Netminders
Ladislav Kudrna- As previously reported and confirmed "Ladi" has officially signed for Swindon Wildcats of the EPL.
Tom Chamberlain- Chamberlain is one of the few players who seem to have a question mark over their heads for next season his agents website, says he is as yet unsigned indicating that Strachan has yet to sign his backup netminder, whether it be Tom or someone else.
Defencemen
Bryce Thoma- Bryce retired from the game and has signed for his previous WHL side Red Deer Rebels as assistant coach.
Nikolai Ladygin- Ladygin is yet to be re-signed and there is little rumour as to his destination for next season. There are a number of possibilities, he could return to the EIHL with, or without, the Stingrays, although unlikely he could return to North America after spending his junior years there, or, he could return to the Ukraine or Europe where he is, of course, from. All seems up in the air at this minute.
Stevie Lee- Although it is yet to be officially confirmed young prospect Stevie Lee has signed for the Guildford Flames of the EPL.
Dave Phillips- Another official departure, Phillips signed for the Belfast Giants.
Garry Luini- Left the Stingrays without making an appearance, it now seems he either retired from playing after his injury or that his knee injury put him out for the season and he failed to return this season.
Luke Boothroyd- Boothroyd has signed for EIHL rivals Manchester Phoenix.
Troy Neumeier- Coach Rick Strachan has said that it is 90% certain that 38 year old Troy will take up a job in the "real world" and retire from the game.
Jani Virtanen- Will not return to the Stingrays and will most likely sign in Europe.
Forwards
Jake Riddle-Riddle seems set to either re-sign with the Excel Hull Stingrays or join the Newcastle Vipers. It is possible his brother, Troy Riddle, may follow him to whichever club he joins.
Rob Rankin- Rankin did in fact sign with the Newcastle Vipers and could join up with Riddle if he also joins.
Jeff Glowa- Glowa re-signed with the club last week and will play his 5th season with the Rays.
Lee Mitchell- Mitchell was the first player to put pen to paper and re-sign for the Stingrays.
Lee Esders- The has been little information on Esders however he could be one of Strachans few re-signings. Although Strachan did bench the youngster at the beggining of the season so many not re-sign the fan favourite, he may sign for an EPL side.
James Knight- It is known that Strachan is a big fan of Knight so he could be a shoe in as one of the re-signings.
Slava Koulikov- With him being based in Hull, it is expected that he will return for another season with the Stingrays
Cole Byers- Byers will not be re-signed by Rick Strachan after a series of injuries.
Sergiy Rublivsky- A definate non re-signing who failed to impress Rick Strachan despite his reported low wage.
Gerhard Gottfried- Gottfried left the Stingrays after a trial to join Zeltweg in the Austrian Nationalliga where he recorded 14 goals, 14 assists in 21 games. He is expected to stay in his homeland, Austria, for next season.
Paul Cabana- After leaving the Stingrays he joined ETC Crimmitshau in Germany for 4 games, recording 1+2 . He then moved to Finland where he has signed a contract until 2009 (with an option for 2010) after a sucessful first season in the Mestis division.
Marlon Joseph- Joseph was sacked by the Stingrays and finished the season in the SPHL with Richmond Renegades with 1 assist in 7 games. His ice hockey career looks like its coming to a premature end after just 2 pro seasons.
Brad Patterson- Patterson isn't expected back in the country after quitting the Stingrays late last season. He finished the season with the Youngstown Steelhounds where finished with 5 assists in 9 games. He will return to the CHL this season.
KEY
Returnee, Non Returnee, Unsure
Strachan has confirmed that at the moment there are only 4 returnees from last seasons squad, leaving, at the moment, just 2 spaces for 6 players who are yet to be re-signed and have yet to commit themselves to another club.
"It's only four at the moment (referring to the number of returnees). A couple of guys I wanted back 100 per cent look like they're retiring, a couple I wanted back have left, and others I wasn't really interested in."So, with Koulikov thought to be one of those re-signings, it leaves just one space available. This could confirm that Riddle will be on his way to Newcaslte and that Ladygin will not be re-signed along with Brits Esders and Chamberlain, who is not yet signed according to his agents website. Leaving just James Knight to return with Koulikov?
I will post a blog later on players who have left the club and are currently playing around the ice hockey world.
