Ladygin re-joins Stingrays

As speculated, defenceman Nikolai Ladygin has today rejoined the Hull Stingrays, five and a half years after last playing for the club in 2007/2008.

The Ukrainian spent two years in Hull between 2006 and 2008, impressing enough in the Rays inaugural Elite League campaign to pick-up the Defenceman of the Year award as he recorded ten goals and 17 assists in 54 games.

He was re-signed by former coach Rick Strachan in 07/08 and logged nearly 30 minutes of ice-time per game at times early on as injuries hit. He was then switched to forward during a second injury crisis later in the season having failed to replicate his offensive stats from his debut season and ended 07/08 with just two goals and 13 assists in 53 games.

As F Block Blog stated following 07/08:

"The Ukrainian man mountain proved solid and reliable with 30 minutes of ice time during the Stingrays injury crisis. During the second string of injuries he was reliable as ever as he moved up front as a forward. [He] will be disappointed with his points total after a 30 point 1st season but should return."

Adding later:

"Ladygin wasn't a fan favourite of Evgeny Alipov proportions, however, he very very rarely put a foot wrong and was a solid defenceman, which many fans appreciated. His strength and confidence to take anyone on at the back (physically and defensively) was what endeared him to the fans the most."

Since leaving the club in the summer of 2008 - after Strachan made it clear he would be having a clear out of imports - Ladygin has spent all of his time in Eastern Europe.

Primarily, he has iced in the relatively high standard of the Russian second tier, however, he has also mixed in short spells in his native Ukraine as well as single season's in the top flight in both Kazakhstan and Belarus.

Last season Ladygin was called up to the Ukrainian national team for the Olympic Games Qualifiers by former Humberside Hawk Alexander Kulikov - father of former Stingray and former teammate to Ladygin Slava Koulikov. The rangy blueliner iced in six games in his debut campaign for the national team, recording two assists as they were knocked out of the qualifiers by Slovenia - who progressed to Sochi 2014.

The signing of Ladygin officially bolsters the Rays blueline to six imports and eight defencemen, however, it is highly likely that utility man Kyle Mariani - who has spent the majority of the season as forward - will remain up front on the club's third line - where he has been constantly improving.

During his previous spell in the city Ladygin was a solid, imposing but not overly physical defenceman at 6'4, who rarely put a foot wrong. Offensively, while his shot from the point sometimes appeared somewhat awkward, he was something of a scoring sensation in his first season - ending the year as joint fourth topscorer. He failed to live up to that in his season season an will be under no pressure to produce offensively this season.

Indeed, given that either he or fellow recent signing and former teammate Pavel Gomeniuk, were supposed to be a forward replacement for Derek Campbell, it would appear player-coach Sylvain Cloutier is happy with the offensive threat posed by his forwards and that he wanted to shore up his D with these two signings.

Cloutier told the Hull Daily Mail:

"I have tried to sign Lady for a couple of years now. I played against him when I was with Coventry and always thought he was a tough player to play against. He did really well in his first year here before and was the defenceman of the year but in the second year he switched between defence and forward and it didn’t work out for him."

The fact the Stingrays have managed to fill the import slot is an big boost for Cloutier and the Stingrays.

Provided Ladygin arrives in time, they could now be at full strength with maximum imports for the first time since in a long this weekend as Bobby Chamberlain returns from GB U20 duty and Tom Squires, Matty Davies and Sam Towner all potentially return from injury.

Gomenyuk signs for season; Smith named captain; 11th import inbound?

Ukrainian defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk has agreed to extend his short-term contract at the Hull Stingrays until the end of the 2013/2014 season.

The 35 year old guested for the club at the weekend as they dug in deep with a short bench to return home with a huge three points against Gardiner conference rivals following a shootout loss to Fife and 5-4 triumph over Edinburgh.

Gomenyuk - who will now partake in his 6th season in Hull - notched an assist and four penalty minutes over the weekend and is the club's fifth import blueliner.

While the defenceman has been criticised for some of his play in the past and would not have necessarily been most people's first choice, he is a welcome, cheap and most importantly immediate addition for Sylvain Cloutier - who has been struggling to pin down prospective players.

Of the Gomenyuk confirming his deal, Cloutier said:

"Gomy wanted to come back. He really enjoyed being back playing at the weekend, he settled in well with the other guys and had a lot of fun with them. He had no problem adjusting and you could not tell he had not played all season. Gomy is an experienced guy who will help out our defence a lot. He reads the game well and knows where to be out there. He will also boost our powerplay and penalty kill."

Meanwhile, following the departure of former captain Matt Suderman, Cloutier today announced that alternate captain Jeff Smith has been chosen to become the club's new captain.

The 32 year old veteran is incredibly well liked and respected both in the dressing room and by fans and is seen by Cloutier as the perfect captain and leader.

"Smitty has always been a leader in the dressing room since he came here. He has the respect of everybody and is a leader on and off the ice. He is someone you can rely on out there, he has been around, has captained teams before and has a lot of experience. He has also won championships wherever he has been. Last season was a tough one for Smitty with the problems he had not even being able to put his skates on. But he kept on battling for the team and is someone who never gives up and that is why he got the coach's award.

The move left a vacant alternate captain slot alongside Jason Silverthorn which Cloutier also announced has been filled by fellowed defenceman Martin Ondrej.

Finally, it is believed that the Stingrays have located and, indeed, signed their final import - a replacement for the long-departed Derek Campbell.

Speculation suggests that, pleased with the club's firepower in Jereme Tendler, Guillaume Doucet and the ever-improving Carl Lauzon, Cloutier may have plumped for a further import defenceman to shore up their back line in front of Ben Bowns and that that blueliner is another former Stingray.

The addition of another import defenceman would mean the versatile Kyle Mariani reverting back to his third-line forward spot alongside Tom Squires and Bobby Chamberlain - once he returns from Great Britain Under-20 duty.

Although the new import signing won't be in the country in time for Thursday's fixture in Dundee as they await a work permit clearance, it was hoped they may have him in the country in time for this weekend's home game against the Edinburgh Capitals.

Gomenyuk makes surprise Stingrays return

Defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk will this weekend return for a fourth spell with the Hull Stingrays after player-coach Sylvain Cloutier today brought the Ukrainian back to the club as a short-term replacement for departed captain Matt Suderman.

The now 35 year old blueliner first moved to Hull ten years ago under Rick Strachan to join the Stingrays for their inaugural campaign in the British National League.

He spent two years with the Rays in the BNL before bouncing between the Stingrays and Newcastle Vipers in the Elite League between 05/06 and 07/08. His last spell in Hull lasted a further two years, first during Rick Strachan's final year as coach in 08/09 before Cloutier re-signed the then 31 year old for a further season.

