the Steelers Colin Shields - who decisively fired past the keeper.
Further pressure a minute later then saw Tomas Valecko pressed into the corner and lose the puck, allowing the Steelers to gain possession and Phillips to take advantage of some desperate Stingrays defending by slotting home. The Rays were now clearly flagging defensively and the Steelers were happy to press on, scoring a fourth through Tylor Michel on a powerplay goal that also saw the Steelers pull Woolhouse for the extra skater with a delayed penalty called on Dulle.
The first and only chink in the armour of netminder Bowns so far this season then followed on 37.41 as Sheffield extended their lead to 5-2 through Jeff Legue - who squeezed the puck home short side while advancing at speed despite the British netminder covering his front post. The minor blemish is just that however, as Bowns has been outstanding for the Rays and has more than proved his worth in the opening month of the Elite League season.
After a difficult second period the Stingrays started the third well, topscorer Tendler narrowly missing the re-direct at the backpost on a Dominic Osman shot-turned-pass to pull the deficit back to two.
Osman - who recorded a hat-trick in last weekend's home fixture against Edinburgh to open up his account for the season - then did pull one back, powering a shot off the bar and in after some hard work and brilliant set up play from Janis Ozolins - who worked tirelessly all night.
While the Rays performance did improve as the third progressed, the Steelers had made their mark on the game with a dominant second period and added a sixth goal through Michel late on to seal a deserved 6-3 win.
The Stingrays - who tonight appeared to be without Matty Davies for the majority of the game and Ryan Hand for large periods - will be disappointed with the fashion of the loss - particularly given their performances against Nottingham and Cardiff in the Challenge Cup. However, the Steelers are clearly one of the best sides in the league and made it incredibly difficult for the Stingrays to play tonight - particularly offensively.
Of the defeat, coach Cloutier said:
The Hull Stingrays tonight fell to 1-2 in Challenge Cup Group B as they were powerless to prevent a 6-3 loss to Yorkshire rivals and league leaders the Sheffield Steelers at the Hull Arena.
In the club's first meeting since that memorable EIHL Playoff Quarter Final at Ice Sheffield, the visitors rested number one netminder John Decaro, instead starting British back-up Geoff Woolhouse - and it was he who was indirectly responsible for the Stingrays taking the lead very early on.
Chaos in the Steelers backline behind Woolhouse's net and then terrible indecision around it somehow saw Jereme Tendler credited with a goal that found its way home after just 21 seconds.
The Challenge Cup victory aside, Sylvain Cloutier's side seems to have struggled on the powerplay all season long and the Rays then spurned two early man advantage opportunities before a horrible giveaway in their own zone saw former NHLer Steven Goertzen level after 14.23.
Nevertheless, despite that relatively rank powerplay, the Rays were able to capitalise on a Jonathan Phillips hooking penalty as time ticked down on the first. Cale Tanaka reacting quickest to a loose puck to fire a one-timer past Woolhouse and restore a somewhat fortuitous lead for the home side - who looked second best for periods against a well drilled Steelers unit.
The South Yorkshire side improved even more in the second period using their speed, strength, slick passing and, more to the point, relentless pressing and forechecking to force the Rays D into errors.
They levelled 1.31 into the second after captain Kurtis Dulle unluckily fanned on a clearance right on front of netminder Ben Bowns and the Steelers Colin Shields - who decisively fired past the keeper.
Further pressure a minute later then saw Tomas Valecko pressed into the corner and lose the puck, allowing the Steelers to gain possession and Phillips to take advantage of some desperate Stingrays defending by slotting home. The Rays were now clearly flagging defensively and the Steelers were happy to press on, scoring a fourth through Tylor Michel on a powerplay goal that also saw the Steelers pull Woolhouse for the extra skater with a delayed penalty called on Dulle.
The first and only chink in the armour of netminder Bowns so far this season then followed on 37.41 as Sheffield extended their lead to 5-2 through Jeff Legue - who squeezed the puck home short side while advancing at speed despite the British netminder covering his front post. The minor blemish is just that however, as Bowns has been outstanding for the Rays and has more than proved his worth in the opening month of the Elite League season.
After a difficult second period the Stingrays started the third well, topscorer Tendler narrowly missing the re-direct at the backpost on a Dominic Osman shot-turned-pass to pull the deficit back to two.
Osman - who recorded a hat-trick in last weekend's home fixture against Edinburgh to open up his account for the season - then did pull one back, powering a shot off the bar and in after some hard work and brilliant set up play from Janis Ozolins - who worked tirelessly all night.
