Bowns leads clinical Stingrays to win over Clan

Hull Stingrays 5-2 Braehead Clan

Thanks to an outstanding 45 save effort from netminder Ben Bowns, the Hull Stingrays tonight claimed their first win of the 2013/2014 Elite League campaign with 5-2 victory over Gardiner Conference title favourites the Braehead Clan at Hull Arena.

GB international Bowns stood tall for the Stingrays from moment one as his side got off to a nervy start allowing the Clan to dominate early proceedings and craft some good half chances.

With Bowns in form and denying the Clan at the other end, the Rays first chance came through Guillaume Doucet, whose speed created a shorthanded breakaway, only for Clan netminder Kyle Jones to deny the Canadian. The puck was kept alive following Jones' save and the Clan would counter with a swift a 3-on-1, which Bowns then stopped before also stopping the ensuing rebound.

Jones would play bigger part for the Clan as period wore on and as the Stingrays offence grew in confidence, eventually outshooting the Clan 15-13 in the first.

The Stingrays would soon take a 1-0 lead on 10.48 thanks to easily their best period of play in the opening 20 minutes and, probably, the whole game.

Catching the Clan just prior to a line change, the Rays second line of Sylvain Cloutier, Derek Campbell and Jason Silverthorn pinned the visitors in their own end. Having visibly tired their opponents, rookie defenceman Jamie Chilcott then made a rush to the net from the blueline unmarked and slotted home Jason Silverthorn's pinpoint pass. The goal was Chilcott's first senior goal, adding to the assist he recorded in the Rays defeat in Nottingham and to the very impressive start he has made to life at Elite League level.

Although they had been mostly second best in the first period, the home side carried the 1-0 lead into the second period but faced even more Braehead pressure in the middle stanza.

An early penalty on Doucet 24 seconds in to the second period gave the Clan the ideal chance to build off the momentum they had created either side of the Rays goal in the first and they would use that to control early exchanges. However, despite again controlling large swathes of the play, a combination of an in form netminder and some poor finishing saw Ryan Finnerty's side come up empty handed in the second period with their best chance ringing off the base of the post early in the period.

In complete contrast, the Stingrays would have just six shots in the second period and would convert three goals. Jereme Tendler - who recorded two goals on Saturday night in Nottingham - doubled the Stingrays lead with typically clinical powerplay goal on 8.28, beating Jones gloveside after the puck kindly fell to him in the slot.

Up to this point the Clan had been dominant and were 2-0 down but - given their offensive firepower - were still more than capable of getting themselves back in the game. However, the game was turned on its head at 32 minute mark thanks to two shorthanded goals.

With Cloutier in the box for delay of game, Matty Davies chased down a puck dumped in the Clan end before playing a simple pass to Doucet - who was unbelievably unmarked in the slot and scored for a 3-0 lead against the run of play.

Just 57 seconds later and still shorthanded, Tendler beat a Clan forward to the puck down low in the Rays defensive zone and found Campbell - who split the Clan defence and broke in on goal before firing home a pinpoint wristshot for a 3-0 lead

Somewhat unbelievably, the Clan now trailed the Stingrays heading into the third period having dominated possession and having outshot the home side 17-6 in the second period.

It took 30 shots and 41 minutes but the Clan finally beat Bowns early in the third period with former Basingstoke and Nottingham forward Kevin Bergin - who was arguably their standout player - tapping home at the backpost on the powerplay. Alarm bells then briefly began to ring for the Rays as Campbell took a hooking minor very shortly after the Clan's opening goal as the momentum appeared to be swinging in the favour of a comeback.

The Stingrays penalty kill was outstanding all night though, with a 90% success rate, as was their hard-work and committed approach in the defensive zone, and they killed off the man advantage.

Though Braehead continued to push for further goals - and again outshot the Rays in the third, this time 17-9 - it would be the Stingrays that scored next goal and effectively killed the tie off as a contest. Doucet added his second of the night on 48.14 with a very nicely worked powerplay goal that completed a successful night for his sides special teams with a 50% powerplay conversion rate to add to the penalty kill success.

With the game now decided in the home sides favour, Matt Towe would add a very late consolation goal on 59.40 to complete the scoring for the night but take none of the shine off the Rays victory - their first of the 13/14 season.

In reality, Braehead had more than enough chances to win the game and bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Dundee on opening night but either couldn't beat Bowns - who stopped 45 of 47 shots - or fluffed their lines. While Bowns was outstanding between the pipes and thoroughly deserved man of the match, the Clan's firepower on paper suggests they will likely not be as wasteful on their future visits to Hull in the season ahead.

