Stingrays sign Finnish defenceman

The Excel Hull Stingrays have signed young Finnish defenceman Antti Turunen as cover for injured Stuart Kerr and Troy Neumeier.

Turunen, 22, has signed from Swedish Division 1 side Asploven, where he scored a goal and four assists in 15 games, after advice from former Basingstoke Bison defenceman Mikko Purontakanen.

After spending all of his junior career with his home town JYP Jyväskylä he made the step into professional hockey last season with 41 games for SaPKo Savonlinna in the Finnish Metsis Division, one below the the top league in Finland, where he scored a goal and seven assists.

Turunen becomes the third Finnish player to ice for the Stingrays after Pasi Raitanen and defenceman Jani Virtanen last season.

He will make his debut in this weekends games against the Coventry Blaze and at home to the Newcastle Vipers on Sunday.

Stingrays coach Rick Strachan had this to say about the signing:

"Curtis Cruickshank spoke to Mikko Purontakanen who he played with in Basingstoke last season. He told him we were looking for a 'D' and he recommended Antti. He is young, he skates well and is aggressive. He is another body, another pair of legs and I hope he can make a contribution to the team."

Thornton makes it three regular defencemen for Sunday.

The Excel Hull Stingrays have bolstered their defensive corps with the signing of former player Richie Thornton, who lasted played for the side in their one and only season in the EPL in 05/06.

Thornton, 26, has signed a short term deal with the club whilst injuries to defencemen Troy Neumeier, Stuart Kerr and Paul Moran subside. However with the frequency of injuries the Stingrays suffer, as well as the quality of Thornton, it may be that he signs on for the rest of the season.

Since he left the Stingrays in summer 2006, after an EPL season where he recorded 12 points in 39 games, Thornton has mainly iced for his hometown Newcastle Vipers in the Elite League and with limited ice time has recorded seven points in 92 games in the North East. This season Thornton has provided similar injury cover to the Basingstoke Bison playing in just two games for the side but the Stingrays will be hoping he signs on for the rest of the season considering how mny injuries the team has suffered this season, particularly on defence.

Coach Rick Strachan was naturally happy to sign someone of Thornton's quality at such short notice, ahead of a game against fellow playoff contenders Edinburgh Capitals:

"He has played here before, he is steady, he moves the puck well and he reads the game well. He knows what to expect and never gets himself into trouble. Richie will do a great job for us."

Rays replace Kozak with veteran Thompson.

The Excel Hull Stingrays have replaced forward Rick Kozak, with Canadian left winger Jamie Thompson, who was expected to fly into the country today.

Thompson, 34, played last season with the Austin Ice Bats, on the same team as both Aaron Wilson and Stuart Kerr, and recorded 24 points in 54 games after previously sitting out the 06/07 season.

Prior to his year long spell in Austin, Thompson spent four seasons in the UHL with Elmira, Quad City and Danbury Thrashers, where he recorded just under 130 points in 145 games.

The 6'0 forward also has extensive time in what is regarded as the worlds second best league behind the NHL, where he spent three seasons spanning from 1998 to 2002, in that time scoring 58 points.

However, despite time in the AHL, the glowing light on Thompsons resume is most certainly the 1997/98 season with El Paso Buzzards. In his 71 game season with the WPHL team (a league that was replaced by the Central Hockey League),Thompson scored 71 goals and added 52 assists for huge total of 122 points, during his sides successful defence of the WPHL title.

The Stingrays will not be Thompson's first action of the season having attended Norfolk Admirals (AHL) training camp, and also having initially signed to play for ECHL side Augusta Lynx.

Whilst it seems, from first impressions, that Rick Kozak's replacement may not make as big a physical impact on the ice, he will most certainly make it on the scoreboard, a 71 goal season speaking volumes. With the team nearing full strength, with Stuart Kerrs foot injury not as bad as first feared and Slava Koulikov slowly nearing fitness, the Stingrays now have a chance to build on two impressive results over the weekend, with a victory over Newcastle and a tight loss to the high flying Manchester Phoenix.

Stingrays coach Rick Strachan had this to say of Thompson's signing:

"Stuart [Kerr] and Aaron [Wilson] tell me he's a veteran guy with tonnes of experience. He's a hardworking, honest hockey player, who's very fast and has a good shot. He will play the body, can be physical if he needs to be and has good skill.I'm not worried, 34 isn't old any more. I'm told he's in great shape, is still super-fast and a good player."

Furthermore, adding:

"Jamie's a ten year veteran in good leagues and we needed a left wing that can score goals and he has done that throughout his career. He will bring a good work ethic with him and there is no doubt that he will make this team and club better. It didn't take a lot, Kerr and Willi spoke to him then I gave him a call and it was sorted in three minutes. I said this is what we've got to give and he says he's coming."

His previous coach in Austin, Brent Hughes, said:

"Jamie will be one of our most experienced players, and he's a pure goal scorer. We're looking to him to be one of our top scorers this season. He has AHL experience and leadership which he'll bring to our club, so we're very excited to have him."

Finally, former teammate, Stuart Kerr, had this to say:

"Tommo is a young guy. He's a hard-nosed player, and played a lot of games in the AHL. He's really fast, and plays a lot like Jeff Glowa in that he's not afraid to get in the corners and will score some big goals for us. Tommo is a big addition and will help us win games and keep us in the play-off hunt."