While the Rays performance did improve as the third progressed, the Steelers had made their mark on the game with a dominant second period and added a sixth goal through Michel late on to seal a deserved 6-3 win.
The Stingrays - who tonight appeared to be without Matty Davies for the majority of the game and Ryan Hand for large periods - will be disappointed with the fashion of the loss - particularly given their performances against Nottingham and Cardiff in the Challenge Cup. However, the Steelers are clearly one of the best sides in the league and made it incredibly difficult for the Stingrays to play tonight - particularly offensively.
Of the defeat, coach Cloutier said:
"We got off to a great start, we had a little collapse in the second and I thought we picked it up again in the third. Take the second period away - we did not play well and it hurt us - I thought we did a decent jpb. I don't think it was a 6-3 game, we competed and battled with them. But we will regroup and get ready for the weekend."Cloutier and his side return to Challenge Cup action on Saturday - travelling to Coventry to take on the Blaze - before returning to the league with a home fixture against Braehead on Sunday.
FBB Three Stars
1 - Janis Ozolins
2 - Ben Bowns
3 - Cale Tanaka
Sunday, 23 September 2012
Caps gain revenge with shootout victory
Edinburgh Capitals 4-3 Hull Stingrays (SO)
The Hull Stingrays followed up last night's 6-3 home triumph over the Edinburgh Capitals with a 4-3 shootout loss in the return fixture in Scotland tonight.
With Capitals starting netminder Tomas Hiadlovsky sitting out an automatic five game suspension following the match penalty he received for kicking in last night's fixture - Craig Holland started for the Capitals and the Rays soon pounced on the inexperienced stopper.
Despite firing just four shots on the Scottish side in the whole of the first period, Sylvain Cloutier's side lead early on thanks to two goals from Latvian Janis Ozolins - who's first minute opener was assisted by Shane Lovdahl for his second early set-up in two games.
Unsurprisingly, given they outshot the visitors 13-4 in the opening period, the Scottish side pulled one back, Michal Dobron notching a powerplay goal 11.31 into a first period which also saw Rays defenceman Jeff Smith sit a period on the sidelines having suffered an injury.
In a chippy game filled with penalties, Rene Jarolin then bagged a shorthanded and powerplay marker in the second to give the Caps a 3-2 advantage.
Chris Sykes' first goal in Stingrays colours tied the scores late in the second before the Rays finally settled - outshooting the Caps 10-8. The equalising goal would send the game into overtime and then penalty shots before Dobron popped up in the first round of the sudden death shootout to claim the extra point for the home side.
It's a disappointing but somewhat predictable end to the weekend for the Stingrays - who seemed slow to get going on Saturday night against what is certainly a much-improved Edinburgh side. Nevertheless, regardless of last night's result they fired just 24 shots on the Caps untested keeper and took eight minor penalties - conceding two goals in the process as well as a shorthanded goal on the man advantage.
Still, three points from four available isn't the worst outcome for Cloutier and his side, though the weekend certainly proves there are areas to work on despite impressive showings Challenge Cup against Nottingham Panthers and Cardiff Devils
The squad must now ready themselves for a home Challenge Cup fixtures against the Sheffield Steelers on Wednesday night before weekend fixtures in Coventry and at home to the Braehead Clan on Sunday night.
The Hull Stingrays followed up last night's 6-3 home triumph over the Edinburgh Capitals with a 4-3 shootout loss in the return fixture in Scotland tonight.
With Capitals starting netminder Tomas Hiadlovsky sitting out an automatic five game suspension following the match penalty he received for kicking in last night's fixture - Craig Holland started for the Capitals and the Rays soon pounced on the inexperienced stopper.
Despite firing just four shots on the Scottish side in the whole of the first period, Sylvain Cloutier's side lead early on thanks to two goals from Latvian Janis Ozolins - who's first minute opener was assisted by Shane Lovdahl for his second early set-up in two games.
Unsurprisingly, given they outshot the visitors 13-4 in the opening period, the Scottish side pulled one back, Michal Dobron notching a powerplay goal 11.31 into a first period which also saw Rays defenceman Jeff Smith sit a period on the sidelines having suffered an injury.
In a chippy game filled with penalties, Rene Jarolin then bagged a shorthanded and powerplay marker in the second to give the Caps a 3-2 advantage.
