Stingrays to get a helping Hand in 12/13

The Hull Stingrays have today confirmed the long-mooted signing of Canadian enforcer Ryan Hand from the Central Hockey League's Texas Brahmas.

The 27 year old - who prefers to play D but can also move up front - brings his considerable physical prowess and enforcing abilities to the Elite League having scored a goal and three assists in 50 games in the CHL last season, adding 122 penalty minutes.

90 of those 122 minutes spent in the penalty box last term stem from the 18 fighting majors he received in bouts against the likes of former Cardiff Devils defenceman Justin Sawyer and Manchester Phoenix forward Brett Clouthier - whom he fought on five separate occasions last season.

Indeed, it was a fight with Phoenix fan favourite and Allen American Cloutier - who also had a spell in Sheffield with the Steelers - that made national headlines, as the pair dropped the gloves pre-game during the ceremonial puck drop of a game between the Brahmas and Americans in April.

Hand - who at 27 has spent 123 games in the CHL, 23 in the ECHL and 66 in the LNAH - has 181 fights to his name in a four year junior career and six year senior career against some of the biggest names in fighting at minor league level including Louis Bedard, Derek Parker, Brandon Sugden and Jon Mirasty.

His career high for fights in a season is 38, set during his second professional season and second season in the renowned LNAH - a predominantly fight based league based in Quebec, Canada. Last season's 18 fights rank third in season career highs for the Ottawa, Ontario native.


With just five goals and 14 assists to his name in more than 220 senior appearances, there will understandably be questions posed once again about the role of the enforcer in the EIHL and whether Hand is a sensible use of a vital import spot. 


However, Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier is confident the 6'1, 181lbs enforcer will play an important role in the Elite League.

"I am extremely excited to have Hand on board. The guy competes, he works hard and battles for his team-mates. He is willing to do anything for the team and from the first time we spoke on the phone I knew I wanted him on my team. Ryan is my type of player, a guy that comes to work every night and you can count on. He will  bring a physical part to our team that we haven't had in a few years, it's a great addition to our team and he can play both forward and D. He will be one of our leaders and he will hold guys accountable"

While there will undoubtedly be both skeptics and critics over the addition of a player who has more than 1200 PIM's to his name, it remains to be seen whether Hand can thrive given a regular shift.

The Stingrays have a particularly spotted history when it comes to signing enforcers and so observers will perhaps be forgiven for being a little apprehensive to begin with.

Delving into the club's short nine year history brings up the name of past enforcers Simon Rizk and Jonathan Bernier. Signed a season apart, Canadians Rizk and Jonathan Bernier were signed by Rick Strachan for the 06/07 and 07/08 campaigns respectively and possessed similar resumes to that of the Rays latest addition - joining from the CHL with high PIM's and low points totals.

Looking to move to Europe to free themselves from the enforcing role which they had been pigeonholed during their early careers in North America, they both failed to make the grade in the EIHL with Rizk released after seven games, one fortuitous goal and 23 penalty minutes while Bernier quit after just four games, no points and nine PIM's.

On the other hand, Cloutier's first out-and-out enforcer Adam Knight was perhaps the club's most successful signing in the role during the player-coaches first season in charge, 09/10.

Although Knight had previously had a high scoring four year spell in the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, he had been similarly restricted to the enforcing role during a season in the CHL prior to moving to the UK - which he split between Colorado Eagles and New Mexico Scorpions - scoring two goals, two assists and 153 PIM over 58 games.

Unlike Rizk and Bernier, Knight - who was also the last out-and-out enforcer signed by the Rays - went on to relish the role in the British top flight becoming a solid depth import, notching seven goals, 20 assists and 121 PIM's while retaining his enforcing duties when called upon - fighting now former Stingray Derek Campbell, Brad Voth and Sean McMorrow three times each.

Campbell himself, while not an out and out fighter, was another example of a 'useful' enforcer at EIHL level because he, like Knight, did not by any means rely solely on his physical abilities. The longevity of Hand's spell in the UK very much depend on his ability to provide the Stingrays with more than just scrapping ability.

The very early signs are at least somewhat positive though.

Much like Knight, Hand comes to the UK labelled a utility player that can fill on both up front or in defence when required - a useful trait for any player and one that indicates teams have had the confidence to play him in a defensive role in the past. He has also chipped in with a few goals throughout his career, though granted not bucket loads - something Rizk could not boast with just one goal to his name.

