Friday, 20 September 2013
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
Stingrays' Challenge Cup hopes dashed in narrow defeat
Sheffield Steelers 4-3 Hull Stingrays (Challenge Cup)
The Hull Stingrays chances of reaching the Challenge Cup Quarter Finals for a second consecutive year appear remote after they were tonight handed their third defeat in the competition this season, losing out 4-3 to the Sheffield Steelers at Ice Sheffield.
As they did against Cardiff on Sunday, the Stingrays opened the scored with Jereme Tendler netting his fourth goal of the season after just two minutes with assists from Martin Ondrej and Omar Pacha.
The Steelers leveled on the 15 minute mark through captain Jonathan Phillips before Maxim Lacroix gave the home side the lead 6.14 into the second period.
Tendler struck again nine minutes later with assists this time coming through Brits Bobby Chamberlain and Matty Davies, however, Stefan Meyer would score as the period was drawing to a close to give the Steelers a 3-2 lead heading into the final period.
Derek Campbell - who recorded a hat-trick on his last visit to Ice Sheffield for the Stingrays against the Steelers - equalised on the powerplay just 43 seconds into the final period via assists from Jason Silverthorn and Tendler - who recorded his third point of the night and eighth of the season.
However, it would be the Steelers that would have the final say as British forward Aaron Nell scored the game winning goal on the powerplay at 44.11.
The defeat will make it extremely difficult for the Stingrays to progress to the Quarter Final from Challenge Cup Group B following defeats against Nottingham (9-3) and Cardiff (4-3).
Sylvain Cloutier's side have still to play Nottingham, Sheffield and Coventry at the Hull Arena as well as Coventry and Cardiff away but face the daunting task of likely needing to win the vast majority of those fixtures including both games against the Coventry Blaze in order to progress.
The Hull Stingrays chances of reaching the Challenge Cup Quarter Finals for a second consecutive year appear remote after they were tonight handed their third defeat in the competition this season, losing out 4-3 to the Sheffield Steelers at Ice Sheffield.
As they did against Cardiff on Sunday, the Stingrays opened the scored with Jereme Tendler netting his fourth goal of the season after just two minutes with assists from Martin Ondrej and Omar Pacha.
The Steelers leveled on the 15 minute mark through captain Jonathan Phillips before Maxim Lacroix gave the home side the lead 6.14 into the second period.
Tendler struck again nine minutes later with assists this time coming through Brits Bobby Chamberlain and Matty Davies, however, Stefan Meyer would score as the period was drawing to a close to give the Steelers a 3-2 lead heading into the final period.
Derek Campbell - who recorded a hat-trick on his last visit to Ice Sheffield for the Stingrays against the Steelers - equalised on the powerplay just 43 seconds into the final period via assists from Jason Silverthorn and Tendler - who recorded his third point of the night and eighth of the season.
However, it would be the Steelers that would have the final say as British forward Aaron Nell scored the game winning goal on the powerplay at 44.11.
The defeat will make it extremely difficult for the Stingrays to progress to the Quarter Final from Challenge Cup Group B following defeats against Nottingham (9-3) and Cardiff (4-3).
Sylvain Cloutier's side have still to play Nottingham, Sheffield and Coventry at the Hull Arena as well as Coventry and Cardiff away but face the daunting task of likely needing to win the vast majority of those fixtures including both games against the Coventry Blaze in order to progress.
Sunday, 15 September 2013
Stingrays let three goal lead slip in Challenge Cup defeat to Cardiff
Hull Stingrays 3-4 Cardiff Devils
The Hull Stingrays tonight led the Cardiff Devils 3-0 after just 22 minutes, only for the Welsh side to strike back with four consecutive second period goals and to eventually hold on to a 4-3 Challenge Cup Group B win.
On balance, it was a deserved victory for the visitors - who were forced to dress back-up netminder Joe Myers with starting netminder Dan Lacosta injured and loan signing Greg Blais unable to play against his parent club - as they dominated from the opening face-off and for large parts of the opening two periods.