Chris Sykes' first goal in Stingrays colours tied the scores late in the second before the Rays finally settled - outshooting the Caps 10-8. The equalising goal would send the game into overtime and then penalty shots before Dobron popped up in the first round of the sudden death shootout to claim the extra point for the home side.
It's a disappointing but somewhat predictable end to the weekend for the Stingrays - who seemed slow to get going on Saturday night against what is certainly a much-improved Edinburgh side. Nevertheless, regardless of last night's result they fired just 24 shots on the Caps untested keeper and took eight minor penalties - conceding two goals in the process as well as a shorthanded goal on the man advantage.
Still, three points from four available isn't the worst outcome for Cloutier and his side, though the weekend certainly proves there are areas to work on despite impressive showings Challenge Cup against Nottingham Panthers and Cardiff Devils
The squad must now ready themselves for a home Challenge Cup fixtures against the Sheffield Steelers on Wednesday night before weekend fixtures in Coventry and at home to the Braehead Clan on Sunday night.
Saturday, 22 September 2012
Osman wonder goal and hat-trick seals first league win
Hull Stingrays 6-3 Edinburgh Capitals
Dominic Osman recorded a hat-trick - including a sensational individual game winning goal - and Shane Lovdahl made his long-awaiting Hull Stingrays debut as the Rays tonight battled to a hard fought 6-3 win over the Edinburgh Capitals - their second home victory in three games.
Pre-game the Rays were buoyed by the arrival of American defenceman Lovdahl, who finally joined up with the squad after VISA issues delayed his journey, boosting the home side to full-strength for the first time this season. Ryan Hand reverting from defence to his preferred position as forward as a result.
Despite pressure from the visitors in the opening moments which saw topscorer Rene Jarolin ring the post, the Stingrays led after just 1.43 - Matty Davies tapping home a two-on-one feed from Janis Ozolins with Lovdahl notching a secondary assist on his first shift of a standout debut.
The Capitals are a much improved side on their 11/12 showing and they made things difficult for the home side in the opening two periods retaining possession well, even if they didn't regularly test Ben Bowns in the Rays net.
Nevertheless, for all their hard work, the visitors fell two goals behind after 13 minutes as Dominic Osman clinically fired a one-timer high past Tomas Hiadlovsky - Ozolins picking up his second assist of the game.
Martin Cingel then pulled a goal back with a neat individual goal coming in from the corner less than a minute later to silence the home crowd before leveling with his third of the year on the powerplay 3.35 into a relatively uneventful second period.
Ozolins and Osman then switched places as provider and goalscorer less than 3 minutes into the third - the American teeing up the Latvian to bullet a one-timer home in an almost carbon copy of the goal scored by Osman earlier in the evening to give the Rays a 3-2 lead.
The Scots equalised for the second time minutes later, Michal Dobron firing home a powerplay goal before Osman's moment of brilliance turned determination turned luck. The Michigan native chipping the puck around a defenceman, burning through the remaining D before somehow getting releasing a shot on net from the floor for what turned out to be a sensational game winning goal that trickled home.
A scramble around the Capitals net saw the Rays awarded a penalty shot on 53.46 after Daniel McIntyre covered up the puck in the crease. Moments later during the same incident, netminder Hiadlovsky was ejected on a match penalty - which may keep him out of tomorrow's return fixture in Edinburgh - for kicking out at a Stingray with his skate in the ensuing melee.
Back-up Craig Holland stepped in to the breach but was immediately forced to fish the puck out of his net after player-coach Sylvain Cloutier fired home on the resulting penalty shot for a 5-3 lead
There was still time for Osman to complete his hat-trick - the Rays second in two home games - as he prodded home a powerplay goal from close range in-turn complete the club's first victory in the Elite League Gardiner Conference.
This was by no means a complete performance by the Stingrays, particularly given their efforts against Nottingham and Cardiff at home in previous weeks, however, Cloutier will undoubtedly be happy to have claimed an important two points following the loss in Dundee last week.
Standout performances from hat-trick hero Dominic Osman - who had yet to record a point this season until tonight - goalscorer-turned-creator Janis Ozolins - who bagged a goal and three assists - and debutant Shane Lovdahl - who impressed on all fronts despite arriving from the US today - will also be pleasing, even if the team performance on the whole wasn't as polished as it could have been. Meanwhile netminder Bowns was again solid and Hand proved useful and entertaining in equal measure having been unleashed from his duties as a defenceman.