Nevertheless, as Cloutier touches on in the press release, and no doubt will talk about further as the season draws in, Hand has not been brought in to simply entertain - though I'm sure he will. He will "hold guys accountable" and will ensure teams do not take liberties with the Stingrays - in particular goalscoring threats Jereme Tendler, Janis Ozolins and Jason Silverthorn - in the upcoming season, something that could turn out to be a momentous task given some signings so far this summer.

EIHL rivals the Coventry Blaze have set their stall out early and tough so far this off-season and lead the way in the toughness stakes. They have so far signed capable fighters Mike Danton, Benn Olsen, Mike Egener and Gerome Giudice - while former Nottingham Panthers enforcer Alex Penner is another rumoured be  signing. Elsewhere, Belfast have the 230 PIM man and all-around entertainer Adam Keefe, Nottingham possess new signing Jason Beckett and Cardiff have signed Tyson Marsh.

Hand's 'handiness' in the fighting stakes could well be a pivotal factor in the Rays season, particularly in the intimidation stakes and games against Southern Conference sides.

The main question marks over Hand's signing are; can he step up his game with the increased ice-time in comparison to North America e.g. Adam Knight? If not, can the Rays afford to use one of their 11 available import slots on an out-and-out enforcer? Stingrays fans, I'm sure, are hoping the answers are an emphatic yes and yes. Rizk and Bernier are evidence enough of what may happen if the answers are no and no.

If all else fails, at least it's likely the Rays will have one of the most entertaining, toughest and fearless players in the league when the EIHL returns in September.


See below for an interview by the Fort Worth Examiner's Troy Depue in which Hand unsurprisingly talks about his favourite fights, fighting style and beliefs as well as his abilities as a player:

Hull Stingrays 2008-2009 Season Review: At The Back

Netminders

Curtis Cruickshank (58GP 88.6%SV)- The Canadian (above) failed to reproduce the form that saw him highly thought of in Elite League stints with Nottingham and Basingstoke. Although he had solid periods of play, normally against the top four, he let in so many soft goals that it may have ended up costing the team a playoff spot. Last year Ladislav Kudrna was berated for his lack of consistency, this year all is forgotten, Ladi, as Cruickshank's consistent errors cost the team dear.

Grade: D-
Should he return: No

Andy Jaszcyzk (10GP 81.5%SV)- Being an EIHL backup is a tough job. Most of the time it involves sitting on the pine for the majority of the season, however when Jaszcyzk stepped onto the ice to guard the goal in relief of Cruickshank, he showed composure and the young goalie should definately return to gain further experience next season.
Grade: C
Should he return: Yes

Defence

Troy Neumeier (35GP 3+10=13 42PIM)- Neumeier (above) made it his ambition to get the Stingrays into the playoffs, in what he knew was his final season in the sport, however his one man crusade ended in disappointment, with the team missing out yet again. At 38, and following an injury layoff mid-season, his legs began to go at the tail end of the season, resulting in a number of hooking and holding penalties, but Neumeier will be remembered for his solid defensive work, drive and passion to get the team to the promised land, the playoffs. His retirement is thoroughly deserved.
Grade: C
Should he return: No

Stuart Kerr (24GP 0+6=6 71PIM)- After improving in each of his 24 games for the club, and endearing himself to fans with a toe-to-toe fight against former NHLer Chris McAllister, Kerr's season unexpectedly succumbed to a continuing knee problem. The injury, which he attempted to return from on a number of occasions, eventually saw him sit out 36 games after going down in November and denied fans the chance to see a player improving with increased ice time.
Grade: C-
Should he return: No

Paul Moran (30GP 0+11=11 36PIM)- Moran's season was decimated by a shoulder injury that has dogged his career. After the loss of Stevie Lee, Luke Boothroyd and Dave Phillips in pre-season, he provided the Stingrays with a much needed British defenceman and, despite a rough patch of form, was largely solid.
Grade: C-
Should he return? Yes

Pavel Gomenyuk (56GP 13+29=42 78PIM)- Gomenyuk (above) rebounded from a dismal 06/07 season with the Stingrays to have a phenomenal 08/09, recording career highs in goals, assists and points as well as a high in points for a Stingrays defenceman. The Ukrainian, like every other Stingrays defenceman, suffered from the odd injury scare, but that did not hinder some fantastic performances both offensively and defensively. His offensive capabilities, which saw him score 13 goals, provided the Stingrays with some attacking force, on a team that, in pre-season, looked like it had none.
Grade: B+
Should he return? Yes

