Sylvain Cloutier's first move as Excel Hull Stingrays player-coach has been to re-sign lynch pin forward Jeff Glowa for his sixth consecutive season at the club.33 year old Canadian Glowa, who leads the clubs all time charts in games played, goals, assists and points, has agreed to return after a career year in the Elite League, where he scored 32 goals and 62 points in 60 games, and despite heavy interest from a whole host of clubs.
Cloutier's first move as coach was always going to be a move that was heavily scrutinised but this signing has captured the imagination of the Stingrays fan base and set the tone for the summer, as Glowa has not only been a loyal and hardworking player but also a talented goalscorer in his time at the team. A club statement reiterated his importance:
"We cannot be happier to have a guy like him back. His work ethic and everything about him is quality. He has just had his best season in a Stingrays shirt and we are all hoping he picks up where he left off. We are delighted Jeff has committed his future to the Stingrays and it is a great way to start our team building plans for the new season."The signing comes off the back of increased speculation that he was looking to leave the club following a third successive failure to qualify for the EIHL playoffs under head coach Rick Strachan. Indeed, there had been significant interest from a number of clubs including Cardiff and Newcastle.
"I did contemplate leaving, more than I have ever done, but after talking to Clouts I believe we are on the same page and I told him things can really work here. There is a real positive feeling about next season already," said GlowaWith Strachan gone and Cloutier signed in his place, a new exciting era has begun for both fans, management and players, and Glowa admitted he was keen to be part of what a new coaching era promised.
"Clouts taking over is just what this organisation needs right now. He is well respected on and off the ice, he is a leader and he is a winner and there are going to be exciting times ahead in Hull. I really do believe the sky is the limit."
Whilst it was a simple decision for Glowa to re-sign once he had spoken with the incoming coach, it was a similarly simple decision for Cloutier to hand a five year veteran Glowa, a deal for next season. He said:
"I wanted Jeff back because he is the leader of the team. He has been in Hull practically since day one of the Stingrays and I feel he will be a key component to our success next season. I am very happy and extremely excited that he is coming back to Hull."
"What I remember about Jeff when I played against him was he was one of the most complete players in the Elite League. He competes every night, and that's the type of work ethic I am looking to build on this season"
Glowa's career stats at the Stingrays currently stand at a club leading 246 games played, 125 goals and 135 assists for 260 points, and it will be hoped that Glowa will be able to build on a career year in the EIHL with the help of player-coach Cloutier, who, in his two seasons in the Elite League, scored 114 points, including 48 goals, in 101 games.
It is his hard work, determination and sheer skill that has seen Glowa become a household name amongst followers of British ice hockey, not only in Hull but around the country. He has been a special player since he first stepped onto the ice with linemates Scott Wray and Dru Burgess for the Stingrays home opener against Milton Keynes in 2004/2005.
Glowa, right, scoring in his first game for the club in 04/05
Cloutier's attentions will now likely turn to signing the rest of the squad, but specifically 19 year old British sensation Lee Esders, who has already expressed an interest in a returning to his hometown club.
