Tuesday, 28 January 2014
Sunday, 26 January 2014
Panthers come from behind to defeat Stingrays
Nottingham Panthers 6-4 Hull Stingrays
The Hull Stingrays tonight fell agonisingly short of a famous victory in Nottingham, leading the Panthers 4-2 after 30 minutes only to lose 6-4 to the reigning Elite League champions.
Sylvain Cloutier's side held an unlikely 3-2 lead into the first intermission thanks to a Carl Lauzon double and a Jereme Tendler goal, with Nottingham's markers coming from Matt Ryan and David Clarke.
The Rays extended their lead to two goals on 23.56 as Guillaume Doucet notched a powerplay goal, however, the Panthers comeback 10 minutes later as Robert Lachowicz narrowed the deficit to one goal.
Crucially, Clarke then popped up for the second time in the match and levelled the scores with just over three minutes remaining in the period.
The Stingrays - who were outshot 43-23 overall - were able to fire just five shots on Panthers netminder Craig Kowalski in the final period as Lachowicz recorded the game winning goal with less than ten minutes remaining in the game before Petr Kalus added a sixth with less than 30 seconds remaining.
The defeat is the Stingrays third in a row following their seven game win streak and Cloutier will be hoping to halt losing run with a big weekend coming up next week against the Cardiff Devils and Fife Flyers - who both rivals for the final couple of playoff spots.
Sylvain Cloutier's side held an unlikely 3-2 lead into the first intermission thanks to a Carl Lauzon double and a Jereme Tendler goal, with Nottingham's markers coming from Matt Ryan and David Clarke.
The Rays extended their lead to two goals on 23.56 as Guillaume Doucet notched a powerplay goal, however, the Panthers comeback 10 minutes later as Robert Lachowicz narrowed the deficit to one goal.
Crucially, Clarke then popped up for the second time in the match and levelled the scores with just over three minutes remaining in the period.
The Stingrays - who were outshot 43-23 overall - were able to fire just five shots on Panthers netminder Craig Kowalski in the final period as Lachowicz recorded the game winning goal with less than ten minutes remaining in the game before Petr Kalus added a sixth with less than 30 seconds remaining.
The defeat is the Stingrays third in a row following their seven game win streak and Cloutier will be hoping to halt losing run with a big weekend coming up next week against the Cardiff Devils and Fife Flyers - who both rivals for the final couple of playoff spots.
Stingrays release Squires
The Hull Stingrays have today announced the release of British forward Tom Squires.
The 23 year old forward has been sidelined since 7th December when he was hit in the face by a puck while sat on the bench during the Stingrays shootout triumph in Fife.
The incident saw him rushed to A&E and receive internal and external stitches on his eye, however, the resulting blood clot on his eye has remained and he has been out of action since.
It is believed that the Brit was nearing a return to action and that his release was based on both his form - with Sam Towner ably slotting in on the third line during his absence - and the Stingrays financial circumstances - with the club unwilling to ice a player of Squires experience as 10th forward. The timing of the release will also allow Squires to find a new club prior to the upcoming transfer deadline.
Prior to the injury Squires - who recorded seven goals and 19 assists in 44 games last season having joined from English Premier League side the Sheffield Steeldogs - had been struggling for form on the club's third line, recording just one assist in 25 games this season.
UPDATE: The Sheffield Steeldogs confirmed the re-signing of hometown forward Squires on Wednesday 29th January. He returns to the club whom he originally joined the Stingrays from partway through last season.
The 23 year old forward has been sidelined since 7th December when he was hit in the face by a puck while sat on the bench during the Stingrays shootout triumph in Fife.
The incident saw him rushed to A&E and receive internal and external stitches on his eye, however, the resulting blood clot on his eye has remained and he has been out of action since.
It is believed that the Brit was nearing a return to action and that his release was based on both his form - with Sam Towner ably slotting in on the third line during his absence - and the Stingrays financial circumstances - with the club unwilling to ice a player of Squires experience as 10th forward. The timing of the release will also allow Squires to find a new club prior to the upcoming transfer deadline.
Prior to the injury Squires - who recorded seven goals and 19 assists in 44 games last season having joined from English Premier League side the Sheffield Steeldogs - had been struggling for form on the club's third line, recording just one assist in 25 games this season.
UPDATE: The Sheffield Steeldogs confirmed the re-signing of hometown forward Squires on Wednesday 29th January. He returns to the club whom he originally joined the Stingrays from partway through last season.