Over his five year Elite League career Gomenyuk - who won the Elite League playoffs with Newcastle in 05/06 - has posted 32 goals and 83 assists for 115 points meanwhile he remains the Stingrays all-time leader in penalty minutes - having posted 494 PIM's in his previous 208 appearances for the club.

He joins the club having retired from the sport last season following four years in the English Premier League. Those four years were split between the Manchester Phoenix, Sheffield Steeldogs and Slough Jets and during that time he lifted 10/11 English Premier League trophy as alternate captain with the Manchester Phoenix and accumulated 31 goals and 132 points in 161 games.

With a crucial double header against Gardiner Conference rivals Edinburgh Capitals and Fife Flyers coming up this weekend and down two imports, Cloutier has moved to bring Gomenyuk - who lives locally - out of retirement and back to the club to strength the club's options.

While Gomenyuk has in the past been inconsistent in Stingrays colours, his undoubted strength is his powerful shot from the point and that is one area the Stingrays have struggled this season.

Equally, Cloutier - who has, as yet, been unable to find a replacement for Derek Campbell, let alone recently departed Suderman - will be grateful to the Ukrainian for stepping in at late notice to add numbers to his blueline at such a crucial time having retired from the sport last season.

Stingrays replace Huttel with Mariani

Photo - Les Stockton

Defenceman Kyle Mariani has today become the Hull Stingrays final signing for the 2013/2014 Elite League campaign, replacing fellow blueliner Chad Huttel - who was forced to pull out of a deal to join the club due to a shoulder injury.

The 24 year old - who will join the Rays for just his third season as a professional - is a versatile addition to the Rays roster and will slot in as the club's fifth import defenceman, however, he is also a capable forward and can play on both the powerplay and penalty kill.

The Toronto, Ontario native will move to the UK after spending the tailend of last season with Visby Roma of the Swedish third tier but has a somewhat spotty past in the sport.

Having split a four year junior career between five different clubs in three different leagues - including two stints in the reputable Quebec Major Junior Hockey League - Mariani sat out what would have been his first year as a professional during 10/11 in order to pursue a career as a firefighter.

Having graduated, he returned to the sport in 11/12 with the now defunct Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League and registered six goals, nine assists in 65 games. He also recorded a lowly -30 plus/minus rating on a struggling side on which 11 of the 15 man regular roster also stooped to double negative figures.

He moved on to the Tulsa Oilers of the CHL last season, recording a goal and nine assists but again suffered from a poor -11 plus/minus rating on a side that would eventually finish bottom before crossing the Atlantic to sign in Sweden. He played just four games for Visby Roma in the Swedish regular season, recording an assist, before icing in two relegation playoff games for the Gotland based side.

Mariani is described by Bruce Ramsey - his former coach in Tulsa - as "a solid defenceman who can contribute on the offensive end of the ice" and Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier echos that sentiment:

"I had a lot of good reports about Kyle. He is a good two-way defenceman, he is solid at the back and can help with offensive situations. He is a good skater and his Swedish coach says he has a great shot."

On paper, concerns may conceivably be raised over Mariani's plus/minus figures particularly as a defenceman having been -17 in the QMJHL and -30 and -11 in the last two seasons. Those concerns would not be misplaced as those stats are in in the history books, however, it is worth remembering that, during those two CHL seasons, Mariani played on sides that placed 12th (of 14) and 10th (of 10) in the CHL.

Photo - Les Stockton

Perhaps more important than the statistics, Cloutier's reports also suggest that the defenceman is a determined, never-say-die character on-ice. As well as his versatility, those characteristics may in fact make him the best fit for the Stingrays this season. Cloutier adds:

"But more importantly everyone I spoke to said the same thing about Kyle - he competes every night and never gives up. That fits the mould of the Hull Stingrays as we need to have a team who works hard and battles every night. I am looking forward to working with Kyle and he is a good addition to the team."

Mariani becomes the Stingrays eighth defenceman and fifth import defenceman, giving the club the kind of wealth of options defensively that is almost unheard of.

His addition will likely bump one of either Scott Robson or Jamie Chilcott down the order and limit their ice-time depending on whom Cloutier believes has performed better in pre-season, however, that would have happened whether Mariani or Huttel joined the club.

Though the Rays also boast 11 forwards - or three lines and two extras - should there be any forward injuries, Mariani also gives Cloutier an experienced option should he believe the Rays need an extra veteran presence over 16 year old Lee Bonner and 18 year old Sam Towner.

On signing the Canadian said:

"I am very excited to be a part of the Stingrays and the EIHL. Ever since turning pro I have heard nothing but good things about this league, having had quite a few past team-mates and friends play in this league while more recently learning more about the Stingrays and Sylvain it seems like a great team and organisation and I can't wait to get going. 

"It all came about very quickly through a European agent. I had something in place in the United States for the coming season but once this came about I jumped on the opportunity and couldn't be happier with my decision. As soon as the paperwork is finished I will be on the next flight out and I can't wait to get to work on the ice. 

"Stingrays are getting a player who will always give it 100 per cent and leave it all on the ice. I am a defencemen who can skate and carry the puck up the ice or make a pass and join the rush. I have a good shot, I play a physical game and I am reliable in my own zone.
"I am an all-around player, can play the powerplay and penalty kill as well and every year I always end up playing a bit of forward when the team is short."

Neither Mariani or fellow new recruit Carl Lauzon will be in the country in time to ice in Wednesday's pre-season game against the Sheffield Steeldogs and they both may yet miss the Elite League opening weekend in Nottingham on Saturday and at home to Braehead on Sunday.

Wednesday's final pre-season fixture sees the Stingrays take on the Steeldogs in the second leg of the Bradfield Brewery Cup with the scores tied at 5-5 after the first leg.

Rays swap Muncy for Lauzon in late switch

The Hull Stingrays have been forced to make a late switch to their roster ahead of the 2013/14 Elite League season with import Sean Muncy being replaced by Carl Lauzon.

The reasons for the switch are as yet unknown, however, it is believed that 28 year old forward Muncy informed the club he would not be joining them for the upcoming 13/14 season - which begins in two days with a pre-season fixture against the Edinburgh Capitals.

Nevertheless, the Rays have moved quickly to fill the void left by Muncy's departure with the signature of, arguably, a better player in 26 year old Lauzon from Chamonix of the French Ligue Magnus.

Of course, whether that is the case remains to be seen but what is true is that Canadian forward Lauzon will move to the UK from a more reputable league (three years in France v 1 in CHL, German fourth tier and Holland), with a better goalscoring record and with more professional experience - despite being two years younger - than the player he is replacing.

