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Steelers Make it to Euro Finals

29/11/2009

Bolzano (Italy) 3-4 Sheffield (After overtime and penalty shots)
HDK Maribor (Slovenia) 4-5 Sheffield
Sheffield 4-3 The Hague (Holand)

The Sheffield Steelers became the first Elite League side to make it through to the Continental Cup Euro Hockey Finals after wining their semi final group beating the favourites and host club Bolzano on Sunday evening 4-3 with Jeff Hubbauer scoring the wining penalty shot

Steelers took an early 2-0 lead with strikes from Robert Dowd and Joe Talbot before the Italians pulled a goal back just before the break

Bolzano then hit two 2nd period goals to lead 3-2 before Talbot his his 2nd to tie the game at 3-3

With no further goals in the final period the game went into overtime and then penalty shots. Jeff Legue scored the Steelers first shot and Andrew Verner then saved Bolzano's first attempt. Joe Talbot failed to convert his penalty shot with Bolzano scoring to tie the shoot out 1-1

Jeff Hubbauer then scored and Verner made an incredible save to send the Steelers into the history books and to the Euro finals in January.

Note: The Continental Cup Finals take place in Grenoble, France on January 15^th to 17^th, where Steelers will face the host club Grenoble, Minsk (Belarus) and Salzburg (Austria)

Report from EIHL website

 

Welch and Lefebvre join the Capitals

18/11/2009

Edinburgh Capitals are pleased to be able to announce that they have already secured two new players, Marc Lefebvre and Dan Welch. Both players have spent time in the Elite Ice Hockey League.

Doug Christiansen is very pleased with the new signings and commented, "Dan Welch has the ability to be a premier player in this league. He has proved it before when he finished 8th in the league in scoring in 2005-2006. His trademark is his speed. He can get to loose pucks and will be a fixture on our power play and penalty kill.  

"Marc Lefebvre is a player who is going to provide energy and will be a solid defensive player for us. He skates well and can play center or wing. Marc knows the league well, having played three years in the EIHL, and should step in seamlessly.

"Marc and Dan were roommates in 2005-2006 in Coventry and will be two welcomed additions to our team.  The injuries we have sustained have really hurt us from the first game of the season. This addition allows us to have a stronger team immediately and the ability to play 3 lines."

Christiansen also praised the efforts of the fans and the Edinburgh Capitals Supporters Club in helping raise funds for new players. He said, "I would personally like to thank our fans, the Supporters Club, and especially Jim McCrae, for their dedication in bringing in Dan Welch. Jim's tireless efforts have paved the way for this to happen. The fans have almost raised all of the money for the the flight and work permit(just a little to go to reach the goal!). I can honestly say, without their contributions, Dan would not be a Capital. 

"I am looking forward to seeing if our fans can top "Smokin Joe Appreciation Society" as a nickname! Whatever the group names themselves they are invited to meet Dan, Marc, and a few other Capitals at the Murrayfield Hotel at 6pm Wednesday 25th of November. Come down and meet the new players."

Report from Capitals website

THE ROCK joins the Panthers

05/11/2009

Top of the table Nottingham Panthers have acted to boost their squad with the addition of former first round draft pick Mario Larocque

The six feet three inch Canadian defenceman could make his debut as early as this weekend.

Paperwork and flights are being organised for the French-Canadian who has played in Austria and Italy as well as the top professional leagues in North America.

In 1998-99 he played five games “in the show” for the Tampa Bay Lightning who drafted him 16^th overall in 1996.

Super Mario has played in the AHL, IHL ECHL and the UHL. He is known to several of the current Panthers’ squad and played for Fort Wayne in 2006-07 where he scored 27 goals and had 40 assists and 231 penalty minutes in their championship winning season.

Larocque was named defenceman of the league and his team. He was also the first defenceman to score that many goals.

Last year the 31-year-old played in Italy and then Austria.

GMB Panthers coach Corey Neilson said of his latest signing : “He is going to help the team. He is a solid defenceman with good skills and can play as tough as is needed. He’s going to help us consolidate our season.”

A decision will be made on who will make room for Larocque shortly when the club’s injury problems are more clear-cut.

Meanwhile British utility player James Ferrara has been released but the GMB Panthers are hoping to re-sign him on a two-way contract with a team in the English Premier League and negotiations are on-going on that front.

The club wishes to place on record its thanks to “Feds” for his efforts in recent years and praised him for always giving his best regardless of which position he was asked to jump into. It is hoped that a spell ‘in the minors’ will help him progress and the door is not closed on a career with the Nottingham organisation.

Report from Panthers website

 

Capitals sign Jeff Hutchins

22/10/2009

Edinburgh Capitals are pleased to announce the signing of Jeff Hutchins. The addition of Hutchins was made possible by the generosity of Ivan and Morven Leader. The Leader's are the former owners of the Castle Arms and were last seasons title sponsor. They chose to support Help for Heroes with their sponsorship. They are planning on opening a new restaurant in the city centre soon. The details of the new restaurant will be released shortly!

Doug Christiansen, coach for the Edinburgh Capitals, said, "Jeff Hutchins is a very well known player in the EIHL. When you sign Jeff you know what you are getting. He is a proven scorer who plays with a mean streak. He goes to the dirty areas and gets his goals by battling hard in front. He has the ability to play center or wing and that really gives us a lot of flexibility. His a player who is not afraid to stand up for a teammates or himself. 

Jeff is looking to make Edinburgh home and is excited about playing on a team with the talent we have.  Jeff will be training tonight in preparation for his return to the House of Steel."

Jeff Hutchins commented on his return to the Capitals, "I think Edinburgh is on the brink of doing some great things. I am just hoping to come in and help the team win some games. I am really excited about playing my old team on Saturday and again on Tuesday. This should be a great week.

Report from Capitals website

Stingrays move for Halkidis

20/10/2009

Hull Stingrays are pleased to announce the signing of Canadian defenceman George Halkidis.

The 27-year-old native of Newmarket, Ontario, has signed from Port Huron Icehawks of the International Hockey League and will make his debut in Saturday’s Challenge Cup tie against Coventry Blaze at Hull Arena. Halkidis has also spent time in the ECHL, Central Hockey League and Italy since turning professional in 2003.

Player-coach Sylvain Cloutier said: “He is an offensive defenceman and he is going to be a big help. He is going to bring some experience and leadership and some fresh blood into the room and from talking to him he believes in what we are trying to do here. He wants to come and help.

“He will definitely improve our back-end, he is a solid two-way defenceman and he will be able to jump into the play and be creative. I have been told he is just as good as [James] Sanford defensively and also is very strong so he will be a big plus for us.”

Report from Stingrays website

Jeffrey Szwez Becomes The Newest Giant…

18/10/2009

General Manager Todd Kelman announced today that the LBM Belfast Giants have signed 27 year old Canadian forward Jeffrey Szwez. Szwez comes to Belfast after spending last season in Philadelphia with the Phantoms in the American Hockey League where he scored 12 goals in 69 games. The 6’3” winger has spent most of the last five years of his professional career in the American Hockey League, the top affiliate league of the NHL.

Steve Thornton believes that Szwez is the exact type of player the Giants need right now.

“We have skilled players but we are lacking guys that are big and strong in the corners, that can get the puck to our skilled guys and use their strength to muscle their way to the net. Szwez has been playing at a much higher level than what the Elite League is, and the reports we received on him say that he is a fierce competitor, tough as nails and can put the puck in the net. He is a leader on the ice and a fan favorite everywhere he goes. We are very excited to get him into the line up next weekend.”

Szwez is expected into Belfast on Tuesday morning and should be on the ice with his new teammates on Wednesday morning. He will play his first match as a Giant on Saturday, October 24th against the Nottingham Panthers.

Report from Giants website

 

Silverthorn in as duo depart

15/10/2009

Hull Stingrays have released forwards Matt Reynolds and Slava Koulikov - with Canadian Jason Silverthorn heading to Hull Arena.  

Reynolds has registered one goal and four assists in 11 games while Koulikov has posted one goal and two assists during that time. Silverthorn is no stranger to the Elite League having iced for Edinburgh Capitals and Cardiff Devils and is expected to make his debut against Coventry Blaze on Saturday.  

A club statement read: “Player-coach Sylvain Cloutier has made no secret of the fact he is not afraid to make changes if it is needed and if it means he can strengthen his roster. Unfortunately, Matt and Slava have struggled this season and we feel now is the time to act.  

“We are delighted to be bringing in a player of Jason’s calibre. He knows the league very well, he scores goals, he can play on defence if called upon and he is very good on the special teams. We believe the signing of Jason Silverthorn and that of James Sanford last week has made us a better and stronger team and hopefully we can look forward to more success on the ice.”

Report from Stingrays website

Hutchins Released for Hubbauer 

12/10/2009

David Matsos has confirmed that he has released forward Jeff Hutchins from the Steelers line up. Hutchins will be replaced by new signing Matt Hubbauer who arrives from Canada on Wednesday

"Its a horrible part of my job but one that has to be done" said David Matsos "Its a call I was hoping not to have to make but recent results have meant that we have had no option but to look closely at our line up

"I needed another top centre, winning face offs has become an issue, we needed some more offensive punch and when Matt became available we had no option but to make a move

"I have nothing but good things to say about Jeff, he has been a top professional since his arrival here. He came back as quickly as he could from injury and this weekend i thought he played really hard. He is a first class individual

"I will do all that I can to try and help find Jeff a new place to play"

Report from Steelers website

New Signing: Stephen Wood

10/10/2009

The Steelers have confirmed the signing of former AHL defensman Stephen Wood who will make his debut next saturday in Newcastle

Wood has been playing this season in the German DEL and will fly in England on Monday.

David Matsos and Mike O'Connor completed the signing of Stephen Wood just minutes after the game ended on Saturday, afterwards Matsos spoke to confirm Wood was the first of the new signings

"Well firstly we are delighted to have brought Andrew Verner here, I think we saw tonight what  great signing he is going to be for us

"I hope that Stephen Wood will be the same, we tried to get ITC clearance for him to play in Hull on Sunday but it wasn't allowed. We have had rave reviews on Stephen and to get a player of his experiance and ability

"Scott Basiuk went to hospital today and had surgery, he will be out for a while

"We had a forward signed on Thursday but we later became aware that the player had an ongoing injury issue. We have other options and have moved on. We have an offer out for another player, the agent has indicated that we will get him on Monday, we are hoping so

Report from Steelers website

Matsos Signs Verner

07/10/2009

With the injury to Kevin Rieter Steelers head coach David Matsos has moved quickly and signed former Newcastle goalie Andrew Verner in time for Saturdays home game against Coventry

Report from Steelers website

 

Stingrays move for Sanford

30/09/2009

Hull Stingrays are pleased to announce the signing of Canadian defenceman James Sanford.

The 25-year-old former Canada Under-18 international has made 123 appearances in the American Hockey League for Hamilton Bulldogs, Peoria Rivermen, Milwaukee Admirals and Chicago Wolves and will fly into the country next week. He is expected to make his debut at Nottingham Panthers on Saturday October 10.

Player-coach Sylvain Cloutier said: "I am really excited about this signing. If you play that many games in the AHL then you are a pretty decent hockey player. He has got all the tools. He is a defensive-minded defenceman but he is also strong offensively. He will improve our transition which is something we needed to do and will improve our powerplay as he moves the puck well.

"Hutch [James Hutchinson] and Mitch [Craig Mitchell] have been our best two defencemen this season. They have been steady for us and have kept things simple and they will learn so much from this guy. He comes highly recommended and I have heard nothing but good things about him."

Report from Stingrays website

League Confirms Suspensions

18/09/2009

After Devils vs Stingrays Game

The EIHL confirm that they have investigated incidents that took place at the game between the Cardiff Devils and Hull Stingrays on Sunday 13th September 2009. Following the review the suspensions issued by the league have been awarded as follows.

Cardiff Devils:

Brad Voth; 1 game automatic suspension for a fighting match penalty plus automatic 1 game suspension for a match penalty for Travesty of the Game. Additional 3 game suspension awarded for not going straight to the dressing room as per EIHL rules. Total suspension 5 games. In addition the player has a further 6 game suspension suspended for the remainder of the season. If a match penalty is awarded against the player for Travesty of the Game in the 2009-10 season these 6 games will be added to any other penalties that may be given.

Scott Romfo; 1 game suspension for a 5+Game Misconduct for fighting in the last 2 minutes of a game

Mike Hartwick; 1 game suspension for a 5+Game Misconduct for fighting in the last 2 minutes of a game

Report from EIHL website

Update on Jeff Miles

13/09/2009

Edinburgh Capitals agreed terms with star forward Jeff Miles subject to medical clearance. Jeff had surgery in May and was expected to join the team after September 11th. Unfortunately Jeff did not pass his physical and is not ready to play. The Capitals are still in talks with Jeff to determine exactly how long it will be before he could join the team.

Doug Christiansen commented, "I am disappointed by this news. Jeff and I worked very hard together to try to get him to Edinburgh. I am planning on speaking with him on Monday to determine exactly what his status is.  I have prepared for this and we have a number of options.  There are are many good players out there and we need an impact forward. We will either bring in a player on a try-out until Jeff is fit or we will sign a player right away.  In my opinion, Jeff Miles was a player who would have really improved our team.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that he will still be a Capital."

Report from Capitals website

 

Capitals sign netminder Rudkowsky

27/08/2009

Edinburgh Capitals have announced Cody Rudkowsky as their number one netminder for the 09/10 season in the Elite Ice Hockey League.

Cody has a wealth of experience in both the ECHL and AHL and also played a game for St.Louis Blues in the NHL. In the 98/99 season Cody was goalie of the year in both the CHL and WHL and also WHL player of the year. He was an ECHL All-Star is 05-06.

Doug Christiansen, Edinburgh Capitals coach, said, "I know everyone has been waiting for us to sign a goalie.  I hope the addition of Cody Rudkowsky was worth the wait!

"Signing a player like Cody Rudkowsky does not happen often. Sometimes opportunity knocks and you have the chance to bring a star into your team. Cody was the best goalie I played with in the ECHL. He is a game breaker. He has played in 107 AHL games and 1 NHL game. He will be our third player who has played in the NHL. I have pursued him the last three summers and was very patient to get him this year.

"Cody will fit in very nicely to our dressing room. As people know, I am a firm believer in having great characters in the room. Cody is a leader. He competes every day. He hates whenever a puck goes in whether its practice or a game. He will make our shooters better each day in practice. He will force them to be at their best to beat him.

"Cody missed the 2008-2009 season with a private medical matter. I am very thorough. I have done my due diligence and I am certain that he will be 100% this season.

"The addition of Cody is not without a sense of irony. Cody is married to Shawn Germain's sister, Alicia. Of course, I was extremely disappointed in Shawn's departure; however, it was his positive impression of Edinburgh that paved the way for Cody and Ashley to come to Scotland's capital. Shawn had a great offer in the ECHL and he thought it was something that he could not pass up. I know the 3 of them have had lengthy conversations about the quality of life in Edinburgh.

"I must admit signing Cody is something I did not think would happen. I am excited for you all to see him in a Capitals uniform."

Report from Capitals website

Capitals decide to get Fussey

19/08/2009

Edinburgh Capitals are pleased to be able to announce the signing of Canadian forward Owen Fussey for the 09/10 season in the Elite Ice Hockey League. Fussey sent last season in Italy playing for Fassa HC where he had 27 points from 17 goals and 10 assists.

Fussey was selected by the Washington Capitals in the third round of the 2001 National Hockey League Draft. He played 4 games for the Washington Capitals and picked up 1 point with an assist. Fussey cut his teeth with the Calgary Hitmen and has extensive experience in both the AHL and ECHL. He spent two seasons in the ECHL playing for Columbia Inferno and has played for Portland Pirates, Hershey Bears and also the Toronto Marlies in the AHL. The Marlies of course are one of the AHL teams that the Capitals will be facing in the Gardiner Cup Tournament in September.

Edinburgh Capitals coach, Doug Christiansen, commented, "I am thrilled to bring another player who has played in the NHL to Edinburgh.  Owen Fussey is an impact player. He has an NHL calibre shot and is someone who brings a lot to the table. He killed penalties throughout his career in the AHL and also played power play. We will be looking for him to contribute in all situations. Owen is a great skater and extremely fit. He will be able to play a lot of minutes for us from day one.

Owen won a Calder Cup in the AHL with Hershey. He knows what it takes to win a championship. I am looking for him to help lead right away. He has proven himself on the Olympic ice sheet, which was proven by his All-Star selection last season in Italy.

I have really enjoyed recruiting Owen. He is great to speak with and seems very bright and conscientious. Owen has a British Passport and is hoping to someday represent the UK internationally." 

Looking at the roster so far, Christiansen added, "I am excited about what our 5 import forwards bring to the table. Owen is proven goal scorer and potential star forward. Martin Cingel was a unanimous captain selection last year and finished second on the team in goals. Darius Pliskauskas is a play-making centre who can play PK and distribute the puck. Simon Lambert is an incredibly quick forward who I think will be great for us. Finally, I hope to contribute 20 plus goals as I have the last two seasons. 

The addition of Andrew Sharp means that our final import will not be a tough guy. We will announce shortly who it is. I know who we will have now and I am excited to have a 6th import forward who can contribute offensively."

Report from Capitals website

 

Jac of All Trades: Michael Jacobsen Signs Up

13/08/2009

Belfast Giants are pleased to announce the signing of smooth skating Canadian defender, Michael Jacobsen for the 2009/10 ice hockey season. Hailing from Thunder Bay , Ontario , Michael comes to Belfast after spending the last three seasons in Italy with Alleghe Hc where he  posted 10 goals & 18 assists, good for 28 points in 45 games played.

 

A late off-season acquisition, Jacobsen was recently signed by the Giants to beef up the defensive corp after losing Davey Phillips to North America when he signed a two way contract with the Rockford Ice Hogs.

 

The 28 year old spent three seasons with Lakehead University in Canada where he racked up 60 points in 80 games over a three year stint before moving to Allege HC three seasons ago. Jacobesen will provide an offensive void left by David Phillips’ departure, who recently signed for the Chicago Blackhawks organisation, the same organisation who drafted an 18 year old Jacobsen in the fifth round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.

 

Coach Thornton on Jacobsen, “With the addition of Mike to our blue line, we now feel that we have the best defensive unit in the league.  Mike is coming from a league that I know very well.  He has great references and will be one of the top skaters in the UK .  He is a very responsible defensive defenseman that can also provide an offensive punch.  We have 4 import defencemen this year and they all have good strength and great feet, which is crucial for the big ice pads in Europe .  All of them will focus on their own zone first but they all have the ability to get involved if we need a goal.  It will be great for Kevin Phillips and Graeme Walton to learn from these guys that are coming in from higher quality European leagues which will only help with their development.”

 

The Giants have gone with a five man rotation on defence the last few seasons but the addition of a sixth defenceman was something that Coach Thornton wanted to explore this seaason.

 

“The defencemen we have gives us the option of putting one of them up on forward at any time during the season.  Jacobsen and Johnson both have experience playing up front, so depending on the situation, having the additional defenceman gives me options to tighten up at the back or give someone a break up front.”

Report from Giants website

Mark Smith completes the defensive core

12/08/2009

Mark Smith completes the defensive core for the Edinburgh Capitals for the 09/10 season in the Elite Ice Hockey League. Smith spent last season playing for Rocky Mountain Rage in the Central Hockey League where he had 17 points from 4 goals and 13 assists over 43 games in the regular season and 2 points from 2 assists over 3 games in the play offs.

Mark Smith spent a year playing for Charlotte Checkers in the East Coast Hockey League and preceded that with 4 seasons in the NCAA playing for University of Alaska-Anchorage. He was also team MVP and voted most inspirational player during his junior year.

Doug Christiansen, Edinburgh Capitals coach, commented, "I played with Mark's brother, Kenton, in Charlotte. Kenton, who was the Manchester Phoenixes' captain last year, was one of the classiest players I have played with in my career. I have been told that Mark is very similar in that regard. Mark is a blue-collar hockey player who shows up every night and works hard. Mark is a solid defender who has the ability to play against other teams top lines. He is a good skater and will do well on our big ice. His skating will allow him to jump into the play when needed."

Christiansen continued. "I believe Mark has the ability to play on our first power play unit with Chris Allen or quarterback his own unit. I really liked the fact that he led his team in scoring as a junior at the University of Alaska-Anchorage. UAA plays in arguably the best conference in college hockey and leading a team in scoring as a defender is not an easy task. I spoke to his coaches from UAA, Charlotte, and Rocky Mountain. All of them believe he has the tools to be very successful in the UK. His coach in Rocky Mountain said that he was their best defender at the end of last season."

