Saturday 30th August: Excel Hull Stingrays v Sheffield Steelers @ Hull Arena, f/o 5.30pm
Sunday 31st August: Sheffield Steelers v Excel Hull Stingrays @ Sheffield Arena, f/o 6.00pm
Key players
Sheffield- Joey Talbot- The former Alaska Aces star was a Stingray killer in games between the Rays and Steelers last season, as Talbot went on to record a career high season in goals (39), assists (36) and points (75). A huge part of the Steelers playoff success last season, it is hoped that he can replicate that form and help the Steelers to yet more success.
Stingrays- Rick Kozak- Kozak is the most anticipated Stingray signing this off-season, and one of the biggest signings in the clubs history. Drafted in the 3rd round of the NHL draft just 5 years ago, before being traded for Vladimir Malakhov to New York in 04, Kozak had (and may still have) NHL pedigree. Someone in New York obviously believed that, as the Rangers had him signed to a 3 year, 2 way NHL contract which ended last year. He never made it to the NHL but it is clear his speed, aggressive drives to the net and willingness to fight for the cause will get him noticed as one of the best power forwards in the EIHL today. He will play a key role in this weekends games, especially if he wants to make an early impact on the league.
Head to head EIHL record
Games: 15
Stingray wins: 2
Stingray goals: 19
Steeler wins: 13
Steeler goals: 64Sunday 31st August: Sheffield Steelers v Excel Hull Stingrays @ Sheffield Arena, f/o 6.00pm
The first game of a brand new EIHL season. A new slate. A new start. For the Stingrays new contingent, of which there are 13, a chance to get off to a good start and make an early impression on their new fans. For Jonathan Bernier, a chance to give his pre-season fight training a test against one Andrew Sharpe. For the Steelers, a chance to build on their playoff success of last season.
The Yorkshire Cup returns for its third airing, with the series currently sitting at 1-1 and with the Steelers as the current holders. The Stingrays will be looking to win back the trophy which in 2006 became the clubs only ever piece of silverware, whilst the Steelers will be looking for a second consecutive victory after royally thrashing the Stingrays over two legs last year, 9-2 on aggregate.
The competition gives the Rays a chance to brush away the cobwebs of summer after a week of interrupted training, the Steelers enter the games after two weeks training and on the back of a 10-3 aggregate loss against German Bundesliga side Bietigheim Steelers in the LUK Cup.
After a long summer, hockey is back with a bang in Hull as the Rays look to bed in their new bigger, tougher, stronger squad against the 07 Playoff Champion Sheffield Steelers.
The Yorkshire Cup returns for its third airing, with the series currently sitting at 1-1 and with the Steelers as the current holders. The Stingrays will be looking to win back the trophy which in 2006 became the clubs only ever piece of silverware, whilst the Steelers will be looking for a second consecutive victory after royally thrashing the Stingrays over two legs last year, 9-2 on aggregate.
The competition gives the Rays a chance to brush away the cobwebs of summer after a week of interrupted training, the Steelers enter the games after two weeks training and on the back of a 10-3 aggregate loss against German Bundesliga side Bietigheim Steelers in the LUK Cup.
After a long summer, hockey is back with a bang in Hull as the Rays look to bed in their new bigger, tougher, stronger squad against the 07 Playoff Champion Sheffield Steelers.
Key players
Sheffield- Joey Talbot- The former Alaska Aces star was a Stingray killer in games between the Rays and Steelers last season, as Talbot went on to record a career high season in goals (39), assists (36) and points (75). A huge part of the Steelers playoff success last season, it is hoped that he can replicate that form and help the Steelers to yet more success.
Stingrays- Rick Kozak- Kozak is the most anticipated Stingray signing this off-season, and one of the biggest signings in the clubs history. Drafted in the 3rd round of the NHL draft just 5 years ago, before being traded for Vladimir Malakhov to New York in 04, Kozak had (and may still have) NHL pedigree. Someone in New York obviously believed that, as the Rangers had him signed to a 3 year, 2 way NHL contract which ended last year. He never made it to the NHL but it is clear his speed, aggressive drives to the net and willingness to fight for the cause will get him noticed as one of the best power forwards in the EIHL today. He will play a key role in this weekends games, especially if he wants to make an early impact on the league.
Head to head EIHL record
Games: 15
Stingray wins: 2
Stingray goals: 19
Steeler wins: 13
Last 3 results
26/01/08: Sheffield 3-0 Stingrays
03/02/08: Stingrays 2-3 Sheffield
17/02/08: Sheffield 10-1 Stingrays
Missing players
Stingrays- Steve Slonina (misses weekend to attend sisters wedding), Troy Neumeier (doubtful: awaiting VISA)
Steelers- None