"Jamie didn't need much persuading. Aaron and I played alongside him last year at the Ice Bats so we made the phone call and asked him what he was doing. He said 'nothing right now', so we talked to Rick Strachan and Rick researched him. He's not coming over for two months and then leaving"

"Jamie and I talked a couple of days ago and he wants to get over here and play some hockey."

F Block Blog is back.

As the internet here at F Block Blog towers is working again here's a wee update as to what has happened in its brief absence:

27/09- Stingrays lost 7-3 in Sheffield against the Steelers. Stingray goals came from Jake Riddle, Matt Reynolds and Lee Mitchell.

28/09- A credible 2-2 draw at home to the Nottingham Panthers in the Challenge Cup left coach Rick Strachan "super proud". Stingray goals came from Jason Kostadine and Steve Slonina.

30/09- Aaron Wilson signed on to replace the departed Jonathan Bernier. Wilson is 6'4, 220lbs and was defensive partner of Stingrays defenceman Stuart Kerr last season.

03/10- Jake Riddle was released by the Stingrays for on ice indiscipline following a series of 10 minute misconduct penalties which led to him being the Stingrays leader in PIMs (52).

04/10- Ukrainian forward, Konstantin Kalmikov, who has spent extensive time in North America, signed on for the Stingrays to replace Jake Riddle.

04/10- The Stingrays were once again defeated by the Steelers, with Sheffield taking a 5-2 victory in Hull. Stingray goals came from Jason Kostadine and Lee Esders.

07/10- It was confirmed by the Stingrays management that an appeal to have Rick Kozak's ban reduced was successful and that he will now face Nottingham in a crunch match on Saturday night in Hull.

Neumeier suprise confirms 08/09 squad; Bring on the Steelers.

Just over a month ago it was all but confirmed by Stingrays owner Sue Pack, that Troy Neumeier would not return to the Excel Hull Stingrays and that he had retired from hockey after an astonishing 21 year career spanning all the top North American minor leagues. After spending much of his career in the AHL , British Superleague and UHL, it looked like his career was to come to an abrupt and unusual end in the British Elite League with a season split between Belfast, Coventry and finally Hull.

A month, and a change of heart, later, Troy Neumeier will suit up for his 22nd season in professional hockey, and possibly his last, with the Excel Hull Stingrays.

Neumeier, who completes a defence which includes Pavel Gomenyuk, Stuart Kerr, Jonathan Bernier and Paul Moran, may also be named captain of the team later this month before two pre-season challenge games against the Sheffield Steelers in the Yorkshire Cup.

Whilst Neumeier may not be the fastest, nor most energetic player on the side, his experience, leadership, hockey brain and most of all, natural talent, will allow him to be a stand out defenceman, most certainly, on the team but even in the league.

He has received extended praise from owners Sue Pack and Rick Strachan for his leadership abilities, praise which will almost certainly see him take the captaincy from Jeff Glowa. Glowa would be captain over almost anyone, unfortunately for him, or perhaps not if the team perform, the man named "The Destroyer" will most likely take the captaincy.

At a guess, Neumeier may also contribute more offensively than many expect. Towards the end of last year, Neumeier was on pace for a career year with the Stingrays after recording 9 points in 24 games. Given a full season, his ability to set up and score from the blueline may help the Rays, which lack an out and out offensive defenceman in the shape of Craig Minard or Kevin Young. His career highs stand at 7 goals (04/05 Fort Wayne Comets), 18 assists (98/99 Manchester Storm), 24 points (98/99 Manchester Storm) and a massive +45 +/- rating (04/05 Fort Wayne Comets).

Rick Strachan had this to say upon signing the 37 year old:

He is the last piece of the jigsaw and we couldn't have asked for a better way to complete our roster. Troy is big, strong and smart, he is poised on the puck, calm and takes good care of himself. He is a great leader on and off the ice."

Former Coach Ed Courtenays views on him:

"Troy has been one of the top defensive players in every league he has played in over the years. He makes getting to the net difficult for any opposing forwards."

Former GM, Todd Kelmans views on him.

"Ed and I both remember playing against Troy in his time with the Storm in the old Superleague Days and he simply was the best defensive defenceman in the league during those years"

And one final note. In his final season with the Manchester Storm in 00/01, in a tough season he made this comment:

''Last season, many games were brutal. I never want to experience another situation like that. It just makes you want to retire.''

And yet, at least one tough season later, he continues to play at the age of 37

Slonina follows Riddle; Rays move one import defenceman from completion.

27 year old Steve Slonina has followed Jake Riddle into signing for the 08/09 Excel Hull Stingrays. Slonina is a 5'11 centre from Abington, Massachusetts, who has spent the most part of 5 years in the ECHL after beggining his hockey career with the UMass-Lowell Riverhawks in the NCAA. Last season he split time with the Bakersfield Condors (ECHL), who fellow signee Jason Kostadine played for, and Mississippi Riverkings (CHL), who another new signee, Rick Kozak, iced with.

