Slonina returns to Stockton
American forward-turned defenceman, Steve Slonina, has found a new club, after leaving the Stingrays when his contract expired at the end of last season. He has re-signed with Stockton Thunder, the club he scored 66 points for in 94 games between 2005 and 2006, after a successful tryout with the ECHL clubThe Abington, Massachusetts native, joined the Stingrays as a forward last summer and played games in that position before the team's injury crisis struck. He filled in on defence, a position he was no stranger to, after injuries to Stuart Kerr, Paul Moran and Troy Neumeier and shone all season long.
He took home Defenceman of the Year and Fans Player of the Year, at the Stingrays end of season awards ceremony, whilst he also represented the team in the EIHL's first ever All Star game, where he added an assist.
He recorded nine goals and 40 points in 60 games for the Rays last year and became, not only one of the club's most highly rated defencemen, but also a fan favourite, primarily for his tenacious play from the blueline. He returns to the ECHL, where he has a total of 159 points in 281 career games.
Sanford to arrive
The Stingrays latest recruit, defenceman James Sanford, is expected in the country this week ahead of his debut against the Nottingham Panthers at the NIC this Saturday.The Canadian had been playing in the Dutch capital with HYS Den Haag but was cut prior to the beginning of the season, he was then quickly snapped up by Sylvain Cloutier to replace the injury Ryan Jorde on the Rays blueline. Standing at 5'10, he is expected to add some offensive punch to the Rays defensive corps by stepping in as quarterback on the team's powerplay.
Mitchell close to return?
22 year old forward Lee Mitchell may finally return to the side this weekend after sitting out the opening four weeks of the season.The Scot had minor surgery on a knee injury that troubled him during pre-season preparations and he has yet to ice under Sylvain Cloutier this season, however he is expected to make a return within the next two weeks, provided there are no complications.
EIHL All Star Game 2010
The EIHL have announced that the EIHL All Star game will return for 2010. The game, which last season featured two Brits and two imports from each EIHL side, will this year be played at iceSheffield on Wednesday January 13 with face-off slated for 7.30pm.
The EIHL have announced that the EIHL All Star game will return for 2010. The game, which last season featured two Brits and two imports from each EIHL side, will this year be played at iceSheffield on Wednesday January 13 with face-off slated for 7.30pm.Last season's EIHL All Star game, held at Coventry's Skydome, saw the Southern All Stars, featuring the Stingrays Steve Slonina, Slava Koulikov, Curtis Cruickshank, Lee Mitchell and Jeff Glowa, come out victorious with a 12-10 win over the Northern All Stars.
