The Excel Hull Stingrays will open the 09/10 EIHL season, their fourth in Britain's top flight, with a home fixture against Northern Ireland's Belfast Giants on Sunday 6 September.But with Edinburgh not set to start their season until later in September, possibly due to their involvement in the Scotland Homecoming Tournament, featuring two American Hockey League sides, the Rays will not have a fixture on the first day of the season, Saturday.
Sunday's fixture, against a Belfast side that last season finished 4th in the league and won both the Knockout and Challenge Cup, is expected to face-off at the normal time of 5.30pm but official confirmation is still set to be received.
The Rays currently hold a dismal record in Elite League opening weekends having come away with a six straight losses and just one point in six games. However, new coach Sylvain Cloutier will be hoping to break that jinx in what will be his first competitive game in charge following three pre-season fixtures.
Stingrays All Time Elite League Opening Weekend Fixtures
06/07
Sat @ Newcastle 4-10 L
Sun v Manchester 3-4 L
07/08
Sat v Newcastle 2-3 PSL
Sun @ Edinburgh 3-6 L
08/09
Sat v Manchester 3-4 L
Sun @ Nottingham 2-6 L