During his 5 years in the ECHL he recorded 70 goals and 83 assists in 293 games, including a career year in his rookie season with the Gwinnett Gladiators where he recorded career bests in games (69), goals (20), assists (17) and points (37)

He is expected to slot in as the teams first line centre, replacing Brad Patterson who scored 25 points in 48 games before qutting the team due to personal problems. Once again increased ice time is expected to inflate his offensive production for the Stingrays however the Rays do look to have 3 balanced lines.

Coach Rick Strachan says:

"Steve is a talented and gritty guy. I spoke to his coach last year and he told me he is a solid player, who can play at both ends. He is a natural centreman. He is more of a playmaker than a goalscorer but he can score goals. He is a guy who will play on the point on the powerplay and control things. He can play a few roles and that is a bonus, especially if you get injuries."

Former coach, Marty Raymond said:

"He wanted to come here, we needed another centerman and at this point we'd probably be in big trouble without him (due to the season-ending injury to Sean Venedam). He's good on faceoffs, he brings speed and is pretty good on (penalty kills) so that really helps us out. He also has patience on the power play and can play the point. With Venny gone he steps into that role, which is a tough role to do."

IMAGE: CoCo Walters / The Caifornian.

Riddle re-signs for 2nd season

Jake Riddle has commited himself to playing for the Excel Hull Stingrays for the 08/09 campaign, which will be their 3rd in the Elite League.

Riddle, who turned his season around at Christmas last season, recorded 22 goals (2nd on Rays), 24 assists (3rd on Rays), 46 points (3rd on Rays) and 247 PIMs (1st on Rays) last year after joining from ECHL side Phoenix Roadrunners. During his dramatic turn of form post Christmas, which coincided with rumours amongst fans that he had been given 2 weeks notice by coach Rick Strachan, he recorded two hat tricks against the Manchester Phoenix and a douzen multiple point games throughout the season whilst continuing his job as an effective agitator, something he may well continue to do more effectively this season with adequate protection from messrs Bernier, Kozak and Kostadine.

Riddle, 6'1, was formerly drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the 8th round of the 2001 NHL Draft as the first ever Minnesotan born player to be drafted for the Wild, who were coming off their inaugural season. He was drafted to the NHL after a number of seasons in the Western Hockey League where, despite regularly being traded, he put up decent points return.

Next season the smooth skating and slicky stick handling of Riddle is expected to increase his points return, especially with the headstart he has after his slow start last year. However with Reynolds, Kozak, Glowa, Koulikov and (now) Slonina, at least the scoring may well be spread a bit more evenly than last season where just Riddle, Rankin and Glowa stood out as forwards.

Coach Rick Strachan says:

"A lot of guys who come over here take time to adjust but Jake showed he can play and really turned it on at the back-end of the season. There is no doubting his ability, he is a big guy, he is strong and he skates well.

"He knows where the net is. He scored 22 goals last year but if he stays focused and is in the right frame of mind he can be a 35-goal player next season and that will be huge for us."

Lee "One Shift, One Goal" Esders is back!

Yes thats right, today the Excel Hull Stingrays announced that they have re-signed, the emblem of rebellion (amongst a small number of Stingrays fans), Lee Esders for the 08/09 season.

Esders, who was a real fans favourite in his first EIHL season, scored 3 goals and 3 assists in 62 games for the Stingrays after he joining in pre-season 07/08 from the Newcastle Vipers B team in the ENL, where he was a standout player scoring 15 goals and 22 points in 18 games. Prior to his season long stint in Newcastle he spent his time in the sucessful Kingston Junior Development System at the Hull Arena, firstly with the under 16 Kingston Crunch and under 19 Kingston Predators before moving into the senior side, the Kingston Jets, in the ENL where he scored 9 points in 14 games.

Esders provided one of the highlights and bright sparks of a disapointing season in the Elite League. Many fans were dismayed when coach Rick Strachan refused to give Esders consistent ice time, mainly because he was unable to make all of the teams practises due to a full time job, in a team which many thought lacked the 110% effort and commitment that Esders gave. In a game against the Nottingham Panthers, Esders was given his first shift of the game in the 3rd period with the Rays lacking any scoring ability at all as they trailed by a few. A great ovation rung around the Hull Arena as Esders took to the ice for the first time. He proceeded to go on and score on the shift. And not unsuprisingly the fans made it know to Strachan who had given Esders limited ice time. Esders was given a lot of ice time towards the end of the third and continued to give his all for the rest of the season playing regular shifts.

A welcome returnee, with James Cooke playing as 9th forward on the 3rd line it looks set that Esders will play as 10th forward and cover should there be any injuries/suspensions or any other unexpected player absences. Like last season with the great amount of effort and commitment that "Ezzy", as he is known, will give, he could force his way in if any of the team underperform.

Coach Rick Strachan this about the re-signing of Esders:

“Lee is so enthusiastic and works really hard. He gives his all out on the ice, the crowd love him and he feeds off that. He makes mistakes but that is all part of the learning process.

"He knows he will get the opportunity to play. The more he played last year, the more confident he got and the better he became. He is fearless, he wants to learn and improve his game and he is only going to get better.

The Hull Daily Mail has confirmed that Strachan is looking for 3 further imports before his squad is complete, it also confirmed that these imports would be two forwards and one defenceman and that all three of the improts would have a number of years of professional hockey experience.

Speculation from Stingrays fans has been that last seasons veteran defenceman Troy Neumeier, 38, may return with a role as assistant coach included whilst other speculation puts last seasons standout forward Jake Riddle also returning.