Of the win, Stingrays owner and assistant coach Bobby McEwan said:
Pre-game the Rays were buoyed by the arrival of American defenceman Lovdahl, who finally joined up with the squad after VISA issues delayed his journey, boosting the home side to full-strength for the first time this season. Ryan Hand reverting from defence to his preferred position as forward as a result.
Despite pressure from the visitors in the opening moments which saw topscorer Rene Jarolin ring the post, the Stingrays led after just 1.43 - Matty Davies tapping home a two-on-one feed from Janis Ozolins with Lovdahl notching a secondary assist on his first shift of a standout debut.
The Capitals are a much improved side on their 11/12 showing and they made things difficult for the home side in the opening two periods retaining possession well, even if they didn't regularly test Ben Bowns in the Rays net.
Nevertheless, for all their hard work, the visitors fell two goals behind after 13 minutes as Dominic Osman clinically fired a one-timer high past Tomas Hiadlovsky - Ozolins picking up his second assist of the game.
Martin Cingel then pulled a goal back with a neat individual goal coming in from the corner less than a minute later to silence the home crowd before leveling with his third of the year on the powerplay 3.35 into a relatively uneventful second period.
Ozolins and Osman then switched places as provider and goalscorer less than 3 minutes into the third - the American teeing up the Latvian to bullet a one-timer home in an almost carbon copy of the goal scored by Osman earlier in the evening to give the Rays a 3-2 lead.
The Scots equalised for the second time minutes later, Michal Dobron firing home a powerplay goal before Osman's moment of brilliance turned determination turned luck. The Michigan native chipping the puck around a defenceman, burning through the remaining D before somehow getting releasing a shot on net from the floor for what turned out to be a sensational game winning goal that trickled home.
A scramble around the Capitals net saw the Rays awarded a penalty shot on 53.46 after Daniel McIntyre covered up the puck in the crease. Moments later during the same incident, netminder Hiadlovsky was ejected on a match penalty - which may keep him out of tomorrow's return fixture in Edinburgh - for kicking out at a Stingray with his skate in the ensuing melee.
Back-up Craig Holland stepped in to the breach but was immediately forced to fish the puck out of his net after player-coach Sylvain Cloutier fired home on the resulting penalty shot for a 5-3 lead
There was still time for Osman to complete his hat-trick - the Rays second in two home games - as he prodded home a powerplay goal from close range in-turn complete the club's first victory in the Elite League Gardiner Conference.
This was by no means a complete performance by the Stingrays, particularly given their efforts against Nottingham and Cardiff at home in previous weeks, however, Cloutier will undoubtedly be happy to have claimed an important two points following the loss in Dundee last week.
Standout performances from hat-trick hero Dominic Osman - who had yet to record a point this season until tonight - goalscorer-turned-creator Janis Ozolins - who bagged a goal and three assists - and debutant Shane Lovdahl - who impressed on all fronts despite arriving from the US today - will also be pleasing, even if the team performance on the whole wasn't as polished as it could have been. Meanwhile netminder Bowns was again solid and Hand proved useful and entertaining in equal measure having been unleashed from his duties as a defenceman.
Of the win, Stingrays owner and assistant coach Bobby McEwan said:
"It was a really good win and we played well. We have to be winning our home games against the teams in our Conference. We want to make Hull Arena a fortress and make teams not relishing coming here. We have made a good start at home. Edinburgh played well and will surprise a few teams this season but I always thought if we kept playing our game we would win it. I thought Shane had a really good game, considering he only got here at 3.30pm. He moves the puck well and he handles the puck well. He is a smart player and a battler. He is going to be a good addition to the team."The Rays now face a return fixture tomorrow night in Edinburgh hoping to complete their first four point weekend of the 12/13 Elite League campaign.
FBB Three Stars
1 - Dominic Osman
2 - Shane Lovdahl
3 - Janis Ozolins
Sunday, 16 September 2012
Stingrays beaten in first taste of Gardiner Conference
Dundee Stars 2-3 Hull Stingrays
The Hull Stingrays were tonight beaten in their first league fixture of the season, going down 3-2 to Gardiner Conference rivals the Dundee Stars with former Stingray Jack Watkins bagging a third period game winning goal.
Eager to shake off their 'bus-legs', the Stingrays outshot the Stars 17-9 in the first period only for an early Sami Ryhanen powerplay goal to give the home side the lead heading into the second.