Looking at who the team is now shaping up, Christiansen said, "We have now signed our entire defensive core. I think we will have one of the best defensive units in the league. Chris Allen might be the top offensive d-man in the league. It will be great to have a quarterback on the power play that has the offensive skills he does. Ben O'Connor and Kyle Horne are two national team level defenders. I do not believe any team in the league has two better British d-men. Mike Beynon and Mark Smith will provide us with two players who can play penalty kill and power play. They are versatile and good team players."

Report from Capitals website

Pliskauskas comes back for more

07/08/2009

Lithuanian forward Darius Pliskauskas has agreed a return to the Edinburgh Capitals. Pliskauskas played for the Capitals in the 06/07 season where he had 17 points from 9 goals and 8 assists and 32 penalty minutes over 22 games.

Pliskauskas has spent the last two seasons playing for Metalurgs Liepaja in the Latvian and Belarus leagues. He has also been selected regularly for Team Lituania in the World Championships. 

Darius said that he really enjoyed his time in Edinburgh during season 2006/07 but had to leave due to family committments. He is excited to be coming back and believes his experience over the last couple of seasons in Pool A nation countries has developed him into an even better player. Pliskauskas believes that can make a big impression in the Elite Ice Hockey League this season.

Edinburgh Capitals head coach, Doug Christiansen, said, "Darius comes highly recommended after his stint in Edinburgh three seasons ago. He is a good skating center who has the ability to play in all situations. I am looking for him to add offense and energy. We have signed a couple players who can put the puck in the net and he is a guy who can set them up."

Looking at how Darius would fit into the squad so far Christiansen commented, "When I look at our line-up I believe we have 3 wingers who can score 20 or more goals, I was looking for a center who could play strong defensively and help make plays in the offensive zone. I believe Darius can do that and make the players around him better."

Report from Capitals website

Cingel makes it eight in a row

04/08/2009

Fans favourite, Martin Cingel, returns to the Edinburgh Capitals for his eighth consecutive season.

Cingel is delighted to be returning and commented, "I am glad to be back again. This is my eighth year in row and I look forward for another challenge. I believe the league will be very competitive and that is very good for the fans. If we look at our roster right now we have got some very good players and I know more is to come. Doug will bring some talented guys again and this is going to be a very exciting season for players and fans as well."

Last season Cingel had 61 points from 32 goals and 29 assists with 71 penalty minutes. In his seven years playing for the Capitals he has an impressive total of 376 points from 166 goals and 210 assists.

Doug Christiansen, coach for the Edinburgh Capitals, said, "Martin has been the captain both years I have been here. Last year he was a unanimous selection by the team. That says a lot about him as a person and as a leader. Cingy has been a large reason for our success in the second halves the last two seasons. He is a positive person and always has a smile on his face."

He continued, "Martin is coming off his best season in Edinburgh where he finished second on the team in points and goals. He also finished 12th in the league in goals with 32. He is a proven scorer who has a great shot and accurate one-timer. I am looking forward to hearing our fans sing 'Cingel Bells' often this season."

Report from Capitals website

 

Vipers choose Robinson as starting goalie

30/07/2009

Rob Wilson has backed Michel Robinson to fill the skates of departing goalie Andrew Verner, as Newcastle Vipers confirm the Montreal native Robinson will be the starting goalie for the coming season.

Robinson spent last season in the Elite League split between Edinburgh and Nottingham, but before that was an UHL All Star, UHL Goalie of the Year and two seasons ago had the top save percentage in the Italian Serie A with Ritten.

“Michel has an excellent pedigree and a very strong resume,” said coach Wilson.  “His time last year with Nottingham and Edinburgh means he knows what to expect from the UK and from the Elite League in particular.

“He recovered from a difficult spell in Edinburgh to backstop Nottingham all the way to the PlayOff Final with a save percentage over 92 and less than two-and-a-half goals a game.

“I’ve spoken to Michel at length this summer, and he is a passionate young man, a real competitor who wants to win.  He stepped into the Nottingham position with great ease and played very well against us las year, and their run to the postseason was built around his netminding.

“I’ve also taken on board feedback from players like Mark Gouett and Todd Griffith who have played with him previously and they spoke very highly of him as a player and a person.”

Wilson acknowledged that following Andrew Verner between the pipes is a tough act to follow for any goalie, but is confident Robinson is up to the job.

Report from Vipers website

 

Hutchins Fills the Final Place

30/07/2009

Forward Jeff Hutchins is the Steelers final summer signing making the move from Newcastle Vipers where he has played for the last two seasons.

David Matsos described the Hutchins signing as a "Super pick up for us" and went on to say "this is just the type of player I have been looking for. A strong centre who can add goals to our team scoring and bring toughness to the squad. Jeff is great at face off's and that is an area I wanted to improve on. Hutchins also brings an edge to his style of play. I think we will see him score 30 goals this season

Hutchins, 31 from Toronto, said that the move came out of the blue "It was by chance" he confirmed "I was speaking with Edinburgh and a few other teams at the time. I had spoken earlier in the summer to Matty and he had explained he was trying to retain many of his team from last year before adding new faces. Well last week I just sent Matty an e-mail asking him what was happening and if there was any places in the team for me. The next day Matty called me up and we were on the phone for an hour

"We share a lot of the same views about the game and I think we were both excited. Within the day the offer had come through and I'm delighted to be signing it and moving to Sheffield. I guess I'm a family member now. Sheffield is the biggest club in the country, they have a winning tradition and that was the main reason I wanted to sign here. I have been a runner up three times in my time over here in England, I want to win and this is the best place to do that"

Hutchins first arrived in Britain in 2005 playing for the Coventry Blaze before moving to Belfast Giants the following year. For the last two seasons Hutchins has played with former Steelers Captain Rob Wilson in Newcastle.

Report from Steelers website

Capitals bring in forward Simon Lambert

29/07/2009

Simon Lambert spent last season with the Oklahoma City Blazers where he picked up 43 points from 20 goals and 23 assists over 62 games having completed three season or R.I.T. in the NCAA. He was a top 10 Hobey Baker Finalist, a three-time Atlantic Hockey Association All-Star, led scoring in the Atlantic Hockey Association in 2008 and was voted Rookie Of The Year in Oklahoma City.

Lambert commented, "I am very excited to join a team that is on the rise in the EIHL. The fit seems perfect fit for me at the moment with the current players and the staff in place."

Edinburgh Capitals coach, Doug Christiansen, commented, "Simon is a very exciting signing for me. To my knowledge, Simon is the first Hobey Baker Finalist to play in Edinburgh. The Hobey Baker Award goes to college hockey's top player. It is the most prestigious amateur award in American hockey."

Christiansen enthused, "Simon has the same agent as Mark Hurtubise and recommended him in the same way he did for Mark. He said that he was made for the European game and would excel in Edinburgh. After the season Mark had, it would be hard not to trust his recommendation."

"Simon is a right wing by nature but can play centre as well. I have done a lot of research on him and everything that came back said that he was extremely quick and fast with good offensive instincts. I asked one reference if he was the fastest player on the team in Oklahoma City and the person responded that he might be the quickest in the league.  On our big ice, speed kills. I think he has the ability to have a career year in Edinburgh." he added.

Report from Capitals website

 

Kevin Comes Home

29/07/2009

The man described as the best defenseman the Steelers have ever had - has just signed back for them again

32 year old Kevin Bolibruck was the lynchpin of the Steelers double winning season in 2004 - that season, his first in Europe was the start of a magical journey that took him to Finland, Germany, Denmark and Italy before now, returning to the Steelers to try and win it all over again

"I always knew that I would come back to Sheffield" said Bolibruck "my wife and I never closed our bank account when we left here before, we loved it with the Steelers and just always thought that business wasn't finished there. I have had the chances to come back before but the time just wasn't right, it is now. Over the years I have been chipping a way at my education and now I have the chance to complete my MBA at the University of Sheffield, that was a huge draw for me and my family

"Some say that it is a mistake to go back and that things are never the same but I don't buy that. Sheffield have been doing pretty well without me since I left. they have a great club here and when I arrive it will be for me to fit in with them and not the other way around. I know about the pressure at the Steelers, I enjoy that. I put pressure on my self and I will play what ever role the coach asks of me

"Maybe this year it will be a little more defensive than the last time I was here. It doesn't matter to me whenever you go to a new club they have different requirements for what they want from you, I will just do my best. I know a lot of fans have said nice things about me recently and I know that they will be expecting a lot from me after the success we have had together before. There isn't an issue for me. I'm 32 years old and feel great, I know I will log a lot of ice time and that is fine with me. I can't wait to arrive back in Sheffield and see everybody and skate out at the arena again"

Head coach David Matsos was thrilled to linking up with Bolibruck once again, the two once played together in Hamilton (American Hockey League 1989) "Kevin is both an outstanding player and person and everyone in Sheffield knows by now how much I place on the quality of the individual. I think the fans and the people at the club share my own opinions of Kevin, they have seen him with their own eye's and know we have just signed one of the best players that will play in this league next season"

The Steelers defence is now complete with Kevin Reiter and Dan Green sharing goal tending duties with Bolibruck, Basiuk, Dagenais, Thomas and Morgan patrolling the blue line. "I like our D" said Matsos "we also have the option of throwing Rod Sarich back there from time to time or on the power play. We have options, lots of them"

Report from Steelers website

PANTHERS GET THEIR MANN

22/07/2009

Nottingham Panthers have signed Canadian forward Cameron Mann who has nearly 100 games in the NHL, the world’s top club league, under his belt.

The 32-year-old Canadian has played for Boston and Nashville in “the show” for a total of 93 games.

He also has an impressive four years in the DEL, Germany’s highly competitive and esteemed top league and he also had a season in the Finnish Elite League with top flight club Tampere on his record.

The GMB Nottingham Panthers have been thrilled and excited by all the signing news so far but now we think we’ve added extra cream and a cherry on top.

Coach Corey Neilson said : “Cameron is a class act. He has a proven record at the very highest of levels and I am thrilled that he has agreed to join us.

“This signing only goes to underline our ambitions and intentions. It is going to be a great year of entertainment and excitement. Just look at the line-up, from back to front we have worked hard to put together a roster that is full of key players.

“The season is fast approaching but it can’t come soon enough, getting this Panthers’ roster together on the ice will be mouth watering.”

New recruit Cameron Mann added : “I’ve heard a lot about the Nottingham organisation. I’m really looking forward to playing my part in the next chapter of a great club’s history.”

In junior ice hockey Cameron Mann outscored former Nottingham fans’ favourite sniper Lee Jinman.

In professional ice hockey he has never played below the level of AHL, just one rung down from the NHL, where he was a top one hundred draft pick of the Boston Bruins in 1995.

Fans get the first chance to see the new look GMB Nottingham Panthers roster in action when they face Sheffield in a repeat of last season’s play-off final at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham on Wednesday September 2^nd. Well over half the tickets for the special fund-raising Charity Shield game are now sold.

The match will raise funds for junior development and for promoters - the Daniel Page Trust - set up to support the son of ice hockey photographer Dave Page who died suddenly at the end of last season. Tickets are currently on sale from the box office or by phone or via the internet.

The Nottingham club’s new look team jerseys will go on sale to fans on the same day (September 2^nd). The club will have three strips this year with a new red uniform joining the traditional white and black shirts.

The Elite League is finalising fixture lists this week. It is anticipated the first competitive games will be on the weekend of September 5/6. The GMB Panthers are also scheduled to play on Humberside against Hull and Tilburg (Holland) on the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Report from Panthers website

 

Dagenais Back to Bolster the Blue Line

22/07/2009

Steelers have confirmed that Randy Dagenais will return to the club for a third season.

Dagenais scored 11 goals and 48 points with the Steelers in their double winning season last year and says that returning to Sheffield wasn't a hard choice "The truth of the matter is that the Steelers have never given me a reason to want to leave, so I figured, why should I?  By bringing me to Sheffield, Matty gave me the biggest opportunity to succeed in hockey.  I've developed a bond with this club and in the end, I simply wanted to come back

Dagenais like many other Steelers returning had the opportunity to go and play in Europe this year but decided against a move abroad "I had an amazing offer to play for Schwennigen Wild Wings in Germany, the best I've ever had.  But then I thought, if this is going to be my last year playing, do I want to go somewhere where I might not be happy?  In the end, I opted for the sure option rather then the money"

"When you look at the past two seasons and see all the guys Matty has retained, it says volumes about our organization.  It speaks for itself!  I'm psyched to get back to Sheffield and try to do it all over again!  See you all in August"

Head coach David Matsos was again delighted to be bringing back such an influential player from his Championship team "Randy has show huge loyalty by returning, but he is coming back not for sentimental reasons but because he beleives we can win again. Randy has been an ever present in our three Championship wins in the past two years. You can't buy that experiance

"Randy brings so many qualities to both the ice and the dressing room and having him back there with the likes of the younger guys like Thomas and Morgan will be imperative if we are to go on and win again"

Report from Steelers website

Tylor Michel signs and completes Devils roster

21/07/2009

Cardiff Devils are delighted to announce the signing of exciting forward Tylor Michel to complete the team roster for 2009/10
The Cardiff Devils are delighted to have completed the team for the coming season by capturing the signature of exciting new player Tylor Michel.

Signed to join the returning Matt Towe and Player / Head Coach Gerad Adams on the vital third line, Michel is exactly the kind of player Adams was looking for to complete his line-up.

Following several blockbuster signings this off-season, Adams has stressed he was searching far and wide for just the right kind of player as his linemate and is convinced he's got just that.

"I think the Devils fans will just love Tylor", said Adams speaking from Canada. "He's the kind of player that is really appreciated in Cardiff - he has skill and ability for sure, but he also has great heart and a high work-rate. He's got speed to burn and he brings that extra something that makes him tough to play against".

Indeed, Michel has earned a reputation for being a real agitator; putting his opponents off their game with a well-timed comment, his gritty style of play or with a thundering check. So much so that opposing players have been known to be more concerned about the whereabouts of Tylor Michel than the puck whilst playing against him.

Report from Devils website

 

Kindle joins to lead Vipers from the back

21/07/2009

American defenceman Tyler Kindle is the final name on the Vipers blueline for the 2009-10 season. Kindle’s contract is for one season with an option for a second season

The 31-year-old joins from ECHL’s Stockton Thunder, and will be the main offensive threat from defence for the coming Elite League campaign.

Kindle scored 98 points in 140 games in the NCAA with Wayne State University before turning professional in 2003 with Pensacola.

The ECHL has been his home for all but 16 games of his career, and he has an impressive scoring record from defence. In 2007-8 he had a career year in assists and points, netting 10+34=44 from 57 games. He led Fresno in defensive scoring that season, and was ranked sixth across the whole of the ECHL.

The 6ft 180lb left shot has iced in 301 ECHL games and has scored 51 goals and 122 assists for 173 points.

“Tyler finishes our defensive unit perfectly,” said Rob Wilson today.

“He brings a great deal of offense as well as a solid no-nonsense defensive game. In his career year, 21 of his points came on the powerplay, so he will have a big role to play on our special teams too.

“I’m very pleased to have Tyler, and I’m sure his experience and playmaking will be big assets for us this year.”

Report from Vipers website

British forward Dalgleish joins the GMB Panthers

17/07/2009

The GMB Panthers will warm-up for the upcoming exciting Elite League campaign with two games on Humberside in a special three-cornered international event.

The matches involving Panthers, Hull Stingrays and Tilburg from Holland will take place across the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The GMB Panthers face the Dutch side on Sunday afternoon and Elite League rivals Hull on Bank Holiday Monday.

More details will be announced nearer the time, but coach Corey Neilson said today : “This will be a major part of our training camp and will lead up nicely to the Charity Shield game against Sheffield on the Wednesday, and then the league gets underway. It is all very exciting and everyone’s looking forward to the new season with relish.”



Meanwhile the coach is hoping to finalise his last “import” signing of the season in the next few days and in the meantime has confirmed that 22-year-old Scottish forward Ross Dalgleish is joining the club from Edinburgh.

A product of the Murrayfield development programme, Ross has played for the senior team in Edinburgh for the past four seasons. “I’m hoping for big things from Ross, it is time for him to step up to claim a place on a big team,” added Neilson.

Meanwhile the latest signing has flown from his home in Scotland to Canada to join in the training at the academy training camp in Orangeville and will travel to Montreal this weekend with the other youngsters and coach Neilson and Bruce Richardson to take part in a unique ice hockey tournament which features several NHL and ex-NHL players.

The StanleyKeg features a cup on a barrel of beer as the ultimate winners’ trophy and proves very popular each year.

Report from Panthers website

Slovakian Express Set for Return Journey

17/07/2009

Newcastle Vipers are delighted to announce the return of Slovakian forward and 2006 Play Off Champion with the Newcastle Vipers – Matus Petricko.

The 29 year old, 6ft 1 tall, 220 pound Slovakian returns to Tyneside where he scored 53 points in 47 games for the Club during 2005/2006, helping the Vipers to a second place finish in the Elite League at their first attempt and secure the 2006 play off championship.

Since his heroics on Tyneside, Petricko went on to win the 2007 Elite League play off championship with the Nottingham Panthers and the Slovakian Extraliga championship with HC Kosice last season.

Speaking to Vipershockey.co.uk, Vipers head coach Rob Wilson said, 

 

“I am delighted to sign Matus again and we have been trying to sign him ever since his season with us in 2006. He is a strong powerful forward who can play in all positions and he completes our forward line up nicely.”

 

“Matus has a great record since he last played for us, going on to win the playoffs with Nottingham and the Extraliga with Kosice last season which shows he is a natural winner,” said Wilson. 

 

Petricko is looking forward to returning to Newcastle, 

 

“I’m delighted to have signed for the Vipers, it is a great club with great fans. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there before and I can’t wait for the new season to start. I like to look of the team and believe we will gel together well before the season starts,” said Petricko. 

 

The Vipers are also delighted to announce that they have signed their final import defender and import netminder and will be announcing these in the coming weeks.

Report from Vipers website

Roddy back to Win Again

15/07/2009

Report from Steelers website

Burns agrees Stingrays move

15/07/2009

Hull Stingrays are pleased to announce the signing of Canadian defenceman Stephen Burns for the 2009/10 Elite League campaign.

The 24-year-old, who hails from Newmarket, Ontario, has penned a two-year contract with Stingrays with the deal coinciding with the player pursuing an MBA at Doncaster Business School.

Burns iced for Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees in the Central Hockey League last season, posting two goals and six assists in 55 games. He had spent the previous four years at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Player-coach Sylvain Cloutier said: "He is one of those guys who I got to see play last season in our 16 games against Rio Grande. People don’t always look at the plus-minus stats but he was the only defenceman to have a plus. That’s a good sign he is strong defensively.

"But he can also skate well and if you give him the chance to be offensive he will. He is young and hungry and wants to be here. He will be a great addition to our hockey club."

Stingrays director Mike Pack added: "The club's partnership with Doncaster Business School was an important factor in attracting Steve to the Stingrays. The club is really excited about the benefits we can derive from an ongoing relationship with this progressive organisation."

Report from Stingrays website

Capitals sign defenceman Chris Allen

15/07/2009

Edinburgh Capitals are pleased to announce that top defenceman Chris Allen has signed for the 09/10 season in the Elite Ice Hockey League.

Allen started his career in the Ontario Hockey League playing for Kingston Frontenacs and has picked up experience in the American Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League and United Hockey League. Allen was drafted #60 overall in the third round of the 1996 by the Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League. Since 2004 Allen has been playing in Europe in Finland, Norway, Denmark, Austria and Hungary. Last season he played for High1 in the Asian League where he had 18 points from 6 goals and 12 assists and 54 penalty minutes.

Chris Allen is very excited about coming to the UK and playing for the Capitals. He said, "I've played in many different leagues and countries [NHL, AHL, ECHL, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Austria and Asia]. I know what it takes to win! I've been to the finals twice in Finland and once in Austria. I'm very excited about coming to Edinburgh this season. I've only heard great things about Edinburgh as a city, team and organisation! I've always wanted to play/travel in and around the UK!"

Allen has had his shot clocked at 103 miles per hour, picked up the OHL Defenceman Of The Year award in 97/98 and is tied for second all time in OHL goals for a defenceman, tied with Bobby Orr and Al McInnis.

Doug Christiansen, Edinburgh Capitals coach, stated, "Chris is a massive signing for us. Of course, his statistics and awards speak for themselves. What drew me to Chris was his professionalism and his integrity. I am expecting him to be a leader for us." 