In fact, the Devils came out so strongly that it took the home side 12 minutes to muster their first meaningful possession.
Ben Bowns time and again denied the Devils during their opening siege on the Rays net in a wonderful first period performance. Nevertheless, for all their chances and possession in the opening half of the period, it would be the the Stingrays that would open the scoring after just one shot.
The Rays first real puck possession came courtesy of Derek Campbell, Jason Silverthorn and debutant Carl Lauzon - who cycled the puck between themselves in the Cardiff zone - before Silverthorn drew a penalty from Devils defecenamn Brad Plumton.
On the ensuing powerplay, an Omar Pacha point shot was blocked high up before falling at the feet of former Devil Silverthorn - who one timed the Rays first shot of the game past Myers for a 1-0 lead.
Having waited 13 minutes for a shot, the Stingrays made it near enough two goals in two shots just 71 seconds later as Matty Davies was put in on the breakaway by a long pass from the defensive end by Guillaume Doucet.
Davies miscontrolled the puck as he broke in on the Devils net but, having waited so long for his first shot of the night only to immediately allow a goal, netminder Myers was understandably indecisive about coming for the puck, eventually allowing a diving Davies to bizarrely chip the puck home from close in for a 2-0 lead.
Unbelievably and quite against the run of play, the Stingrays now fortuitously led thanks to some brilliant netminding in their own end and relatively poor netminding at the other.
It truly was a tale of two netminders as GB international Bowns stopped all 14 first period shots thrown at him, while opposite number Myers allowed two goals on just four shots - with at least one of the two saves he made a debatable shot on goal.
Following the first period it was patently clear to the Devils that, in order to win the game, they simply had to protect their netminder better and that would become much more obvious as the game wore on.
Nevertheless, despite again coming out strongly, that wouldn't stop the Stingrays taking a 3-0 lead just 2.49 into the second period. With captain Matt Suderman sitting a roughing penalty, Campbell was put through on a shorthanded breakaway, following a Bowns save and an outlet pass from Martin Ondrej, and outwaited the Cardiff netminder to net the Rays third of the night.
That would be as good as it got for the Rays in both the second period and in the game though as their opponents intense and physical style of play soon paid off.
First, Phil Hill notched a powerplay goal on 35.17 before two goals from standout Cardiff forward Andrew Lord - with what turned out to be the game winning goal in the final minute of the period - and another from Chris Blight as the Devils finally made the Stingrays pay
Bowns was given no chance on any of the Cardiff goals with his defence too often collapsing on top of him, allowing the Devils to set up in the zone and create traffic in front, making it difficult for the netminder to pick up on the puck with at least two of the goals long range efforts from the blueline.
The 4-3 advantage the Devils held heading into the third was no more than they deserved, in fact there is an argument to say that had it not been for the varying quality in netminding at both ends the scoreline would have looked a lot diffierent as the final 20 minutes began.
Regardless, the Stingrays finally came out of their shells somewhat in the third period and started to show some offensive capabilities but came up against a determined Cardiff side that dug in defensively.
Arguably the highlight of the night came on 44 minutes as Martin Ondrej levelled Cardiff enforcer Andrew Conboy - who took up the role of pantomime villain for the evening - in a lovely open ice hit close to the team benches
The game became increasingly chippy as the third period wore on and Sylvain Cloutier's side were given a number of powerplay opportunities - having had just one in the opening 40 minutes - but were unable to level.
Despite coming up against an inexperienced back-up, far too often the Rays elected not to shoot and instead attempt to set up the one timer or a perfect play low down. On the occasions they did shoot, they either fired wide or the committed Cardiff defence put their bodies in the way and blocked the shot.
The home side were again outshot in the third period, giving the Devils a 42-17 shot advantage overall, however, but for the Stingrays resistance to shooting and the shots blocked by the Devils, the outcome of the shots on goal and, indeed, the game may have been different.