In fact, the only area whereby the Rays may lose out in this switch is the club's perceived lack of height with Muncy standing at 6'0 and Lauzon at 5'9.

Lauzon's pointscoring pedigree is by far the biggest bonus in the switch though. In both his junior and professional career, the Montreal, Quebec native has never failed to drop below point-a-game form .

As a junior Lauzon racked up 325 points in 183 games in the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League, although, admittedly, the QJAAAHL in the second tier of junior hockey in Quebec, one below the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Regardless of the level, Lauzon dominated with closing in on two points a game.

In his first two seasons as a professional, Lauzon went above and beyond that two-point-a-game level recording an astounding 72 goals and 126 points in 52 games, albeit in the second tier in France with Avignon - where he unsurprisingly topped the league's points scoring chart in 08/09 with 71 points and was named league All-Star during both seasons.

His impressive scoring rate in the French second division earned him a contract with French top flight side Chamonix in 2010 and he went on to continue that form in league, cup and playoff competition.

During his first year in the French Alps, Lauzon hit 21 goals - a three year high and fifth most in the league - and 39 points from 26 games as his side finished eighth of 14 sides in Ligue Magnus. He re-signed for a second season in 11/12 and added a further 14 goals and 33 points as Chamonix finished third in the league before losing out to Grenoble in the playoff semi-finals - with Lauzon recording five goals and seven points in eight games.

In what would turn out to be his fifth and final season in France, the French-Canadian played alongside fellow new Stingray Omar Pacha, scoring 11 goals - a three year low - while also hitting a three year high in points (45), ending the year as fourth highest pointscorer in the country. Chamonix again progressed to the playoffs having finished fourth but - despite Lauzon recording nine points in seven games -  were shocked in the Quarter Finals losing their five game series 3-2 to 12th seed Epinal.

He ended a very productive spell in the French top flight and indeed France with 46 goals and 117 points in 78 games, giving him an outstanding points-per-game ratio of 1.5 in a league of similar stature to the Elite League albeit significantly shorter in length at 26 games.

An undoubted scoring force at every level he has played at so far, Lauzon's agent, 9 Hockey Management, describes notes his strengths:

"Carl Lauzon is good smooth skating forward who has very good open ice awareness which allows him to bring his team-mates into the game. With a natural touch around the net, Carl has excelled in every league he has played in. A finesse type player, Carl also is fast and uses his quick foot speed to accelerate away from opposition players."

On what will hopefully be his final signing for the 13/14 season, Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier said:

"I am really pleased to be able to pick up Carl. He played on the same team as Omar Pacha last year and he is a skilled player who will add a lot of offence to the line-up. He also played against Guillaume Doucet last season and both players had nothing but good things to say about Carl. He is someone who competes every night and I'm delighted he is joining us."

There are no doubts that Lauzon has been brought in to provide the Stingrays with additional offensive punch. The only questions around his signing will no doubt be how will he compare to Muncy, where in the line-up he will fit in and, indeed, how the side will line-up?

Jason Silverthorn, Derek Campbell and, to a lesser extent, Jereme Tendler all perfectly linked up during the 11/12 campaign, so the inclination may be for Cloutier to reunite them for the upcoming season.

That would leave Lauzon, fellow signing from France Guilllaume Doucet and last season's British revelation Matty Davies at 5'9, 5'9 and 5'6 respectively. That lack of height may dissuade any such line-up and force Cloutier to break up the Silverthorn-Campbell-Tendler partnership. Although it will surely be difficult to break up Silverthorn and Campbell after their chemistry last time around, that may be required in order to spread the club's offence throughout the line-up.

It seems unlikely that the answers to those questions will come and also that Lauzon will make his debut in Wednesday's first pre-season fixture against the Edinburgh Capitals given the timing of his signing announcement. Nevertheless, he should play a part in pre-season prior to the Stingrays 13/14 Elite League season facing off on Saturday 7th September against the Nottingham Panthers and those questions will, no doubt, also be answered in due course.

CARL LAUZON by kikinou84

Stingrays round off 13/14 roster; announce 25th Anniversary game; Dulle done?

The Hull Stingrays line-up for the 2013/2014 Elite Ice Hockey League campaign was all but completed at tonight's fans forum with the announcement from player-coach Sylvain Cloutier that the club has signed up imports Chad Huttel and Matt Suderman, and hometown Brits Lee Bonner and Tom Ralph for the upcoming season.

In 30 year old Suderman it is again a case of Cloutier finally getting his man. The defenceman joins the Stingrays at the second time of asking, having previously agreed to join the club three years ago in 2010 prior to the club's untimely and temporary collapse, eventually joining the Dundee Stars before the Rays resurrection.

A tough defensive defenceman, he has previous experience in the now defunct United Hockey League, Southern Professional Hockey League and, primarily, the Central Hockey League - where he first caught the eye of Cloutier in 08/09 - while he has also spent a season in the Ligue Magnus in France with Morzine-Avoriaz.

A former seventh round draft pick of the Atlanta Thrashers in 2001, the Canadian spent a season north of the border in the Elite League following his spell in France, accumulating a goal and six assists as well as 186 penalty minutes in 57 games. Suderman was an alternate captain in Dundee and impressed enough to agree to return for a second season, only for a serious illness to rule him out of the whole of the 11/12 campaign.

After a year and a half out, he only returned to action in February this year with the SPHL's Mississippi Riverkings - recording an assist in three games - before he was loaned up the North American hockey pyramid for a two game spell in the CHL with the Bloomington Blaze.

At 6'3 and 236lbs, Suderman adds considerable and much needed size and strength to a side who's physical threat was likely to come in the form of Derek Campbell, who will, it is hoped, also be primarily but not solely focused  to produce offensively for the club, player-coach Sylvain Cloutier and fellow defenceman Jeff Smith.

The blueliner is certainly more than happy dropping the gloves if required, having fought on 72 occasions over his junior and professional career - including a high of 12 fights with the CHL's Arizona Sundogs during 07/08. In his last stint in the UK, the rangy Canadian fought on six occasions with two bouts coming against the Stingrays favourite Jozef Sladok.

While his CV from the outset may raise concern - particularly given the amount of time spent out of the sport in the last two seasons - the Canadian is a tough competitor and fills a sizeable hole in the Rays roster. Cloutier will be hoping that Suderman's re-signing turns out better than the last time he re-visited a player initially signed in 2010. On that occasion in 11/12, club captain Josh Mizerek failed to live up to expectations.

Also joining the defensive ranks alongside Suderman, Martin Ondrej, Omar Pasha, Jeff Smith, Jamie Chilcott and Scott Robson on the Rays defence is American blueliner Chad Huttel.