Although it is fair to say the Stingrays were dominated in the shots and possession stakes, their commitment particularly defensively across the team stood out above all else. That was exemplified by the play of alternate captain Jeff Smith - who had quite comfortably his best game in the yellow and blue and was both physical and reassuring defensively - and was, alongside Bowns, one of the Rays top performers tonight.

Still, after being outshot 47-30 at home, there are quite clearly improvements to be made defensively with netminder Bowns called upon far too often to bail his side out.

The addition of Kyle Mariani, hopefully within the next week, should further strengthen a defensive ranks that appears to be one of the deepest in Stingrays history - thanks in part to the play of Chilcott.

Offensively, the fact that so many are talking about Doucet's recent performances, and yet last season's topscorer Tendler already has three goals and two assists, highlights the improvements Cloutier has made to his offence this summer - taking the game in, game out pressure off Tendler.

Doucet has undoubtedly caught the eye in pre-season and has started very well this weekend with two goals and two assists in two games. It is however important that he receives the required protection from his teammates as he is likely to be targeted in a not dissimilar way to Janis Ozolins last season. In addition to Doucet though, the Stingrays have Silverthorn - who recorded three assists this evening - on five points, Campbell on four points and Carl Lauzon - a top scorer in France during the last three years - yet to come into the squad, which bodes well for the Stingrays.

Next up for Cloutier and his squad is the Cardiff Devils at home in the Challenge Cup next Sunday prior to a midweek fixture in the same competition against the Sheffield Steelers at Ice Sheffield.

FBB Three Stars

1. Ben Bowns (45 saves)

2. Guillaume Doucet (2+1)

3. Jeff Smith (0+0)

Encouraging signs for Stingrays on opening night despite heavy defeat

Nottingham Panthers 9-3 Hull Stingrays (EL/CC)

A poor third period tonight cost the Hull Stingrays dear in their opening fixture of the 13/14 Elite League season as they were heavily beaten 9-3 by reigning Elite League, playoff and Challenge Cup champions the Nottingham Panthers despite an encouraging opening 40 minutes.

In a fixture that doubled up as both a league and Challenge Cup Group B match, the Stingrays were without the services of imports Kyle Mariani and Carl Lauzon - who have not yet arrived in the country - and young Brit Lee Bonner.

Regardless of whether they were at full strength or not, it was always going to be very difficult for Sylvain Cloutier's side facing one of the strongest sides in the league at full strength and, indeed, so it provde.

The Panthers - who had rung the post seconds after opening face-off - deservedly led 2-0 through Robert Lachowicz and Brandon Benedict after 13 minutes before Jereme Tendler opened his account for the year on 14.21. The home side - who outshot the Rays 19-6 in the first - would add their third of the first period through Bob Wren just over a minute after the Stingrays opener though, giving them a commanding two goal lead heading into the second period.

The visitors bounced back in a big way in the second period with Tendler adding his second of the night and 131st in a Stingrays jersey with British defenceman Jamie Chilcott notching his first point as a professional on the goal. Four minutes later, Jason Silverthorn would pop up and shock the home crowd by leveling the score at 3-3.

Crucially and perhaps cruelly on the Stingrays, veteran centre Wren responded for the Panthers five minutes later to give them a 4-3 lead.

The Panthers held that advantage into the second intermission before Chris Capraro scored a big powerplay goal 1.22 into the third period.

That goal proved to be the straw that broke the camels back as the Stingrays were outshot 17-3 and conceded a further four third period goals through Lachowicz - who completed his hat-trick with two further goals - Chris Murray and Matt Francis with Ben Bowns - who had been solid throughout - being replaced by Greg Blais at 7-3.

Despite the defeat, the Cloutier and the Stingrays will be encouraged by their performance through 40 minutes. Naturally, there will be concerns about leaking nine goals on opening night but against a very strong, full strength Nottingham side and with two further imports to come into the side, there are positives to take into their second game of opening weekend against the Braehead Clan on Sunday night.

Stingrays retain Bradfield Brewery Cup with confidence boosting 9-2 win over Sheffield Steeldogs

Hull Stingrays 9-2 Sheffield Steeldogs - Pre-season (14-7 on aggregate)

The Hull Stingrays tonight retained the Bradfield Brewery Cup by beating English Premier League side the Sheffield Steeldogs 9-2 at Hull Arena, completing a 14-7 aggregate victory following last Thursday's 5-5 tie at Ice Sheffield with import Guillaume Doucet helping himself to four goals.

Without imports Derek Campbell, Kyle Mariani and Carl Lauzon - with the latter two yet to arrive in the country - the Rays gave regular shifts to youngsters Sam Towner and Lee Bonner while Tom Ralph - who moved up front from his preferred position on defence - also saw ice time.

Coached by former Newcastle Vipers and Coventry Blaze enforcer Andre Payette, tonight's fixture was never likely to go without incident and, indeed, the game started in a typically niggly fashion.