Report from Capitals website

Reiter to Step into the Hot Seat

14/07/2009

Steelers head coach David Matsos has confirmed the signing of 27 year old goalie Kevin Reiter

Reiter who hails from Pittsburgh spent last season with the basement club Basingstoke Bison, however Matsos saw enough in the 5'10 goalie to convince him that he was the ideal man to replace All Star Jody Lehman "I'm very happy to have signed Kevin, he is a proven winner, a quality person who will fit into our club and most importantly an excellent goalie who with our team in front of us can and will win again"

"I had several options between the pipes and to be honest I would have been happy with most of them. Kevin was always at the front of the line. I liked the fact that he was hungry, he had a bad time in a bad situation with Basingstoke and was keen to put the record straight, he has already won before, he knows what it takes to cross the line first. Kevin also knows the league, knows you have to play the vast majority of the games and that it's your job to be ready every night.

"We are giving Kevin the chance to win again. I know that with the team we are putting together in front of him it's a chance he will relish and grasp with both hands. I'm very confident that we have a stand out goalie, a man who will fit into the big shoes left by Jody" 

Reiter is presently in training for the new season and also working at hockey camps with young up and coming goalies "Its been a busy few weeks whilst we negotiated this deal but I couldn't be happier. I know I'm stepping into big skates replacing Jody but I'm confident in my own ability and the team Matty is building for the new year

"I'm a winner. I have won before and I know with the Steelers we can win again. The Steelers defence last year was outstanding, I understand there are a few change for this coming year but it will still be an impressive defensive core with me in the middle of it.

"I of course was always keen on this job. As soon as I found out Jody was moving to Denmark I made it known that I wanted the job. The good news is that the Steelers wanted me as well"

Report from Steelers website

Wilson’s pursuit of Domish succeeds at last

08/07/2009

Newcastle Vipers are delighted to announce the signing of American defenceman Jerramie Domish for the 2009/10 season.

The 29-year-old defenceman joins the Vipers having spent the 2008/09 season split between the ECHL's Fresno Falcons and Esbjerg of the Danish AL-Banken League.

Prior to that the Pennsylvanian was a member of the Chicago Blackhawks organisation which saw him experience stints in the American Hockey League with the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Norfolk Admirals.

During the 2004/05 season, Jerramie was an ECHL Kelly Cup winner with the Trenton Titans.

"I've been tracking Jerramie for four years now," said coach Rob Wilson today, "he's a player we had a look at for our first year in the Elite League but he still had ambitions of making the AHL back then.

"He's exactly what I've been looking for to compliment our defensive line-up this season.

"He doesn't have an impressive resume in terms of numbers but we've done a lot of research on his game and I believe he will be a marquee player for us.

"What we've been missing since we lost Ben Storey is someone who skate themselves out of trouble and in Domish we have that player.

"For a defenceman he is a very good skater and will add some explosive speed to our blueline, he's actually got a similar skating style to Neal Martin (former Coventry Blaze defenceman).

"He's got that step which doesn't give opposition players any time on the puck."
Domish is delighted to sign for the Vipers having nearly signed three years ago.

Report from Vipers website

Capitals bring in Beynon

07/07/2009

Defender Michael Beynon has agreed to join the Edinburgh Capitals for the 09/10 season in Elite Ice Hockey League. As well as playing, Beynon will also be studying at Heriot Watt University who have been providing scholarship programmes for the Capitals for a number of years.

Michael Beynon said, "I am really excited to come and play for the Edinburgh Capitals and I am looking forward to a successful season. It looks like we will have a really competitive team this year and I am happy to have the opportunity to be a part of it."

Beynon started his career playing for Union College in the NCAA. Last season saw him playing for the New Mexico Scorpions where he had 18 points, from 6 goals and 12 assists, and 54 penalty minutes over 48 games in the Central Hockey League. Beynon also played 6 games for the Las Vegas Wranglers in the East Coast Hockey League.

Edinburgh Capitals coach, Doug Christiansen, commented, "Mike is a defender that I think will really surprise people. He is a strong player in every aspect of the game. Everyone I spoke to about him raved about him. I know he had an offer to go to another team in our league but he chose Edinburgh because of our relationship with Heriot Watt University, where he will be an MBA student."

Report from Capitals website

Cheverie Signs for Second Season in Belfast

06/07/2009

Belfast Giants are pleased to confirm the return of Evan Cheverie for a second consecutive season after playing an integral part in the Giants most successful season to date, helping the franchise to win two of the four trophies on offer, the Challenge Cup and the British Knock-Out Cup.

The 2009/10 campaign will be Cheverie’s third season playing in the Elite League as he led the Coventry Blaze in scoring with 52 points, during the 2005/06 season. Last season in Belfast was Cheverie’s most successful of his pro career, averaging over a point per game in the Elite League, finishing with 33 goals and 45 assists, good for 78 points. He was rewarded for his outstanding season when he picked up Steve Thornton’s Coach’s Player Of The Year Award, a testament as to just how much the Giants value Evan as part of their drive for a championship next season.

“Chevy was my player of the year last season for good reason” said Thornton, “you always know what you are going to get from him as he performs consistently well every game. He was our top scorer against the top three teams in the league and did everything we asked of him. He is a great guy in the room, a leader, a true professional and a clutch player. He was a huge factor in our success last season and he is excited and hungry for more. Chevy is also a great insurance policy as he can play defence as well and still be one of the best in the league. He is also solid at faceoffs and great in the corners, both priceless qualities.”

Evan is currently enjoying the off-season at his home in Charlottetown, Canada but is looking forward to getting back to Belfast for another year.

Report from Giants website

Tough Dman completes Blaze import roster

02/07/2009

Tough Canadian blue liner Robinson completes Blaze import line up for next season

Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has completed the signing of experienced Canadian defenceman, Jason Robinson from the Flint Generals of the International Hockey League.

Thirty year old Robinson is no stranger to British hockey, having spent four seasons in the UK Elite League with Newcastle, Sheffield and the now defunct London Racers between 2003 and 2007 before joining Italian side, Vipiteno for the 07/08 season.  Last season he divided his time in the International Hockey League back in North America between Kalamazoo Wings and Flint Generals.

At 6’2” and 210lbs, the Goderich, Ontario native will bring further size and presence to the Blaze blue line for the 09/10 Elite League season.  He is known as a tough, no nonsense, stay at home defencemen, qualities that led Tampa Bay Lightning to select him in the 5th round of the 1996 NHL entry draft.  The veteran defenceman, with nearly 700 professional games under his belt, also spent five years in the East Coast Hockey League before coming to the UK.

Robinson is the final member of Thompson’s ten import quota for the 09/10 season, joining fellow newcomers Brian Lee, Peter Hirsch, Greg Chambers, Derek Campbell and Luke Fulghum along with returnees Adam Calder, Dan Carlson, Danny Stewart and Matt Soderstrom.

“I’ve liked Robinson as a player since he first came to play in the Elite League,” said Thompson of his new acquisition. “We’ve talked before about him coming to the Blaze so I’m delighted that we’ve finally managed to make it happen.

“I believe that he’s exactly what this hockey club needs.  Flint traded for him in February because they were looking for exactly what he brings.  Great experience, a great character, really good leadership skills and a physical, tough stay at home defenceman who is not afraid to mix it up.  That’s completely what I’m looking for and why Jason fits the bill perfectly.

“With Jason and Brian Lee, I’ve brought in two guys who are big and strong and who are going to make life very unpleasant for opposition forwards when they come into our zone.  They are going to give them a really hard time.  They’ll play the body, they’ll be tough and physical and Robinson in particular will not be afraid to drop the gloves when required.  Opposition forwards won’t have the fairly easy ride that maybe they’ve had in our end of the rink during the last couple of years.”

Robinson, who will be combining his playing duties with a course of study at Coventry University,  is looking forward to returning to the UK with the Blaze.

Report from Blaze website

Miller completes top line for Devils

01/07/2009

Matt Miller joins the Devils for the coming season and completes the top line, leaving Player / Head Coach Gerad Adams with only one remaining import slot to fill, on the third line alongside Matt Towe and Adams himself.

Miller, described as "one of the fastest skaters in this league" by last year's Bison coach Ryan Aldridge, joins Cardiff Devils for the new season - his first in South Wales.

"Matt will be the perfect complement to Max Birbraer and Mark Smith on that line", says Adams, who was looking for "just the right kind of player" to partner returning power forward Birbraer and former EIHL player of the year Smith.

"Matt is a great skater with speed, so he will offer a great target to his linemates" continues Adams, "but he also will battle hard, go into the corners and create space for them. I like to have a mixture of abilities on all lines to make them tougher to play against but Matt brings a huge plus on the offense side also"

Indeed, Miller scored 9 goals in 12 games for the Hampshire-based Bison last year and a replication of that performance would secure him a huge following in Cardiff.

"He is a right-handed shot which is a perfect fit but he has a very quick release and shot, with an eye for goal. Playing on a line with Max and Mark will give Matt a great opportunity to display his offensive skills".

Througout the past weeks speculation has been rife amongst Devils fans as to the remaining signings of the season, with several names being thrown into the mix. Adams has had a plan from day one however and is pleased with the way his team has formed. This is reflected in the excitement of fans and in the club's season ticket sales for the coming season, which have hit record levels for the EIHL era, ignoring the trends of the credit crunch.

With the "M" line now complete and Voth, Hill and Latulippe making up the powerful second unit Adams can now turn his attention to the last reamining import slot for the third line, then his recruitment is complete

Report from Devils website

Stingrays snap up Jorde

01/07/2009

Hull Stingrays are pleased to announce the signing of Canadian defenceman Ryan Jorde for the 2009/2010 Elite League season.

The 28-year-old, a ninth round draft pick by Buffalo Sabres in 2001, split last season with Flint Generals and Muskegon Lumberjacks in the International Hockey League. He has also spent four years in the American Hockey League with Rochester Americans, Lowell Lock Monsters and Grand Rapids Griffins.

Player-coach Sylvain Cloutier said: "Jorde is an experienced defenceman and has been around for a long time. He has played in the American League and was a Buffalo Sabres draft pick.

"He is a physical, stay-at-home defenceman, who can also put up some numbers. He is very strong defensively and that is something the team needed, to be stronger in our own end. Jorde will do a great job."

Report from Stinrays website

American Scott Romfo is Cardiff Devils' latest signing

24/06/2009

The solid, two-way defenceman from Blaine in Minnesota has signed and returned his contract to the Devils.

That completes Devils' team on defence, while head coach Gerad Adams is now lining up a first line right-winger to partner Max Birbraer and Mark Smith plus a third line centreman.

"We are in talks with a winger and hopeful they will go well," said Adams, who has gone home to Canada for a month where he will continue his recruitment drive.

Romfo says he is 'excited' about playing for Cardiff Devils and admits: "I've never been outside North America before. I'm excited about the new challenge ahead."

The 5ft 11ins D-man played a key role as South Caroline Stingrays won the East Coast League Kelly Cup championship last season, beating Alaska Aces in the final series of matches.

"I'm a solid, two-way defenceman," said Romfo. "I'm not flash and not the most skilled player in the world, but I do my job, work hard for the team and offensively I can make an impact."

Romfo, 27, played for Tri-City Storm in the United States Hockey League, playing two years of varsity hockey at Blaine High School, winning the AA State Championship, plus four years of college hockey for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Now, after four seasons playing for South Caroline Stingrays he is to combine playing for Cardiff Devils with studies at Cardiff University along with new team-mates Wes Jarvis and Hartwick. He played in more than 200 games for Stingrays, scoring 21 goals with 65 assists.

Older brother, Jeff, played hockey at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and with the South Carolina Stingrays of the East Coast Hockey League. He was also an NHL draft pick for Minnesota North Stars. Brian, his second brother, played hockey at St. John’s University in Minnesota.

Report from Devils website

Thommo adds Derek Campbell to Blaze roster

25/06/2009

Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has completed the signing of all action Canadian forward, Derek Campbell from the Newcastle Vipers.

The twenty-nine year old winger hails from Nepean, Ontario and becomes Thompson’s final import forward signing ahead of the 2009/10 Elite Ice Hockey League season.  Campbell will join the returning Adam Calder, Dan Carlson and Danny Stewart along with new signings Greg Chambers and Luke Fulghum, as the team’s six overseas trained forwards.

This will be the feisty Campbell’s fourth season in the Elite League, having played for Manchester in 06/07 before spending the last two seasons with the Vipers in Newcastle.  He has so far recorded a highly impressive 187 points in 178 games in the UK, just one of the qualities that attracted him to Thompson.

Campbell also comes with a track record of being more than willing to stand up for his team mates on the ice and in the last two seasons in Newcastle he has surpassed 200 penalty minutes each campaign.  Standing 6’1” tall and weighing in at 205lbs, Campbell is a fierce competitor and brings the experience of spells in the United League, East Coast Hockey League and American Hockey League in North America.

“I knew exactly what I wanted for my final import forward slot,” said Thompson. “ I wanted a strong skating winger who could play on the first two lines, who could score us twenty odd goals in the season, who played hard, was fiercely competitive and would have no hesitation in sticking up for his team mates on this ice.

“I looked at so many possible players but I kept coming back to Derek.  He ticked every box that I was looking for.  He can score goals, create opportunities for others, he’s hardworking, gives everything on the ice, will fight anyone when required and he wants to come to a top club that will give him the chance to win.  The more I looked at it, the more I realised that he is exactly what I’m looking for and what this team needs.

“He’s one of those players that the fans love to hate when he’s playing against us, but who becomes a real fan favourite when he plays for us.  He loves playing at the Skydome and he can’t wait to play for the Blaze fans as he knows just how good they are when they get behind a player.  I’m really looking forward to him joining us.”

“I’m really excited about this opportunity,” added Campbell.  “And I can’t wait to play for the team that’s not just the most respected British team in the UK, but the most respected and well known in Europe and North America.

Report from Blaze website

Good Luck Matty

24/06/2009

Report from Panthers website

Stewy signs up for 4th season

24/06/2009

Danny Stewart returns for fourth season with the Blaze ahead of 09/10 season

Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has completed the re-signing of hugely popular forward, Danny Stewart for a fourth season with the club.

The thirty year old Canadian joined the club at the start of the 2006/07 season and has since made 216 appearances for the Blaze.  In that time, he has scored 67 goals and added 97 assists for a 162 point total.  He helped the club to win back to back Elite League titles in 06/07 and 07/08 and has also helped the team to lift both the British Knockout Cup and the Challenge Cup.

Thompson says the combination of Stewart’s experience and his high energy style of play make him an important member of the Blaze side.

“In the three years he’s been with us, Danny’s proved himself to be a winner.  He’s shown real desire and determination to win trophies and as I’ve said many times, knowing how to win is a really important quality when I’m looking to build a side.

“We’ve a lot of new players again this season and I know I can count on Danny to really help the new guys settle in and he can play a big part in bringing everyone together as a team.  That experience is so important.  Not just experience on the ice, but also off it.  Experience of being at the club, knowing how we operate and what’s expected.  Experience of being part of a club that’s focused on winning.

Report from Blaze website

Kralj can be a hit says Wilson

23/06/2009

Slovenian forward Matic Kralj will swap Maribor in the Slovenian League for Tyneside and a spot on the Newcastle Vipers 2009-10 roster, the club have confirmed today, and his new coach has backed him to make an impact in the Elite League.

The 26-year-old winger starred in his native country last season, racking up 65 points from 34 league games as HK Maribor finished runners up in the League standings.  Kralj was ranked second in scoring in the League.

 A product of the Olympia Ljubljana system, the 6ft 200lbs forward also spent five seasons in North America in the Central Hockey League, posting 85 goals and 120 assists with three CHL clubs. 

Kralj returned to Europe in 2007, and last year posted career high in goals, assists and penalty minutes for Maribor, 23 goals and 42 assists while adding 93 penalty minutes.

 Coach Rob Wilson told VipersHockey today: “Matic was on the radar of a couple of other UK clubs, and I’m delighted we’ve managed to get his signature.

 “He has shown throughout his career that he can put up the numbers in the goals column, but he also plays hard and isn’t afraid to do the dirty work in front of the net and in the corners.

“Having taken references from players and coaches, I think the best comparison I can make is Matus Petricko.  Like Petricko, Matic has good size and uses it to his advantage, and he also knows where the goal is.

 “I think he can be a fan favourite in Newcastle.”

Kralj will arrive in Newcastle on 23 August at the start of Vipers’ two week training camp, which includes an exhibition game against Sheffield Steelers on 30 August at Metro Radio Arena, and another game away to Elite League opposition.

 Coach Wilson is close to landing the offensive defencemen he wants to complete the blueline import quota.

Report from Vipers website

 

PANTHERS ADD SKILLED CENTREMAN TO ROSTER

22/06/2009

Report from Panthers website

Devils aim for Max impact

17/06/2009

In a move that will have Devils fans even more excited about the coming season, the Cardiff Devils have signed power forward Max Birbraer for his second spell at the club. The explosive winger, who stands six feet two inches and weighs in at 200lbs will reunite on the first line with centreman Mark Smith, his line-mate from 2006/07.

Respected throughout the league for his crushing hits, powerful skating and strength on the puck, Birbraer adds another player who has proven to be worth over a point-per-game in Elite League competitions.

Speaking about the signing, Birbraer – like so many other players before him – cites Cardiff itself as a big reason he has returned:
“I decided to move away last year and try something different. I had a kind of experimental year, playing half the season in Khazakstan and half in Germany. I told myself before I left though that if I were ever to come back to play in this league, Cardiff would be the only place I would play”

“I have travelled around a great deal in my life and I don’t really have a permanent base” says the extremely affable sniper, “but Cardiff is one of the few places I consider my home. I have a great relationship with the fans, G (Head coach, Gerad Adams) and I’m excited about the new organisation there. I just had to come back to where I belong.”

And how does he feel about reuniting with Mark Smith?
“Well, that was like the cherry and the icing on the cake, an unbelievable bonus. It felt really good playing with Mark my first time in Cardiff. We spent a lot of time together that year and I think it was maybe the most successful year both of us ever had. I feel nothing but positive things about playing with Smitty again and I know we both hope to achieve great things for the club. We want to win some trophies.”

The Devils have moved swiftly and impressively in the off season, with coach Adams being given full support to build a winning unit that will challenge – and win – silverware. Gerad Adams tells us what Max Birbraer brings to the team:
“Max is one of those guys who is a very honest hockey player, something I value a great deal on and off the ice. He has an unbelievable skill level; he can do everything he does at full speed and that terrifies the D. He played in a top league in Russia and not many players who have played Elite League level could achieve that. He’s a very strong man and tough to muscle off the play but has great hands and finishing. He can break a game for you when it really matters.”

“The other way the team benefits is Max playing with Mark Smith again”, continues  Adams. “Sometimes two great players find another guy that they just have an understanding with and it makes them even better as a tandem than they are individually. Max and Mark do that for each other.

Adams now turns his attention to his remaining slots. He has an offer out to a top defenceman who would join Cardiff on a package to play hockey and study, thanks to Cardiff Business School. He is now looking for the right fit for the last spot on that top line.

“I need a guy who can keep up with them for starters”, he says, “but also needs to be able to contribute at both ends of the ice. Whoever we sign will have a great year playing with two top players, so I will be speaking with those two guys to get their input on the third line-mate.”

Report from Devils website

Davies seals Stingrays switch

17/06/2009

Hull Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier has added Great Britain Under-20 international Matty Davies to his roster for the 2009/2010 Elite League campaign.

The Hull-born 19-year-old forward, who made one appearance for Stingrays in the British Knockout Cup against Manchester Phoenix last season, has spent the past two years with Swindon Wildcats in the English Premier League.

A club statement read: "We are delighted to have signed Matty. He is a product of the successful Kingston junior programme and he impressed us during his one appearance last season. We know he will wear his heart on his sleeve for the Stingrays.

"Matty has put up some good numbers in the English Premier League over the last couple of years and he is also a key player in the GB U20 side. We feel he is ready to make the step up to Elite League level and look forward to him making a good contribution to the team next season."

Report from Stingrays website

Mark Smith Returns as Devils aim for success

15/06/2009

The Cardiff Devils have signed Mark smith for the 2009/10 season.

Smith returns for his second spell with the club, following the 2006/07 season when he became a fan favourite due to his intensity, skill level and prolific scoring ability. During that year at the Devils he averaged over 1.5 points per game, a performance that made an indelible impression on the minds of the Cardiff supporters. His career high for points so far is 91 – his preferred jersey number and he will move onto the devils top line as Head Coach Gerad Adams heads into the final stages of his recruiting this off-season.

For Devils fans, this was a signing that was simply out of reach this year due to the strength of the Euro and the Dollar against the pound, but once again the City of Cardiff and the support for the club had a say in the decision. Smith thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Principality and is looking forward to his return.