IMAGE: Esders bags his first professional goal v Edinburgh

3rd stint for Gomenyuk.

Defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk has returned for his third stint and fourth season with the Excel Hull Stingrays, bringing them just one import (and possibly one Brit) away from completing their defensive corps.

Gomenyuk who has twice been forced to leave the Stingrays, once unwillingly and once willingly, returns after his second season with the Newcastle Vipers where he recorded 7 goals and 12 assists in 47 games as the Vipers finished 5th in the Elite League. Whilst he had a distinctly average season, he spent much of the time suffering from a groin injury. Injury is a key factor in whether Gomenyuk, or "Pasha" as he has become known, emulates his play with the Stingrays in 04/05, where he was named defenceman of the year for the team, or 06/07, where he played through injury and in the end became loathed by Stingrays fans.

With that said, 06/07 was a hugely disapointing season for everyone, players, fans and management included, so the question that poses itself is, will he come back better than ever and prove a point?

In a move that is sure to displease sections of the Stingrays fanbase, after what even he will call an awful season in 06/07, coach Rick Strachan had this to say:

“If he plays the way we know he can he will be a rock for us. He can play a lot of minutes, he is tough, physical, he has a good shot on him and he will be a key player on the powerplay. I know the last time he was with us he probably had the worst year of his career so he will have something to prove and he will do that. He is a proud person and he will want to show he can do the job. You talk to forwards in the league and they will tell you they hate playing against him."

The Stingrays may now move on to looking for another more experienced import defenceman from North America to complete their 08/09 defence before opening pre-season games against the Sheffield Steelers, on 30th and 31st August, in a battle for the Yorkshire Cup.

PICTURE 1: Yorkshire Cup glory. Gomenyuk in one of the few high points of the 06/07 season, winning the Yorkshire Cup against the Sheffield Steelers.

PICTURE 2: Gomenyuk scores in 04/05 in a 3-1 win v Fife Flyers.

Signing out of left field: Paul Moran

The Excel Hull Stingrays have signed their first British defenceman to replace outgoing trio Luke Boothroyd, Stevie Lee and Dave Phillips and its Great Britain international utility player Paul Moran that has joined the Rays.

Moran, 25, joins the Stingrays after spending a year with the Belfast Giants where he recorded 4 assists in 51 games in a season reduced because of a shoulder injury, prior to his season long spell in Belfast he spent three and a half years with his hometown Nottingham Panthers in the EIHL. In 2006/07 he also spent 16 games with Nottingham's arch rivals the Sheffield Steelers in a highly controversial move down the M1.

His first full pro season came in the inaugural Elite League season in 2003/04, after appearing for the Panthers in 10 ISL games. As it happened his rookie year turned out to be one of his most succesful years in hockey as he helped the Panthers lift the Challenge Cup, whilst personally he took away the Best British forward in a Nottingham team which included David Clarke and Marc Levers.

This will be the third season that Coach Rick Strachan has had Moran under his guidance after previous campaigns with Milton Keynes Kings, where he scored 23 points in 44 games, and Solihull MK Kings, where he scored 8 points in 26 contests, both of which came in the BNL.

Therefore Coach Rick Strachan is sure of what he will get from Moran:

"If you ask Paul to run through a brick wall for you he will. I know he will give everything he has every night. I have had him before [at MK Kings and Solihull MK Kings] and I know exactly what to expect from him and he knows what I expect of him."

"He can play defence or forward but will predominantly play defence as we need a fifth guy back there. But over the course of a long season his versatility will be a bonus for us. He competes hard and he will do a good job."

As the Stingrays have shored up their forward slots for British players (with Lee Esders expected to become a 10th and covering forward), Moran will slot in on the Stingrays defensive unit as most likely a 5th defenceman, although it is possible he could be a 2nd line D man if Jonathan Bernier begins as a 3rd line D (provided the Stingrays sign another British defenceman). With bruising Bernier expected to act as main enforcer Moran will likely slide in to his slot on defence when he is otherwise occupied, if Bernier begins as 2nd line D, or similarly if any of the Rays top 4 defencemen go down with injury or suspension.

Likewise if 2 or more of the Rays forwards go down with injury, and Moran is the extra defenceman, he will slip into their spots after Lee Esders (although as I say it has yet to be 100% confirmed) has joined the expected 3 lines. Strachan confirmed as much to the Hull Daily Mail:

"Paul can play defence or forward but will predominantly play defence as we need a fifth guy back there. But over the course of a long season his versatility will be a bonus for us.

He's a good, solid, very competitive player and good in the dressing room. We have got guys who have been in the league for numerous years. He's not 20, he's 25. He's got a lot of experience under his belt and that's the kind of guys we are looking for."

Cruickshank and Jaszcyzk confirmed as 08/09 netminders.

Replacing last year's netminding duo, Tom Chamberlain and Ladislav Kudrna, in between the Hull Stingrays pipes for the 2008/09 season is Canadian Curtis Cruickshank and Rotherham born Andrew Jaszcyzk.

Cruickshank, who was an Elite League all star in 2003/04, has spent the best part of five seasons in the UK with Basingstoke, Nottingham and Newcastle, and replaces Czech netminder Ladislav Kudrna who signed with the Swindon Wildcats of the EPL in early June.

