With near enough half the season gone it's time for the F Block Blog mid term Excel Hull Stingrays report.
Stats as of 5th January 2009 with a total of 37 games played
Goalies
Curtis Cruickshank (35GP 89% SV PCT) C Despite injury concerns has missed just two games for the Stingrays. Solid with the odd mistake made up by game winning saves.
Andrew Jazsczyk (7GP 79.4% SV PCT) D Inexperienced netminder had few chances to ice in the Elite League. After a shake start has begun to look more confident between the pipes.
Defence
Troy Neumeier (18GP 1+5) B A leader on and off the ice Neumeier's experience has been vital to the Stingrays season despite a possible season ending injury.
Stuart Kerr (24GP 0+6) C+ Solid defensive defenceman who has had his season decimated by injury.
Steve Slonina (37GP 5+24) B+ Came into his own after reverting to defence early in the season, comes to play every night and provides the team with a puck carrying defenceman and a none stop worker.
Paul Moran (29GP 0+11) D Would normally provide cover but has been forced to play regular, and substantial, minutes, the result being more mistakes and, unfortunately, more shoulder injuries.
Aaron Wilson (27GP 1+9) C Goes about his job quietly, but also does what he has to do efficiently.
Pavel Gomenyuk (33GP 7+16) C+ Has made a brilliant comeback after a shocking 06/07 season. Solid on the puck, accurate shot and confident in the defensive zone, a welcome return to form.
Forwards
Lee Esders (37GP 3+4) C+ His commitment to the club and 100% effort on the ice is beginning to pay dividends with better and more consistent performances. Has already equaled last seasons points total in 30 less games.
Lee Mitchell (35GP 7+16) B Surely Great Britain calls? Gets better every year and currently sits just outside the top 10 British point scorers in the Elite League.
James Cooke (37GP 0+6) D Began on poor form but has begun to lift his game with energetic performances in recent weeks.
Matt Reynolds (37GP 19+24) B- No surprise to fans or himself, Reynolds is cruising at point a game, one of the players the Stingrays are thankful they have and the type of player they can rarely keep hold of.
Jeff Glowa (37GP 21+18) B+ Having a surprise career year in the Elite League with 21 goals so far, committed to the club and that shows in his effort on game nights.
Jamie Thompson (21GP 8+2) D+ Slow start but is gradually beginning to prove his goalscoring pedigree in the Elite League.
Konstantin Kalmikov (25GP 12+17) B+ More skill than you can shake a stick at. Amazing shot. Standout player.
Slava Koulikov (16GP 3+6) C- Season blighted by injury so far, hopefully a new year can bring him fitness and a chance to show what he can do.
Jason Kostadine (37GP 10+11) C A true agitator. Gritty, gobby, niggly and has chipped in with a very welcome 20+ points.
MIA
Rick Kozak (5GP 3+1) B+ What could have been?
Jake Riddle (9GP 2+2) D Talent but no application in what should have been an exciting second year with the team.
Jonathan Bernier (4GP 0+0) D Poor positioning, trying to be the player he wasn't.
