- It is hoped that new import forward, Konstantin Kalmikov (pictured), will arrive in time for this weekends double header against Basingstoke. Ukrainian Kalmikov, who has been brought in to replace released Jake Riddle, last season iced for Pensacola Ice Pilots and Pontebba in the Italian Serie A, however he is also a former Nottingham Panther, where he scored 19 points in 28 games. Should everything go through smoothly he will arrive at Heathrow on Saturday but is more likely to make his debut on Sunday in the second leg of the double header against the Bison.- Yet more rumours are surfacing about Stingrays power forward, Rick Kozak, quitting the club in order to return to North America. Fuelled by his last minute absence on KCFM last night, the Hull Daily Mail ran a story speculating on his departure. As yet no Stingray official has commented on the rumour, which has risen its head for what must be the third or fourth time this season. Perhaps this rumour has surfaced its ugly head one time too many to be false, perhaps not.
- Meanwhile, this weekend the Rays will face a Basingstoke side in turmoil. Amid rumour of financial crisis at the club, head coach, Ryan Aldridge, quit the club. On at ten game losing streak, Aldridge quit because he believed he was not able to do the job that he wished. The club quickly replaced Aldridge with the unknown coaching quantity of, now, head coach, defenceman Eric Braff, and assistant coaches Jeremy Cornish and Greg Chambers, both Bison import forwards. The Stingrays will face a Bison side that will be wanting to prove a point to themselves, their fans, the new coach and the league.