That start to the game actually led to the game's opening goal as Bobby Chamberlain looked to renew acquaintances with Hull born forward Craig Elliott - having tussled with the forward in the first leg in Sheffield. With Elliott having none of it, Chamberlain went in search of the puck and, following a Scott Robson shot, the puck fell to the Stingrays number 90 - who, while skating across in front of the Steeldogs net, picked the puck up and slotted home.

With the game tied at 5-5 heading into the second leg, the Steeldogs will have wanted to strike back immediately and they did so through former Stingray Andy Hirst - who netted moments after Rays netminder Ben Bowns denied a big opportunity two-on-one.

Bowns was again involved in the games third goal as he denied a Steeldogs breakaway before Chamberlain added his second goal with a crisp wristshot from the stop of the circle which beat Steeldogs netminder Dalibor Sedlar high over his blocker. The goal completed Chamberlain's second two goal home game in two matches after his two goals against the Edinburgh Capitals and that will give him real confidence hearing into his second year in the Elite League following a year in North America.

The Rays were comfortably on top in the first period and generally severely punished the Steeldogs for any mistakes with the home sides third and fourth prime examples of that.

First, a neutral ice giveaway allowed Jereme Tendler and Matty Davies to break on goal two-on-one with the Canadian setting up last year's British revelation to just slot home. Then, Lee Haywood - who, it must be said, probably didn't have his best game for the Steeldogs - gave away the puck on his own blueline during a powerplay, allowing Doucet to use his turn of pace to break 2-on-0 with Davies before comfortably netting his first of four on the night.

Payette's side - who were outshot 18-9 in the first period - would add a late late goal on the buzzer against the run of play as the Rays switched off following a powerplay, allowing Steeldogs standout forward Lubomir Korhon to score with less than a second remain. Following some light debate the goal was allowed to stand by referee James Ashton and the Stingrays went into the break two, not three goals to the good.

After a mediocre period in which they showed flashes of what they could do, the Steeldogs had a great start to the second period and penned the Stingrays in the own zone for the majority of the opening minutes. Still, the next goal was always going to be vitally important, and the Steeldogs were unable to convert possession and pressure into goals with Bowns coming up big to again deny Korhon - this time with a flashy glove save on a breakaway.

Crucially, it was the Stingrays who netted the next goal, Doucet adding his second on the powerplay thanks to a rebound that fell kindly to him with the net gaping and Sedlar out of position. A second powerplay goal followed for the French-Canadian - who rounded off a lovely move after defenceman Omar Pacha fed the puck to Davies on one post, who in turn found Doucet on hand at the other post to finish the well crafted move.

The Rays entered the third period four goals to the good and, after a quiet start to the final stanza, eventually piled on the goals and misery on to an either tiring or increasingly uninterested Steeldogs side.

As he did in last year's Bradfield Brewery Cup, Sam Towner bagged an important goal for his confidence heading into his second season in the Elite League, picking up his own rebound before slotting home past Sedlar for the Rays seventh.

Having had his shifts somewhat restricted on, Tom Ralph's added energy soon after created Sylvain Cloutier's sides eight of the night from Jereme Tendler. Man of the moment, and some may say man of the Stingrays pre-season, Doucet rounded off the scoring with a bullet of a one timer from the slot to seal the 9-2 win and confirm the retention of the Bradfield Brewery Cup.

Doucet, unsurprisingly given his four goals, picked up man of the match and, although it's very early days, has so far proved to be the signing of the summer by Cloutier. His four goal performance tonight brought his pre-season tally to nine goals in four games. regardless of who your opponent is, that is an impressive scoring record and, provided he can keep scoring during the regular season, will take some of the offensive pressure of the shoulders of Tendler. That nine goal figure also includes three powerplay goals and three shorthanded goals, proving Cloutier's off-season comments that he is able to play in all situations.

Against a well drilled, niggly Sheffield Steeldogs side, the result was particularly encouraging for the Rays ahead of the start of the 13/14 Elite League season given they still have three imports to come into tonight's side in Campbell, Lauzon and Mariani.

Of course, the Steeldogs have just four imports - albeit it a very impressive one in Korhon - and the Edinburgh Capitals weren't anywhere near full strength but there are certainly shoots of positivity for Cloutier to pick up on heading into the the opening weekend of the Elite League season. Indeed, there are also some areas that require improving, thus is the nature of pre-season.

The Rays - who recorded 2 regulation wins, 1 shootout win and a tie during pre-season - open their 8th season in the British top flight against the reigning league, playoff and Challenge Cup champions the Nottingham Panthers on Saturday before their home opener against Gardiner Conference rivals the Braehead Clan on Sunday.

