With the rumour mill in full flow, it seems the Stingrays won't be signing two of their most recently rumoured forwards to fill the final two forward spots.
Both Rod Hinks and Troy Riddle, brother of Jake Riddle, have joined clubs. Hinks, who previously played in Newcastle and who has vast experience in Europe, has signed for the Cardiff Devils, whilst Riddle, who had been rumoured to sign for the Stingrays along with his brother, has signed with Austrian side EC Graz.
Whilst it remains unknown if the Stingrays were in negotiations with these two, signs are positive about Jake Riddle signing. Many fans had heard him say "I'll see you next season" after the end of last season, however it was unsure whether he was to return with the Stingrays or another EIHL club. As teams fill up their roster, and the Stingrays wait to fill their final two forward spots, Riddle remains unsigned and so chances are increasing that 22 goal, 46 point Riddle could return.
Two other unfounded rumours regard the return of former Hull Thunder forward, 35 year old Jason Tatarnic, and tough guy Sean McMorrow. Tatarnic has been retired for just under 9 years and is coaching junior hockey and rumour about AHL hardnut McMorrow is also thought to be untrue.
Coach Rick Strachan confirmed on KCFM over the weekend that he was "sitting down with a beer and some wings to finalise two contract offers". KCFM also confirmed that they would be carrying more ice hockey for the upcoming season.