Photo - Sheffield Steelers

Similarly to Suderman, Huttel returns to the UK after time out of the sport. The 24 year old defenceman - who spent his rookie professional campaign with the Sheffield Steelers in 11/12 - joined the Texas based Fort Worth Brahmas on a try-out basis last summer only for an injury to his shoulder to rule him out for the season.

Prior to his three goal, 16 point spell down the M18 two seasons ago, Minnesota native Huttel spent four years at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, recording two goals, eight points and 125 penalty minutes over four seasons and 84 games. He capped a good college career in 10/11 by winning the NCAA national championship in 10/11 with a 3-2 overtime win over Michigan State at the Xcel Enegry Centre in St Paul, Minnesota.

Huttel, centre. Photo Jordan Doffing

Huttel is generally viewed as a gritty, hard working and physical defenceman who plays above his size 5ft 10 frame. In his own words upon signing for Sheffield in 2011:

"I'm a rock solid defenseman. I play things simple, I look to move the puck quickly and get it out of my own zone as fast as possible. I might not be the biggest guy on the team but I love the physical side of the game. I don't back down, I compete. I only know how to give 110%."

The upcoming campaign will be Huttel's second season as a professional as he tries to put the injury problems of last season behind him.

Like Suderman, concerns may be raised over his time out of the sport - and likewise the fragility of a shoulder injury for a physical player - and a lack of offensive production so far in his career - a criticism aimed at him by many fans when he first joined Sheffield. 

However, despite a relative slow start to his professional career in South Yorkshire, Huttel developed into a solid, reliable blueliner in the Elite League in 11/12. Cloutier will be hoping that, with that experience under his belt and the added responsibilities and reliance the Stingrays will naturally put on him, Huttel may prove to be one of the Stingrays most important signings this summer in anchoring the blueline.

Huttel fights former Stingray Andy McKinney. Photo Sheffield Star

The additions of Huttel and Suderman give the Stingrays eight defencemen and 12 imports - including back-up Greg Blais - heading into the 13/14 campaign, thus all but ending any likelihood of popular captain Kurtis Dulle returning to the fold for a fourth season.

Dulle - who looks set to be replaced like-for-like by Pasha - spent three years at the club, recording 26 goals, 80 assists and 106 points as well as a staggering 398 penalty minutes in 151 games. Those figures put the him 14th in Stingrays all-time games played, second in Stingrays all-time pointscored by defenceman and third in Stingrays all-time PIM.

In may ways, it was Dulle's high PIM count that prevented him solidifying his spot as the perfect offensive defenceman. Often guilty of a lack of indiscipline and trying to do too much himself - if anyone can ever be accused of such a thing - Dulle was nevertheless up there as one of the best defencemen the Stingrays have been lucky enough to sign. His and Jereme Tendler's signing late in the 2010 off-season two of the best things to come from the club's near collapse.

As well as two imports, the club also added two Brits on two-way contract to their roster this evening.

16 year old forward Lee Bonner will join the Stingrays for his first taste of professional hockey next season and, although he is highly unlikely to play a significant role on the team, he is very highly thought of as a future prospect by Cloutier and team owner and assistant coach Bobby McEwan. 

Bonner was top scorer for the Stingrays at U16 and U18 level last season and will play the apprentice role as tenth forward that so many, including Bobby Chamberlain who will play an important role on the Rays third line next season, have done in the past.

19 year old defenceman Ralph returns to the Stingrays on a two-way contract with the Whitley Bay Warriors having dressed in four Elite League games as a 17 and 18 year during 10/11 and 11/12.

The Hull born blueliner split last season between the Stingrays NIHL side and the Warriors - recording a goal and 13 assists in 23 games.

Meanwhile, the club also announced this evening a landmark 25th Anniversary game which will take place between the Stingrays and a squad of Hull ice hockey legends on 29th December. Further details of the event will follow but former Hull Thunder fan favourite Rob McCaig and Kingston Hawks defenceman Kelly Reed have already been confirmed as part of the legends team.

Stingrays add depth with Chilcott, Blais and Jackson

The Hull Stingrays today added further defensive depth to their roster for the 2013/2014 Elite Ice Hockey League season with the signing of Hull-born defenceman Jamie Chilcott and re-signing of netminders Greg Blais and Liam Jackson.

British prospect Chilcott returns to his hometown five years after last regularly taking to the Hull Arena ice as part of the Kingston Crunch and Kingston Predators at the age of 15.

After recording 40 points at U16 level with the Predators and 16 points at U18 level with the Crunch in 08/09, the 20 year old moved to Canada to spend two years at the Ontario Hockey Academy - a hockey prep school based in Cornwall, Ontario - where he iced alongside fellow Stingray Bobby Chamberlain during his second year.

After two years north of the border, he moved to America in 2011 to join the Space Coast Hurricanes of the Eastern Junior Hockey League - a third tier American junior league - where he spent time with another Hull product and rumoured Elite League bound forward Jack Musil - who has dominated the EJHL in the last two years with 40 goals and 87 points in 53 games. Based in Rockledge, Florida - 60 miles east of Orlando - Chilcott recorded 49 points in 53 games during two years playing at the SpaceCoast Iceplex.

Having honed his skills during four years in North America, Chilcott is highly regarded in British hockey circles and has been called up to the Great Britain junior programme in each of the last four years - joining the U20's as they were relegated from IIHF U20 Division I Group A in Germany in December.
The signing of the 6ft defenceman brings the Stingrays defensive corps to five following off-season additions of Brit Scott Robson, and imports Omar Pacha, Jeff Smith and Martin Ondrej.

Coach Sylvain Cloutier is nearing the completion of his squad with two further import defencemen and it seems likely the Stingrays will be a much stronger proposition defensively next term - as was his aim early in the off-season - with Chilcott and Robson battling it out for a possible regular shift on the Rays third defensive line.

Meanwhile Blais and Jackson return to the Stingrays as second and third choice netminders for a second and third seasons respectively.

Former Telford Tigers netminder Blais, 32, was signed by Cloutier last summer to provide Bowns with support - both on and off-ice - during his first season in the Elite League and to also fill in for the Sheffield born stopper while away on international duty.

Blais largely impressed between the pipes on the two occasions Bowns was called away to Japan and Latvia with the Great Britain senior side. Despite ending the year with just two wins from five starts, the Canadian keeper stood out in those two wins, posting a 46 save winning effort against the Coventry Blaze in his EIHL debut on 10th November at the Hull Arena while turning away 32 of 33 shots in a win over the Dundee Stars on 9th February. He ended his first season in the Elite League with a 90.0sv% and 3.72 goals against average from eight appearances.