Suderman named Stingrays captain; Silverthorn and Smith re-appointed alternate captains

30 year old defenceman Matt Suderman has been named the Hull Stingrays club captain for the 13/14 Elite League campaign - their 8th in the British top flight.

The Manitoba native - who joined the club this summer following nearly a year and a half out of the sport through illness - takes the 'C' from three-year captain Kurtis Dulle and will be assisted by alternate captains and fellow Canadians Jason Silverthorn and Jeff Smith.

Suderman - who originally joined the Stingrays in 2010 before opting out of joining due to the club's financial issues - has already made quite the impact on the roster according to player-coach Cloutier having been voted to become captain by his fellow teammates:

"This season I felt the guys should pick the captain and the vote went to Matt. You want your captain to lead by example and he will do that. He is a player who comes to work every night, he is a competitor and he battles all night. In the dressing room the guys are already listening when he talks, he has been around for a while and he has a lot of respect. Matt is a character and he is that hard hat-type of player and that is exactly what I want my team to be like. The Hull Stingrays need to have a team full of leaders who compete and battle - if we do that it will give us a chance.

On Smith and Silverthorn's re-appointment as alternate captains, Cloutier added:

"Silver and Smitty have been around a while too. They are experienced guys who come to work every night and also lead by example. I am very happy with the choices."

The Rays open the 13/14 season with an away fixture against the league, playoff and cup champions the Nottingham Panthers. Their first home fixture of the season comes on Sunday against reigning Gardiner Cup champions the Braehead Clan.

Stingrays replace Huttel with Mariani

Photo - Les Stockton

Defenceman Kyle Mariani has today become the Hull Stingrays final signing for the 2013/2014 Elite League campaign, replacing fellow blueliner Chad Huttel - who was forced to pull out of a deal to join the club due to a shoulder injury.

The 24 year old - who will join the Rays for just his third season as a professional - is a versatile addition to the Rays roster and will slot in as the club's fifth import defenceman, however, he is also a capable forward and can play on both the powerplay and penalty kill.

The Toronto, Ontario native will move to the UK after spending the tailend of last season with Visby Roma of the Swedish third tier but has a somewhat spotty past in the sport.

Having split a four year junior career between five different clubs in three different leagues - including two stints in the reputable Quebec Major Junior Hockey League - Mariani sat out what would have been his first year as a professional during 10/11 in order to pursue a career as a firefighter.

Having graduated, he returned to the sport in 11/12 with the now defunct Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League and registered six goals, nine assists in 65 games. He also recorded a lowly -30 plus/minus rating on a struggling side on which 11 of the 15 man regular roster also stooped to double negative figures.

He moved on to the Tulsa Oilers of the CHL last season, recording a goal and nine assists but again suffered from a poor -11 plus/minus rating on a side that would eventually finish bottom before crossing the Atlantic to sign in Sweden. He played just four games for Visby Roma in the Swedish regular season, recording an assist, before icing in two relegation playoff games for the Gotland based side.

Mariani is described by Bruce Ramsey - his former coach in Tulsa - as "a solid defenceman who can contribute on the offensive end of the ice" and Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier echos that sentiment:

"I had a lot of good reports about Kyle. He is a good two-way defenceman, he is solid at the back and can help with offensive situations. He is a good skater and his Swedish coach says he has a great shot."

On paper, concerns may conceivably be raised over Mariani's plus/minus figures particularly as a defenceman having been -17 in the QMJHL and -30 and -11 in the last two seasons. Those concerns would not be misplaced as those stats are in in the history books, however, it is worth remembering that, during those two CHL seasons, Mariani played on sides that placed 12th (of 14) and 10th (of 10) in the CHL.

Photo - Les Stockton

Perhaps more important than the statistics, Cloutier's reports also suggest that the defenceman is a determined, never-say-die character on-ice. As well as his versatility, those characteristics may in fact make him the best fit for the Stingrays this season. Cloutier adds:

"But more importantly everyone I spoke to said the same thing about Kyle - he competes every night and never gives up. That fits the mould of the Hull Stingrays as we need to have a team who works hard and battles every night. I am looking forward to working with Kyle and he is a good addition to the team."

Mariani becomes the Stingrays eighth defenceman and fifth import defenceman, giving the club the kind of wealth of options defensively that is almost unheard of.

His addition will likely bump one of either Scott Robson or Jamie Chilcott down the order and limit their ice-time depending on whom Cloutier believes has performed better in pre-season, however, that would have happened whether Mariani or Huttel joined the club.

Though the Rays also boast 11 forwards - or three lines and two extras - should there be any forward injuries, Mariani also gives Cloutier an experienced option should he believe the Rays need an extra veteran presence over 16 year old Lee Bonner and 18 year old Sam Towner.

