Cloutier, 35, was signed as player-coach a week ago to replace fellow Canadian, Rick Strachan, who had been at the helm of the club in all six years of their existence spanning across the BNL, EPL and Elite League. But fans had become increasingly frustrated and critical of Strachan for his negative tactics, and attendances at the Hull Arena had begun to dwindle in the face of three seasons of playoff-less hockey.
The slowly decreasing crowds, as well as the recent downturn in the global economy, lead Mike and Sue Pack, Stingrays co-owners, to relieve Strachan of his coaching duties, instead employing Cloutier, who will not only coach but also double up as one of the teams key players .
The appointment of Cloutier has proven popular not only with fans of both the Stingrays and other EIHL teams, but also with a number of last seasons Stingrays squad.
Three key components of the Rays team last season have already made it clear that they would be having talks with the new coach regarding the 09/10 season, the teams fourth in the Elite League.
Jeff Glowa, the clubs leading goal and point scorer of all time, told the Hull Daily Mail that he would talk with coach Cloutier, but with as many as three other EIHL clubs interested in signing him for next season, including Cardiff and Newcastle, the Stingrays may face an uphill struggle.
"I haven't talked to anyone as of yet. I definitely want to talk with Cloots, just get his views on things and about coming to Hull. Of course I have said it a million times it's always an option to come back to Hull. I just don't know which way I am heading at the moment."Meanwhile, fan favourites, Konstantin Kalmikov and Lee Esders, have indicated that they would like to return to the team for second and third seasons respectively.
Kalmikov became one of the teams shining stars after replacing the indisciplined Jake Riddle, and is undoubtedly one of the most skilled players to pull on a Rays jersey in their short six year history."I'll be talking to Mike and Sue Pack, the team owners. I have enjoyed it with the Stingrays and in Hull and I'd like to see what team they are building for next year. Hopefully we can come to an agreement," said Ukrainian Kalmikov.And hometown hero, Esders, who surprised everyone with an 11 goal season to finish as the teams highest British goalscorer, whilst continuing his inspiring all around hard work, was similarly enthusiastic about a return:
"I would like to come back to Hull. I like the set-up, it's good and obviously the crowd seem to like me a bit!"Injury prone, Jamie Thompson, who played 32 games, scoring just nine goals and two assists after replacing Rick Kozak early in the season, also told the Hull Daily Mail that he would love to return to the club after a wholly disappointing season, however it is not expected that Cloutier will extend discussions with the ageing 38 year old forward.
Likewise speculation suggests that forward turned defenceman, Steve Slonina, who developed into one of the teams key players and scored a handy 40 points from defence, will not be returning to the UK.
The former Bakersfield Condor, who joined former teammates Jason Kostadine and Rick Kozak on the Stingrays roster in September, had a career year in points but, despite interest from the Coventry Blaze and European sides, is likely to stay in the United States to be near his close knit family.
Another player expected to be leaving the UK is former Stingrays forward Rob Rankin, who looks set to stay in the US for next season after two seasons in the country.
Rankin had an impressive year with the Stingrays in 07/08 scoring 55 points and 23 goals in 53 games but he slumped to just 30 points in 58 games in Newcastle this season, although did continue his impressive work ethic and defensive play.
It is expected that player-coach Cloutier has already begun preparations for next season and that his first signing is imminent with Curtis Huppe, Rumun Ndur, Jeff Glowa and Lee Esders mooted as the first of many signings, in what promises to be an exciting off-season.
