Forward Line Predictions

With the expected lull in news following the signing of Troy Neumeier, who became the 17th and final Stingray for the 08/09, I have put together what I think will be the Stingrays forward and defensive lines for the opening game, in pre-season, against the Sheffield Steelers on August 30th. Here's how I think the forwards will shape up:

Forwards

Line 1
Rick Kozak-Steve Slonina-Matt Reynolds


Line 2
Jake Riddle-Jeff Glowa(A)-Slava Koulikov(A)


Line 3
James Cooke-Lee Mitchell-Jason Kostadine


Lee Esders Rotating/Replacing

There have been significant upgrades in the Stingrays offense, with what is expected to be a brand new first line, demoting last seasons first line to the second line. This is a trend that Rick Strachan has followed before. In 04/05 he brought in Scott Wray and Jeff Glowa, and demoted Ukrainians Andrei Nikolai and Slava Koulikov to the second line. The Rays ended up having a strong season, not before Messrs Wray and Minard bolted back to the CHL.

Whilst many non Stingray fans are questioning the Stingrays goal scoring ability for the upcoming season, Stingrays fans themselves can see the obvious progress made with the incoming forwards and are left questioning the Rays strength in depth at the back.

Up front they look to posses 3 strong, if unspectacular, lines. Steve Slonina looks, at least to the fans, to be twice the player that former first line centre Brad Patterson was, whilst Matt Reynolds, who is coming off a championship season, looks like he has to potential to rack up points at roughly the same rate as the player he is replacing, Rob Rankin. Rick Kozak, who will certainly be a first line and key player for the Rays, is coming from an NHL contract with the New York Rangers and is thought to have the potential to score a point a game, whilst being one of the most exciting players the Stingrays have ever had.

A line of Glowa, Koulikov and Riddle will provide secondary scoring, the likes of which haven't been seen with the Stingrays before; of course injuries will more than likely take toll on that statement. Rick Strachan has made a point of making sure that the Stingrays have 6,7 or even 8 players that are capable of scoring, and on the opening day of the season it will certainly look like that, with 3 lines capable of getting the Rays some offense.

The third line too is strong, and whilst it definitely looks like it won't produce the goals of the first two lines, it will be defensively strong and able to take chances should they fall to them. Lee Mitchell, who scored 20 points in 40 games last season, and James Cooke are British players with great potential, although I suspect creating chances will be the key problem. Jason Kostadine will provide energy and grit and in turn will agitate the opposition, I still expect him to surprise some, especially with his skating ability.

Finally, should the Rays lack passion or drive, Lee Esders will provide cover for any injuries, suspensions or penalties (which let face it, will be a regular occurrence this season). Esders became a fan favourite last season with a number of inspiring performances, hopefully more of which is to come this season.