For Coach Adams, this is another big statement of intent from the organisation:
“This is a real indication of the professionalism of our club and the level of attraction Cardiff holds for players. For me this is a huge step towards our goals. We want the best possible team we can on the ice, the most professional team. Having Mark back on board proves that.”

“He is an absolute winner, a pure competitor. He is the model professional with his conduct on and off the ice. It is very rare indeed to find a player with Mark’s very high skill level that is also the hardest working player on the ice every week, every game and every shift.”
“Everything about our team just improved”, says Adams, who is known to prize attitude and work ethic as highly as ability and production.
“Our skill level, work rate, execution and our intensity have all gone up as a result of signing Mark Smith.”

So what is it about Mark’s game that raises the bar?
“His work rate shift in, shift out is phenomenal” says Adams. “He does not take a shift off and will not allow his teammates to take a shift off either. He is aggressive and intense. He rubs a couple of opponents up the wrong way but he is my kind of player. As hard as he works, if you are not giving the same effort then Mark will pull you up and make you better. He challenges you to match his intensity; he demands it from his colleagues. That matches my philosophy as a coach and to have a top, top level player like Mark with the same attitude – well, it’s a huge boost for me and the team.”

"To finish first is always our goal. We didn’t have a great year last year, even though we improved on the previous season. We want to win every single game we play in this year, and having players like Mark will push us towards that."

Adams is clearly excited over his latest signing and no this will doubt send a message to the Devils fans that their support and commitment (a record number of Devils season tickets have been sold in the EIHL era) is well placed. Adams is not quite finished yet though:
“I have another player I have agreed with that we will be announcing later this week, another top quality player who will raise our team. I also have an offer out there to a defenceman and I hope to have that finalised soon.”

Report from Devils website

 

Welcome Home Joey

10/06/2009

Joe Talbot is the latest Steeler to turn his back on the Euro and re-sign for David Matsos

Talbot hit 35 goals in the Steelers double winning season, his 2nd with the club after a 29 goal first year

"I had options to move away, both in Europe and North America" said Talbot "The Steelers have a draw for me though, I know what I'm coming back to. I like the club, the players, the City and the coach. I also like to win and think we have another great chance to lift trophies again this coming season. I will also be studying this coming year at the University of Sheffield. I guess I'm starting to think of life after hockey and that was an important add on

"I considered all the options but in the end I decided that the Steelers where was my heart was, we have started this job and been successful. I didn't want last years double to be the end, I want it to be the beginning of a long reign at the top for the club

"Matty has built a great team in Sheffield. I lot has been said about how tight we all are as a group. Sure we will lose a few guys from last year, that's pro sport, but the core will remain and new players coming in will find a winning mentality inside the dressing room. We know that other teams will look at us as the ones to beat and we will become everyone's target, that's what you get when you are winners"

Head Coach David Matsos breathed a huge sigh of relief when the confirmation of Talbot's signing was confirmed "You don't easily replace 35 goals" he said "you also don't replace his heart or his leadership. No one player is more important than any other one on my team, that's the way we build teams here at the Steelers, but in saying that I was a little happier than normal when his e-mail arrived

"When I was away with the GB team at the World Championships Paul Thompson kept saying to me that he hoped Talbot would move to Europe! it was Thommo's way of saying what a great player he was. I agree, he is a clutch player, a guy you look to at big moments of games to come through. An easy one is the game in Newcastle last year, the game to win a league title. Things were tight up there that night but just at the moment you wanted it to happen Joey scores that big goal

"It will be a different Steelers team in many ways next year, maybe we set up differently to last years team, one huge similarity though is that we have Joey Talbot on our roster"

Report from Steelers website

 

Jaszczyk gives Stingrays some back-up

10/06/2009

Andrew Jaszczyk has returned as Excel Hull Stingrays' back-up goaltender for the 2009/2010 Elite League campaign.

The Rotherham-born 20-year-old posted an 82.0 saves percentage and a 6.02 goals against average in 11 games last season. He will be understudy to new Swedish signing Tommy Sandahl.

Team owner Sue Pack said: "Andy did a great job as back-up last season. When he had the opportunity to play he took it and he did very well for us.

"Andy attends all the training sessions, is dedicated and enthusiastic and he is a really good person to have in the changing room."

Report from Stingrays website

Devils part company with Prpich

09/06/2009

The Cardiff Devils have parted company with abrasive forward Mike Prpich. The 6’, left-shooting forward has suffered at the hands of the injury bug in the last few seasons, but enjoyed a strong season on the ice last year as Devils joint top point-getter with American Jay Latulippe.

Prpich had been signed for this coming season but has been released from the club in a strong move by no-nonsense Head Coach Gerad Adams. Adams has earned himself respect amongst the fans of the club by demanding 100% from himself and his roster in all situations. The decision has been swift and decisive but, says Adams, one that was necessary and appropriate.

“This is a very unfortunate situation. The players recruited by The Cardiff Devils are not only here for their on-ice performance; their off-ice conduct is equally important to our organisation. The on ice output of Mike Prpich was never in question but we hold our players to a higher standard.

Due to recent events involving the player the working relationship between us has become untenable and it is best for both parties involved to cut ties as soon as possible to allow both player and Club the opportunity to make alternative arrangements.”

This will come as a surprise for the passionate fans of the club; however Adams – who shares that passion - elaborates:

“The Devils are a tight-knit group; we are striving towards common goals as a team and in our management. When something takes place that I feel will hinder our development, our camaraderie and our club it is up to me to make a decision. I would like to thank Matt (Burge, owner and Chairman) and Shannon (Hope, Director of Hockey) for their support during this process.”

Report from EIHL website

Fulghum signs for Blaze

08/06/2009

Thompson beats off stiff competition to bring talented winger, Luke Fulghum to Coventry

Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has completed the signing of American winger, Luke Fulghum (pronounced Full-jum) from the Manchester Phoenix ahead of the 2009/10 Elite League ice hockey season.

Twenty-nine year old Fulghum joins the Blaze after an outstanding season in Manchester, where he recorded 34 goals and 50 assists for an 84 point total from his 67 games for the Phoenix. He helped his team to reach the final of both the Challenge Cup and the Knockout Cup and finished in the top ten of the Elite League scorers.

After a standout, four year collegiate career with the University of Denver, during which the 6’0” 195lbs right winger helped his team to two National Championship titles, Fulghum turned professional and played around 150 games in the East Coast Hockey League for Columbia Inferno, Stockton Thunder and Elmira Jackals. His 64 goal return over the three seasons led to try outs at two Toronto Maple Leaf training camps, which saw him twice receive call ups to the NHL team’s farm team, the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League.

Report from Blaze website

 

Giants Expecting Big Things From Flying Frenchman

05/06/2009

Belfast Giants are delighted to announce the signing of high-flying forward Pierre-Luc Faubert. The French Canadian comes over to the Elite League after two very successful seasons with the Elmira Jackals of the East Coast Hockey League where he amassed 65 goals and 150 points in 159 games. This will be his first European experience.

Giant Coach Steve Thornton is very excited with his new capture.

“His references were really second to none and we fully expect him to come and do some serious damage in our league. Two seasons ago, he played with Bobby Robins who had great things to say about him as a person and a player. Bobby who was one of our go to guys this past year put up 35 points to Pierre-Luc’s 76 when they were teammates, which gives you an idea of what he is capable of. He has tremendous speed, he plays with grit, he can score and create, he is young and hungry for success and he is a leader in the room. Pierre-Luc will be playing big minutes for us next season and I feel that the fans here are in for a treat.”

Faubert was an assistant captain for Elmira last season, where he picked up his team’s MVP and fan favourite awards. The 6 foot, 180 pound forward scored an impressive 8 goals in 11 playoff games last year. He also has the ability to play all three forward positions which is important for the short rosters in the UK Elite League.

Todd Kelman sees Faubert as a great replacement for our superstars that have decided to move on from the Giants.

“His ECHL numbers are better than anyone we have had here in a while. Great players win big games and he will be a great player for us. He has big shoes to fill but we feel that he is the type of player and person that can help us to achieve our goal of winning championships. We felt that the most important thing last season in recruiting was to find solid players with good character that have won before and can also lead. Pierre-Luc is exactly that.”

With only one spot left for a defenseman and a few forward spots to go, the roster is starting to come together.

“We knew that one of the strengths of our team last year was our first line,” said Thornton. “We lost a few of our game breakers and are fortunate to have found another.” I have an idea of what our team is going to look like now with the players we have and the other ones that I am talking to and I am starting to get excited again. We are still going to be exciting and explosive like last years team but we will be stronger and more punishing in our own end this season.”

Report from Giants website

Ferrara and Hartley put pen to paper for 2009-10

05/06/2009

Nottingham Panthers have added two more British players to their roster with the signing of young back-up netminder Mark Hartley and versatile forward/defenceman James Ferrara.

This will be 21-year-old James' first year as a full time player (he was studying at university previously) and coach Corey Neilson said today : "We're expecting a big improvement from James this season, he can jump into the line-up as a forward or on defence.

" Meanwhile young Mark has dressed for the club previously for a couple of matches a couple of seasons ago. 

He has since been developing his game in the minors and was at Coventry with their English Division One team last year. 

With Geoff Woolhouse moving to the EPL, but possibly available in the event of injury to Nottingham Number One Kevin St Pierre, it was a logical step to help 19-year-old Mark's development to give him the opportunity to train at the highest level on an almost daily basis and get a feel for the top flight of UK ice hockey.

Report from Panthers website

Ben O'Connor delighted to be back

05/06/2009

Edinburgh Capitals are delighted to be able to announce that young British defenceman Ben O'Connor has agreed to return to the club for the 09/10 season in the Elite Ice Hockey League.

Ben O'Connor spent last playing at Coventry Blaze where he had 17 points from 8 goals and 9 assists.

O'Connor commented, "I am really glad that Edinburgh have agreed to take me back for this coming season. I had a great time there two years ago. I really think that I left Edinburgh too soon in my development and feel I will benefit from the increased ice time and responsibility that the Capitals will give me this season."  

Edinburgh Capitals coach, Doug Christiansen, said, "Ben coming back to us is a massive signing. When he played for us, he played power play and penalty kill. He logged a lot of minutes and was very effective at even strength. Ben is a guy who would come to the rink often and skate twice a day. He wants to get better and wants to develop. Ben improved a lot under Paul Thompson in Coventry and we are looking for him to be a better player this year. I am expecting Ben to come in great shape and contribute from day one. We are trying to build a great D-core and Ben will be a large piece of it."

He continued, "I think bringing Ben back is a real sign of progress for our club. Ben is a top level British player in our league and by coming back he is showing how we are developing as an organisation. I am very excited to have him back!"

Report from Capitals website

Ryan of Troy joins the Vipers

04/06/2009

After starting his team overhaul on the forwards, Newcastle Vipers coach Rob Wilson has moved back into defence to sign Ryan Mahrle for the new season.

24-year-old Mahrle comes to Tyneside from Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL where he contributed 24 points (4 goals, 20 assists) from 59 games.

 A graduate of NCAA with Western Michigan, the 5ft 11in 175lb right shot first tasted pro hockey in 2007 with Kalamazoo Wings in the UHL before moving up to Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL.  He started 2008-9 with the Gladiators but played only eight games before moving to Bakersfield.

 In his debut season with Kalamazoo the club advanced to the Colonial Cup Finals, and Mahrle finished 6th overall and 1st among K-Zoo defensemen in playoff points (4g-6a).

 At Western Michigan, he led defensemen in scoring all four years of his college career and was named top defenseman three straight seasons from Sophomore - Senior.

 Hailing from Troy, Michigan, Mahrle fits the mould outlined by coach Wilson at the club’s fan forum at the Hilton Hotel.  There Wilson identified mobile, puck-carrying defencemen in the mould of the play-off winning squad of 2006 as the way forward.

 “Ryan is exactly what we’re looking for in our blueliners this year,” said Wilson today.

“He skates very well and can carry the puck into the play and join in offensively.  I have had very good reports from other players and coaches I’ve talked to, and I feel Ryan is a better prospect than the D-men who came into the League last year from the ECHL.

“And at 24 he is coming into his prime so we hope to benefit from his abilities this season.”

 Like the signings of fellow ECHLers Jason Tejchma and Mike Berry, Mahrle’s playing contract includes a schooling element at MBA level with a local University.  The club will be confirming the full details of their education partners very shortly.

Report from Vipers website

Phillips Gets The Call From Chicago Blackhawks

02/06/2009

Belfast Giants 21 year old defenceman Davey Phillips will be attending an evaluation camp in Chicago with one of the most famous teams in ice hockey history, the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks have invited Phillips to attend their summer prospects camp in early July along with other unsigned free agents and minor league players.

Phillips, who moved to the Giants from the Hull Stingrays a year ago, never expected to get a call like this, but after a stellar year under the guidance of coach Steve Thornton and a solid performance for Team Great Britain at the World Championships in April, he managed to raise a few eyebrows around the hockey world.

The current General Manager of the Blackhawks minor league affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, is former Basingstoke Bison player/coach Mark Bernard. No stranger to British hockey, Bernard spent the good part of his professional playing career plying his trade for teams throughout the UK including a stint in Bracknell with Giants General Manager Todd Kelman.

“I have spoken to Bernie about Davey over the last few weeks and he is very interested to take a look at him,” said Kelman, “this is a great opportunity for Davey, and is a great testament to his development and hard work over the last year. I know after his World Championship performance, Bernie had spoken with the GB coaching staff who all had great things to say about Davey.”

“Last summer when we signed Davey, we pegged him as the next big thing for British hockey and he has developed into a stellar player with great ability, quick feet, a superb work ethic and good size, all elements that are necessary for the North American style of game. We are all really proud of him for getting this opportunity.”

“We have had Davey for a whole year and have seen him improve dramatically,” said Giants coach Steve Thornton, “when you have a player on a weekly basis, you understand their value to the team. I think he really impressed the GB coaching staff when he went to the World Championships. I think Paul Thompson and his coaching staff were surprised to see how he has developed over the last year and when they saw him regularly for that week of games, Thompson in particular was really impressed with Phillips and believes that he could have an opportunity to play in North America sometime in the future.”

Phillips was over the moon to get the call from the Blackhawks organization.

“I’m really excited about this and I think it is a great opportunity. I never dreamed of ever getting to skate with prospects from an NHL team in front of their scouts and management, this is a once in a lifetime experience and I am really looking forward to it.”

Report from Giants website

Blaze sign Brian Lee

02/06/2009

Blaze bolster blue line with signing of American defenceman Brian Lee from Briancon

Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has completed the signing of American defenceman, Brian Lee from the Briancon Diables Rouges of the French Elite League.

Twenty-four year old Lee spent last season playing alongside fellow new Blaze signing, GB International Greg Owen and helped his team to win the French regular season title and runner up spots in both the French league cup and play offs. He recorded 4 goals and 16 assists in his 38 games for the French side.

Hailing from Berrien Springs in Michegan, the 6’2”, 210lb blue liner was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and has since played over 150 games in the East Coast Hockey League for Gwinnett, Greenville and Stockton Thunder as well as a season in the American Hockey League for the Norfolk Admirals. He has further AHL appearances for both Cincinnati Cyclones and the Chicago Wolves.

Prior to turning professional, Lee, who will wear the number 5 jersey for the Blaze, spent five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Erie Otters where he helped his team to win the OHL Championship in 2002.

Lee is looking forward to continuing his European adventure with the Blaze

“I really enjoyed my first season in Europe and I really wanted to stay over here this season. I’m so pleased that the Coventry opportunity came up and I’m really excited to be coming to both the city and the UK. All the research I’ve done about Coventry has been positive and I want to be a part of it. It was good to be able to talk with Greg Owen about the hockey in the UK and also about the club and the organisation behind it. It made it a really easy decision for me and I can’t wait to join up with the team at the start of next season.”

Report from Blaze website

Jade's back!

01/06/2009

Nottingham Panthers are pleased to announce that highly skilled winger Jade Galbraith is back with the club for another season.

Last year the 27-year-old made a big impact on the Elite League with his “hot hands”. The winger was no stranger to coach Corey Neilson having played alongside him previously.

Said coach Neilson today : ”He has fantastic skills on the puck. He can be one of the most exciting players to watch and I’m sure we haven’t seen the best of him yet.”

Jade added : “I’m excited to be asked back, we have unfinished business in Nottingham and I want to be a part of it. It’s a great city and organisation and the fans will be expecting big things this season, I want to be part of a team that meets those aspirations.”

Last year Jade totalled 23 goals and 51 assists for 74 points in 59 games.

Prior to joining Nottingham, Alberta born Jade had 50 games in Germany at the Duisburg Foxes of the DEL and Munich in the Bundesliga, scoring a total of 42 points, including 17 goals and he has extensive professional experience in North America with teams in the East Coast Hockey League.

Report from Panthers website

Cloutier lures Thompson to Stingrays

29/05/2009

Former Great Britain junior international Shaun Thompson has joined Excel Hull Stingrays for the 2009/2010 Elite League season.

The 21-year-old had an impressive campaign for Basingstoke Bison and finished their fourth-highest pointscorer with 17 goals and 23 assists in 62 games. Thompson, who was also the 12th highest-scoring homegrown player in all competitions, came through the Slough youth programme and went on to represent his country at U18 and U20 level.

Player-coach Sylvain Cloutier said: "Shaun is the type of player I wanted. With what he went through in Basingstoke last season, with the uncertainty of the team, showed what kind of character he had by being able to stay focused on his job and produce.

"He had a great season scoring 17 goals at a top level. I believe he will improve on that number and therefore bring success to our team. He will bring that work ethic I'm looking for."

Report from Stingrays website

Hot Shot Legue Just Can't Walk Away

28/05/2009

Despite being courted by many clubs in Europe, Steelers hot shot forward Jeff Legue just couldn't walk away from the club and is the latest of last seasons double winning side to confirm that he will be back in Sheffield next season.

"I loved my time with the Steelers, have built a strong bond with so many people there and made so many friends, the fans and the club have been fantastic with me and the guys in the room are strong friends, at the end of the day I just couldn't walk away from all of that. I was lucky, I did have the chances to move on to Europe and had some good offers but the reality is that I'm a Steeler and I'm staying put

"I understand that this year is going to be the hardest of my three with the team, we are the club that everyone will set their sights on and try and shoot down. We have lost a couple of guys from last years team and will probably lose a few more. That's a shame but it's hockey and you have to wish those guys good luck in their new adventures around the World playing this game

"I too looked around, weighed up options but it came to a time when I couldn't mess Matty (head coach David Matsos) around and had to make a decision. It wasn't a hard one, I love the Steelers, I am a Steeler and I had the hockey time of my life last year winning the league and play offs. I will come back with another years experiance of the league, a little older, maybe a little smarter but just as hungry for success. I can't wait"

Head Coach David Matsos thinks Legue's return could be the signing of the summer "I'm very happy to get Jeff back, he is a key guy for us without a doubt. I gave him time to examine his options which I felt was only fair, If we had pushed him he may have chosen a different route. All the time though I kept my fingers crossed that he would return. The interest from Germany was there, we know he could have gone. We are delighted he hasn't and now Jeff has the chance to become a Steelers legend by winning it all over again

"I think there is only more to come from Jeff, at 28 he is in the prime time of his hockey life, his speed kills teams, his skills are as good as any player in the league and he has the heart of a lion. What more do you want from your players.

Report from Steelers website

Gomenyuk sticks with Stingrays

27/05/2009

Ukrainian defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk has become the fifth member of last season's Excel Hull Stingrays roster to re-sign for the 2009/10 bmibaby Elite League campaign.

The 31-year-old returned to Hull Arena for a third spell last summer having twice previously joined Newcastle Vipers. He posted 13 goals, seven of them on the powerplay, and 29 assists in 56 games.

Player-coach Sylvain Cloutier said: "I am extremely excited to have signed Pash, he will be a key part of our defence. He is a very solid two-way defenceman, one that will help tremendously to our success this upcoming season. He will also bring a physical aspect which is definitely what I want to bring to our team.

"His experience is very important, he wants to be a part of our organisation, he wants us to succeed, therefore I feel he will compete every night and bring leadership on and off the ice. He is familiar with the Elite League which will definitely help the newcomers to our team. I am looking forward to coaching him as well as playing alongside him on the ice."

Report from Stingrays website

 

Matty Returns for 8th season

27/05/2009

Matt Soderstrom signs new contract and returns for 8th season with the Blaze

Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has completed the signing of Matt Soderstrom for a further season – his eighth with the club.

Swedish defenceman, Soderstrom first joined the club in its final season in Solihull and moved to Coventry with the team in 2000 where he played a further four seasons.  After two seasons in Italy and one with Telford Tigers in the English Premier League, Soderstrom rejoined the Blaze at the start of the 07/08 season.

