Just over a month ago it was all but confirmed by Stingrays owner Sue Pack, that Troy Neumeier would not return to the Excel Hull Stingrays and that he had retired from hockey after an astonishing 21 year career spanning all the top North American minor leagues. After spending much of his career in the AHL , British Superleague and UHL, it looked like his career was to come to an abrupt and unusual end in the British Elite League with a season split between Belfast, Coventry and finally Hull.A month, and a change of heart, later, Troy Neumeier will suit up for his 22nd season in professional hockey, and possibly his last, with the Excel Hull Stingrays.
Neumeier, who completes a defence which includes Pavel Gomenyuk, Stuart Kerr, Jonathan Bernier and Paul Moran, may also be named captain of the team later this month before two pre-season challenge games against the Sheffield Steelers in the Yorkshire Cup.
Whilst Neumeier may not be the fastest, nor most energetic player on the side, his experience, leadership, hockey brain and most of all, natural talent, will allow him to be a stand out defenceman, most certainly, on the team but even in the league.
He has received extended praise from owners Sue Pack and Rick Strachan for his leadership abilities, praise which will almost certainly see him take the captaincy from Jeff Glowa. Glowa would be captain over almost anyone, unfortunately for him, or perhaps not if the team perform, the man named "The Destroyer" will most likely take the captaincy.
At a guess, Neumeier may also contribute more offensively than many expect. Towards the end of last year, Neumeier was on pace for a career year with the Stingrays after recording 9 points in 24 games. Given a full season, his ability to set up and score from the blueline may help the Rays, which lack an out and out offensive defenceman in the shape of Craig Minard or Kevin Young. His career highs stand at 7 goals (04/05 Fort Wayne Comets), 18 assists (98/99 Manchester Storm), 24 points (98/99 Manchester Storm) and a massive +45 +/- rating (04/05 Fort Wayne Comets).
Rick Strachan had this to say upon signing the 37 year old:
He is the last piece of the jigsaw and we couldn't have asked for a better way to complete our roster. Troy is big, strong and smart, he is poised on the puck, calm and takes good care of himself. He is a great leader on and off the ice."Former Coach Ed Courtenays views on him:
"Troy has been one of the top defensive players in every league he has played in over the years. He makes getting to the net difficult for any opposing forwards."
Former GM, Todd Kelmans views on him.
"Ed and I both remember playing against Troy in his time with the Storm in the old Superleague Days and he simply was the best defensive defenceman in the league during those years"
And one final note. In his final season with the Manchester Storm in 00/01, in a tough season he made this comment:
''Last season, many games were brutal. I never want to experience another situation like that. It just makes you want to retire.''And yet, at least one tough season later, he continues to play at the age of 37