Saturday, 25 January 2014
Blaze bring Stingrays crashing back down to earth
Hull Stingrays 1-6 Coventry Blaze
Less than a week after their club record six game unbeaten run came to an end, the Hull Stingrays saw their seven game unbeaten home run end in disappointing fashion as they were thrashed 6-1 by the Coventry Blaze.
Trailing after one period thanks to Ryan Ginand's first period powerplay goal, it was the Blaze top line of Ashley Tait, Michael Henrich and Adam Henrich that did the damage to the Stingrays in the second and third period. The trio combined for four goals and six assists in the final 40 minutes with new signing Kelsey Wilson's 36th minute goal the only marker that didn't involve one of the trio.
GB international Tait helped himself to two second period goals and three assists overall while Adam Henrich bagged two third period goals and an assist.
The Stingrays outshot the Blaze 19-9 in the second period, however, despite outplaying their opponents, they found themselves 4-1 down, and that after Sylvain Cloutier's shorthanded goal on 38.36.
Trailing after one period thanks to Ryan Ginand's first period powerplay goal, it was the Blaze top line of Ashley Tait, Michael Henrich and Adam Henrich that did the damage to the Stingrays in the second and third period. The trio combined for four goals and six assists in the final 40 minutes with new signing Kelsey Wilson's 36th minute goal the only marker that didn't involve one of the trio.
GB international Tait helped himself to two second period goals and three assists overall while Adam Henrich bagged two third period goals and an assist.
The Stingrays outshot the Blaze 19-9 in the second period, however, despite outplaying their opponents, they found themselves 4-1 down, and that after Sylvain Cloutier's shorthanded goal on 38.36.
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
Sunday, 19 January 2014
Unbeaten run ends as Stingrays lose in Glasgow
Braehead Clan 3-0 Hull Stingrays
A goal in each period from the Braehead Clan in Glasgow tonight ended the Hull Stingrays club record six game unbeaten run as they ran out victors by three goals to nil.
Ryan Finnerty's side - who have been defeated by the Stingrays in all five meetings this season - will have been eager to end their torrid run against their opponents and opened the scoring in an even first period through Matt Towe on 17.24.
The Clan took further control of the game in the second - outshooting the Rays 10-6 - and they would score again late in the period with Shane Lust doubling their lead at a crucial time with less than two minutes remaining in the second.
In a disciplined 60 minutes from both sides that produced only three minor penalties - two for the Clan and one for the Rays - the Clan registered their third goal of the game on their only powerplay of the game through Joel Champagne on 46.53.
That would be enough for Braehead to register their first win of the season against the Stingrays at their sixth attempt, thus ending the club record unbeaten run at six games.
Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier will be delighted with his sides magnificent performances during the run and, equally, the characteristics they side have shown over the last three weeks to maintain the streak despite not playing their best hockey at times.
He will now be focused on ensuring his side do not dwell on the loss and rebound as soon as possible in order to maintain their sixth position in the Elite League and their charge for top spot in Gardiner Conference - which was their primary goal at the beginning of the season.
After returning a 5-1 record from six consecutive conference games to solidify their charge for the conference title, the Stingrays return to action against Erhardt Conference sides next weekend as they take on the Coventry Blaze at home on Saturday and Nottingham Panthers away from home on Sunday.
A goal in each period from the Braehead Clan in Glasgow tonight ended the Hull Stingrays club record six game unbeaten run as they ran out victors by three goals to nil.
Ryan Finnerty's side - who have been defeated by the Stingrays in all five meetings this season - will have been eager to end their torrid run against their opponents and opened the scoring in an even first period through Matt Towe on 17.24.
The Clan took further control of the game in the second - outshooting the Rays 10-6 - and they would score again late in the period with Shane Lust doubling their lead at a crucial time with less than two minutes remaining in the second.
In a disciplined 60 minutes from both sides that produced only three minor penalties - two for the Clan and one for the Rays - the Clan registered their third goal of the game on their only powerplay of the game through Joel Champagne on 46.53.
That would be enough for Braehead to register their first win of the season against the Stingrays at their sixth attempt, thus ending the club record unbeaten run at six games.
Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier will be delighted with his sides magnificent performances during the run and, equally, the characteristics they side have shown over the last three weeks to maintain the streak despite not playing their best hockey at times.
He will now be focused on ensuring his side do not dwell on the loss and rebound as soon as possible in order to maintain their sixth position in the Elite League and their charge for top spot in Gardiner Conference - which was their primary goal at the beginning of the season.