Cale Tanaka continued his impressive start to the season 3.47 into an even second period with his second goal in two games only for Dundee's Pat Bowen to peg the Rays back less than two minutes later with the Stars second powerplay marker.
Once again, the Stingrays heavily outshot the Stars 17-9 in the final stanza only for Watkins to pop up four minutes in and record his first goal of the season - having notched just one in 45 games with the Rays last term.
Tomas Valecko hit back with what turned out to be a consolation goal - continuing his record of scoring in all three Stingrays games this season - but the Rays couldn't find the leveler despite firing 43 shots on Stars netminder Nic Riopel, faltering to a 3-2 loss in their first league fixture of the campaign.
The Hull Stingrays were tonight beaten in their first league fixture of the season, going down 3-2 to Gardiner Conference rivals the Dundee Stars with former Stingray Jack Watkins bagging a third period game winning goal.
Eager to shake off their 'bus-legs', the Stingrays outshot the Stars 17-9 in the first period only for an early Sami Ryhanen powerplay goal to give the home side the lead heading into the second.
Cale Tanaka continued his impressive start to the season 3.47 into an even second period with his second goal in two games only for Dundee's Pat Bowen to peg the Rays back less than two minutes later with the Stars second powerplay marker.
Once again, the Stingrays heavily outshot the Stars 17-9 in the final stanza only for Watkins to pop up four minutes in and record his first goal of the season - having notched just one in 45 games with the Rays last term.
Tomas Valecko hit back with what turned out to be a consolation goal - continuing his record of scoring in all three Stingrays games this season - but the Rays couldn't find the leveler despite firing 43 shots on Stars netminder Nic Riopel, faltering to a 3-2 loss in their first league fixture of the campaign.
Friday, 14 September 2012
Thursday, 13 September 2012
Tendler bags hat-trick on return to lead Stingrays to first win of 12/13
Hull Stingrays 7-5 Cardiff Devils (CC)
A hat-trick from returning forward Jereme Tendler and a second consecutive 40+ save night from keeper Ben Bowns tonight lead the Rapid Solicitors Hull Stingrays to their first victory of the 12/13 campaign by way of a 7-5 Challenege Cup triumph over the Cardiff Devils.
The home side got off to a great start, utility man Ryan Hand - pigeon-holed as an enforcer before arriving in Hull - beating Phil Osaer for his first of the season after just 47 seconds for a 1-0 lead.
The Devils two big offensive signings of the summer, Mac Faulkner and Chris Blight, then bagged two goals in three minutes before Cale Tanaka followed Hand's example and netted his first of the year with a lovely solo move and wraparound goal to level the scores at two.
Faulkner restored the Devils lead less than 40 seconds later before Tendler - who was returning to action after sustaining a wrist injury against the Sheffield Steeldogs in pre-season - bagged an eight minute natural hat-trick with two powerplay goals and a shorthanded goal early in the third. Jason Silverthorn then added his second in two games to give the Rays a 6-3 lead against his former side on 48.36.
Gerad Adams' side came back strongly thoufh and Faulkner completed a hat-trick of his down 10.43 into the third before Max Birbraer edged the Devils back into it 13 seconds later to bring the scoreline to 6-5.
The home side weren't about to throw away their first victory of the 12/13 campaign however, and Slovakian defenceman Tomas Valecko sealed with victory with a shorthanded empty net goal on 59.21.
The home side got off to a great start, utility man Ryan Hand - pigeon-holed as an enforcer before arriving in Hull - beating Phil Osaer for his first of the season after just 47 seconds for a 1-0 lead.
The Devils two big offensive signings of the summer, Mac Faulkner and Chris Blight, then bagged two goals in three minutes before Cale Tanaka followed Hand's example and netted his first of the year with a lovely solo move and wraparound goal to level the scores at two.
Faulkner restored the Devils lead less than 40 seconds later before Tendler - who was returning to action after sustaining a wrist injury against the Sheffield Steeldogs in pre-season - bagged an eight minute natural hat-trick with two powerplay goals and a shorthanded goal early in the third. Jason Silverthorn then added his second in two games to give the Rays a 6-3 lead against his former side on 48.36.
Gerad Adams' side came back strongly thoufh and Faulkner completed a hat-trick of his down 10.43 into the third before Max Birbraer edged the Devils back into it 13 seconds later to bring the scoreline to 6-5.
The home side weren't about to throw away their first victory of the 12/13 campaign however, and Slovakian defenceman Tomas Valecko sealed with victory with a shorthanded empty net goal on 59.21.