Admittedly, British hockey isn't renowned for it's depth between the pipes, however, in Blais the Rays possess the type of solid, experienced backup that few Elite League sides can boast.

Though it's unlikely he will oust Bowns from the starting spot - although that possibility was discussed amongst fans following his standout debut performance in November -  the extra competition will help keep the Stingrays in the best possible position as far as netminding is concerned and will help develop the country's best young keeper in turn.

Elite League sides will again be restricted to 11 imports during the 13/14 season and with the Stingrays set to use all 11 of those spots on outskating players, Blais - as the club's 12th import - will likely see limited action in the early part of the year and whenever the roster is at full-strength.

As with last season though, Blais will be called upon to back up as and when injuries and suspensions to imports occur, and should Bowns suffer an injury or severe loss of form.

When the Rays are healthy and at full strength as far as imports as concerned, 19 year old netminder Liam Jackson will again fill in as back-up during his third season with the club.

Despite being with the club for the last two seasons, the former Bradford Bulldog only made his Stingrays Elite League debut at the tail end of last season, turning away 15 of 17 shots in 20 minutes of action after Bowns was thrown out of the heated 5-0 loss in Dundee on 17th March.

Smith and Pacha bolster Stingrays blueline

The Hull Stingrays bolstered their defensive corps for 2013/2014 Elite League campaign at tonight's fans forum with the confirmation of Jeff Smith's re-signing and addition of fellow defenceman Omar Pacha.

32 year old former ECHL defenceman Smith - who joined the club last summer from HYS Den Haag - re-signs for his second consecutive term in Hull and third season in the Elite League having totaled three goals and 12 assists along with 104 penalty minutes during 12/13.

While the rangy, 6'6 defenceman was sometimes criticised for his lack of pace in his first season in East Yorkshire, he was, and is, a well liked member of the squad and was clearly well respected and highly thought by fans, coach and teammates alike.

Smith undoubtedly took time to settle in Hull, however, the signing of Martin Ondrej mid-season saw a turnaround in form for the Canadian and the Rays defence as a whole. He went from strength to strength in the second half of the year and capped his season by being named Coaches Player of the Year at the club's end of season awards night and his return was never truly in doubt once he picked up the award.

His calming, friendly veteran influence, reliability, perseverance - having played through injury last season - and physical presence make him a valuable asset to the Stingrays. Crucially - given Cloutier's plans to sign five import defencemen - he is also versatile enough to be able to fill in as forward if and when required having spent time up front throughout his career.

Meanwhile 26 year old offensive blueliner Pacha signs for the Stingrays for his first spell in the UK from French Ligue Magnus side Chamonix - where he led the club and league in points by a defenceman with 30 from 26 games.

The Canadian has been a relatively consistent pointscorer right throughout his career, recording 112 points  in the Quebec based junior leagues QMAA and QJAAHL early in his career before heading to college.

He moved to Castleton State College, based in Vermont, to study marketing between 2008 and 2013 adding 16 goals and 49 points in 67 goals in the second tier of NCAA hockey prior to turning pro in the Southern Professional Hockey League with Huntsville Havoc.

After 70 games and 45 points, spanning just over a season in the SPHL - where he was named in the SPHL All-Rookie and All-SPHL First Team - Pacha was loaned to the Bloomington Blaze of the Central Hockey League in 11/12 - tallying respectable figures of eight goals, 19 assists for 27 points in 51 games.

Pacha had perhaps the best campaign of his career last term during his first year in Europe, hitting seven goals and 30 points to lead all defencemen in points in Ligue Magnus. Chamonix ended the year fourth in the French top flight but were shocked by 12th ranked side Epinal in the playoff quarter finals - losing out by three games to two - with Pacha adding further a goal and five assists.

He becomes the Stingrays second signing from France following the signing of Canadian forward Guillaume Doucet from fellow French Alps based side Morzine-Avoriaz earlier in the off-season.

With the future of captain Kurtis Dulle uncertain - after Cloutier told the Hull Daily Mail earlier this week that "although I'd love to have him back...he couldn't make up his mind what to do " - Pacha's CV and mooted style of play suggests he could potentially end up replacing the Rays captain as the their primary offensive threat from defence if required.

Were Dulle to also return, the Rays would potentially possess one of their strongest bluelines on paper with the defence undergoing a noticeable upgrade from 12/13 offering - which, although relatively solid at times, was particularly tame offensively and on the man advantage following the early season disappointment of Tomas Valecko.

The addition of a fifth blueliner - which is the route Cloutier has confirmed he will likely take, as opposed to an extra import forward - will further strengthen that area of the roster which has clearly been identified for improvement.

Pacha and Smith become the Stingrays eighth and ninth import signings for 13/14.

(Quotes to follow...)

Chamberlain returns home

18 year old British forward Bobby Chamberlain has today returned to the Hull Stingrays for the 13/14 Elite League campaign after spending a year away in North America.

The Hull born prospect left his hometown a year ago to join junior A side Ogden Mustangs of the Western States Hockey League having recorded a goal and three assists as well as 76 penalty minutes in his debut Elite League season in 11/12.

Based in Ogden, Utah and playing in the WSHL Northwest Division at the 2,500 capacity Weber County Ice Sheet alongside fellow Brits David Clements and Ben Russell, Chamberlain enjoyed a successful 12/13 season abroad - having previously spent a year in Canada with the OHA Mavericks in Cornwall, Ontario during 10/11.

During his season in the US the 6'1 forward - who made quite the impact in the Elite League in his rookie campaign - accumulated 15 goals, ten assists, 25 points and, unsurprisingly, 106 penalty minutes in 33 games.

The high point of his campaign came on 5th January as he notched two goals and an assist in an 8-0 rout over Salt Lake City Moose. Typically, Chamberlain also received a roughing penalty and game misconduct on the final buzzer after leaving the bench to get involved physically in an ugly encounter which saw 112 penalty minutes dished out.

The young Brit only appeared in 33 of the Mustangs 46 regular season games due to suspensions but they ended the year with a 45.7% win percentage, winning 18 games. Unfortunately, the Mustangs were disappointingly swept in the first round of the WSHL Playoffs, losing out three games to nil - including a 14-3 blowout at home - to eventual playoff champions the Idaho Junior Steelheads with Chamberlain notching a lone assist.

Following the end of his club season, Chamberlain was also once again selected to the Great Britain U18 squad joining the team for the Division IIA World Championships in Tallin, Estonia during March. Playing alongside future Stingray teammates Sam Towner and Scott Robson, he once again led the U18's from the front with five goals and nine points in just five games as GB ended the tournament in a disappointing fourth place - six points, or two wins, from promotion.