After returning a 5-1 record from six consecutive conference games to solidify their charge for the conference title, the Stingrays return to action against Erhardt Conference sides next weekend as they take on the Coventry Blaze at home on Saturday and Nottingham Panthers away from home on Sunday.
Saturday, 18 January 2014
Third period blitz helps Stingrays extend club record unbeaten run to six games
Hull Stingrays 4-2 Dundee Stars
The Hull Stingrays tonight extended their club record unbeaten run in the Elite League to six games, beating Gardiner Conference rivals the Dundee Stars for the first time this season by four goals to two.
In front of one of the largest crowds of the season at the Hull Arena, the Stingrays tested the superstitions imposed thanks to their recent winning streak by changing their lineup to include forward Jereme Tendler - following a spell on the sidelines with a groin injury.
The Canadian - who still didn't appear 100% fit throughout the game - would be involved in the Stingrays first goal of the night but not before second placed Stars took the lead.
With Pavel Gomeniuk sitting a two minute minor penalty for a blatant infringement in the Stars zone during a Rays man advantage, danger man Nikita Kashirsky was given three bites at a rebound in front of Ben Bowns before eventually bundling home the opening on the powerplay after 3.35.
A response was not long in coming though and - despite both sides struggling to maintain puck possession in the offensive zone on the man advantage - the Stingrays equaliser would also come on the powerplay.
For once the home side were able to instill some calm to their build up and puck as both Jerry Pollastrone and Nico Sacchetti sat minor penalties giving them a crucial five-on-three. Gomeniuk made up for his earlier error by feeding the puck to Tendler - who in turn fired a cross crease pass for Elite League leading scorer Guillaume Doucet to one time past netminder Dan Bakala and level the score at 1-1 after just 6.37
Despite what may seem like an entertaining start to the game, both sides had made a relatively flat, scrappy start with Dundee edging the opening period overall and that would continue into the second period.
Jeff Hutchins side - who have been the Elite League's surprise package so far this season - would take a lead into the third period. That would largely be thanks to a moment of misfortune for netminder Bowns - who would face a routine shot from his left face-off circle by Stars forward Sacchetti, only for that shot to handcuff the netminder and slip between his nearside arm and body.
The goal handed the Stars a pivotal advantage heading into the third period, however, to say that that advantage was solely down to Bowns' mistake would be incredibly cruel on a netminder who has performed heroics during the club's winning run.
More to the point, the Stingrays had been far from their best - as had Dundee - and required some improvement to get themselves back into the game.
Knowing that they were still well within a shout of winning such a crucial conference game - not least to further extending their winning streak - the Stingrays came out all guns blazing in the third period.
While it was far from the most free flowing offensive hockey ever seen, it was mighty effective against the Stars and was by far as dominant and purposeful as either side had been in the game.
The Stingrays simply didn't let up and, after the puck slipped off the end of Matty Davies' stick when presented with net to aim at and Tendler rang the cross bar, they finally got their reward.
Once again Doucet was picked out hovering at the back post - this time by linemate Carl Lauzon - only for Bakala to seeming stop the French-Canadian's bullet of a one-timer on this occasion. However, the shot squirmed out of the netminders body and dropped to the ice, allowing player-coach Sylvain Cloutier to prod home the equaliser and send the large but unusually quiet home fans into a frenzy on 51.55.
Cloutier's side weren't done there though and less than two minutes later struck gold on their mission for a sixth successive win as, on a three-on-two, Tendler dropped the puck to defenceman Omar Pacha - who was given what seemed like all the time in the world to pick his spot and rifle it past Bakala for a 3-2 Stingrays lead.
There would be no turning back for the Stingrays and they closed out the remaining minutes with ease as the Stars mustered just five shots to their 21 in the third period offensive blitz.
Gomeniuk - who's penalty earlier had proven so costly - sealed the win and the Stingrays club record sixth win in a row with an empty net goal from his own zone with less than 60 seconds left on the clock.
It has to be said that the Stingrays have at times played far better hockey this season and lost. That they can now play what some might term as below par but then come good when it really matters in the third period is a testament to the team Cloutier has built.
While the Rays will be all too aware that one swallow doesn't make a summer and there are still two and a half months of highs and lows remaining this season, whatever the outcome of the season, they can be mightily proud of setting a record that many Stingrays fans will have never have dreamt was possible.
The Stingrays - who sit four points clear at the top of the Gardiner Conference and sixth in the Elite League, just four points from second - now take their six match unbeaten run back up to Scotland to take on the Braehead Clan for the third time in eight days hoping to make it seven.