Monday, 10 September 2012
Saturday, 8 September 2012
Heartbreak for Stingrays as Panthers leave it late in season opener
Hull Stingrays 2-4 Nottingham Panthers (CC)
Without Jereme Tendler (wrist), Shane Lovdahl (VISA) and Andy Ward, the Stingrays started the game with nine imports, while the Panthers were without Brandon Benedict (VISA).
The visitors - in front of a sizable away following - got off to a sloppy start however, receiving three straight minor penalties in the first six minutes from referees Dean Smith and James Kavanagh - in the first dual refereeing system of the season. Although it was Nottingham's David Clarke that was handed the first chance of the game, racing through on goal shorthanded only to be stonewalled by new Stingrays starter Ben Bowns.
The Stingrays struggled to impose themselves through the man advantage all night though and it was the Panthers who opened the scoring - Matt Francis netting on a 3-on-1 after Tomas Valecko was left out of position having rushed forward for a puck in the offensive zone.
Minutes later, Sylvain Cloutier looked to have leveled the scores, scrambling the puck home past Craig Kowalski only for referee Smith to rule out the goal as the Rays player-coach was in the crease when he prodded home.
Content to only be one goal down after one period, the Stingrays got off to a much more confident start in the second period only to fall two goals behind. New Panthers signing Bruce Graham finishing off a lovely team move with Kowalski for the extra skater following a delayed penalty on Jason Silverthorn.
It was then fifth time lucky as far as the Stingrays powerplay was concerned. Tomas Valecko - who was brought in to replace Dmitri Rodin's slapshot from the point - firing one home from the blueline to halve the deficit with his first real shot on the man advantage.
Remarkably, Silverthorn then used the wave of confidence that came from Valecko's opener to waltz through the Panthers defence - after being set up by Chris Sykes - and level the score at two goals apiece less than two minutes later.
Stingrays best period of the play was to follow at the beginning of the third, though they would come up empty. Dominic Osman was first ably denied by Kowalski three minutes in, with Matty Davies going one better - only to be denied by the iron.
Before the home side knew it however, the Panthers had taken control of the final stanza - eventually peppering the net with 23 shots. They ultimately made that pressure count and punished the Stingrays for converting on just one of nine powerplay opportunities - although left it very late to do so.
With less than three minutes remaining on the clock Francis pounced on a big rebound from Bowns - likely his only blemish on the night - to scoop home his second of the game and land a fatal blow to the Stingrays hopes of claiming a much deserved, hard fought point.
Pat Gavilan then sealed the deal as the Rays attempted to chase the tie, scoring the Panthers fourth and final goal of the night.
The Stingrays will undoubtedly be disappointed by the result and way in which the Panthers - who it is fair to say probably deserved the two points on the balance of play - nicked the two goals and two points so close to the end.
Nevertheless, there are a lot of positives to take from the night - given that few gave the Stingrays any chance of competing with the Panthers and the rest of the Erhardt Conference this coming season.
The brilliant performance of Bowns between the pipes will have convinced any doubters that he is well worth an EIHL starting spot and that he can comfortably fill the skates of predecessor Christian Boucher. His confident display gave the Stingrays a chance of the points that they ultimately couldn't quite take.
Cale Tanaka's gutsy, never-say-die approach and performance on the night proved that he is also up to the task of playing in the Elite League - despite doubts having only played in the French Second Division and Canadian senior leagues. While his first touch and finishing were rusty, he continually fought for the puck, often successfully, both defensively and offensively.
Indeed, the trio of Tanaka, Matty Davies and Janis Ozolins often caused problems with their speed and tenacity, and will certainly cause problems going forward.
On defence, Ryan Hand played a simple but focused game and showed that he won't be as easily coaxed into a fight as many expected, while Scott Robson again defied his age with some solid defensive play when he stepped up alongside Jeff Smith - who himself put in a good shift on his return to the UK.
The result, and the fashion of the defeat, is understandably disappointing but the positives from tonight's 12/13 league debut far outweigh any negatives - particularly with Lovdahl, Tendler and Ward still to come into the squad.
Cloutier's side return to action next Thursday (7.30pm) against the Cardiff Devils before their first league game of the season next Sunday against Gardiner Conference rivals the Dundee Stars in Scotland.
F Block Blog Three Stars
1. Ben Bowns
2. Cale Tanaka
3. Scott Robson
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