On signing the Canadian said:

"I am very excited to be a part of the Stingrays and the EIHL. Ever since turning pro I have heard nothing but good things about this league, having had quite a few past team-mates and friends play in this league while more recently learning more about the Stingrays and Sylvain it seems like a great team and organisation and I can't wait to get going. 

"It all came about very quickly through a European agent. I had something in place in the United States for the coming season but once this came about I jumped on the opportunity and couldn't be happier with my decision. As soon as the paperwork is finished I will be on the next flight out and I can't wait to get to work on the ice. 

"Stingrays are getting a player who will always give it 100 per cent and leave it all on the ice. I am a defencemen who can skate and carry the puck up the ice or make a pass and join the rush. I have a good shot, I play a physical game and I am reliable in my own zone.
"I am an all-around player, can play the powerplay and penalty kill as well and every year I always end up playing a bit of forward when the team is short."

Neither Mariani or fellow new recruit Carl Lauzon will be in the country in time to ice in Wednesday's pre-season game against the Sheffield Steeldogs and they both may yet miss the Elite League opening weekend in Nottingham on Saturday and at home to Braehead on Sunday.

Wednesday's final pre-season fixture sees the Stingrays take on the Steeldogs in the second leg of the Bradfield Brewery Cup with the scores tied at 5-5 after the first leg.

Stingrays come from behind to record second win over Edinburgh

Edinburgh Capitals 4-5 Hull Stingrays - SO (Pre-season)

The Hull Stingrays tonight completed a pre-season double over the Edinburgh Capitals, leaving it late to come from behind and tie the game before going on beat the Scottish side on penalty shots at Murrayfield Ice Rink.

Sylvain Cloutier's side comprehensively beat an vastly understrength Edinburgh side 9-0 on Wednesday night but tonight would prove to be a different proposition altogether as the Rays found themselves three goals down after 30 minutes.

As they did on Wednesday night at Ice Sheffield against the Sheffield Steeldogs though, the Rays rallied and netted their first of the night through Jason Silverthorn - who bagged his first goal of pre-season.

The home side again extended their lead to three goals through Curtis Leinweber before Caps coach Richard Hartman switched netminders - as he did on Wednesday night with Craig Holland relieving number one Tomas Hiadlovsky between the pipes.

The third period began with the Stingrays trailing 4-1, however, Guillaume Doucet - who has so far been a revelation in a Rays jersey - notched his second shorthanded goal of pre-season.

Later in the third period Silverthorn added his second of the game and pre-season to reduce the deficit to one and give his partnership with Derek Campbell and Tom Squires a welcome confidence boost - after the first line took the plaudits in the opening two games of pre-season.

Player-coach Cloutier then levelled the scores at 4-4 with time running out, sending the game straight to sudden death penalty shots - where Jereme Tendler converted the winning shot following misses from Omar Pacha and two Capitals.

Following the 5-4 victory on penalty shots, the Stingrays now hold a 2-0-1 pre-season record, though there have been both positives and negatives on display during the team's opening three fixtures.

Still, it is very early days and even Cloutier would admit there is lots to work on before next week's opening fixture against the Nottingham Panthers and also before this season's roster resembles an end product.

Indeed, the Stingrays - like the Capitals, albeit to a lesser extent - have yet to ice a full strength roster. Still awaiting the arrival of Carl Lauzon, who will further add to their offensive options, the signing of the final import - who will be a defensive replacement for the injured Chad Huttel - is expected within the next few days.

It seems unlikely either will arrive in time to play a part in the Rays final pre-season game on Wednesday in the winner takes all second leg of the Bradfield Brewery Cup against the Sheffield Steeldogs with the scores finely poised at 5-5.

Tendler and Doucet strike to help Stingrays battle back against Steeldogs in pre-season

Sheffield Steeldogs 5-5 Hull Stingrays (Pre-season)

In the second of four pre-season fixtures, the Hull Stingrays tonight came from behind thanks to a hat-trick from Jereme Tendler and two goals from Guillaume Doucet to tie 5-5 with the Sheffield Steeldogs in the first leg of the Bradfield Brewery Cup on Pad 2 at Ice Sheffield.

The Stingrays lost 4-3 in the first leg of last season's pre-season challenge game against Andre Payette's side before rebounding to win 4-1 and 7-5 on aggregate in the second leg at Ice Sheffield and they again struggled early on against a well-drilled Steeldogs team.

The Steeldogs held a 3-1 lead heading into the second period tonight thanks to goals from Steven Duncombe (8.17), Ashley Calvert (PPG - 12.31) and Lubomir Korhon (17.22) with Tendler (10.15) leveling the score with his third of pre-season at 1-1.