With Cruickshank, the Stingrays and coach Rick Strachan know exactly what they are getting in net. In his five seasons in the UK 29 year old Cruickshank has never failed to post a save percentage under 91.4%, which peaked in 2005/06 with the Nottingham Panthers when he recorded an astounding 93.5% save percentage and conceded less than 2 goals a game on average.

"Curtis [Cruickshank] is a proven, quality keeper and has always had big percentage save rates. He's a warrior and competitor and he can communicate well with his defence. Lots of guys' CVs came across my desk, but Curtis is a known quantity over here and I believe he will do a great job for us," said Strachan of his new number one.

Many fans have insisted that Cruickshank has had a chronic knee problem, preventing him from replicating his form for the Panthers between 2004 and 2006. However despite the apparent knee problem Strachan had been keen on his netminder for a while and finally got his man after negotiations:

"It wasn't a case of persuading him, it was a negotiation process, and some take longer than others. It wasn't a case of going down on my hands and knees and begging him to sign, I don't want those guys."

Jaszcyzk, who is just 19 years old, put himself forward to coach Rick Strachan in order to gain some valuable experience after a season as starting netminder in the ENL with the Kingston Jets, where he recorded an 89.76% save percentage whilst facing an average of 45 shots a game during his 29 appearances. Jaszcyzk, who played for the Stingrays against Edinburgh in their maiden EIHL season in 06/07 and has also backed up at the Nottingham Panthers in the EIHL, helped the Jets reach the semi final of the ENL Cup last season where they lost out by 4 goals on aggregate to a team that lost just 6 competitive games all season. Coach Rick Strachan told the Hull Daily Mail:

"Being a back-up keeper is a difficult position. Andrew [Jaszcyzk] expressed an interest in playing for us. He's keen to learn and willing to work and that's what you want"

He will replace Tom Chamberlain, who has followed Kudrna to the EPL, this time to Romford Raiders, as the back-up netminder and is thought to be a cheaper option than the Bradford born Chamberlain who was forced to endure an hour long drive from Bradford to Hull at least 4 times a week for training sessions. As a local and more importantly a young player Jaszcyzk will be the cheaper option for the Rays and it will provide Jaszcyzk will ample opportunity to improve his game.

"No offence to Tom [Chamberlain], but he played about 25 games for us and we won about one of them. The difference between your number one and your back-up is gigantic, that's the way it goes. Tom now has a starting position at an EPL team and he's moved on, that's how it works. Otherwise guys stay until they're 30 and only get to play when someone gets hurt."

With 45 days before the opening Stingrays pre-season fixture against the Sheffield Steelers, Strachan is left searching for four more imports and possibly one or two British defencemen to complete the roster.

Cooke return signals the end for Knight.

The Excel Hull Stingrays have signed their 3rd British forward for the 2008/09 season as 22 year old Brit James Cooke joins Slava Koulikov and Lee Mitchell up front.

Cooke, who played for league and knockout cup champions Coventry Blaze last season, re-joins the Stingrays, 3 years after leaving the EPL Stingrays for EIHL Nottingham Panthers.

The move signals the end for a much liked British forward James Knight, who recorded 9 goals and 9 assists for 18 points, all of which are professional career highs. It remains to be seen if Cooke can fill the scoring gap left by Knight although it is thought that Cooke is much more of a rounded player, especially defensively, than Knight. Coach Rick Strachan said this of Knights departure:

I think it was time for James to move on as we decided to head in a different direction

Cooke, who scored 5 points and finished +6 when GB won gold and were promoted from division 2 in 2005, is hhighly thought of in the UK and is tought to posess all the skills to take his game to the next level. Unfortunatly he has not been given a good enough opportunity in either Nottingham or Coventry as he went without regular shifts with either team. An opportunity he will be given in Hull as coach Rick Strachan is unlikely to keep such untapped potential on the bench.

Former coach Mike Ellis' thoughts on Cooke:

''James has all the components to be a top player. His speed and skill levels are high. He needs to be given a role within our team and of course he needs the opportunity and the ice time to mature into his potential. I think this season will be a huge year for James, if he listens and learns from his team-mates and coaches he will definitely take big steps forward.''

Stingrays coach Rick Strachans thoughts:

James left us to go and play in the Elite League. In hindsight, maybe he would have been better staying another year with us. But we have him back now and we will be expecting him to make a contribution this season.

He won't be here just to sit on the bench. He will be out on the ice fore-checking hard, finishing his checks, going to the net and if he chips in with a few goals then that's a bonus. He is a strong kid, is skilful and is quick. He will do a good job for us."

Sixth season for Koulikov.

The only player to have played in every single Stingrays season and the only original Stingray remaining, Slava Koulikov, has re-signed for his sixth season at the Hull Arena.


Koulikov split last season with EIHL rivals Basingstoke Bison and the Stingrays after not being re-signed by the Stingrays last summer. After plenty of critisism from fans about his work ethic, or lack of, he signed with Basingstoke to reinvent himself as a player.