In his seven seasons with the club, thirty-two year old Soderstrom has made 440 appearances – fourth on the all time appearance list  behind only James Pease, Tom Watkins and Steve Chartrand – recording 39 goals and a further 104 assists.  He helped the club win the British National League double in the 02/03 season and the bmibaby Elite League and Knockout Cup double in 07/08.  He was the club’s Player of the Season in 02/03, the Most Improved Player and Clubman in 07/08 and last season was voted Coventry’s Best Defenceman by the Blaze supporters. 

Report from Blaze website

Gritty forward joins Vipers revolution

25/05/2009

Newcastle Vipers' university links and the recommendation of another new signing were the key factors in the deal to get Mike Berry to Tyneside this autumn.

 

The 25-year-old right winger has signed up to join the Vipers' roster for the 2009-10 Elite League season, and links up again with Jason Tejchma, who played on the same Mississippi team last season.

 

Berry turned pro in 2005 with Adironack of the UHL and was called up to the American League with Binghampton later that season.  Since then he has played in the ECHL with Toledo , Dayton and Mississippi .

 

The Ontario-born forward has played just over 200 ECHL games, and has 120pts (42+78) with 276 PIMS.

 

"Mike is a different kind of player to Jason Tejchma," said coach Rob Wilson today, "but it's important to have a mix of skills across the forwards.

"Mike has a grittier edge and isn't afraid to mix it up with the opposition if required.

"But he has the skills to make and score the all-important goals, too.

 

"He is another positive addition to our lineup, and I'm very happy with how the recruitment is going."

 

Berry spoke about the importance of the club's Masters degree programme in making his decision.

 

"I like the sound of playing my hockey in the UK with the Vipers, and playing alongside Jason Tejchma, but one of the big factors was the chance to study for a Masters while I'm there.

 

"On the ice the challenge of a new team and new country excites me and I look forward to arriving in Newcastle later this year."

 

Season tickets are still available at the early-bird price until Monday 1 June, with full details from the club shop on Shakespeare Street , by telephone on 0191 2610909 or online at vipershockey.co.uk.

Report from Vipers website

Hewitt Back for a 5th Season

25/05/2009

The Steelers and forward Jason Hewitt have agreed terms ahead of the 2009/10 season, it will be Hewitt's 5th with the Arena club and comes on the back of his best ever season with the club last year.

Hewitt scored 10 goals for the first time in his professional career in 2009 hitting 23 points. As well as being an important cog in the Steelers double winning team Hewitt also impressed National team bosses making the senior GB team that collected a Bronze medal at the World Championships

"I'm very happy to be coming back, I have been part of this club for 4 seasons in which time we have come along way and I don't see that development stopping" said Hewitt "We have a great core group of guys and even though we expect to lose a few players from last years double winning side we have great faith that Matty (Steelers coach David Matsos) will recruit equally good players to fill those vacancy's

"I feel like I did contribute more last season, I know I scored more goals and points but also feel I played my best hockey. I want that to continue. Scoring 10 goals shouldn't be my panicle it should be a stepping stone. Winning a Championship is nice so why not win a 2nd one. Making the National team and winning a Bronze was fantastic so I wonder what a silver or gold would feel like, lets find out. I'm sure there is more to come from both me and this Steelers team

"We know this will be a difficult year with the change in personnel but that's what Champions have to deal with, the whole championship experiance last year will help us, we have been there, crossed the line first and know what it takes, why shouldn't we do it again"

Report from Steelers website

Griffith returns to Newcastle for second stint

22/05/2009

His last act in a Vipers jersey was to score the winning penalty shot in a KO Cup tie in Edinburgh , now Todd Griffith is returning to Tyneside to finish what he started last season.

 

The 24-year-old has signed up for a second stint as a Newcastle player after ending last season in the ECHL with Johnstown Chiefs.

"When Todd got the chance to go to Johnstown , we always said if things didn't work out I'd love to have him back in Newcastle ," said coach Rob Wilson today.

"Todd and I have spoken for a few weeks now and we both wanted to make it happen, and I'm delighted we've been able to come to an agreement."

Griffith is an explosive forward who has great speed and skill, but also has a feisty edge which saw him drop the gloves several times last season. It's that mix of talents which makes him an ideal signing for the 2009 Vipers.

"When we talked about the type of players we wanted up front this season, we decided we wanted 'Todd Griffith' kind of players," said Wilson .

"So what better than to have Todd Griffith himself back in the lineup! He is the embodiment of what we're about this coming year, we're delighted he's coming back and I'm sure the fans are too."

At the time of his departure, Griffith was Newcastle 's top goalscorer having lit the lamp 16 times in 35 games, adding 9 assists and 85 penalty minutes into the mix. He went on in a similar vein with Johnstown , scoring 10+9=19 with 97 PIMS, also sitting out a three-game ban for leaving the bench to join an altercation.

Griffith himself said: "I had a fantastic time last year, everyone made me feel so welcome.  

 I had an excellent relationship with coach Wilson, who always works hard to push the younger players on.

"I returned home as I had another shot at the AHL via the ECHL, and it was a difficult decision.  The coach and the organisation were good to me and understood my age and desire to give it another shot.

"However the chance of the AHL didn't materialise and I had said to coach Wilson that I would love to come back to Newcastle .

"The city, fans and Vipers organisation made it an easy decision for me."

The early-bird discount on 2009-10 season tickets has been extended until Monday June 1, fans can find out more details from the club's office in Shakespeare Street, by phone on 0191 2610909 or their website Below

Report from Vipers website

Johnson & Craze Return to Belfast

21/05/2009

Veteran Shane Johnson and Nathan Craze are the latest off-season signings for the Giants. The Canadian defenseman and the Welsh netminder have each agreed to terms which will put them back in teal for the 2009-2010 season.

Johnson is the last of the original Giants, a player who truly knows what it means to pull the shirt on. The 35 year old will be returning for his ninth season with the team, and will also be filling the role of Assistant Coach, a position he held during the 2008-2009 season as well.

Coach Thornton is thrilled to have Johnson back in the line-up. “I played with Shane for two seasons in Boston and for two seasons with the Giants now,” said Thornton. “We have won trophies in all four of those years so I feel we work well together. When an important game is on the line in the last few minutes every team in the league would want Shane Johnson on the ice.”

General Manager Todd Kelman echoed Thornton’s praise of Johnson; “Johnny is one of those defensemen who people hate to play against, which is a huge compliment for him. He has won everywhere he has been and expects nothing less from himself and his teammates.”

Craze returns to the Giants for another season as the back-up netminder. The 22 year old has been named by many in the Giants organization as the best insurance policy in the league, and has proven himself to the Giants fans by winning some huge games for the team last year during the Knockout Cup.

Coach Thornton was delighted at Craze’s decision to stay on with the Giants; “Craze gets better every year and is hungrier than ever to improve now that he has tasted success at this level. He will push Murphy every day in practice and competition is healthy in hockey.’

GM Kelman was pleased to have Craze back; “With our travel schedule it is important to have cover for your most important position in case fatigue, sickness or injuries happen. Craze gets better every year and isn’t far off from landing himself a starting job in this league.”

Report from Giants website

PANTHERS SIGN MEAN MACHINE ON DEFENCE

20/05/2009

Nottingham Panthers have added third round NHL draft pick defenceman Dominic D’Amour to their roster for the upcoming 2009-10 Elite Ice Hockey campaign.

Twenty-five-year old D’Amour has experience of 113 games at the prestigious AHL level in North America, he has also played in 76 games in the East Coast Hockey League and the six feet three inch tall blueliner had a brief stint in Italy two seasons ago.

Said GMB Panthers coach Corey Neilson today : “He’s left-handed so he ticks that box for me, he’s mean, so he ticks that box for me, I’ve played with him before and Bruce Richardson has played with him, so we know what we are going to get, he clears the crease around the goalie, he has a huge shot on him, he’s big, he’s tough, he throws punches with heavyweights, he ticks a lot of boxes.

“He’s a great hockey player, he has an offensive side to him but he’s mean on defence too and he’s itching to get over here, he’s very keen.”

D’Amour joins coach Neilson, Danny Meyers, Stephen Lee, and Nick Toneys on defence in front of new netminder Kevin St Pierre.

Up front the coach is still working on recruitment but already has Bruce Richardson, Sean McAslan, Marc Levers, Matthew Myers, Kevin Bergin, and David Clarke.

The first season ticket deadline for renewal of exisiting seats and to take advantage of the price freeze runs out at the end of this month.

Report from Panthers website

Knight in shining armour

20/05/2009

Hull Stingrays have beefed up their roster for the 2009/10 Elite League season with the signing of Canadian enforcer Adam Knight.

The 28-year-old split last season in the Central Hockey League with Colorado Eagles and New Mexico Scorpions, totalling two goals and two assists, plus 153 penalty minutes, in 58 games. The 6ft 2in, 205lbs player, who also participated in 15 fights, will play on defence.

Player-coach Sylvain Cloutier said: "I'm very pleased to have Adam as part of our club, he will bring a physical element to our defence. He plays the game hard and with honesty, the way it should be played. Not only can he bring a physical element to the game, he is also a very good hockey player.

"Adam won't have a problem sticking up for his team-mates. He will be a big piece of the puzzle. Adam comes to play every night which is very important in my book. It won't take long for him to be a fans favourite."

Report from Stingrays website

Jason Tejchma Joins Vipers

19/05/2009  

American forward Jason Tejchma is the first new import in the Newcastle Vipers lineup for the 2009-10 season.

Tejchma, who turned 26 last week, comes to the UK from Mississippi Sea Wolves of the ECHL and is taking advantage of the Vipers’ links with north east Universities to study for a Masters degree.

 A graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Tejchma scored 96 points in his four-year NCAA career before moving into the ECHL with Fresno Falcons. In just over two seasons in the ECHL he has scored 48 goals and tallied 71 assists for a total of 119 points in 154 games.

 The left-shot forward fits perfectly into the Vipers stated aim of building a quick, skilful team for the new Elite League campaign.
Head Coach Rob Wilson couldn’t hide his delight at getting the Muskegon native’s signature on a contract. 

“It’s great to have Jason signed up so early in the summer, and I couldn’t be happier that he’s coming to Newcastle,” said Wilson from his home in Canada.

 “Jason is exactly the kind of player we had in mind when planning our recruitment, he’s scored very well in his ECHL years, and outscored Mark Hurtubise when they played together at Mississippi. Hurtubise scored 100 points in the EIHL last year.
“Our excellent university links have allowed us to offer more than just a hockey career to our players, and it’s a big help in player recruitment.”

The player himself is relishing the new challenge.

 “I’m really excited by the opportunity coach Wilson has given me,” he told VipersHockey after signing his contract.

“I can’t wait to come over to Newcastle and get started with the Vipers. I’ve heard good things about the hockey over there, I know some players who have played over there already.
“The coach has explained the plans for rebuilding the team and it sounds like an exciting time to be coming over.
“The added bonus of being able to study for a Masters degree alongside playing hockey was a big factor in deciding to join the Vipers.
“I just can’t wait to get started.”

Report from Vipers website

 

SHARP SHOOTER SEAN COMES ROARING BACK!

15/05/2009

Twenty-nine-year-old Sean McAslan left Nottingham after two seasons for a term in Denmark last year but says he can’t wait to get back to the GMB Panthers.

The club always said the door would never be closed on the former leading scorer and so it has proven to be.

In his first year in Nottingham he scored 42 goals and 27 assists for 69 points and in his second year with the GMB Panthers in 2007-8 he bagged 35 goals and 45 assists for an amazing 80 points tally. He lifted four awards that year adding GMB Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player of the Year to his top goals and top points trophies.

Of his latest recruit coach Corey Neilson said today : “There’s an empty stall next to me in the locker room where Dan Tessier used to sit and I thought  who better to sit there than the guy who sat there two seasons ago, Sean McAslan. What can you say about him, he destroyed the league in scoring and I think he’s only going to come back even better.

“We wanted a good core of guys who know what this league is about and Mac left us a little while ago knowing there was unfinished business here, he had a visit during last season, liked what he saw and now he’s back to help us to achieve our goals. The bar’s been set high, everyone is happy with that. It is thrill to get him back.”

Report from Panthers website

CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING GOALIE JOINS PANTHERS

15/05/2009

NOTTINGHAM PANTHERS HAVE SIGNED GOALIE KEVIN ST PIERRE. THE SIX FEET THREE TALL NETMINDER HAS WON CHAMPIONSHIPS BEFORE AND WAS AT TULSA IN NORTH AMERICA LAST SEASON.

His professional career includes stints in the East Coast League, the UHL, the CHL and the AHL. He had four straight seasons as the Fort Wayne Komets starting netminder. Since the year 2000 he has recorded a save per centage of over 90% in every season bar one when it slipped to 89.6%

The 34-year-old, six feet three inch goalie, has been a team mate of Bruce Richardson and says he can’t wait to open a new chapter in his career by moving to Europe and joining the GMB Nottingham Panthers.

“I’ve heard so many good things about the team and the organisation, the building and the fans,” he said today.

GMB Panthers coach Corey Neilson admitted making the switch from Michel Robinson who came in from Edinburgh part way through last season had been a tough one but said : “Kevin’s our man. He’s big, he’s no nonsense, he’s a family man and he is determined to do well for us every night he steps on to the ice.

“We wish Michel well and thank him for his efforts, he’s a good goalie and this was a tough decision.”

The coach says the recommendations of Bruce Richardson and others went a long way towards the signing of Kevin St Pierre : “We wanted some stability in nets. He’s a family man, a consummate professional, he’s a big man, there’s not a lot of net left around him when he gets set, and he stops the puck. He’s won a championship before and a string of league titles, and he has been highly rated in North America for a long, long time. I’m thrilled to sign him.”

Having announced the return of British pair Danny Meyers and Matthew Myers this week already, the GMB Nottingham Panthers expect to announce a fourth addition to the squad tomorrow (Saturday).

The club has wished Brendan Cook and Johan Molin all the best with their careers after the two players informed us they would not be able to return next season. Johan Molin has family commitments and is hoping to secure a contract back home in Sweden, while Brendan Cook has taken a job as player-assistant coach with a team in North America.

Both players were wanted by us for the 2009-10 roster and both players knew we wanted them back. We respect their decisions and wish them all the luck in the world in the next chapters of their careers, the players in turn have wished the club well for next season.

Report from Panthers website

Key signing Number Two this week

14/05/2009

WELSH WIZARD BACK FOR ANOTHER SEASON WITH THE GMB PANTHERS

British international Matthew Myers will be back with the black and gold in season 2009-10.

With his size and strength and skills, Matthew’s has proved to be the most sought after signature in British ice hockey this summer.

GMB Panthers coach Corey Neilson said of his latest capture : “This is great news for us. We’re excited to have Matthew back, he was a key contributor last year, I think he learned to bring a consistent effort to the table last year. He complemented his line-mates well and he’s turning into a more complete player. He knows his role and he knows his job and he’s committed to everything he needs to do to be a top guy in this league.”

Matthew is the second GB international to be announced by the club in as many days and joins captain Danny Meyers in returning for next season. With Geoff Woolhouse moving to EPL action next season it makes Matthew our longest serving senior player and he said : “I’m very happy to be back. The roster’s shaping up well, I’m 24 years old now and this will be my sixth season with the GMB Panthers. We had a great year last year and I’m looking to build on that both as part of the team and build on my own contributions too.

Report from Panthers website

 

Thomas Signs Again

13/05/2009

The Steelers blue line received a welcome boost today with confirmation that 26 year old GB International Mark Thomas has signed a new deal with the club.

It will be Thomas 5th season with the Steelers since joining the club from London Racers in 2005 - whilst the clubs import defenseman are still deciding whether to return for another crack at the league championship Thomas had no such hesitations "an easy choice, in fact there wasn't a choice" said Thomas "when I joined the Steelers I instantly fell in love with the place, the building the team, the fans, its just the best place to be

"I was here when the club wasn't winning, I have been a part of the rebuilding process and now that we have turned the corner and started winning championships you are going to have to send the men in white coats to drag me out of here. If Matty had said "sorry Tomo I don't want you back" I would have still been here on the first day of training camp with my skates on sat in my stall, your not getting rid of me, I'm here for the duration.

"There is a bond here now with the guys, we are genuinely proud of what we have all achieved, why do I want to go somewhere else, where ever I went would be a down move, why would I move downwards. I have achieved here what I have always wanted. I wanted to be a winner and we have won league and play off titles. I wanted to pull the GB jersey on and be part of a great national team, this year I did that and won a bronze medal

"I have only achieved these things by playing hard and working hard here in Sheffield with the Steelers. I think there is a joint loyalty between us both, I thank the club for the chance, the opportunity and they have rewarded me with another deal.

Report from Steelers website

CAPTAIN’S BACK

13/05/2009

The outstanding British defenceman carried the “C” for the first time last season and he says it is a privilege to do so.

Coach Corey Neilson believes Danny developed his game last season and has a clearly defined role with the team.

The coach said today: “Danny complemented the input from myself and Bruce Richardson in the room. He said the right things at the right time and played a big part in making last season an exciting one for the club and the fans.

“I’ve made no secret of the fact that I wanted to bring a core of players from last year’s roster back and Danny’s was one of the first names on my list.”

Added the captain himself : “It is an honour to captain the Nottingham Panthers and to be given the chance to lead a club which has had so many great captains in the past. I think we made great progress last season, in effect we finished joint second in the standings, and I am confident we are ready to build on that and go further. This job isn’t finished yet!”

 The GMB Nottingham Panthers expect to make further announcements on the signing front later this week. There could be as many as three more names added by the end of the weekend.

.Report from Panthers website

 

WILSON BACK AS VIPERS COACH

11/05/2009

Canadian Rob Wilson is adamant that he has learned from the last three years as Vipers coach and is prepared to change the style of the Newcastle Vipers as he officially confirmed that he would be staying as head coach for the 2009/2010 season.
 
The Toronto native was contemplating a move away from the Vipers to gain experience in Europe thus allowing new blood to have a crack at progressing the Vipers but with rival Elite League teams already well into building their rosters for the new season, Wilson has made the decision to stay with the Vipers despite interest from Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
 
"You look around the league and everyone is well underway in terms of their recruitment," said Wilson . "I've done a lot of thinking over the last few weeks and have looked at various options and have made the decision to stay as head coach of the Vipers overseeing an exciting new chapter in the Clubs history.  I have always wanted to stay here but it was flattering to receive attention from Europe"
 
But whilst rivals have been signing players, Wilson has already outlined a number of players that he would like to bring to Tyneside.
 
"I've already shortlisted some players and talked to quite a few already and will now start detailed talks with the players I want to bring in.  We hope to have one or two deals tied up within the next seven to ten days which we will be able to announce as soon as negotiations conclude."

Report from Vipers website

Christiansen Returns As Player/Coach

08/05/2009

Edinburgh Capitals are delighted to be able to announce that Doug Christiansen will be returning as player/coach for the 09/10 season in the Elite Ice Hockey League and will be continuing his role in charge of hockey operations.

This will be Christiansen's third season with the Capitals and he is looking to continue the hard work he has already done in making the Captials a force to be reckoned with and a competitive and successful team.

Christiansen said, "I am thrilled to be back in Edinburgh. First of all, I would like to thank Scott Neil for bringing me back for a 3rd season. He has showed great loyalty to me the last couple years through both good and bad times. I am excited to be able to return to the Capitals in 2009-2010."

"Scotland's capital has been my home for the last two seasons. The fans and people surrounding the club are second to none and they are a large part of why I am coming back. It was great to see how passionate our fans were down the stretch and seeing their loyalty at the play-off weekend."

"The last two seasons I have been fortunate to coach great teams. I am excited to be building off the best two seasons in franchise history and two consecutive playoff experiences. The foundation for success has been laid."

Report from Capitals website

 

GB star Owen joins Blaze

08/05/2009

Thompson makes Greg Owen his next big British signing to boost team for new season

Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has completed the signing of Great Britain international forward, Greg Owen from the Briancon Diables Rouges of the French Elite League.

In France, twenty-seven year old Owen helped his to team to a regular season first place in the French League Magnus before they were beaten in the final of the French Play Offs by Grenoble. Briancon were also runners up in the French League Cup.

Prior to moving to Europe, Owen spent three seasons with the Basingstoke Bison in the Elite League, recording 28 goals and 37 assists for a 65 point total in his final season. He spent the 03/04 and 04/05 seasons with Bracknell Bees in the now defunct British National League, helping the Bees to the BNL title in his second season and also played a major part in helping Milton Keynes to the English Premier League play off title in 02/03.

