It has now been confirmed that Rob Rankin turned down both the Excel Hull Stingrays and Swedish side Olofstroms IK in order to join Newcastle Vipers for his second season in Britain and the EIHL.
Rankin recorded 24 goal, assists 33 for 57 points in his maiden season with the Stingrays and was undeniably one of the best and most consistent performers on the team.
Meanwhile gritty, tough forward Jason Konstadine signs for his first stint in Britain after spending 4 years in the ECHL. He was drafted in the 8th round of the 2002 NHL Draft by Chicago Blackhawks and recorded 96 PIMs in 30 games late last season with the Bakersfield Condors after starting the season with the Augusta Lynx. He will be expected to provide energy, grit and some much needed toughness to a Stingrays side that has often lacked toughness in its first three seasons on the EIHL. It sparks the beginning of what could be a much much tougher side next term as it is expected coach Rick Strachan will opt to go with aggression and entertainment in order to bring more fans through the doors.
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
Kost of Rankin leaving is minimised.