Stuck on the 3rd line for much of the time with the Bison, the 29 year old forward scored a credible 2 goals and 7 assists in 20 games before financial troubles hit the Bison. With their owner quitting the club and many players not being paid for a number of weeks, the Bison were forced to find a new owner. Koulikov made the decision to leave the club and return to Hull ahead of big money offers from Belfast, Koulikov told the Hull Daily Mail last November:

"Belfast were one of the clubs I was talking to! I've joined Stingrays because some circumstances in my life have changed - my girlfriend is pregnant - and there were lots of money problems in Basingstoke and things didn't work out. I weighed everything up, and overall Hull is my best option. It definitely wasn't financial, I can say that, it's more my family and my life"

Clearly those circumstances remain the same and Koulikovs talent, for a British player anyway, will remain with the Stingrays for the 2008-09 EIHL season.

Koulikov has scored 58 goals, 95 assists for in 180 games for the Stingrays, he is one of the most sucessful Stingrays on the ice, Brit or import.

Because of his scoring sucess it is unlikely that the Stingrays will match him with an all British line, his vision is very good and he would be a good set up man for a lethal finisher like Kozak, Reynolds or Glowa. That said, pairing Koulikov with Mitchell, a fast developing Brit, and either an import, or a Brit, like James Knight or Lee Esders (who is apparently signed to the Stingrays already) will give the Stingrays three very solid lines. It remains to be seen which line Koulikov will fit onto but it is worth thinking about how effective Koulikov and Riddle were together at the end of last season, and that if Riddle does make his rumoured return, they are two players that will be paired together.

Strachan had a few words to the official Hull Stingrays website on Koulikov returning to the Stingrays, saying:

"Slava came back last season and did a great job. Unfortunately he got hurt but he is now 100% and is in great shape. Slava is a skilled British guy who is valuable on the powerplay, he is patient, he handles the puck really well and is effective. He has good vision and has great offensive power."

Meanwhile the Hull Daily Mail again confirmed that the Stingrays may have missed out on their number one target for netminder. An announcement was due last week but did not arrive. It was also confirmed that the Rays do have two contract offers out to unknown players, names in the rumour mill are former Stingray James Cooke, Rod Hinks and Trevor Baker.

Big signing....Rick Kozak signs straight from NHL contract

This time you did read it right. Philadelphia Flyers 3rd round pick in the 2003 NHL Draft, Rick Kozak, has signed for the Excel Hull Stingrays 08/09 EIHL season.

Kozak, who was contracted to the NHL New York Rangers, on a 3 year two way contract, until last year, signs straight from the Memphis Riverkings, where he was assigned by the Rangers, and will step straight into the Stingrays lineup as one of the most anticipated signings in Stingrays history.

Kozak doing what, some people believe, he does best for Memphis

Kozak is a notorious power forward who isn't afraid to drive to the net, fight, score goals or rough it up, a "complete player" Strachan says:

"He fits perfectly into the theme of the team" confirmed Strachan. "He had 200 penalty minutes last year, he's a big, physical guy and that can lead to the odd scrap. But there's the other side to him too as he knows where the net is. He's a complete hockey player."

It is certainly a signing unheard of in Stingrays history as this team looks like it will be rougher and tougher than ever. Kozak brings undoubted player ability as a draftee to the NHL, and that just 5 years ago, and whilst he has spent much of his time in the lower reaches of hockey, namely the ECHL and CHL, it has usually been his ocassional off ice blip and differences with coaches, mainly in Charlotte, ECHL, that have kept him from establishing himself as a real NHL prospect.

In fact a player that he has linked up with at WHL, with Prince Albert, and in AHL, with Hartford, has been the main catalyst for his relegation down the leagues. That name, Dane Byers, brother of former Stingray Cole. In junior with Prince Albert they formed a brilliant partnership as two, big power forwards. Byers was later drafted by the NHL organisation that Kozak was at, New York, and since then it has seen Byers rack up 40+ point seasons in the AHL whilst Kozak has been sent to Charlotte, ECHL, and Memphis/Mississippi, CHL.

It is guaranteed, like so many other players who will come for their first EIHL season, that their points production will increase three fold, sometimes more. This should most certainly be the fact with Kozak, with formerly NHL level talent and skating ability, he will challenge the scorers in the league but only if he ticks one box. Staying out of the penalty box, possibly a difficult task with a player that has 26 fights in 3 professional seasons. But perhaps that is the player he is and maybe he would'nt score as many goals if he did'nt have that style to his game. Only time will tell what role he takes on the team.



Below I have gathered some information from various sources about his drafting to the NHL, his NHL level talent and his chances of being an NHLer.

Initial signing for New York:

“Rick is an aggressive, gritty player who is very difficult to play against”, said Sather in making the announcement. “He showed great improvement throughout the season and played very well for Prince Albert in the playoffs. His combination of size, toughness and skill make him an excellent prospect for our organization.”

Rookie Rick Kozak, out three months with a thumb injury, scored a goal in his return Tuesday against Columbia. It was his first professional goal, and teammate Brandon Cullen corralled the puck as a souvenir for Kozak, a New York Rangers' farmhand.

"He's a big power winger that has ability to score some goals," Wilkinson said. "And he gets the ugly ones. Banging in a rebound in front the net, knocking a guy down going to the front of the net. ... Once he gets in better shape, he should be able to sustain that contact.