Owen is a key member of the Great Britain national team and now has 37 World and Olympic Championships caps to his name. He played a major part in GB securing their first World Championship medal for eight years – a bronze – at this year’s tournament in Poland.

Owen’s signature means’ that Thompson will now have six of Great Britain’s World Championship bronze medallists on his roster for next season – Owen, Jonathan Weaver, Russell Cowley, Greg Chambers, Ben O’Connor and Tom Watkins.

Report from Blaze website

Giants Sign Second Scholarship Player - Pat Bateman

08/05/2009

Canadian Pat Bateman is the latest addition to the Giants roster for the 2009-2010 season. The 26 year old forward will join Tom Walsh in completing his MBA at the University of Ulster, thanks to the Giants Scholarship Programme.

Bateman appeared in a total of 77 games last season with the Gwinnett Gladiators in the ECHL where he tallied 55 points including 26 goals. Prior to his pro career, Bateman had four successful years at Northern Michigan University followed by a brief stint in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals. He then played two seasons in the ECHL with the Stockton Thunder and the Gladiators before signing with the Giants.

Coach Thornton was impressed with his findings when researching Bateman; “We are expecting Pat to have a similar impact to what Bobby Robins had for us last season,” said Thornton. “He won’t be fun for other teams to play against, and he can also finish. He can play on the top line or on a checking line and in all three forward positions. The coaches that I spoke to about him all thought that he will be great over here with his combo of speed, skill and grit. His best reference came from his own coach in Gwinnett this past season as he had great things to say about him as a player and a person. He felt that we are getting an AHL calibre player which translates very well to our Elite league.”

Report from Giants website

Stingrays retain Kalmikov

08/05/2009

Ukrainian forward Konstantin Kalmikov has agreed to return to Excel Hull Stingrays for the 2009/2010 Elite League campaign.

The 30-year-old, a third-round draft pick by Toronto Maple Leafs in 1996, proved a huge fans favourite after joining Stingrays last October and notched 25 goals and 24 assists in 48 games. He was also named the club's Forward of the Year.

Player-coach Sylvain Cloutier said: "It was vital to retain his services. I feel he will be the key to our success next season. He is the most talented player in the Elite League and I am extremely happy to have him back.

"From playing against him in the AHL, I know how much of a competitor he is - he will not accept losing. He wants to have a successful season as much as I do. I think with the players we are all going to be surrounded by we will all have a great season together. He will be counted on as a leader on and off the ice."

Report from Stingrays website

Cowley signs for 3 more years

07/05/2009

Russell Cowley has put pen to paper on a new three year contract with the Blaze

Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson today confirmed that he has completed the signing of Great Britain international, Russell Cowley on a three year contract ahead of the 2009/10 Elite League ice hockey season.

Cowley joined the Blaze during the 2001/02 season and has since made 420 appearances for the club, placing him 5th on the team’s all time appearance list.  During this time, he has scored 87 goals and 151 assists for a 238 point total.

In his seven seasons in Coventry (the 06/07 season being spent with the Cardiff Devils), the twenty-five year old has helped the club to win two Elite League titles, the Knockout Cup, the Challenge Cup, the Elite League playoffs and the British National League and Cup double.  He has also made 41 full appearances for the Great Britain team and played a major part in the national team winning a bronze medal at the recent World Championships in Poland.

Last season, Cowley had his best ever goal scoring season, hitting the twenty goal mark for the first time and picked up several awards including both the Blaze Coach’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the season trophies. 

Report from Blaze website

 

Shanker Back for More of the Same

06/05/2009

The final piece of the Steelers double winning season is back again next season

Steelers have confirmed that power forward Brad Cruikshank will return for a 2nd season "not a very tough decision this one" said coach David Matsos "we all saw the impact Brad had on our team when he arrived. He settled in on the ice and in the room

"Brad gives you ultimate toughness but from a player who can play the game, make a difference and score goals. Guys like him are hard to find, when you have one you don't let them go"

Cruikshank scored 20 goals in 50 games for the Steelers following his November move to Sheffield from Basingstoke, a club he had played for over the three previous years.  "I loved Basingstoke" said Cruikshank "but this was the best move of my life. Joining a club who had a chance to win every night. The club, the coach and the other players all made me feel welcome. I simply loved it in Sheffield

"I don't think Matty and Mike O'Connor will renegotiate an easy contract this summer. I just said bring me back, they said OK and I said where do I sign, that was it deal done. Why bother dragging it out, I'm happy, my family are happy and the club seems happy

"I'm back for more of the same, lets win it again. I love playing for a team that everyone else just boo's the life out of, I love that. I loved it at the play off finals having pretty much the whole Country against us, it was just us and our fans and I like it that way"

Matsos believes there is more to come from Cruikshank as well "It must have been hard joining a team mid way through the year but Brad fitted right in. Next August he will arrive and know exactly what is expected from him, Im expecting a lot more, more goals, more hits, more fights and more trophies"

Report from Steelers website

Giants Sign New Netminder And An Old Guard

06/05/2009

Stephen Murphy will be the new man between the pipes for the 2009-2010 season. The Scottish born netminder, who played last season with the Manchester Phoenix, moves over to Belfast to replace the departing Stevie Lyle.

The 27 year old appeared in 67 games last season, posting a 91.1% save percentage, while carrying his team to two Cup finals. Murphy led the league in appearances and minutes played, faced the second most shots in the league and recorded three shutouts last season.

Coach Steve Thornton believes that Murphy comes to the Giants with unlimited potential; “Murphy was one of the best netminders in the league last season. We saw him more than any other opposing netminder, so we saw what he was capable of and he was their star nearly every time we played them. He won nearly 40% of his team’s man of the match awards and barely missed out on his team’s choice as players player of the year. Considering they had the league MVP on their roster, it shows how valued he was by his teammates and his coach last season. Tony Hand had great things to say about Murphy and talked about Murphy’s ability to steal games for them, something every team needs to be successful.”

Also returning to the lineup for the 2009-2010 season is Belfast’s own Graeme Walton. The 27 year old national team defenseman is back for his seventh year with the Giants, having just completed his most successful season to date where he recorded 15 points in 69 games played. Walton has won three major titles in his six seasons as a Giant, and he now sits in third place on the all-time games played list in franchise history. He also picked up a Bronze medal as part of the Great Britain National Team at the World Championships this past April.

Coach Thornton is excited to have Walton confirmed for another season; “Wally had another solid season, and has become a staple in our defensive unit. He is steady, moves the puck well and is very solid in his own end. He does not try to play flashy, which is why he has been so successful and precisely why he continues to play in key situations for us all season.”

Report from Giants website

Stingrays sign Sandahl

06/05/2009

Hull Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier has confirmed Swede Tommy Sandahl will be his No 1 goaltender for the 2009/2010 bmibaby Elite League season.

It will be the first time the 24-year-old has played outside his native country. Last season he iced for IF Troja Ljungby in the Allsvenskan, the second tier in Sweden.

Cloutier said: "I learned about Tommy through a player that played with him last season in Sweden. I also got information from the coaches that coached against him. They told me he was more than ready to take on this challenge. He will do great here in the UK.

"He played at a high level in Sweden. The scouting report on him was good. He has quick feet, is very acrobatic, has a quick glove and more importantly he is a competitor. Tommy will be one of the better goalies in the league." 

Report from Stingrays website

 

Sheppard To Continue Duel Role

04/05/2009

Doug Sheppard has confirmed that he will be returning to the club for a third season, working alongside David Matsos as player assistant coach, a role Sheppard has occupied for the past two seasons

"I'm delighted to be coming back" said Sheppard "but saying that I wasn't going anywhere else, I love it here and I'm proud of our achievements over the past two years, there is still plenty to do here, many more challenges lie ahead"

Matsos was also pleased his most experienced player would back "The most underestimated player in the league by a mile" said Matsos "he brings so much to our team and to our room. When Dougie is on the ice you always feel safe

"He is perfect as an assistant coach as well, always trying to come up with idea's that improve the team, make us better, he is a 24 / 7 hockey man. Dougie is the ideal link between me and the players

Report from Steelers website

Elite League to run with eight clubs as Manchester opts for the EPL

01/05/2009

The 2009-10 ice hockey season will see the Elite League operate with eight clubs following the decision by the Manchester Phoenix to withdraw from the league.

 

Manchester were a founder member club when the Elite League was formed in the summer of 2003, but Phoenix club officials have advised Elite League Chairman Eamon Convery of their decision following extensive and long deliberations.

 

Convery commented, “Of course, it is extremely disappointing that Neil Morris and his team of people in Manchester have chosen to withdraw and we wish them every success in the English Premier League.”

 

“Mr Morris had indicated that the Phoenix had endured a difficult season financially in 2008-09 despite icing a very attractive and competitive team. At this time, he feels a need to re-structure his club and whilst we all hoped that would be within and as a continuing member of the Elite League, we have to respect his decision and wish the Phoenix club well.”

 

“The Elite League will now operate with eight clubs and with many of them already announcing exciting player signings, the prospects for another thrilling season of Elite League ice hockey are enthralling.”

Report from EIHL website

Sean McMorrow Is The New Sheriff In Town

01/05/2009

After two seasons of trying, the Belfast Giants have finally got their man. A tough guy on the ice, Man Of The Year off the ice, 6’4″ and 17 stone, and with a name like Sean McMorrow, he is destined to become a legend in Belfast.

The latest signing has to be one of the most anticipated of the off-season, to see who took the coveted place as policeman on the Giants roster. McMorrow took it one step further when he told Coach Steve Thornton that “there was going to be a new Sheriff in town this season and that the Giants would definitely not be getting pushed around by anyone in the Elite League any longer.”

“He knows his role and he is definitely entertaining. We spoke in length with his current General Manager Mark Bernard who used to coach in Basingstoke and played with General Manager Todd Kelman, so we both respect his opinion on players. He told us that McMorrow can take a regular shift, is as tough as they come and understands the importance of his role,” said Thornton.

“Sean is a great person and won us over with his attitude and his commitment to work in the community as well as his dedication to the ice hockey. He won his team’s “Man Of The Year” Award and was nominated for the league award as well, which recognises a players contribution to the community. He played for the Chicago Blackhawks top affiliate last season and comes to Belfast with one NHL game under his belt. I am really excited to get Sean signed up, he will be a great character for this team, on and off the ice.”

McMorrow was originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2000, eventually signing a two way contract with the Sabres in 2002. He played one NHL game for the Sabres on March 22nd, 2003 and that same year won his team’s award for AHL Man of The Year. In 2005, he picked up the Rochester Americans Most Improved Player Award and the following year, he once again was picked as his team’s AHL Man Of The Year for service to the community. He won his third AHL Man Of The Year this past season for the Rockford Ice Hogs as well as the Ice Hogs “GQ” Award and the Fan Favourite Award.

McMorrow is looking forward to becoming a Belfast Giant and promises to make next year’s team, the toughest in the league.

“No team is going to push us around with me on board, I guarantee that. I know that this sport is about winning, but it is also about giving the fans plenty to cheer about, and I promise to make sure that nobody goes home disappointed. I have heard great things about the city of Belfast and the Giants. I know what has been missing the last few years, and I want to be that player. I want everyone to know that I will bring a great deal of character on and off the ice and that nobody will do more in the community than me. I take pride in being a good role model for the kids that come to see us play, that is part of our duty and I will lead the charge with any and all community programs that the Giants take part in. I can’t wait to get to Belfast and get going.”

Report from Giants website

 

Phoenix join the English Premier League

30/04/2009

Manchester Phoenix officials have ended weeks of conjecture and deliberation amongst their fan base by confirming that extensive business planning has seen the club opt to withdraw from the Elite League in favour of competing in the English Premier League.

Phoenix owner Neil Morris stated, “The past few weeks, actually since before the end of last season, has seen an awful lot of planning and options considered before we came to our decision. We made no secret of the fact that despite a quite remarkable campaign in many respects last season, the club as a business didn’t realise its financial planning and that prompted a serious re-evalution of the operation.”

“Paramount to the long-term future of ice hockey in Manchester is an achievable budget, prepared and detailed for ultimate stand-alone sustainability without reliance upon one individual. We have some fantastic sponsors, we have an incredible hard core of supporters and we need to grow them both as we look to the future.”

“We gave enormous consideration to the ideas proposed by the Elite League while at the same time studying in great depth the different option provided by a move to the English Premier League. We’ve looked long and hard at all aspects of revenue generation, sponsorship, advertising, ticketing issues and of course the budget needed to provide a quality on-ice product in terms of the team and also the off-ice entertainment that completes a family night out at the Phoenix.”

“We’ve had a number of discussions with EPL officials and when we laid all the cards on the table, the option to move to the EPL ticked all the boxes we needed to tick in order to run the club more effectively. We are sure this decision will surprise some of the Phoenix fans, but we are boosted by a lot of opinion reaching the office that the fans want hockey and that if we chose to move to the EPL, they’d welcome the different challenges that would offer the club.”

“We were proud to be a founder member club of the Elite League back in 2003, but situations change, circumstances alter and right now, we all believe that the English Premier League offers not only a great challenge for Tony Hand and his team on the ice, but also the best opportunity to ensure the long-term future for the club and the sport in Manchester.”

“It goes without saying that we wish the clubs in the Elite League well and in exactly the same way, we thank the EPL for the welcome they’ve given to us and look forward enormously to pitting our wits and skills against them in the new season. Tony has been hard at it over recent weeks in his efforts to recruit a largely new squad, and with him at the helm, I’ve every confidence that the fans will continue to enjoy Phoenix hockey at its very best.”

Report from Phoenix website

 

Giants Use Scholarship Programme to Lure Star D-Man

30/04/2009

A joint partnership with the University of Ulster and the Belfast Giants has made the signing of Harvard Graduate and former NHL prospect Tom Walsh a reality for the 2009/10 ice hockey season. Walsh comes to Belfast after a year in the Finish Elite League, one of the top league’s in Europe where he played for HIFK Helsinki. The former NHL Draft pick of the San Jose Sharks played for their top Affiliate team the Worcester Sharks two seasons ago, leading all defencemen on the Sharks in scoring with 36 points in 76 games.

Only three years out of school, Walsh starred for Harvard University for four seasons, earning his undergraduate degree from one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world in 2006. He is a potential star in the Elite League, a player that probably would never have considered Belfast if it were not for their partnership with Ulster University. Walsh will be studying for his Masters in Business (MBA) next season while playing for the Giants, thanks to a scholarship programme through Ulster University.

Player Coach Steve Thornton was pleased to capture such an important player for the 2009/10 season.

“Walsh is exactly what we need, an all-round defenceman that can chip in offensively but understands his number one job is keeping the puck out of our net. He played at a very high level for the last two seasons, and particularly excelled in the AHL for the Worcester Sharks two seasons ago. We needed to strengthen up our defensive unit from last year and this is a huge step in the right direction.”

“He has been described by coaches and former teammates as one of the best all round players and individuals that they have come across. He has been tagged as a leader and as a great role model, not just for people in the community but for his teammates as well. Everyone we spoke to about Tom has had great things to say about this player. We are looking forward to having Tom in the line-up next season.”

General Manager Todd Kelman was grateful to the University of Ulster for making this signing possible.

“Tom is a quality player and was particularly attracted to Belfast because of the potential to study at the University of Ulster. The fact that he can gain his MBA degree while playing for the Giants was too good of an opportunity to pass up. We expect big things next season from Tom and I know he expects big things from himself.”

Report from Giants website

Huppe coup for Stingrays

28/04/2009

Canadian forward Curtis Huppe has once again linked up with Excel Hull Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier after being named player-assistant coach on a two-year deal.

The 30-year-old won the bmibaby Elite League title during a three-year spell with Belfast Giants and was part of the Coventry Blaze side – along with Cloutier - which was crowned league and British Knockout Cup champions in 2007/08. 

Cloutier, who also signed Huppe during his time in charge of Corpus Christi Ice Rays of the Central Hockey League last season, said: “Curtis is a huge component to our team, he brings a lot of respect to the Hull Stingrays organisation. He is a proven winner and he knows what it takes to succeed. 

“We have a very good working relationship and we get along really well .There is a lot of trust and respect between us, two parts that should be there when you work together. Curtis is a very well-rounded hockey player and one I can count on every night.”

Report from Stingrays website

Greg Chambers joins Blaze

28/04/2009

Chubbs checks in as Thompson signs GB star Greg Chambers from Basingstoke

Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has completed the signing of Great Britain international winger, Greg Chambers from the Basingstoke Bison. Chambers has signed a two year contract with the club.

The twenty-six year old British Canadian joins the Blaze after spending the last four seasons with the Bison, during which time he scored over 100 goals and 300 points in over 200 appearances for the club. Prior to coming to the UK, Chambers spent the 04/05 season in the Italian Elite League with Varese where he scored an impressive 34 points in 36 games. His first professional season was in 03/04 where he played for the Pensacola Ice Pilots in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).

The highly talented Chambers has appeared in three All Star games – The Ontario Hockey League All Star game in 2002, the ECHL All Star game in 2004 and the Elite League All Star game in 2009. He was also named in the Elite League’s second all star team for 08/09 by the UK’s ice hockey journalists.

Chambers made his Great Britain debut in the 2008 IIHF World Championships in Austria where he scored an impressive 11 points in 5 games to finish as the national team’s top scorer. He has since played in both the Olympic Qualification tournament and the 2009 World Championships in Poland, both times also finishing as the side’s top points scorer. He has amassed a superb 24 points in his 13 games for the national team and played a major part in helping GB to win a bronze medal earlier this month.

Report from Steelers website

Jono Can Be a Steelers Legend says Matsos

27/04/2009

David Matsos says that Captain Jonathan Phillips can be a Steelers legend, leading the team to maximum glory in the years to come

"This club loves it's history, most sporting clubs do, but when you come here you realise this one does more than ever" said Matsos "folk talk about the Grand Slam teams of 96 and 2001, they talk about their great Captains, goal scorers and goalies, they even like to compare coaches!

"The idols here are placed on great pedestals and Jonathan Phillips is a man who can go on to be one of those idols. When I asked Jono to be our Captain I talked to him about the chance to lead this club for years to come, and through a period we hoped to be a golden one

Report from Steelers website

Stevie's coming home

25/04/2009

Cardiff-born goalie Stevie Lyle has signed for the Cardiff Devils, his third spell at the club.

Lyle - one of the most successful products of the Devils junior development programme – first iced for his hometown Devils senior team at the tender age of 14 following an injury to the then first-choice goalie, Jason Wood. “Lillie” as he is known jumped into the fray, had an outstanding weekend (winning player of the tournament) and has never looked back. Since then he has won numerous league and cup honours, most recently the Challenge and Knockout cup trophies with Belfast Giants, his Elite league team last season.

So how does he feel about coming home?

“I’m really, really excited. I always wanted to come back to Cardiff, and seeing what’s going on here now, it’s great times and I think the Devils will be back on top – where they should be.
When we talk about his career and leaving Cardiff, Lyle thinks it was good for him overall:
“Definitely. I am always back in Cardiff every Summer but it really helped me to learn and be a pro. It’s something every hockey player does or should do in my opinion. That said I always wanted to come back and I can’t wait to get going.

And the team G is putting together – is he looking forward to playing this year?

Oh, I can’t wait. The team that he has signed so far and what he has said to me shows what he wants to put on the ice. Every year a coach learns more about their team and the league and he wants to be top three, challenging for titles this season and there is no reason why not. I think with me being a British goalie we’ll have an “extra” import. That should help the team that little bit more and if we can avoid the injuries it will make a big difference through the season.

Report from Devils website

 

Gouett and Longstaff return for new season

25/04/2009

Newcastle Vipers are delighted to confirm that defenseman Mark Gouett and forward David Longstaff have agreed terms with the Club for the 2009/2010 season.

“Mr Reliable” Mark Gouett has agreed a third term on Tyneside, originally signing for the Vipers in 2007 from the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the CHL in North America. 

The Canadian, who was captain of the London Racers between 2004 and 2005 has become renowned for his determination and hard work on the ice and is a welcome return to the Vipers who have started an overhaul of their roster  for the 2009/2010 Elite League Season.
 
“We might be starting to overhaul the roster but Mark is the type of player the Vipers are recruiting for next season and he is one of the first players we spoke to for a return next season,” said Vipers coach Rob Wilson.
 
“He is a quiet leader and is respected by all at the Vipers,” continued Wilson.
 
Gouett, who was voted Player’s Player of the Year last term, was happy for a return to the Vipers:
 
“I’ve become very settled here in the North East with the Vipers organisation and I am looking forward to another season and a new challenge as the Club restructure with a new approach,” said Gouett.
 