Returning for his second season in the Elite League, he will be hoping to continue where he left off in 11/12 - having noticeably improved and matured game-in, game-out in 11/12, notching his first professional goal against the Nottingham Panthers while adding a handful of assists - something he'll want to build on after a season of added experience across the pond.

A constant pest to opponents, he follows in a long line of young Hull born Brits to have iced for the Stingrays in the fearless, young agitating forward role after Ryan Lake, Dave Phillips and Stevie Lee. In the likely situation - given his role and the way he plays the game - he requires protection next season, Chamberlain will also once again be able to count on the support of Derek Campbell in 13/14, with the Canadian similarly returning to Hull.

Of the signing, coach Sylvain Cloutier said:

“I am really excited to have Bobby back in the group. When he went over to North America I told him my door was always open if and when he wanted to come back. We have kept in touch and I am happy to have him with us again. Bobby will make a bigger impact next season. When he was with us last time he was still very young and played when we had injuries and did well. But he has been training really hard and he is in the gym every day. He plays with an edge, is physical and adds a different dimension to the team. He is older and more mature now and he works hard and competes. There are not too many British players like him.”

Meanwhile, on returning Chamberlain said:

“I am really excited to be back. I went away for a year and it was a good experience for me and I have grown up a little bit. I just felt it was the right time to come back. I am older and stronger now and I want to be effective and be a presence on the ice. I will do whatever it takes to help the team. Clouts and [owner] Bobby [McEwan] have done a great job in building the organisation. The sponsorships have grown and we are getting into the schools. It is a good organisation and it is getting better and better every year.”

The addition further bolsters the Stingrays homegrown numbers with the 18 year old becoming the sixth British signing confirmed after Robson, Towner, Ben Bowns, Matty Davies and Tom Squires, and 10th forward signing of the off-season.

His signature somewhat puts into question the future of Danny Wood - who recorded three assists in 22 games after joining the club in January - and also seems to end any likelihood of former forward Lee Esders returning to the club after two seasons in Sheffield as rumoured.

It is believed that the club will be adding at least one more young British forward from the Kingston Junior Ice Hockey Club to the roster this off-season with 16 year old Lee Bonner highly thought of and a possible target after impressing at the Conference Weekend held at Hull Arena last weekend.

'Soupy' surprise as five join for 13/14

The Hull Stingrays tonight announced the addition of import Guillaume Doucet, the surprise return of Derek Campbell and the re-signing of Brits Scott Robson, Sam Towner and Tom Squires for the 13/14 Elite League campaign.

26 year old forward Doucet joins the Stingrays after spending the last two seasons with French Alps based side Morzine-Avoriaz Penguines in the French top flight - where he notched 21 goals and 40 points in 52 games.

The New Brunswick native has produced offence right throughout his career notching 84 goals and 178 points in three years in junior (QMJHL) and 53 goals and 108 points in 112 Canadian college games with McGill University prior to his two years in France.

He capped his two years in France as Morzine-Avoiraz's second top pointscorer in the 12/13 playoffs - behind former Belfast and Coventry forward Evan Cheverie - as the Penguines were knocked out by Rouen at the Quarter Final stage.

A diminutive, speedy winger with an eye for goal, Doucet - who is also a former teammate of Great Britain international Colin Shields - has been brought in by coach Sylvain Cloutier to provide the kind of secondary scoring that the Stingrays lacked last season as the league's lowest scorers.

“Guillaume came highly recommended by a lot of people I spoke to. He is a very good skater, smart and will add scoring to our team. The feedback I got was positive. He is a good team-mate and a great guy to have in the dressing room. He is not a big guy but he is a competitor and comes to work every night. As a coach that is all I can ask. He is going to be a big part of our team."

While Doucet's addition may prove to be the most important signing on the night, the big surprise of the night was reserved for the return of playmaker-turned-enforcer Campbell - who rejoins the club after a season away split between the English Premier League and Elite League.

The now 33 year old Canadian wrote his name into Hull Stingrays folklore during the 11/12 EIHL Playoffs, recording a hat-trick that led the club to their first ever Playoff Semi-Final berth with in a memorable 5-2 second leg Quarter Final victory against Yorkshire rivals the Sheffield Steelers. Campbell went on to end that short but historic and unforgettable post-season with five goals and two assists in three games as the Stingrays were defeated by Nottingham at the Semi-Final stage.

Having left the Stingrays last summer, largely due to the uncertainty surrounding the club, he joined the EPL's Sheffield Steeldogs alongside Dmitri Rodin and hit nine goals and 24 points in 24 games. He was released by the Ice Sheffield based side just prior to Christmas as the club looked to "re-evaluate things" after an awful start to a season in which they were expected to compete for silverware.

The Steeldogs rivals the Manchester Phoenix - who originally brought the Ontario native to the UK from the ECHL - then quickly snapped up the player post-Christmas. He went on to light up the EPL offensively while on a short-term contract with Tony Hand's side, scoring an incredible seven goals and seven assists in just eight games.

After leaving Manchester, another former club the Coventry Blaze - where he lifted the 09/10 EIHL title - came calling. Having recorded a further five goals and 11 assists in 20 games with the Blaze, Campbell ended the 12/13 regular season with a fight against Stingray favourite Ryan Hand in a defeat on the last day of the season. He came good in the playoffs again this season, scoring a goal and two assists in four post-season games as the Blaze, like the Stingrays a year earlier, fell at the Semi-Final stage of the playoffs.

As strong on the puck as any that has ever dressed in Stingrays colours, it will be hoped that Campbell - who himself boasts an impressive point scoring record in the EIHL with 106 goals and 324 points in 338 games - will once again ice pair up with Jason Silverthorn, with whom he brilliantly combined with during the 11/12 campaign.

Although he largely shied away from the physical stakes last season, both of his fights co-incidentally came against the Stingrays at the Hull Arena with the latter the aforementioned fight on the last day of the regular season in which he was given little choice but to fight. Awkwardly, the first of those fights came on 3rd February against former teammate and, now, future teammate Martin Ondrej - who has already re-signed to the Stingrays for 13/14.

While not his primary role on a team that needs offence from every crevice, Campbell's addition adds some toughness to a side that, it is believed, may not be retaining the services of enforcer Hand. While Hand is and will remain a fan favourite, Campbell would be a much needed upgrade offensively with the ability to mix it up if required.

There are and have been vocal and insistent critics of the seven year Elite League veteran at most of the club's he has played for. Much of that criticism is directed his way because of his, at times, lethargic appearance and style of play, and his tendency to drift in and out of games, however, it must be noted that, while those critics may have a point, they are often at their loudest when Campbell is doing his damage when returning to their club (aka one of his five former sides).