The Canadian added his second of the game and fourth of pre-season at 3.43 into the second period but the Steeldogs would again take control of the game. A lack of discipline saw the Rays - who were without Derek Campbell - give away a number of powerplays throughout the night and penalties against Martin Ondrej and then Lee Bonner allowed the Steeldogs to extend their lead to three with goals from former Stingray Andrew Hirst and Calvert - who recorded his second goal on the man advantage.

Three goals down, Sylvain Cloutier got a big response for his side early in the third period with the visitors netting three goals in the opening four minutes of the final period.

Doucet played a big part in the comeback, adding two more goals to his pre-season tally with a short handed goal on 41.10 and then a powerplay goal at 43.07 with Lee Haywood sitting in the box.

25 seconds after the Rays fourth from Doucet, Tendler bagged his third of the night to level the scores at 5-5.

Things had simmered between the sides all night, with Steeldog and former Hull junior player Craig Elliott generally at the centre of the Stingrays ire. That boiled over with less than ten minutes remaining as Matt Suderman was thrown out of the game for fighting with new Steeldogs enforcer Callum Pattison while Bobby Chamberlain dropped the gloves with Elliott.

The Rays killed off the resulting five minute powerplay with Suderman dismissed thanks to a 2+2+5+game penalty but there was still time for Tom Squires - who had a number of chances throughout the night - to go agonisingly close to winning the game with 1.20 left only to ring the iron.

With the tie finely balanced the two sides will meet again in the second leg next Wednesday to decided the winners of the pre-season Bradfield Brewery Cup.

Before that though the Rays travel to Scotland on Sunday night for the second of two challenge games against Edinburgh following Wednesday's 9-0 thrashing of a poor, understrength Capitals side.

Stingrays cruise to comfortable pre-season victory over short-staffed Capitals

Hull Stingrays 9-0 Edinburgh Capitals (Pre-season)

After a five month break, the Hull Stingrays tonight returned to Hull Arena ice for their first pre-season fixture ahead of the 2013/2014 Elite League season and ran out comprehensive 9-0 winners against an understrength Edinburgh Capitals side.

The Scottish side travelled to Hull with just seven imports and were forced to borrow three players from the Stingrays NIHL side including Jamie Cobley and Kieran Beach in order to fill out their roster.

They started the game with back-up netminder Craig Holland between the pipes and he was soon forced to fish the puck out of the net as debutant Gulliaume Doucet attempted a neat set up which eventually found its way to Jereme Tendler - who continued where he left off last season and scored from an acute angle.

In an understandably scrappy and disjointed first period, the Rays went close again in the dying stages as Derek Campbell - who unsurprisingly linked up with Jason Silverthorn on the second line - rang the cross bar.

The home side again scored early in the second period with the first line of Doucet, Tendler and Matty Davies combining well to move the puck swiftly from behind Ben Bowns' net to the Caps zone before Davies scrappily fired home the second of the night.

Given their short bench, the Caps would have been happy with the 2-0 scoreline at the halfway point and, as seemingly agreed prior to the game, replaced Holland - who stopped 23 of 25 shots - with number one netminder Tomas Hiadlovsky.

With the Edinburgh side in front of him tiring due to their lack of numbers the Slovakian stopper quickly found himself under fire and 5-0 down as the Stingrays barraged him.

Shortly after Hiadlovsky's arrival the Rays made it 3-0 following some good work in the defensive zone from British debutant, and a player expected to surprise many this season, Jamie Chilcott. The defenceman persevered in the defensive zone and eventually found Davies, who combined with Doucet before Tendler was put through on goal and added his second of the night.

Less than a minute later, the puck was worked out from the corner to another debutant, Omar Pacha - thought to be the Stingrays number one offensive defenceman in the coming season and a replacement for former captain Kurtis Dulle - who bulleted a slapshot high over the glove of the Caps netminder for a 4-0 lead.

Five minutes later, the Rays completed a horrible return to action in the UK for Hiadlovsky as Doucet tapped home his first goal as a Stingray on a two-on-one with Tendler at the backpost giving the netminder a  save percentage of 50% having allowed three goals on six shots.

Capitals head coach Richard Hartmann was clearly unhappy with his sides performance, not just in the second period but throughout the game, and publicly and loudly berated a number of his players.

On his way to a comfortable 24 shot shutout, Stingrays keeper Bowns made his biggest contribution to the game in the third period, denying the an Edinburgh attack with a wonderful sprawling kick save.

Doucet and Davies - whose top line with Tendler scored six of the nine goals on the night -then added their second goals of the night with two fortuitous finishes.

Bobby Chamberlain then rounded off the party with two of the standout goals of the evening. First, the returning Brit sniped home a wristshot in off the crossbar with Hiadlovsky none the wiser before being put in on a breakaway to slot backhanded past the netminder having faked a forehanded wristshot.