Aaron Wilson (50GP 2+17=19 57PIM)- Recommended by Stuart Kerr, Wilson came in as a big physical defenceman but left as let down. It was a case of almost opposites when descrbing Wilson pre and post signing. Not physical, even soft, and mistake riddled, highlighted by his awful own goal in the Stingrays final game of the season, much more was expected from Wilson. In fact it comes as no surprise that his best game in a Rays jersey came in his most physical encounter, against the Newcastle Vipers, where he bullied the Vipers, even beating EIHL pantomime villain Andre Payette in a scrap.
Grade: D-
Should he return? No

Antti Turunen (20GP 1+4=5 18PIM)- Turunen (above) was brought into the Stingrays at possibly the worst time for himself, with the team in the pits of an injury crisis. That injury crisis saw him come up smelling of roses, performing admirably during times of strife. His tenacious hounding of the puck carrier, grit and determination were what fellow defenceman, Aaron Wilson, missed, and is what made him so popular. He capped his 20 games stint with a much deserved first goal in the Stingrays penultimate game of the season.
Grade: B-
Should he return? Yes

Steve Slonina (60GP 9+31=40 88PIM)- Slonina (above) came in as a forward, and his first dozen games were distinctly average, however 40 games, and a switch to defence, later, Slonina deservedly ended his season as the Stingrays defenceman and player of the year. He, like Turunen, had a never say die style of play that endeared him to fans, but he, alongside Pavel Gomenyuk, also provided the team with offensive capabilities from defence. His ability to rush the puck forward as well as be solid at the back, was previously unseen in a Stingrays jersey and his signature for next season will be hot property.
Grade: B
Should he return? Yes

MIA

Jonathan Bernier (4GP 0+0=0 9PIM)- He played just four equally awful games for the Rays before bizarrely quitting the team for the AHL. He allegedly provided the Stingrays with toughness, which they already possessed in Rick Kozak, and his positioning as a top four defenceman was horrific. Needless to say that his AHL tryout quickly turned into a short stint in the ECHL before being demoted to the CHL with his former side, the Wichita Thunder.
Grade: E
Should he return? No

Richie Thornton (5Gp 0+0=0 4PIM)- Signed on a two way contract to give the team some depth in the midst of injuries to Kerr, Moran and Neumeier, and largely did his job. Went missing for a number of games, presumably because he had other commitments with his other contract or his job out of hockey, but gave the team some help when they most needed it.
Grade: D+
Should he return? Yes

*Photos all courtesy Arthur Foster

Jonathan Bernier quits Stingrays in shock move to AHL

The Excel Hull Stingrays crazy start to the season has continued. Following four straight losses, a 3 week injury and a 10 game suspension, enforcer, and 4th defenceman, Jonathan Bernier has quit the team to sign in the American Hockey League with an, as yet, unknown team.

There is good news however, two pieces of good news infact. That comes in the form of injured defenceman Paul Moran, who has returned to training following a 3 week layoff after sustaining a dislocated shoulder in pre-season action against the Sheffield Steelers. Moran will most likely be brought back into action earlier than expected after the departure of Bernier, who, wait for it this is the second piece of good news....is paying for his own flight back to North America. The Stingray owners Mike and Sue Pack must be delighted.

On a more serious note, with the subtraction of Bernier, a tough Stingrays side might, just might be able to sign a better player in his place. It remains to be seen, but the search for a replacement defenceman began immediately after Bernier handed in his notice today (Friday).

Of course this is not the first time the Rays have fallen foul to a CHL (Central Hockey League) player quitting the team after gaining match fitness in Europe with the Rays before returning to North America. Bernier follows in the, considerably larger and more skilled, footsteps of Craig Minard and Scott Wray. Two Stingray standouts and two players who returned to the minor leagues in the USA after a matter of weeks in the UK.

Bernier doing what he, apparently, did best

Stingrays co-owner Sue Pack had this to say to the Hull Daily Mail:

"Jon came into training and announced he'd got an AHL contract and that he'd booked his flight for Saturday and was flying home.""You put an awful lot of effort into getting guys in, so you are always disappointed. But experience has taught us that if players don't want to be here and want to leave then it's not worth wasting your breath over trying to persuade them to stay. Besides, when a guy says' I've booked a flight for tomorrow' it's pretty much a done deal."

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.