With that said few can doubt his commitment to the cause or the end product at Elite League level with two championship titles, 324 points in 338 games and 1389 penalty minutes to his name. Indeed, while his form (some say interest) over a game may fluctuate, it is those moments of inspiration, strength and skill that have defined Campbell's career, and that is best applied to his season in Hull.

Of 'Soupy' rejoining the club for a second season Cloutier said:

“I am really excited to have Soupy back. He was a big part of our team the season before. He scored that hat-trick in Sheffield which got us to the final four weekend. He was disappointed with how that ended and he wants to help us go to the next level. Soupy has nearly a point a game in the Elite League, he is one of the toughest players in the league and he competes. He has won a couple of Elite League titles, he knows what it takes to win and he is an experienced guy who is gong to be a big plus to our team."

Brits Robson, Towner and Squires all return for their second full campaigns in Hull following differing maiden seasons in the city.

Squires joined the Stingrays in November from English Premier League side Sheffield Steeldogs after a disappointing spell in which he recorded just three assist in 13 games.

The 22 year old - who worked his way through the ranks in Sheffield during the first seven years of his career - provided the Stingrays with some much needed British EIHL experience, an area they were particularly lacking in from the outset, having spent 105 games with the Sheffield Steelers between 2010 and 2012.

Ice-time and opportunities were limited for the former Great Britain junior international during his time with the Steelers but Cloutier gave him a regular shift with the Stingrays allowing the Sheffield born foward to produce seven goals and 12 assists for 19 points in 44 games.

His re-signing, as well as that of Matty Davies and Ben Bowns, gives the Stingrays a good platform of established British players at Elite League level with one or two more expected before the off-season ends. Like Bowns and Davies - who have both been recognised by Great Britain coach Tony Hand - Cloutier now expects Squires to make the step up to the next level:

"Tom has what it takes to make that next step up. He proved what he could do when he joined us in November last season and he will be a better player next year. With Tom and Matty Davies we have a couple of exciting young British players who can go on and play for the national team. I know Tom can produce for us, he has a nice touch around the net, but he has also improved defensively and I can also rely on him in key situations."

Meanwhile the re-signing of  17 year old defenceman Robson and 18 year old forward Towner gives Cloutier a pair of prospects for the future albeit with a thriving junior section likely to produce more in the coming seasons.

The pair served their apprenticeships icing for the under-18's and English National League Stingrays - where they recorded 11 points in 14 games and five points in three games respectively -  while also making fleeting appearances for the senior side.

Neither has yet recorded their first Elite League goal - though Towner did score in last season's pre-season friendly against the Sheffield Steeldogs and had two assists to his name in the EIHL - but that will surely change in the coming season as their ice-time increases.

While Towner saw more ice-time over the course of the 12/13 season, Robson possibly made the biggest single game impact when presented with his first regular shift in final day victory over the Coventry Blaze, not looking out of place on Elite League ice.

There is still time aplenty for both players to develop and there is certainly no urgency in rushing them into regular action - particularly so young, when it can potentially have an adverse affect on their futures -  however, Cloutier has been encouraged by the starts they have made to their senior careers.

"Sam is still young but he has a lot of potential and we will be looking to give him more ice time next season. How much he gets is down to him. He came in and never let anyone down last year. He will be more mature next season, he will be working extremely hard during the summer to bulk up and it is up to him to take advantage next year."

"Scott is another youngster with a lot of potential. He maybe didn’t play as much as he would have liked last season but we didn’t want to rush him. He did a great job when he did get his chance and, like Sam, he will be bigger and stronger next season and can really push on."

These five signings boost the Stingrays roster for 13/14 to 11 with netminder Bowns, defenceman Ondrej and forwards Cloutier, Silverthorn, Jereme Tendler and Matty Davies already signed up with the off-season little more than four weeks old.

Ondrej to return for third season

Photo courtesy Dean Woolley

It was announced prior to the Hull Stingrays victorious final game of the 12/13 season last night that Slovakian defenceman Martin Ondrej has re-signed for a third season with the club.

The hard hitting 6'1 blueliner has become a staple of the Stingrays blueline this season as one of the club's most consistent performers, posting two goals, 13 assists and 60 penalty minutes in 45 games after replacing countryman Tomas Valecko early in the season.

Originally signed from Italian second division side Milano Rossoblu in 2011, Ondrej took time to settle in Hull last season and struggled, particularly positionally, early in his first season in the country. He eventually found his form towards the tail end of the 11/12 campaign and produced some of his best hockey when it mattered most in the EIHL Playoffs as the Rays made the semi-finals for the first time.

Despite interest from Sylvain Cloutier last summer, Ondrej initially opted to remain in his hometown Presov in Slovakia due to personal reasons icing in seven games.

The release of Valecko after a disappointing spell in which he recorded just four points in 12 games then opened the door for the 29 year old to make his return in October.

Upon re-joining the club Ondrej started where he left off at the end of 11/12 season and immediately shored up a leaky defence that would go on to have one of the club's best seasons statistically. The 185 goals conceded in 52 games this season is the Rays second best showing in the Elite League after the club's debut campaign in which they conceded 11 fewer in 54 games during 06/07 under Rick Strachan.

Ondrej was close to, if not the club's best, most consistent defenceman last season and the difference between the first half of his first season and second half of his second season is night and day

Renowned for his big hits and a good outlet pass from defence, Ondrej will return for his third season in Hull during 13/14 and Cloutier is hoping he will continue his upturn in form:

"Marty has been great for us this year. He rebounded from last season. He knew this was his chance to prove himself and he has done that. Now we need him to build on this season and get even better next year. He is a key part of this club and he is going to help us move forward. We have a good core back already and we are going to work hard this summer to make sure we bring the right guys in."

Ondrej joins player-coach Cloutier, netminder Ben Bowns, topscorer Jereme Tendler, Matty Davies and Jason Silverthon on the Rays roster for 13/14

Davies re-signs for 13/14

The Hull Stingrays have today announced the re-signing of standout British forward Matty Davies for the 2013/2014 Elite League campaign.

The 23 year old diminutive centre has had a breakout season with the Stingrays accumulating seven goals, 36 assists and 43 points in 55 games so far during his fourth year in the Elite League.

That points total puts the Hull native 5th amongst British players in the Elite League in points and has also catapulted him into Great Britain national team contention with coach Tony Hand naming him as a reserve for GB's Olympic Qualification tournament in Latvia.

Having posted totals of 10, 20 and 17 points in each of the last three years - in between which was sandwiched a minor fallout with coach Sylvain Cloutier in 2010 - Davies' rise to prominence has been meteoric this season as he has played a big part in the club's success.

Despite his lack of physical presence at 5'6, Davies has been a regular on the scoresheet thanks to his combination of speed, skill and playmaking abilities - creating a formidable partnership with American forward Dominic Osman.