The Hull Stingrays tonight extended their club record unbeaten run in the Elite League to six games, beating Gardiner Conference rivals the Dundee Stars for the first time this season by four goals to two.
In front of one of the largest crowds of the season at the Hull Arena, the Stingrays tested the superstitions imposed thanks to their recent winning streak by changing their lineup to include forward Jereme Tendler - following a spell on the sidelines with a groin injury.
The Canadian - who still didn't appear 100% fit throughout the game - would be involved in the Stingrays first goal of the night but not before second placed Stars took the lead.
With Pavel Gomeniuk sitting a two minute minor penalty for a blatant infringement in the Stars zone during a Rays man advantage, danger man Nikita Kashirsky was given three bites at a rebound in front of Ben Bowns before eventually bundling home the opening on the powerplay after 3.35.
A response was not long in coming though and - despite both sides struggling to maintain puck possession in the offensive zone on the man advantage - the Stingrays equaliser would also come on the powerplay.
For once the home side were able to instill some calm to their build up and puck as both Jerry Pollastrone and Nico Sacchetti sat minor penalties giving them a crucial five-on-three. Gomeniuk made up for his earlier error by feeding the puck to Tendler - who in turn fired a cross crease pass for Elite League leading scorer Guillaume Doucet to one time past netminder Dan Bakala and level the score at 1-1 after just 6.37
Despite what may seem like an entertaining start to the game, both sides had made a relatively flat, scrappy start with Dundee edging the opening period overall and that would continue into the second period.
Jeff Hutchins side - who have been the Elite League's surprise package so far this season - would take a lead into the third period. That would largely be thanks to a moment of misfortune for netminder Bowns - who would face a routine shot from his left face-off circle by Stars forward Sacchetti, only for that shot to handcuff the netminder and slip between his nearside arm and body.
The goal handed the Stars a pivotal advantage heading into the third period, however, to say that that advantage was solely down to Bowns' mistake would be incredibly cruel on a netminder who has performed heroics during the club's winning run.
More to the point, the Stingrays had been far from their best - as had Dundee - and required some improvement to get themselves back into the game.
Knowing that they were still well within a shout of winning such a crucial conference game - not least to further extending their winning streak - the Stingrays came out all guns blazing in the third period.
While it was far from the most free flowing offensive hockey ever seen, it was mighty effective against the Stars and was by far as dominant and purposeful as either side had been in the game.
The Stingrays simply didn't let up and, after the puck slipped off the end of Matty Davies' stick when presented with net to aim at and Tendler rang the cross bar, they finally got their reward.
Once again Doucet was picked out hovering at the back post - this time by linemate Carl Lauzon - only for Bakala to seeming stop the French-Canadian's bullet of a one-timer on this occasion. However, the shot squirmed out of the netminders body and dropped to the ice, allowing player-coach Sylvain Cloutier to prod home the equaliser and send the large but unusually quiet home fans into a frenzy on 51.55.
Cloutier's side weren't done there though and less than two minutes later struck gold on their mission for a sixth successive win as, on a three-on-two, Tendler dropped the puck to defenceman Omar Pacha - who was given what seemed like all the time in the world to pick his spot and rifle it past Bakala for a 3-2 Stingrays lead.
There would be no turning back for the Stingrays and they closed out the remaining minutes with ease as the Stars mustered just five shots to their 21 in the third period offensive blitz.
Gomeniuk - who's penalty earlier had proven so costly - sealed the win and the Stingrays club record sixth win in a row with an empty net goal from his own zone with less than 60 seconds left on the clock.
It has to be said that the Stingrays have at times played far better hockey this season and lost. That they can now play what some might term as below par but then come good when it really matters in the third period is a testament to the team Cloutier has built.
While the Rays will be all too aware that one swallow doesn't make a summer and there are still two and a half months of highs and lows remaining this season, whatever the outcome of the season, they can be mightily proud of setting a record that many Stingrays fans will have never have dreamt was possible.
The Stingrays - who sit four points clear at the top of the Gardiner Conference and sixth in the Elite League, just four points from second - now take their six match unbeaten run back up to Scotland to take on the Braehead Clan for the third time in eight days hoping to make it seven.
FBB Three Stars
1. Omar Pacha (1+0)
2. Ben Bowns (23 saves)
3. Sylvain Cloutier (1+1)
Friday, 17 January 2014
Thursday, 16 January 2014
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