As Cardiff looked to close out the game on a 5-on-3 - with Bowns then pulled for a 6-on-3 - Plumton dropped the gloves with Stingrays forward Campbell in a nothing scuffle with both falling to the floor before another Devil got involved. Suderman - who earlier received a ten-minute misconduct penalty was incensed at referee James Ashton as the final buzzer went and there were clearly some calls that the Stingrays bench were unhappy with but few could have complaints about the final result on the night.
One of the few positives for Cloutier may be that this was a Challlenge Cup fixture and, although they were able to qualify for the Quarter Finals last season at the demise of Cardiff, they may prefer to focus on their league and conference campaign.
Regardless, Cloutier will surely have wanted to have seen a better performance from his side - particularly offensively against a back-up netminder - and they will have to improve heading into Wednesday's Challenge Cup fixture in Sheffield against the Steelers - who will be wanting to rebound for a costly defeat to in form Dundee tonight.
The Hull Stingrays tonight led the Cardiff Devils 3-0 after just 22 minutes, only for the Welsh side to strike back with four consecutive second period goals and to eventually hold on to a 4-3 Challenge Cup Group B win.
On balance, it was a deserved victory for the visitors - who were forced to dress back-up netminder Joe Myers with starting netminder Dan Lacosta injured and loan signing Greg Blais unable to play against his parent club - as they dominated from the opening face-off and for large parts of the opening two periods.
In fact, the Devils came out so strongly that it took the home side 12 minutes to muster their first meaningful possession.
Ben Bowns time and again denied the Devils during their opening siege on the Rays net in a wonderful first period performance. Nevertheless, for all their chances and possession in the opening half of the period, it would be the the Stingrays that would open the scoring after just one shot.
The Rays first real puck possession came courtesy of Derek Campbell, Jason Silverthorn and debutant Carl Lauzon - who cycled the puck between themselves in the Cardiff zone - before Silverthorn drew a penalty from Devils defecenamn Brad Plumton.
On the ensuing powerplay, an Omar Pacha point shot was blocked high up before falling at the feet of former Devil Silverthorn - who one timed the Rays first shot of the game past Myers for a 1-0 lead.
Having waited 13 minutes for a shot, the Stingrays made it near enough two goals in two shots just 71 seconds later as Matty Davies was put in on the breakaway by a long pass from the defensive end by Guillaume Doucet.
Davies miscontrolled the puck as he broke in on the Devils net but, having waited so long for his first shot of the night only to immediately allow a goal, netminder Myers was understandably indecisive about coming for the puck, eventually allowing a diving Davies to bizarrely chip the puck home from close in for a 2-0 lead.
Unbelievably and quite against the run of play, the Stingrays now fortuitously led thanks to some brilliant netminding in their own end and relatively poor netminding at the other.
It truly was a tale of two netminders as GB international Bowns stopped all 14 first period shots thrown at him, while opposite number Myers allowed two goals on just four shots - with at least one of the two saves he made a debatable shot on goal.
Following the first period it was patently clear to the Devils that, in order to win the game, they simply had to protect their netminder better and that would become much more obvious as the game wore on.
Nevertheless, despite again coming out strongly, that wouldn't stop the Stingrays taking a 3-0 lead just 2.49 into the second period. With captain Matt Suderman sitting a roughing penalty, Campbell was put through on a shorthanded breakaway, following a Bowns save and an outlet pass from Martin Ondrej, and outwaited the Cardiff netminder to net the Rays third of the night.
That would be as good as it got for the Rays in both the second period and in the game though as their opponents intense and physical style of play soon paid off.
First, Phil Hill notched a powerplay goal on 35.17 before two goals from standout Cardiff forward Andrew Lord - with what turned out to be the game winning goal in the final minute of the period - and another from Chris Blight as the Devils finally made the Stingrays pay
Bowns was given no chance on any of the Cardiff goals with his defence too often collapsing on top of him, allowing the Devils to set up in the zone and create traffic in front, making it difficult for the netminder to pick up on the puck with at least two of the goals long range efforts from the blueline.
The 4-3 advantage the Devils held heading into the third was no more than they deserved, in fact there is an argument to say that had it not been for the varying quality in netminding at both ends the scoreline would have looked a lot diffierent as the final 20 minutes began.