Also returning for the new season is Club captain and North East native David Longstaff who is returning for an eighth season with the Vipers.
 
The former Whitley Bay Warrior and Sheffield Steeler who scored the first goal against Poland for Great Britain last week in the World Championships to secure a Bronze medal position is once again going to be a key member of the Vipers squad next season:
 
“David is probably the most experienced guy we have in the team and with us building a young skilfull side we still need players such as David for the younger players to learn from and to go to,” said Wilson.
 
The Vipers have beat off stiff competition for Longstaff from other Elite League Clubs.
 
Longstaff is also relishing another season with his hometown Club,
 
“It is certainly looking to be different to other recent seasons and like Mark I am looking forward to the challenge of next season and using my experience to help younger players around me.”
 
The Vipers will be releasing more signing news next week.

Report from Vipers website

CHARITY SHIELD - NOTTINGHAM v SHEFFIELD

23/04/2009

THE BIGGEST RIVALRY IN EUROPEAN ICE HOCKEY IS SET TO RAISE THE CURTAIN ON THE NEW SEASON.

The GMB Nottingham Panthers will host the next ice hockey Charity Shield when they entertain double-winning Eurologix Sheffield Steelers in a re-run of the last game of last season, the play-off championship final.

 With the support of the National Ice Centre, this special match-up will also be raising funds for the sport’s development and for the family of photographer Dave Page. The Nottingham club photographer was also the Elite League’s official photographer and died after a sudden illness towards the end of last season leaving a widow and 12-year-old son.

 League secretary Andy French said today: “It is quite fitting that junior ice hockey and the family of Dave Page should both benefit from a match up between the sport’s biggest of rivals. Dave helped promote junior ice hockey as well as working alongside the big clubs. He was extremely well thought of around the league, especially of course in Nottingham and I think this could be a very well supported event.”

Sheffield Steelers general manager Mike O’Connor said: “Dave was a regular visitor to our rink, he was a great guy and we are pleased to be able to play our part for his family. It was an honour to see the tribute paid to him by the Nottingham club and the Panthers fans during last season.”

 GMB Panthers’ coach Corey Neilson added : “I can’t think of a better goal for this season’s Charity Shield fund raising effort, I know our manager has a few ideas in hand, he’s already put a lot of time into setting things up.”

 More details will be released nearer the time but for now ice hockey fans are urged to put Wednesday September 2^nd in their diaries for the upcoming Charity Shield between the GMB Nottingham Panthers and the Eurologix Sheffield Steelers.

A trust fund for young Daniel is being set up.

Report from EIHL website

 

Leves is back!

23/04/2009

GB forward Marc Levers is back with the GMB Panthers for another season.

The Derby-born player was on the GB reserve list for the recent World Championships and was actually called up but had to decline because of a hand injury.

He’s extending his second stint with the Panthers, in effect, his home town club having learned his sport through the junior ranks in Nottingham.

A vital part of the penalty-killing unit, Marc plays a key role amongst the forwards.

Coach Corey Neilson said today: “He gives us lots of energy and a high work rate, I was pleased to snag him as one of the first guys to put pen to paper for next season.”

 Marc himself added: “I love it in Nottingham, as some of the most senior players have said already, we have unfinished business after just missing out on silverware last season, I think it is going to be a big year for the club. Clearly Corey, helped by Bruce Richardson and the management team have high ambitions, I’m thrilled to be a part of those plans.”

Report from Panthers website

 

Robert Dowd Signs Once Again

23/04/2009

Steelers have confirmed the re-signing of forward Robert Dowd for a 2nd year with the Arena club.

Dowd, who had previously spent two years with the Sheffield Scimitars, enjoyed a stunning first season with the Steelers scoring an incredible 28 goals in his first year at the top level, he was a major part of both the double winning Steelers team and the Bronze medal winning GB national side that has just returned from World Championship duty in Poland.

Confirming the agreement head coach David Matsos said "I think everyone knows just how important it was to re-sign Dowdy, he had an incredible first season and we are not only hoping for more of the same next year we are expecting an improvement. The lad has so much talent that we believe that we have something very special here at the Steelers. His major strength is his drive to improve, a lot of young players would see 28 goals and a double as the mountain climbed and the job done. He though wants to get better, wants to get stronger, smarter, quicker and be the best all around player he can be. It's that drive that makes us convinced we are right to keep him here in Sheffield

"Everyone loves Dowdy, his team mates see this young lad coming up through the ranks, they see his enthusiasm and his ability, he is a popular young man inside the room. The fans love him because they have seen him come up through the Scimitars and Steelers over the last 3 seasons in this City, they love it that he still shows emotion when he scores, in fact he shows the same emotion as they do. The fans here relate to him, he is one of theirs if you like. We are a better team with Dowdy in it and my job is to make us the best team possible. Signing Robert Dowd is a great start.

Report from Steelers website

Nick Toneys re-signs with your Panthers

22/04/2009

Reliable defenceman Nick Toneys is back with the Nottingham Panthers for next season.

The American who was able to take advantage of the link-up with the University of Derby whilst playing for the club will be back for a second season next year.

“It was an easy decision, absolutely, it is a great place to play, we had a pretty good season last year and we have things to prove next year so it is an exciting place to be.

"We’ve already got some core guys back, I appreciate being a part of that, and I’m looking forward to it,” said Nick today.

“The University of Derby hook-up gave me a great opportunity.

hopefully I will be able to finish things off next season and I won’t have as many classes, but that has been great, the club’s been great, the area’s great, what more can I say.

“This is the place to be,” he added.

The coaching staff rate Nick Toneys as an unsung hero. “You know what you’re going to get with Nick,” said coach Corey Neilson today, “We wanted him back and he wanted to come back. Being able to play high level professional sport in a place like Nottingham while at the same time taking advantage of the top flight educational opportunity with the University of Derby means everyone is in a win-win situation.”

 Coach Neilson is continuing to talk to players from last season and potential new recruits as he builds his squad for season 2009-10 in the UK Elite League.

Report from Panthers website

 

Giants Announce First Signing for 2009/10 Season

22/04/2009

The Belfast Giants are pleased to confirm their first signing for the 2009/10 season, Craig Peacock from the Peterborough Phantoms of the English Premier League (EPL). Last year, Peacock scored 57 goals for the Phantoms, adding 49 assists, good for 106 points. He ended up as the fourth top scorer overall in the league and finished as the top British scorer in the EPL.

Peacock and the Phantoms won the treble this past season in the English Premier League, winning the EPL Cup, the League Championship and the Playoff Title this past season, with Craig scoring two goals and an assist in the final game to lift the Playoff Trophy. Craig was selected to the EPL Second Team All-Star this year after a standout season for the young British star who is still a few months away from his 21st birthday.

Steve Thornton was pleased to get Peacock for next season, despite great interest from other Elite League teams.

“I am very happy to secure Craig for next season, and I believe he has the potential to be a star in the EIHL. It will be a big jump for him next year, but everyone in this League saw the Sheffield Steelers develop Robert Dowd into a legitimate star in the Elite League, and Dowd came from the EPL two seasons ago. We expect Peacock to have a similar impact with the Giants and I believe that he has a bright future here in Belfast.”

Craig Peacock was all smiles after signing with Belfast and is excited about becoming a Giant next season.

“I’m really excited about coming to Belfast and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to move up to the Elite League. I really think I have chosen the right organization to make the jump with. I think Steve Thornton is definitely the right coach to help me move forward in my career.”

Earlier this season, Thornton and General Manager Todd Kelman flew over to see Craig play against the Bracknell Bees and were immediately impressed with him on the ice.

“The more I spoke with him, the more I wanted this kid on our team,” said Thornton , “he has a great attitude, he is looking for an opportunity to play in the Elite League and I believe that he is in line to have a great rookie year with the Giants.”

Report from Giants website

 

Richardson strengthens Devils' Brit pack

22/04/2009

Richardson, 22, from Swindon, returns for his second spell with the Cardiff Devils following time in Basingstoke and two tours with the Nottingham Panthers. He becomes Head Coach Gerad Adams’ second British signing of the off season, joining Sheffield born Matt Towe on the roster.

Having started the season last year with the Bison in Hampshire, Richardson switched to the Panthers when the Basingstoke outfit encountered serious problems off the ice. That though, was not his only switch as he has moved from the forward position he played with the Devils to the blueline, becoming a rare find – a British Defenceman.

“I’ve just got back from international duty, my first tournament as a D-man”, he says, “and it was a fantastic experience. We have a great team spirit in the GB side now, and it was so exciting to win a medal. It really was something special.” (The GB side took bronze in a fine performance.)

Asked about his decision to return to South Wales, he is honest and to the point:
“Ever since I left I have missed the place. It was a great opportunity (to leave for Nottingham) and I was flattered. You never know how something is going to work out until you try it. I am thrilled to be back in Cardiff”

So why make the change from forward to defence ?
“Well I spoke with Nottingham when the Bison situation was getting pretty bad. I didn’t want to leave as they had a great place and bunch of guys there, but I felt I was going to have to make the move. The Panthers wanted me but their forward roster was full; all they could offer were defensive duties and maybe some forward injury cover. I took it and I never looked back”

“I felt comfortable on D straight away. I still jump into the play and try to use the offensive skills I have learnt, but I was always a pretty defensive forward so it seemed natural. It was the best decision ever”

Adams has signed a strong core of players so far this Spring – including huge Captain Brad Voth, import defencemen Wes Jarvis and Mike Hartwick, and last season’s joint top scorers Mike Prpich and Jay latulippe.

He is building to win and does not hold back when asked about his latest capture, saying,
“I am SO excited about this signing. He was my player of the year in his last stay with us, he’s a British defenceman and he’s a right-hand shot. He will really help us this year.”
“He’s made the switch from forward to D and in my opinion is one of the better British D-men.Mark has great skill and skating ability and is keen to learn the trade of a defenceman . I believe he will get better as the year goes on. I’m over the moon.”

Report from Devils website

 

Clarkie's back!

21/04/2009

The Nottingham Panthers building for season 2009-10 continued this week with confirmation that top British forward David Clarke will be back with us for another season next year.

David’s deal when he came back from Italy last summer was always structured in such a way that it would run for two years and the player and the club are pleased to confirm that is exactly what is happening.

The sharp-shooter is a key part of coach Corey Neilson’s plans for next season. He was hampered by injury during last season but was one of the stars of the show for Great Britain at the World Championships and whilst there is always lots of interest in players at this time of year, David had already made his commitment to Nottingham.

“Why would anyone want to play anywhere else in this country,” he said today. “This is a great organisation and it is a great city with great fans. Corey and Bruce have set their sights high and that suits me just fine. We’re aiming for big things, our ambitions are high and we’re aiming to reach our goals.”

Coach Corey Neilson added : “David is a top flight shooter, he’s the kind of guy you build a line around, get him the puck and he’ll get you the goals. We’re thrilled to have him back in the line-up. We’re planning an exciting year ahead and everyone is going to want to be a part of it.”

Meanwhile,  British defenceman Stephen Lee is heading to Nottingham after scoring 11 goals and 23 points in 56 games at Guildford last season. 

He developed out of the successful Hull Junior outfit and began his senior career at just 14 years of age and has played for the GB juniors teams 24 times.

Report from Panthers website

 

Hirsch in for Blaze

21/04/2009

Thompson makes Danish international keeper Peter Hirsch his first summer signing

Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has completed the signing of Danish international netminder, Peter Hirsch, from AaB Aalborg of the Danish Elite League.

Hirsch becomes Thompson’s  first summer signing as he begins his team rebuilding in preparation for the 2009/10 Elite League ice hockey season.  The thirty year old, native of Copenhagen has been capped over sixty times for his country, during which time he helped Denmark to reach to top division of World Championship hockey in 2002.

He has since helped Denmark to remain an ever present amongst the world’s Elite, making over thirty appearances against the top countries in the world between 2003 and 2008.  Highlights of his international career include a 2-2 tie with Team Canada and a 5-2 win over Team USA in the 2003 World Championships in Finland.

Hirsch’s domestic career has seen him play several seasons in both the Danish and Swedish Elite Leagues, playing for Malmo Redhawks and MoDo in the Swedish Elite and for Rungsted, Nordsjaelland Cobras and Aalborg in the Danish Elite.  During the 2007/08 IIHF Continental Cup, Hirsch backstopped Aalborg to a berth in the competition’s Superfinal, a run that included a 3-0 victory over the Blaze in his home arena.  Last season he also spent time on loan at Timra in the Swedish Elite League and Oskarhamm in the Swedish Allsvenskan League.

Hirsch, who will combine his playing duties with the Blaze with a course of study at Coventry University, will replace outgoing stopper, JF Perras as Coventry’s number one starting netminder.  Thompson is also on the lookout for a new backup keeper with Steve Fone set to sign a contract with a club in the English Premier League as a starting goalie.

Report from Blaze website

 

Spark plug Latulippe returns

18/04/2009

The Cardiff Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of feisty American Centre Jay Latulippe.
The native of Saratoga, NY arrived late for the start of last season but was an instant smash with Devils fans and drew many admirers around the bmibaby Elite league.

His feisty attitude and gritty, energetic approach to games helped him to top the scoring for the Devils alongside other returnee Mike Prpich whilst simultaneously getting under the skin of just about every opponent he faced. Moreover Latulippe earned the praise of his coach, team-0mates and fans for spending a long stretch of games double shifting to cover injuries.

“I’ve been in discussion with (Head Coach) Gerad Adams for the past few weeks”, said Latulippe.
“I had several other options, which were all tough to turn down but this was more than a hockey decision. Cardiff is a good city – great city, actually with great people. I’m going home for a few months but I’m really looking forward to coming back to be a part of something special”

Report from Devils website

Glowa commits to Stingrays

17/04/2009

New Hull Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier has made his first signing for the 2009/2010 bmibaby Elite League campaign by retaining the services of Canadian forward Jeff Glowa.

The 33-year-old, who is back for a sixth season, was named the Players' Player of the Year last term when he posted 33 goals and 29 assists in 60 games - his best return in the Elite League.

A club statement read: "Jeff Glowa is Mr Hull Stingrays. This will be his sixth season with the club and we cannot be happier to have a guy like him back. His work ethic and everything about him is quality.

"He has just had his best season in a Stingrays shirt and we are all hoping he picks up where he left off. We are delighted Jeff has committed his future to the Stingrays and it is a great way to start our team building plans for the new season."

Report from Stingrays website

Mike's Back !

16/04/2009

The Cardiff Devils are pleased to announce the re-signing of the versatile and popular Mike Prpich

Head Coach Gerad Adams has been talking to many players but has moved quickly to re-sign the 6ft Saskatoon native, who was the team’s top scorer last season. Prpich, a former University of North Dakota player with NHL stars Jonathan Toews and Zach Parise was quick to decide to stay in South Wales, where he has become popular with fans famous for appreciating his “do-it-all” style.

“It’s great to be back”, said Prpich, “I love it here. We have a good core of guys and we all got along really well; we stuck together. I wanted to get the off-ice, the contract stuff done early and then just enjoy the summer. It feels fantastic to have this decision made and to look forward to the team G (Head Coach Gerad Adams) is putting together”
 “Pirps” as he is known, is primarily a point scorer but he will also hit, play defence and drop the gloves to stand up for his team-mates where necessary.

During his first season with the Devils he suffered a serious knee injury and both he and the fans felt they had not seen the real Mike Prpich. Last season however he became the top goal scorer in the team and was lethal on the Devils powerplay unit, becoming the second highest powerplay goal scorer in the league. In fact, he was only bettered in PP goals by Manchester hotshot David Beauregard (by just two goals), though he played 12 less games than the Manchester sniper.

Report from Devils website

 

Corey...and Bruce.....and now Kevin

10/04/2009

BERGY SIGNS FOR ANOTHER YEAR WITH THE GMB PANTHERS

 The GMB Nottingham Panthers are pleased to announce feisty forward Kevin Bergin has signed for next season.

The popular Canadian is destined to be a key player in the search for honours next season.

Coach Corey Neilson, who has already brought Bruce Richardson back for another year, said today :”Kevin brings a lot to the table he's tough and has good skills, he scores big goals for us and he is a real team player. He looks after his teammates and he's great in the room.

“Kevin knows the club, the organisation, the city and he's a key guy for us. Like everyone else he thinks we have unfinished business with the GMB Panthers.”

Added Kevin : “This is THE place to play in the UK. The fans are the best, the organization is great, Corey knows what he’s doing and what we are trying to build here. To be honest this was one of the easier decisions of my career, why would I want to go anywhere else!”

Season tickets for season 2009-10 are now available. Click on the link Below. Go on the home page to download the application form. Twenty-seven games included, prices frozen and deadlines extended. Another exciting year in store with the roar!

Report from Panthers website

 

Cloutier named player-coach

09/04/2009

Hull Stingrays have announced the appointment of Sylvain Cloutier as their new player-coach on a two-year contract.

The 35-year-old Canadian, who made seven appearances in the National Hockey League for Chicago Blackhawks in the 1998/99 season, takes over at Hull Arena from Rick Strachan, who had been in charge for the past six years.

As captain he lifted the Elite League trophy and British Knockout Cup for Coventry Blaze but retired last summer to become head coach of Corpus Christi Ice Rays of the Central Hockey League. He was released from his duties in February but has now accepted a deal with the Stingrays and will don the skates again for the next two seasons.

A club statement read: "We are really happy to have found the right man for the job so quickly. It gives him the most available time to build a squad for next season. He is a great player and has great leadership skills and it didn't take very long to get the deal done."

Report from Stingrays website

 

BRUCE RICHARDSON WILL BE BACK!

07/04/2009

FIRST SIGNING OF THE SUMMER ….  AND IT’S A KEY ONE!

 The GMB Nottingham Panthers are thrilled to announce their first summer signing just 48 hours after the final game of the 2008-9 season with the news that BRUCE RICHARDSON has put pen to paper and will be back alongside coach Corey Neilson next season.

Bruce makes things happen for us on the ice and says he has unfinished business to take care of.

Richardson moved to the GMB Panthers last summer and picked up a host of club awards this season. He was coach Neilson’s right-hand man and the pair steered the club to the play-off final and third place in the standings, pipped for runners-up spot only on number of games won.

 Said Bruce today : “I have enjoyed a great bonding with the organisation and the fans and I want to keep that going.

"I love the organisation here in Nottingham.

“We’ve got unfinished business because we didn’t lift any trophies but we had an exciting year, we provided lots of entertainment, and we are aiming to add to the trophy cabinet next season.

“I like the city, my family love everything here. When you play for Nottingham you have everything you need off ice which helps bring success on the ice. It is fun to play for and organisation which has so many fans in building and which is so professional.”

 Added coach Corey Neilson: “Bruce is a great professional. Dedicated, experienced and a workaholic. He has drive and ambition and is an example to everyone. After I agreed terms myself, the organisation made the return of Bruce Richardson a priority and we’re pleased to have fended off the interest from other teams. Just about everyone wanted to steal him, but Bruce has loyalty amongst his many qualities and he’ll be back with us next season. It is great news and further proof, if anyone needed it, of the ambitions of this club.”

Coach Neilson will be talking to the other players from the season 2008-9 roster in the coming days and we expect to have more announcements sooner rather than later. 

Report from Panthers website

Steelers are Play Off Champions

 05/04/2009

The Steelers are Play Off Champions and add that trophy to the league title they won 4 weeks ago. Jody Lehman recorded his 10th shut out whilst the goals came from Munn and Finnerty.

It's a second successive Play-Off win for Steelers and their third in the EIHL but for Panthers it's the third time they have tasted final defeat. Sheffield Steelers made it a double by adding the Play-Off trophy to their league triumph after coming out on top against great rivals Nottingham Panthers at the NIC in front of a capicity crowd.

After the opening period in the Play-Off final at the NIC the Steelers were ahead by a single goal in a fast moving - hard hitting contest.

The goal came after 14.50 and came from the most unlikely of sources in Steelers rock-steady defenceman Steve Munn (2nd), striding over the blueline and unleashing a big shot that flew past goaltender Michel Robinson.

Earlier a smart Robinson save denied Ashley Tait but while Panthers have had chances on the powerplay they are struggling to breakthrough a solid Steelers defence.

There was no change to the scoreline after two periods, Steelers still ahead by that first period goal by Steve Munn.

It's been pretty intense throughout but defences are very much on top. Best chances fell late on to Panthers but both Jade Galbraith and Matt Myers were denied by the ever impressive Jody Lehman in the Steelers cage.

Going in to the third period with a single goal lead Steelers grabbed the crucial second goal at 44.37 when Ryan Finnerty (21st) slid the puck home after it broke perfectly to him with Panthers goaltender Michel Robinson having no chance to react.

