After 6 months of trying, Sylvain Cloutier has finally acquired the signature of 21 year old British forward James Archer from English Premier League side Sheffield Scimitars.Another product of the Sheffield youth setup, he has spent the majority of the last five years in the British second tier, spending time with Peterborough Phantoms, Sheffield Scimitars and Milton Keynes Lightning. During that time, however, he has also spent time in the Elite League with Coventry, icing in 25 games alongside Cloutier at the Skydome based club.
While his time in Coventry was largely unsuccessful, his points production in the EPL was more than enough to suggest he had the potential to produce in the Elite League and, having played alongside Archer before, Cloutier offered him a two-way deal last season, allowing him to ice for the Stingrays when his contracted side, the Scimitars, did not have a game scheduled.
Although the former GB junior international would play just seven games for the Stingrays, he did more than enough to once again impress the coach, netting three goals and one assist in his opening five games.
"James did a great job when he came in to help us last season. He knew his role and he filled it and he knows how to put the puck in the net. He can play physical and he comes to work every night."The Stingrays boss spent the final two months of the season trying in vain to get the Scimitars to allow him to move to the Hull Arena, before he eventually had to admit defeat. Instead, Cloutier pounced as soon as the 21 year old's contract expired this summer, finally bringing an end to the chase.
"I've tried to sign him twice before, but he had already committed to Sheffield Scimitars and didn't want to jump ship. I respected that. It shows a great character person. I guess you could say it's third time lucky for us."Having impressed so much last year, Cloutier is expecting even more next season from a player that has registered 106 goals, 82 assists for 188 points in 244 EPL games.
"I expect him and Lee Mitchell to put up some number offensively for us and can add a physical presence. James is still young and he will benefit from having a full season at Elite League level. I am really excited to have him on board"Archer joins Lee Esders, Lee Mitchell, Matty Davies as the Stingrays Brit forward pack and it is likely that, with Cloutier going for four import D and five import forwards, he may be this summers last British acquisition save for one or two reinforcements.