Regardless, the Stingrays finally came out of their shells somewhat in the third period and started to show some offensive capabilities but came up against a determined Cardiff side that dug in defensively.
Arguably the highlight of the night came on 44 minutes as Martin Ondrej levelled Cardiff enforcer Andrew Conboy - who took up the role of pantomime villain for the evening - in a lovely open ice hit close to the team benches
The game became increasingly chippy as the third period wore on and Sylvain Cloutier's side were given a number of powerplay opportunities - having had just one in the opening 40 minutes - but were unable to level.
Despite coming up against an inexperienced back-up, far too often the Rays elected not to shoot and instead attempt to set up the one timer or a perfect play low down. On the occasions they did shoot, they either fired wide or the committed Cardiff defence put their bodies in the way and blocked the shot.
The home side were again outshot in the third period, giving the Devils a 42-17 shot advantage overall, however, but for the Stingrays resistance to shooting and the shots blocked by the Devils, the outcome of the shots on goal and, indeed, the game may have been different.
As Cardiff looked to close out the game on a 5-on-3 - with Bowns then pulled for a 6-on-3 - Plumton dropped the gloves with Stingrays forward Campbell in a nothing scuffle with both falling to the floor before another Devil got involved. Suderman - who earlier received a ten-minute misconduct penalty was incensed at referee James Ashton as the final buzzer went and there were clearly some calls that the Stingrays bench were unhappy with but few could have complaints about the final result on the night.
One of the few positives for Cloutier may be that this was a Challlenge Cup fixture and, although they were able to qualify for the Quarter Finals last season at the demise of Cardiff, they may prefer to focus on their league and conference campaign.
Regardless, Cloutier will surely have wanted to have seen a better performance from his side - particularly offensively against a back-up netminder - and they will have to improve heading into Wednesday's Challenge Cup fixture in Sheffield against the Steelers - who will be wanting to rebound for a costly defeat to in form Dundee tonight.
FBB Three Stars
1. Ben Bowns (38 saves)
2. Martin Ondrej (0+1)
3. Kyle Mariani (0+0)
Saturday, 14 September 2013
Blais loaned to Devils; Robson joins NIHL on two-way deal; former Stingray news
Hull Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier has had a busy week juggling his squad ahead of Challenge Cup fixtures against the Cardiff Devils on Sunday and against the Sheffield Steelers in South Yorkshire of Wednesday.
As well as awaiting the arrival of new import signings Kyle Mariani and Carl Lauzon, the Stingays boss has also offered two of his depth players the chance to gain ice-time elsewhere.
On Wednesday, it was announced that backup netminder - and 12th import - Greg Blais had joined Erhardt Conference side Cardiff on a two-week loan deal.
The 33 year old netminder - who stopped 9 of 11 shots in relief of Ben Bowns in the Rays opening fixture a week ago against the Nottingham Panthers - joins the Devils as a temporary replacement for injured starting netminder Dan LaCosta.
The deal, which will last for two-weeks while Lacosta recovers from a head injury sustained in pre-season, includes a clause which means Blais cannot play against the Stingrays this weekend. He will make his debut in the Welsh capital on Saturday against the Braehead Clan with Joe Myers starting in Hull on Sunday before fixtures next weekend in Dundee and against Nottingham.
Cardiff player-coach Gerad Adams said:
As well as awaiting the arrival of new import signings Kyle Mariani and Carl Lauzon, the Stingays boss has also offered two of his depth players the chance to gain ice-time elsewhere.
The 33 year old netminder - who stopped 9 of 11 shots in relief of Ben Bowns in the Rays opening fixture a week ago against the Nottingham Panthers - joins the Devils as a temporary replacement for injured starting netminder Dan LaCosta.
The deal, which will last for two-weeks while Lacosta recovers from a head injury sustained in pre-season, includes a clause which means Blais cannot play against the Stingrays this weekend. He will make his debut in the Welsh capital on Saturday against the Braehead Clan with Joe Myers starting in Hull on Sunday before fixtures next weekend in Dundee and against Nottingham.