Though the 9-0 drubbing is a positive from a Stingrays point of view, it is extremely difficult to judge either side on this opening pre-season fixture, particularly given the Capitals lack of depth. With imports Les Reaney and Martin Cingel both missing from the lineup and two further imports to sign, the Capitals will surely offer the Rays a far sterner challenge as they near full strength, although it appears that may yet take some time.

As far as Sylvain Cloutier's side is concerned there are no worries so early in pre-season as the side regain match fitness and match sharpness. Indeed, six goals from the club's new first line of Doucet, Davies and Tendler is encouraging while the Silverthorn and Campbell again proved they will continue their brilliant partnership from 11/12 alongside Tom Squires - who himself looked improved. Two goals from returning hometown favourite Chamberlain late in the day was a big a bonus.

Defensively, a shutout for Bowns will do no harm and Pacha's offensive ability and shot from the point will . On a final note, Chilcott and Scott Robson proved that they are capable of playing at Elite League level, albeit against a somewhat limited Edinburgh side .

The Stingrays are back in pre-season action tomorrow night against the English Premier League's Sheffield Steeldogs at Ice Sheffield (7.30pm) where they will continue preparations for the upcoming season.

Huttel injury hits Stingrays on eve of pre-season

Hull Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier is on the lookout for a second late replacement ahead of the 2013/2014 Elite League season following the news that American defenceman Chad Huttel has been sidelined with a shoulder injury and now will not join the club for the upcoming campaign.

Photo - Sheffield Steelers

The revelation that Huttel will now not be joining up with his new squad comes just 24 hours after it was announced that Sean Muncy had been replaced by Carl Lauzon due to as yet unknown issues.

24 year old Huttel was due to join the Stingrays after a season out of the sport having sustained a shoulder injury prior to last season while on a try-out with the Central Hockey League's Fort Worth Brahmas.

It would appear that the former Sheffield Steeler has recently suffered a setback with that shoulder injury thanks to a freak accident and now faces up to three months out. Whether he will return to the sport following what will be more than a year out of the sport a remains to be seen.

Of the disappointment for both club and player, Cloutier told the Hull Daily Mail:

"Chad was ready and everything was going well but he had a freak accident. I think he'll be out for two or three months with a shoulder problem. It's disappointing for him and for us but at least he was honest and told us he was injured and not going to be able to come over."

He also added that, while he has had at least one deal for a replacement defenceman fall through and does have one option readily available to him, he may yet opt to replace Huttel with another forward.

That decision would leave the Stingrays with four import defenceman - Matt Suderman, Martin Ondrej, Omar Pacha and Jeff Smith - and three Brits - Scott Robson, Jamie Chilcott and two-way signing Tom Ralph.

Though that is a relatively healthy defensive stable, an injury or suspension to one of the imports exposes either Chilcott or Robson to significant ice time at a relatively young age. Both players are highly thought of by Cloutier and the Stingrays, and they may yet be good enough to handle that ice-time were the situation arise, however, it is a big risk to take.

A lot will surely ride on how Chilcott and Robson perform against the Edinburgh Capitals and Sheffield Steeldogs in pre-season prior to Cloutier making a decision on who to bring in.

An extra import forward would give the Stingrays real depth offensively with 12 players or four lines but it seems unlikely they would regularly utilise four lines with 16 year old Lee Bonner being one of those three. The alternative to that were another forward signed would be to potentially semi-regularly bench three forwards.

If that were to occur, unless Cloutier spends more time on the bench as he nears potential retirement, that would more than likely mean least experienced forwards Bonner, Sam Towner and Bobby Chamberlain would spend increased time on the bench.

In the case of Chamberlain - who has continued his progression and has notably bulked up during his season away  - that seems particularly unlikely.

With defenceman Smith able to revert to forward if required for injuries or suspensions - provided it is a defenceman added for Huttel - all signs point to a like-for-like replacement but, for Cloutier, it may depend on what is available, for what price and in what time frame.

Meanwhile, new signings Suderman, Pacha and forward Guillaume Doucet all took to the ice with their new squad today.

Photo - Hull Daily Mail

The trio will make their debuts tomorrow night against the Edinburgh Capitals at the Hull Arena, although yesterday's addition Lauzon is still awaiting his visa to travel to the country and may not make his debut until next Wednesday at home to the Sheffield Steeldogs.

Cloutier also revealed to the Hull Daily Mail today that Lauzon - who he sees as "more of a set-up guy" - may ice alongside Guillaume Doucet and Jereme Tendler.

That could potentially leave a line of Jason Silverthorn, Derek Campbell and Matty Davies, and a third line of himself, Tom Squires and Bobby Chamberlain with Bonner and Towner the two extras.

Rays swap Muncy for Lauzon in late switch

The Hull Stingrays have been forced to make a late switch to their roster ahead of the 2013/14 Elite League season with import Sean Muncy being replaced by Carl Lauzon.