The retention of British players like Davies, GB netminder Ben Bowns and the rumoured re-signing of Sheffield born forwards Tom Squires and Danny Wood is key for the Stingrays in a league in which British players and British depth is often seen as the key to success.

This re-signing - particularly after such an impressive career year - is therefore something of a coup for the Rays and Cloutier with experienced up-and-coming British players in high demand.

On re-signing Davies admitted that it "wasn't a tough decision" to re-sign for the 2013/2014 season with the club heading in the right direction:

"...As I've always said I wanted to play for Stingrays. It's not just because I'm local and it means something to me, I just like where the club has come from since Sylvain joined it. I think we have progressed every season and a lot of people understand that. It's been hard this season because Bobby McEwan is in his first year as owner, but I think it looks promising for the future. I just want to keep building my own career and keep helping the club to build."

Cloutier has evidently made a lightning quick start to recruitment for next season, ensuring the core of his squad are signed up as early as possible. Of his latest addition, the Rays player-coach said:

"Matty's one of our key core guys and wears the Stingrays' shirt with pride, so he was one of the priorities to get signed up. He has developed well as a player and can put numbers up for us, and we expect him to do that again next season. We've been together here for four years and he's comfortable with me as a coach so it was an easy decision to invite him back again.

Silverthorn two-year deal revealed

The Hull Daily Mail has today revealed that Hull Stingrays forward Jason Silverthorn signed a two-year contract with the club last summer and will therefore return next season for his fifth Elite League campaign in the city.

The 33 year old has been a key part of the Rays offence in each of the last four seasons after replacing the departing forward Matt Reynolds early in the 09/10 season, accumulating 91 goals and 230 points in 210 games along the way.

One of the most consistent and experienced performers, his confirmed second season will see him join fellow returnees Ben Bowns and line-mate Jereme Tendler on Stingrays 2013/2014 roster so far, again under the tutelage of player-coach Sylvain Cloutier.

Despite speculation linking the Stingrays coach to the vacant role at former club Coventry Blaze, the 38 year old is committed to the second year of his two year deal - which was confirmed in late February - and he has already begun building his squad for next season:

"No one from Coventry has contact me. I am under contract to coach here. My home is in Hull. As far as I am concerned, I've already started to build the Stingrays for next season and that's what I'm doing right now."

Cloutier also revealed to the Mail that defenceman Shane Lovdahl is likely to retire from the sport in the off-season, possibly alongside Dmitri Rodin - who it is believed would like to take up a position coaching - and that Martin Ondrej could be set for a third season in Hull next year.

Cloutier, Bowns and Tendler to return for 13/14

The Hull Stingrays have this evening announced the retention of three key players for the 2013/2014 Elite Ice Hockey League season.

At tonight's fans forum it was confirmed by owner Bobby McEwan that player-coach Sylvain Cloutier, starting netminder Ben Bowns and topscorer Jereme Tendler would all be returning for the second year of two-year contracts signed.

The return of Cloutier as player-coach will extend his playing career to an incredible 19th season and fifth in East Yorkshire.

While his offensive contributions have varied over the last four years from low of 24 points in 09/10 - after a year in retirement - to a high of 47 in 10/11, his effort, passion and commitment to the club remains unquestioned and unwavering both on and off-ice. Indeed, while there's absolutely no question his career is winding down, even as the club's oldest player and the league's second oldest player Cloutier - who has recorded 11 goals and 27 points in 50 games so far this season - has proved he can still play a role at EIHL level.

Though the Stingrays currently prop up the EIHL in bottom spot and, therefore, seem unlikely to reach any new milestones for the first time in four years, the difference between that bottom spot and another year of improvement is as marginal as a handful of shootout losses.

The seven defeats in seven games via the lottery of penalty shots and two overtime defeats have proved the difference for Cloutier the coach in an incredibly tight and much improved Gardiner Conference this season.

Nevertheless, while the club may not break any obvious milestones on-ice this season, reaching the end of the season is a huge success given the club's predicament this summer, and that's certainly not to say there was ever any doubt they'd reach the end of the year.

Given some of the off-ice issues that have occurred in the past, Cloutier's role in the initial signing of players like Tendler and, ultimately, the retetion of such players year-on-year are down to the man himself and for that he must also be praised.

The return of the 39 year old's passion for the club and the continuity his return brings can only be a good thing in the long run for the Stingrays.

Here's a novel idea....perhaps this off-season he'll be afforded the luxury of a full and proper summer of preparation with no uncertainty for just the second time during his stint in Hull.

While the current season rumbles on, Cloutier has already had to start thinking about re-signing the core of this season's squad - albeit from reports it may not have taken much to convince Tendler to rejoin.

The 29 year old forward currently leads the Elite League with 39 goals in 50 games and has agreed to return for his fourth season in Stingrays colours having racked up at least 125 goals and 203 points in 162 games. Tendler is fast becoming a cult hero at the club and currently requires just 17 goals to become the club's all-time leading goalscorer, taking over from club legend Jeff Glowa - who notched 137 goals in 298 appearances between 2004 and 2010.

The Canadian's goalscoring exploits are unmatched and his return is a huge boost to a club that, prior to his signature from Central Hockey League side Corpus Christi IceRayz in 2010, perennially struggled in the goalscoring column. As pure a goalscorer as you're likely to see in the Elite League, few would bet against him continuing to hit the twine again next season.

Netminder Bowns is undoubtedly another encouraging re-signing for the club.

The former Sheffield Steeldog made his Elite League debut as the Stingrays number one this season at the age of just 21 and has very rarely looked out of place - recording a 3.49 goals against average and 90.1sv.% after 46 games.

Touted as the future Great Britain number one netminder, he made his debut for the national team in Latvia on 10th February in the final Olympic qualifiers. Though he allowed two very early goals against a talented Kazakhstan side that outclassed GB in all areas, he showed astounding maturity to rebound and stop 36 of 42 shots in a 6-0 defeat - showed all the qualities that will likely seem him take over Stephen Murphy's job as number one in future.

Aside from top scorers like Tendler, the other commodity a club like the Stingrays regularly struggle to retain is up-and-coming British players. Players like Stevie Lee and Dave Phillips have all left the club in the past quite rightly seeking to improve their careers and there's no doubting the same will eventually happen with Bowns.

Nevertheless, it's a testament to his commitment and dedication that, while other club's would no doubt have been interested this summer, he wants to return to for his second season in Hull and continue his development.

With confirmation that the EIHL import limit will remain at 11 for 13/14 season, Bowns' addition means that the Stingrays will have the luxury of signing 11 outskating imports - something of an advantage over most sides in the league.