Cardiff player-coach Gerad Adams said:
“Greg will give us another option and demonstrates the proactive approach from the club to find import cover and to work with Joe to help us win hockey games. Whilst it has been challenging this week we are focussed and know what we need to do.”
Following the temporary departure of Blais, Cloutier has also allowed young defenceman Scott Robson to join the NIHL's Blackburn Hawks on a two-way contract.
The 18 year old - who made his Elite League debut with the Rays last season, dressing in 37 games - is highly rated by the Stingrays. However, with the club now able to boast an eight man blueline following the arrival of Mariani, the GB junior international has been allowed to join the Hawks in order to gain valuable and regular ice-time.
The two-way deal will see Robson - who lived and grew up in the North West - primarily ice for the Hawks in the NIHL North 1 while dressing with the Stingrays when the Hawks don't have a fixture or if required by the Stingrays.
On adding Robson to his squad, Hawks player-coach Jared Owen said:
“Scott has been training in Blackburn during the summer and has really impressed me, Dangie and the team with his ability on the ice. He approached us earlier this year and said that Hull were looking for him to get more regular ice time and continue his development. Once the opportunity presented itself we jumped at it. Scott has previously played with the Blackburn Juniors and we’ve been following his career so far with interest. He’s played in the top-tier of hockey in this country and you can see a real difference in his game since training and playing in the Elite League over the last season. We’re really grateful to Sylvain Cloutier and the Hull Stingrays organization for giving us the chance to benefit from the two-way deal and I’m sure he will become a very welcome addition to the team for the new season.”
In former player news, forward Dominic Osman will join the Southern Professional Hockey League's Huntsville Havoc this season.
Osman - who was signed to provide the Stingrays secondary scoring in 2010 - was well liked thanks to his gritty, hardworking style of play during his two season's in Hull - where he hitting 25 and 26 goal seasons as well as 83 points in 120 games.
Having left Hull in April, he moved down under to spend the summer with the Newcastle North Stars of the Australian Ice Hockey League.
He helped the North Stars to a second placed league finish with 18 goals and 51 points - eighth in the AIHL. In the post-season the North Stars progressed to the playoff final but - despite a hat-trick from Osman - were defeated 6-3 by the Sydney Ice Dogs - who lifted the Goodall Cup.
Meanwhile, last season's fan favourite Ryan Hand looks set to return to the Central Hockey League.
The 28 year old enforcer - who recorded two goals and 15 assists as well as 266 penalty minutes and 13 fighting majors last season in Hull - had originally agreed to join the Cornwall RiverKings of the LNAH - a league renowned for fighting.
However, his agent has announced he will instead return to the CHL - where he has previously spent three years of his career, recording two goals, six assists and 302 penalty minutes in 123 games.
Having left Hull in April, he moved down under to spend the summer with the Newcastle North Stars of the Australian Ice Hockey League.
He helped the North Stars to a second placed league finish with 18 goals and 51 points - eighth in the AIHL. In the post-season the North Stars progressed to the playoff final but - despite a hat-trick from Osman - were defeated 6-3 by the Sydney Ice Dogs - who lifted the Goodall Cup.
Meanwhile, last season's fan favourite Ryan Hand looks set to return to the Central Hockey League.
The 28 year old enforcer - who recorded two goals and 15 assists as well as 266 penalty minutes and 13 fighting majors last season in Hull - had originally agreed to join the Cornwall RiverKings of the LNAH - a league renowned for fighting.
However, his agent has announced he will instead return to the CHL - where he has previously spent three years of his career, recording two goals, six assists and 302 penalty minutes in 123 games.
Sunday, 8 September 2013
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.
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)
Saturday, 7 September 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
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.
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:
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.
Tuesday, 3 September 2013
Stingrays replace Huttel with Mariani
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| Photo - Les Stockton |
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.
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| Photo - Les Stockton |
"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.
Sunday, 1 September 2013
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.
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.
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