The reasons for the switch are as yet unknown, however, it is believed that 28 year old forward Muncy informed the club he would not be joining them for the upcoming 13/14 season - which begins in two days with a pre-season fixture against the Edinburgh Capitals.

Nevertheless, the Rays have moved quickly to fill the void left by Muncy's departure with the signature of, arguably, a better player in 26 year old Lauzon from Chamonix of the French Ligue Magnus.

Of course, whether that is the case remains to be seen but what is true is that Canadian forward Lauzon will move to the UK from a more reputable league (three years in France v 1 in CHL, German fourth tier and Holland), with a better goalscoring record and with more professional experience - despite being two years younger - than the player he is replacing.

In fact, the only area whereby the Rays may lose out in this switch is the club's perceived lack of height with Muncy standing at 6'0 and Lauzon at 5'9.

Lauzon's pointscoring pedigree is by far the biggest bonus in the switch though. In both his junior and professional career, the Montreal, Quebec native has never failed to drop below point-a-game form .

As a junior Lauzon racked up 325 points in 183 games in the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League, although, admittedly, the QJAAAHL in the second tier of junior hockey in Quebec, one below the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Regardless of the level, Lauzon dominated with closing in on two points a game.

In his first two seasons as a professional, Lauzon went above and beyond that two-point-a-game level recording an astounding 72 goals and 126 points in 52 games, albeit in the second tier in France with Avignon - where he unsurprisingly topped the league's points scoring chart in 08/09 with 71 points and was named league All-Star during both seasons.

His impressive scoring rate in the French second division earned him a contract with French top flight side Chamonix in 2010 and he went on to continue that form in league, cup and playoff competition.

During his first year in the French Alps, Lauzon hit 21 goals - a three year high and fifth most in the league - and 39 points from 26 games as his side finished eighth of 14 sides in Ligue Magnus. He re-signed for a second season in 11/12 and added a further 14 goals and 33 points as Chamonix finished third in the league before losing out to Grenoble in the playoff semi-finals - with Lauzon recording five goals and seven points in eight games.

In what would turn out to be his fifth and final season in France, the French-Canadian played alongside fellow new Stingray Omar Pacha, scoring 11 goals - a three year low - while also hitting a three year high in points (45), ending the year as fourth highest pointscorer in the country. Chamonix again progressed to the playoffs having finished fourth but - despite Lauzon recording nine points in seven games -  were shocked in the Quarter Finals losing their five game series 3-2 to 12th seed Epinal.

He ended a very productive spell in the French top flight and indeed France with 46 goals and 117 points in 78 games, giving him an outstanding points-per-game ratio of 1.5 in a league of similar stature to the Elite League albeit significantly shorter in length at 26 games.

An undoubted scoring force at every level he has played at so far, Lauzon's agent, 9 Hockey Management, describes notes his strengths:

"Carl Lauzon is good smooth skating forward who has very good open ice awareness which allows him to bring his team-mates into the game. With a natural touch around the net, Carl has excelled in every league he has played in. A finesse type player, Carl also is fast and uses his quick foot speed to accelerate away from opposition players."

On what will hopefully be his final signing for the 13/14 season, Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier said:

"I am really pleased to be able to pick up Carl. He played on the same team as Omar Pacha last year and he is a skilled player who will add a lot of offence to the line-up. He also played against Guillaume Doucet last season and both players had nothing but good things to say about Carl. He is someone who competes every night and I'm delighted he is joining us."

There are no doubts that Lauzon has been brought in to provide the Stingrays with additional offensive punch. The only questions around his signing will no doubt be how will he compare to Muncy, where in the line-up he will fit in and, indeed, how the side will line-up?

Jason Silverthorn, Derek Campbell and, to a lesser extent, Jereme Tendler all perfectly linked up during the 11/12 campaign, so the inclination may be for Cloutier to reunite them for the upcoming season.

That would leave Lauzon, fellow signing from France Guilllaume Doucet and last season's British revelation Matty Davies at 5'9, 5'9 and 5'6 respectively. That lack of height may dissuade any such line-up and force Cloutier to break up the Silverthorn-Campbell-Tendler partnership. Although it will surely be difficult to break up Silverthorn and Campbell after their chemistry last time around, that may be required in order to spread the club's offence throughout the line-up.

It seems unlikely that the answers to those questions will come and also that Lauzon will make his debut in Wednesday's first pre-season fixture against the Edinburgh Capitals given the timing of his signing announcement. Nevertheless, he should play a part in pre-season prior to the Stingrays 13/14 Elite League season facing off on Saturday 7th September against the Nottingham Panthers and those questions will, no doubt, also be answered in due course.

CARL LAUZON by kikinou84