The official statement on why he was sent to the CHL:

"It was determined by the Rangers, Checkers and Rick that Charlotte was not the appropriate place for him to continue his career"

"Rick Kozak, one of the younger members of the 2003 draft class, got better and better as the season went along. Pointless and bad penalty prone in his first four games for Brandon after coming over from Prince George, he improved steadily thereafter and his solid playoff performance raised hopes that the aggressive rookie has only begun to tap his abilities. A relatively obscure player coming out Swan Valley in Manitoba Junior Hockey League, Kozak earned his keep in his first WHL season by throwing his weight around and going to the net; which earned him powerplay time for the Wheat Kings."

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/6083/flyers2003_nhl_entry_draft_review/

"A rough and ready forward, Kozak began his career with perhaps too much aggression, but has since learned to control it better. A willing combatant, Kozak is also not afraid of driving to the net and using the body to take or even receive hits. With above average skating and a solid top speed, his biggest drawback is his limited offensive ability, which will likely limit his potential to a third or fourth line grinding forward."

http://www.outsidethegarden.com/prospectprofile.asp?PID=80

And the Hull Daily Mail confirmed that there will be more signings next week "both imports and British players"

Certainly an exciting time to be a Stingrays fan.

Another Wednesday, another signing..

27 year old Matt Reynolds has decided to join the Excel Hull Stingrays for his 4th professional season after a career year in goals (19), assists (33) and points (52) with the Fort Wayne Comets of the IHL as they took the IHL playoffs, the Turner Cup, in 4 games against the Port Huron IceHawks.

Reynolds, who is 6 foot tall, joined the IceHawks last season after 2 seasons in the CHL with Rio Grande and Fort Worth Brahmas, and joined former Basingstoke netminer Nick Boucher on the IceHawks whilst he was joined mid season by PC Drouin who was sacked by, then, Panthers coach Mike Ellis.

Coach Rick Strachan had this to say of his new signing:

"Matt is a good player. He has great offensive capabilities, can play in both ends, he is a leader and he is also not afraid to get involved. He will be one of the guys who will be expected to contribute offensively and play on the powerplay which he is comfortable with."

Meanwhile Reynolds had this to say to BBC Humberside:

I've heard some good things about them. I hope I can do a good job for them and I’m looking forward to the challenge and playing overseas for the first time.

Although Reynolds has 20 professional fights to his name (see below) his main job will be joining Jeff Glowa in racking up the points next season for the Rays. And with 107 points in 123 games at college and 121 points in 197 games, so far, in his professional career along with extra ice time, it is expected he will flourish in the Elite League and in a Stingrays jersey.



Rick Strachan believes they will have the firepower up front for next season, something they lacked last season:

"You cannot rely on two or three guys to get you points, you need seven or eight contributing. If we can get those guys scoring 30-40 points it makes a huge difference"

With the Stingrays season preparations well under way it is now expected the Stingrays will make signing their two netminders for next season a priority. Stingrays co-owner Sue Pack is happy with the way pre-season has gone thus far:

"We have put a lot of effort into researching the players and we think we are building a team which will work together and that's 'grown up.' Mike, Strachs and I are delighted with the way our teambuilding is going.

6'3 defenceman signs.

6'3, according the hockey db, but actually 6'4, defenceman Stuart Kerr has signed for the Stingrays for the 2008/09 season after a season with the Austin Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League. The defensive defenceman, who can also drop the gloves, from Cranbrook, Manitoba, follows in the wake of Jonathan Bernier, also from the CHL, who signed on Wednesday.

Kerr, who attended AHL training camp with Mancheter Monarchs in 2005 prior to 2 seasons in the ECHL, recorded 7 points in a career high 62 games with the Ice Bats along with 208 PIMs. As per this seasons theme Kerr dropped the mitts 12 times last season to go with his 6 fights in his 2 seasons and 77 games in the ECHL with Pensacola, Long Beach and Reading Royals, where he was sent down after his unsuccessful AHL training camp.

Kerrs fighting abilities stem back from his junior career in the notoriously rough Western Hockey League, where in 4 seasons with 3 teams he fought 52 times including a bout with NHL bound Dion Phaneuf, now with the Calgary Flames. Along the way in his ECHL career he also fought Newcastle bound Joel Irving.

Once again coach Rick Strachan has continued his "intimidating" mentality for the 2008-09 season however it is believed that Kerr possesses significant playing abilities, enough to obviously, to get him noticed in the AHL. Strachan will apparently allow Kerr to rack up minutes on the second line of defence and will rely on his playing abilities rather than his clear toughness. Although that clear toughness should come in useful.

Stingrays sign Jonathan Bernier (not that one!)

No, whilst the Stingrays do need a number one netminder, they have not pulled off the transfer of the EIHL summer by signing the LA Kings 11th overall pick of the 2006 draft, Jonathan Bernier.

They have, however, signed one of a triplet, from Beaufort City, Quebec, in 24 year old Jonathan Bernier who comes in from Central Hockey League side Wichita Thunder.
He becomes the first defenceman and third import out of 11 to sign for the Stingrays 2008/2009 EIHL campaign. 6'2 Bernier is, unsuprisingly considering Strachans comments to the Hull Daily Mail, a "bruising" defenceman who is known better for his intimidating style and big hits than his skating prowess or skill on the puck. However it is undoubted that Bernier will be one of the most physical defencemen that fans in Hull have ever seen, very much a physical presence on the blueline.

In his first professional season, with the Arizona Sundogs, Bernier recorded 5 assists and 226 PIMs as he played in all 64 games for the CHL team whilst this past season, which he split between Arizona and Wichita, he played in 56 games recording 3 goals and 1 assist.

Bernier, who will join the Stingrays for just his third professional season, has recorded a combined 3 goals, 6 assists and an astounding 448 penalty minutes mainly as a result of the 66 fighting majors he has accrued.

In those 66 fights he has fought a few familiar names to the UK; names like Ryan VandenBussche, Jeff Ewakso, Dennis Maxwell, Stingray target Adam Stefishen and Mike Prpich as well as former Stingrays enforcer Simon Rizk as a junior.

Coach Rick Strachan will hope that given increased ice time, and with a possible pairing on 2nd or 3rd line defence, that Bernier will be able to contribute both offensively, defensively and with his fists during his time with the Stingrays.

Bernier in action for Arizona in 2006-07.

Glowa is back for more

Canadian forward Jeff Glowa has re-signed for his 5th season with the Hull Stingrays and follows Lee Mitchell and Jason Kostadine into agreeing for the 08/09 season.


Glowa, who has played for the Stingrays in 5 of their 6 seasons of exsistance, finished the 2007/08 campaign with 18 goals, 35 assists for 53 points as well as 44 PIMs which extends his lead at the top of the all time Stingrays goals, assists and points totals. He is the current leader in total league games (194), goals (94), assists (111) and points (205) for the Stingrays who have competed in three levels of British Ice Hockey during his time at the club; the BNL (at the time 2nd tier), EPL (now the 2nd tier) and EIHL (top tier). However he brings much more than that to the table.

On the ice he epitomises what Stingrays fans like to see from their players; commitment, dedication and a passion for the club, but for him to have the ability to put up 42 and 53 point seasons in the top league in the UK makes him a valuable asset to the Stingrays.

Off the ice he is a friendly face, an approachable guy and frequently gets involved in community events which the Stingrays are so often involved with.

It is expected that he centres the first or second line. Which of those two lines he ends up centreing is entirely dependant on Rick Strachans final 6 forward signings. It would be possible that Strachan sees him as a second line centre which would be mixed with grit and skill. However equally possible is that he sees the team going with a tough second line, where points are not likely to be the option, and a skill line capable of scoring points, of which Glowa would definatly be a part of.

Theres no doubt that if Glowa can replicate last seasons 53 points, which he did with little celebration as Rankin and Riddle took the plaudits, the Stingrays will have the foundations of a team which can make the playoffs should the teams other signings be equally talented.

Kost of Rankin leaving is minimised.

It has now been confirmed that Rob Rankin turned down both the Excel Hull Stingrays and Swedish side Olofstroms IK in order to join Newcastle Vipers for his second season in Britain and the EIHL.

Rankin recorded 24 goal, assists 33 for 57 points in his maiden season with the Stingrays and was undeniably one of the best and most consistent performers on the team.

Meanwhile gritty, tough forward Jason Konstadine signs for his first stint in Britain after spending 4 years in the ECHL. He was drafted in the 8th round of the 2002 NHL Draft by Chicago Blackhawks and recorded 96 PIMs in 30 games late last season with the Bakersfield Condors after starting the season with the Augusta Lynx. He will be expected to provide energy, grit and some much needed toughness to a Stingrays side that has often lacked toughness in its first three seasons on the EIHL. It sparks the beginning of what could be a much much tougher side next term as it is expected coach Rick Strachan will opt to go with aggression and entertainment in order to bring more fans through the doors.

Trull Vs Kostadine

And we're off, let the pre-season signings commence; Mitchell is Back!

I earlier suggested that the tone of the Stingrays pre-season was being set by their two best Brits leaving the side.

Thankfully for the Stingrays and coach Rick Strachan that number will remain at one (Dave Phillips to Belfast) after Fife born forward Lee Mitchell agreed terms with the Stingrays for the upcoming 08-09 season.

With 10 goals and 10 assists in 46 games for the Stingrays this past season, at the age of just 21, Mitchell was a must return if the team had playoff aspirations for next season.

I can't stress enough how big a blow losing your two best Brits would have been, there are other Brits out there but which British player of a similar standard to Phillips and Mitchell is going to come to the lowest spending and worst team in the league (10th in the EIHL in 07/08). It would have been a tough ask.

As it is Strachan, so far, only has to replace Phillips from the British corps, although in some ways he already has a ready made 17 year old replacement waiting in the wings in Stevie Lee. The question is will he be able to step up straight away? I think probably not straight away, although I believe he has the potential to be a better player than Phillips, it will almost certainly mean adjusting the plan for signings this pre-season with Phillips being worth an import slot himself.

Mitchell suffered a season ending knee injury in February which cut short his season. A season where he better last season's points total in the EIHL by 7 points, despite playing 10 less games.

Strachan said this of his re-signing:

"We are delighted to have Lee back. He is very professional on and off the ice and we hope he will continue to progress and have a big year for us. We believe his injury cost him a probable place in the GB squad for the World Championships but he will be fully fit for the start of next season and we expect Lee to go from strength to strength"

Pre-season is now underway. 1 down 17 to go.