From that point on it was the Steelers defence doing what they have done so many times this season; snuffing out the threat of the opposition and with goaltender Jody Lehman as solid as ever he picked up his tenth shutout of the season and found the perfect way to round off a great season for him personally.

Period Scores: 1-0, 0-0, 1-0
Penalty Mins: She 18 - Not 14
Powerplay: She 0/4 - Not 0/7
Shots On: Jody Lehman 36 - Michel Robinson 32
Referee: Moray Hanson 

Report from Steelers website

 

Giants Add Knockout Cup To 08/09 Honours

 26/03/2009

For the second time this season the Giants have lifted silverware, with the British Knockout Cup finding its place in the trophy cabinet alongside the Challenge Cup won by the Giants earlier this month. Sadly however for Phoenix, for the second time they played the part they did not want - that of bridesmaids!

With the 1st leg tied 3-3 it was all to play for as the first puck was dropped and it was the visitors who took an early lead when the top goalscorer in the EIHL David-Alexandre Beauregard, (60th goal of the season) fired home after only 4.06. Giants then laid siege to the visitors goal but found GB goaltender Stephen Murphy in superb form between the pipes and despite out shooting Phoenix by 24 to 9 it was the visitors who remained ahead at the first period break.

The second period was more evenly contested but this time it was to be the home side who scored the only goal when a powerplay opportunity was snapped up by skipper George Awada (27th) and he levelled at 24.41.

A perfect start for Giants in the third period as Andrew Martin (22nd) netted the go-ahead goal only 45 seconds in but in a wide open attacking period it was Phoenix who drew level at 47.15 with Josh Garbutt (7th) finishing off the play. The home side shrugged that setback off however and were ahead again - this time for good - at 49.52 with a strike by David Phillips (9th).

Before Phoenix had a chance to hit back again they fell two behind when Paul Deniset, (39th) scored at 51.53 and despite having their chances - and missing out on a couple of late powerplay opportunities it was Steve Thornton’’s men who were celebrating for the second time this season at the final buzzer.

Report from Giants website

Bison Move To EPL

 25/03/2009

Planet Ice the owners of the Basingstoke Bison ice hockey team have agreed that from the start of next season and subject to a successful application to the League Management Committee, that the Bison will compete in the English Premier Ice Hockey League where they will renew local rivalries with teams such as Bracknell Bees, Guildford Flames and Slough Jets.

John Neville, Director of Group Operations for Planet Ice said, "We would like to thank the loyal fans for their continued support of the Herd during what has been a very difficult period for the organisation and hope that they understand the decision we have had to make and trust that they will continue to support the Bison next season as we enter into a new era for the Herd".

"It is no secret that for the last couple of seasons the Bison have struggled to compete on a level playing field within the Elite League and have lost substantial amounts of money".

Eamon Convery, Chairman of the Elite League commented, "Basingstoke Bison were one of the founding teams of the Elite League. They worked tirelessly over the years to turn around the performance of the team both on and off the ice. Progress was made however it is also accepted that their future lies outside membership of the Elite Ice Hockey League. We wish them every success in competing with their local rivals in the EPL and thank their fans for their faithful support of the Herd".

John Neville continued, "We would like to wish the Elite league all the best for the future and in particular thank both Eamon Convery and Andy French for the support that they have given the Bison over the past seasons but the time is right for the club to move to the EPL. Neville continued," We are currently talking to parties who have shown an interest in running the team and are also talking to interested coaches and players with a view to next season".

It is intended that at the commencement of the season, there will be an initial pre season game celebrating 20 years of Basingstoke hockey.

Further details will be released in due course.

Report from Bison website

IHJUK Award Winners

23/03/2009

Elite League All-Star First Team - Goaltender: Jody Lehman (Sheffield Steelers); Defencemen: Rod Sarich and Steve Munn (Sheffield Steelers); Forwards: David-Alexandre Beauregard (Manchester Phoenix), Paul Deniset (Belfast Giants), Mark Hurtubise (Edinburgh Capitals).

Elite League All-Star Second Team - Goaltender: Andrew Verner (Newcastle Vipers); Defencemen: Corey Neilson (Nottingham Panthers), Jonathan Weaver (Coventry Blaze); Forwards: Adam Calder (Coventry Blaze), Greg Chambers (Basingstoke Bison), Tony Hand (Manchester Phoenix).

Elite League Coach of the Year - Dave Matsos (Sheffield Steelers).
Elite League Player of the Year - David-Alexandre Beauregard (Manchester Phoenix).

Best British Netminder: Stephen Murphy (Manchester Phoenix)
Best British Defenceman: Jonathan Weaver (Coventry Blaze)
Best British Forward: Tony Hand (Manchester Phoenix)
Best British Young Player: Robert Dowd (Sheffield Steelers)
Ice Hockey Annual Trophy (Leading British point-scorer in league): Colin Shields (Belfast Giants)

Report from EIHL website

Challenge Cup Final Success As Giants Edge Phoenix 6-5

17/03/2009

Challenge Cup Final 2nd Leg
Belfast 3-1 Manchester (Agg 6-5 )

Belfast Giants won the first cup competition of the season after their comeback from the one goal deficit in the first leg. It was also fitting that they won it on St Patrick’s Day to make it a double celebration. They also became the fourth team in four seasons to have their name on the trophy.

This win will give Belfast the psychological advantage as the same two teams will compete in the British Knockout Cup final, with the first leg at Manchester on Sunday and the return next Thursday in Belfast.

After the opening period Belfast had turned the advantage in their favour with two strikes in the opening twenty minutes. The Giants went one up on the night at 6.42 as Paul Deniset (38th of the season) netted on the powerplay. Player/coach Steve Thornton (16th) doubled the Giants lead at 16.26 to give them the lead for the first time in the tie with a one goal advantage on aggregate.

The second period saw Phoenix with a couple of early powerplay opportunities, but the Giants held firm and killed both of them off. The visitors did however get back into the game as player/coach Tony Hand (20th) pulled a goal back at 33.54 to trail by one on the night but level on aggregate.

Going into the third period it was all to play for, although Belfast were leading on the night the game over the two legs was tied at five apiece. Things remained tight throughout the period and with the game heading towards overtime Mike Burgoyne,left,  (17th) netted with a shorthanded goal at 55.53 to give Belfast their first trophy in three years.

Report from Giants website

Steelers are CHAMPIONS

09/03/2009

With the Steelers victory in Newcastle and Coventry going down at home to Hull the Steelers found out they were league champions in the Globe Pub, Newcastle. The boys quickly returned to Sheffield for the Arena homecoming.

Following victory in Newcastle, the Steelers players sat in the away dressing room for over an hour waiting for the Coventry Hull score line, however with the face off in Coventry being delayed by over an hour they dressed and headed to the Globe Pub just outside the Arena

SKY TV who were covering the game had earlier interviewed Head Coach David Matsos but with the result coming from Coventry Matsos was called back to the Newcastle Arena so the end of the show could be re-recorded with a different Matsos interview

Then the Steelers players headed back to Sheffield as league champions and the celebrations started.

Randy Dagenais missed the game through illness but he and Simmsey were collected half a mile away from the Arena where the players could hear the fans singing to keep warm. Steelers TV transmitted a live feed back to Steelers TV

Once the Bus had pulled into the driveway the players were going wild inside, Ryan Finnerty took the wheel of the Bus and drove it the final 100 yards to where the players and the fans met for the first time as CHAMPIONS

The guys then went to the top of the balcony for a Rendition of "Who Needs Dan Tessier - We Won the League Today" and of course R - Y - A - N    spells ...... STEEEEVE

Report from Steelers website

 

DAVE PAGE – R.I.P.

02/03/2009

It is with the deepest of sadness that we announce the passing of club photographer Dave Page.

 Dave suffered a stroke nine days ago and has been in hospital since that time, but passed away today after a heart attack.

 Everyone at the club is devastated by the news. Our thoughts are with his widow Sue and son Danny.

 Dave Page was an ace photographer for both the club and the sport in general.

 More importantly he was a great bloke, forever reliable, friendly, lovable, and a brilliant friend to everyone he was close to.

 We already miss him more than words can say.

Report from Panthers website


Elite League All-Star Game

19/02/2009

North All-Stars 10 South All-Stars 12  

North                                                        South

Paul Deniset 2+3                              Corey Neilson 2+2
David-Alexandre Beauregard 1+1         Bruce Richardson 2+1
Mark Hurtubise 1+1                           Brendan Cook 1+2
Mark Garside 1+0                              Adam Calder 1+2
Jez Lundin 1+0                                 Shaun Thompson 1+1
Adam Walker 1+0                              Greg Chambers 1+1
George Awada 1+0                            Jeff Glowa 1+0
Robert Dowd 1+0                              Phil Hill 1+0
Colin Shields 0+2                              Dan Carlson 0+3
Jonathan Phillips 0+2                         Russell Cowley 0+1
Taylor Christie 0+1                            Brad Voth 0+1
Ashley Tait 0+1                                Slava Koulikov 0+1
Ben Campbell 0+1                             Tyson Teplitsky 0+1
                                                     Steve Slonina 0+1 

Report from EIHL website

RUMZ back tonight!

17/02/2009

Ityorumun Ndur returns to the line-up for the visit of his former club Coventry tonight at the TRENT FM Arena.

The big defenceman will replace injured Dan Tessier in the "import" quota but the GMB Panthers will still be missing Matthew Myers, David Clarke and Danny Meyers from the Brit pack.

"It isn't going to be easy, but we are a team and we will all be pulling on the rope tonight," said Bruce Richardson today.

He added : "Sometimes you have to play short and we have the guys to step up to the plate, that's for sure."

GMB Panthers v Coventry, tonight, Tuesday February 17th, 7.30pm

Report from Panthers website

Voth commits to the Devils for 2009-10

11/02/2009

Report from Devils website

LeClair is sweet Bison signing

31/01/2009

Basingstoke Bison are delighted to announced the signing of skillful American defenceman Corey LeClair.

The blue liner is no stranger to Basingstoke having played this season for both the Coventry Blaze and Nottingham Panthers and makes his debut tonight against the Cardiff Devils.

In fact, LeClair scored on his last visit to Basingstoke during his short spell with the Panthers, where he was one of their stand-out players on the night.

The 25-year-old is in his first season in Britain and has posted impressive stats of six goals and 12 assists from 38 games.

The 6ft 1in blue liner is a smooth skater, who moves the puck well and has a very good shot. He certainly is another useful addition to the team, hot on the heels of new Czech forward Ivo Mocek.

Last year in North America, he played in the East Coast Hockey League split between the Phoenix Roadrunners and Dayton Bombers, where he picked up six goals and 18 helpers.

He will make his Bison debut tonight

Report from Bison website

NEW DEFENCEMAN SIGNS FOR PANTHERS

26/01/2009

Nottingham Panthers have signed American defenceman ED HILL and he will fly in to join the team this week.

The six feet four inch Newburyport born blueliner shoots left and has been in Anchorage Alaska in the east Coast Hockey League this season. He was so keen to join the GMB Panthers he asked his club if they would release him so he could return to Europe and they agreed.

A former second round draft pick of the Nashville Predators in the NHL he iced in the German Bundesliga last season before returning for the end of the campaign at Alaska and the play-offs.

The 28-year-old has had a couple of try-outs in the NHL and three lengthy spells at the highly rated AHL level.

GMB Panthers coach Corey Neilson said today : “We’ve heard good things about Ed, he battles in his own end, he clears the crease, he sticks up for his team mates without being an out and out fighter, he’s big and strong, he’s had a taste of Europe, he was a reasonably high draft pick at Nashville, he’s been to the Bruins camp, he moves the puck up to the forwards well, he was wanted by several teams in our league, you could say we’re pleased to get him.”

Ed Hill is flying to see family in Boston en route to this country and is expected to arrive later this week.

Meanwhile coach Corey Neilson will be talking to players this week after evaluating last weekend and is expected to cut at least two names from the GMB Panthers roster.

The arrival of Ed Hill means the club would have three more “imports” than are allowed to dress in any single game. Re-registration and other rules will also have an impact on who is released.

As it happens the two players being cut are recent arrivals Juri Golicic and Corey LeClair. Things haven't worked out on the blueline as the coaching staff would have wished and new signing Hill will be a direct replacement for Corey LeClair.

Juri Golicic is a Slovenian international and will play in the World Championships for his country this season.

The coaching staff thanked the pair for their efforts. Added Corey Neilson : "These things happen in hockey. Juri has some good skills but with guys returning to fitness he's the guy that has to make room. The registration rules and play-off qualification rules are quite complicated and he'll be better off looking for another team either here, back home or elsewhere."

ED HILL MAKES HIS DEBUT AT HOME AGAINST MANCHESTER THIS SATURDAY

Report from Panthers website

Cardiff Devils confirm the signing of Matt Elich

26/01/2009

Cardiff Devils are delighted to confirm the sighning of American winger Matt Elich

The 30-year old forward joins the Devils after recently playing in the IHL. 

With Derek Campbell, Marc Fulton and now Lee Cowmeadow out of action, Elich will provide a much needed boost to the team and should be a good fit for coach Gerad Adams. 

Elich’s résumé also includes 16 games in the NHL with the Lightning between 1999 and 2001, two stints with the Flint Generals and appearances for the Idaho Steelheads, Wheeling Nailers and Detroit Vipers amongst others. 

The 6’1”, 200lb winger has iced at every level of the North American hockey system, playing on a Lightning team with Vincent Lecavalier and junior hockey with Elite League skaters such as Brett Clouthier.

Elich flies into the UK on Tuesday morning giving him ample time to find his feet and get to know his new team mates before launching straight into a cup game against the Basingstoke Bison on Saturday 21^st January followed by his first home game at the Cardiff Bay Arena on Sunday 1^st February when the Devils take on the Hull Stingrays

Report from Devils website

COREY'S BACK NEXT YEAR!

22/01/2009

Nottingham Panthers are pleased to announce that coach Corey Neilson is staying at the club for at least another year.

Corey took over the coaching reins this season and has had a big impact on the team.

His re-appointment for next season was one of the easiest decisions in recent times.

Chairman Neil Black said today: “Corey has a wealth of playing experience and is one of the best players in the league. He has shown his capabilities in the role of player-coach already and he will get better and better.

“It is a tough job but it is arguably the best job in British ice hockey. I’m thrilled to say he’s staying with us and he can add making plans for next season to his list of responsibilities.”

 Added Corey Neilson: “I love this job, it is a great organisation, we’re a tight knit crew, we all know what we want to achieve and we all go about it in a professional way. Sure there are things to learn, there always will be in every walk of life, but this is the top job in the UK. It is no wonder other teams are envious of what we do on and off the ice.

“I’m proud to play for the Nottingham Panthers, I’m proud to coach the Nottingham Panthers and I’m proud to be a part of such a great organisation. It’s a wonderful place to be.”

Report from Panthers website

Capitals sign Brad Bonello

21/01/2009

Edinburgh Capitals are delighted to be able to announce that they have signed forward Brad Bonello for the remainder of the 08/09 season in bmibaby Elite Ice Hockey League.

Last season Bonello played for the Dayton Bombers in the ECHL where he had 42 points from 19 goals and 23 assists with 89 penalty minutes. He spent the start of this season playing for the Mississippi Riverkings, Amarillo Gorillas and Texas Brahmas in the CHL where he had a combined total of 16 points from 11 goals and 5 assists with 43 penalty minutes.

Capitals Director of Hockey, Doug Christiansen, said, "Brad is a very skilled forward. He plays gritty and works hard. I think he will be a great addition to our team.  He is a player you hate to play against.  He is former teammates with Mark Hurtubise and Taylor Christie.  When I asked them about Brad they could not wait to bring him to the Capitals.  I expect him to be a leader offensively and be an impact player." 

Brad Bonello commented, "I'm really excited about the opportunity Doug and the Capitals organization are giving me to start a new chapter of my career. Europe was in my plans at the start of the year but it fell through so once this opportunity came knocking I could not pass it up. I'm going to do my best to help the team in any way I can."

Brad Bonello has now left his team in Texas and will arrive in Scotland on Friday in time for the Edinburgh Capitals huge double header against the league leaders, Sheffield Steelers.

Report from Capitals website

Capitals bring in Cassells

19/01/2009

Edinburgh Capitals are pleased to announce that Jason Cassells has agreed terms for the remainder of the 08/09 season in the bmibaby Elite Ice Hockey League.

Cassells spent the start of the 08/09 season playing for the Telford Tigers in the English Premier League where he had 41 points from 15 goals and 26 assists. Cassells will make his debut for the Capitals against the Sheffield Steelers in the double header this weekend in Edinburgh.

Doug Christiansen, Director of Hockey for the Capitals commented, "Jason is a player I looked at this summer. He has great speed and has a knack for scoring. He can play center or wing. He is excited to prove that he can have success at our level. I have heard nothing but great things about his attitude and professionalism." 

Report from Capitals website

Forsyth joins the Blaze

16/01/2009

Blaze sign defenceman Forsyth from Hungarian side Alba Volan
Cassidy Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has completed the signing of Canadian defenceman, Blake Forsyth from Hungarian team Alba Volan.

With Jon Coleman’s short term contract expiring , Thompson has moved quickly to secure the services of the highly experienced Forsyth until the end of the season.

The 6’2”, 200lb Winnipeg native had three highly successful seasons with the Idaho Steelheads between 2005 and 2008 during which time he helped the Steelheads to become the East Coach Hockey League Kelly Cup Champions in 2006/07. The following season, he led the team in plus minus ratings before moving to Hungary at the start of the current season.

Twenty-nine year old Forsyth played 42 games for Hungary’s number one team, who play in the high standard Austrian Elite League, before accepting Thompson’s offer to join up with the Blaze for the remainder of the campaign.

Blaze have just received confirmation that his work permit and international transfer have been approved and he will make his debut in front of his new fans on Saturday night when Blaze entertain the Newcastle Vipers at the Skydome at 7pm

Thompson is delighted to have landed Forsyth to help Coventry’s push for trophies in the latter stage of the season.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about Blake. He’s a real competitor with great experience and leadership qualities and above all, he’s a winner. He likes to win, he wants to win and in landing the Kelly Cup, he’s proved he can win. That’s exactly what we need right now.

“It really is a great time to bring in someone like Blake and I’m sure he’ll be a great fit with our organisation. He can’t wait to get here and play for the Blaze. He is flying in from Hungary tonight and he will go straight into the line up against Newcastle on Saturday. With Erik Hjalmarsson also playing his first game, we’ll have two debutants in the team on Saturday and that’s giving everyone a buzz around the place.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jon Coleman for his efforts during the last dozen games or so. He fitted in really well and gave his all every time he went out on the ice. We both knew from the outset that he would only likely be with us for a few weeks and I can’t thank him enough for his professionalism, leadership and the qualities that he’s brought the team in those weeks.”

Report from Blaze website

Czech out Bisons latest addition

18/01/2009

The Basingstoke Bison are delighted to announce that Czech Republic import forward Andre Niec, will be in their line-up for Saturday night's game against the Nottingham Panthers.

The 26-year-old has impressed in training with the Herd, ahead of this weekend's clash.

The trialist who started the season at the Telford Tigers, will now hope to earn a place on the team for the rest of the season.

When in Shropshire, Niec picked up 23 points from 14 games in the English Premier League and will now hope to impress in the Elite League.


Bison player/coach Eric Braff said: "Having Andre in the line-up will give the team a lift. We have had a good week of training and now will hope to turn that into a good performance on the ice, which will give our fans something to cheer about as we owe them."

Report from Bison website

Thommo makes a change

15/01/2009

Blaze bring in Swedish power forward and release Scott Kelman

Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson today confirmed that he has completed the signing of Swedish power forward Erik Hjalmarsson from Danish Elite League side, Herlev Hornets.
The twenty-five year old winger played over two hundred games in the Swedish Allsvenskan League before joining Stjernen of the Norwegian Elite League last season where he played alongside the GB Manchester Phoenix netminder, Stephen Murphy.

After finishing the season as his team’s top scorer with 15 goals and 21 assists in his thirty nine games, he moved to Herlev at the start of the current season.  A knee injury sidelined him for part of the season but he has now returned to full fitness and has recorded 3 goals and 6 assists in 12 games so far whilst picking up 127 penalty minutes.

“I’m very pleased to be bringing Erik to the Blaze,” said Thompson.  “He’s exactly what I think we need right now.  A real energy guy with good speed, good skills, a good shot and very feisty.  He’s also a right shot and that is something that I think will help us.  It’s something that we haven’t really had since we lost Curtis Huppe at the end of last season. “

The arrival of Hjalmarsson signals the departure of Canadian forward, Scott Kelman who joined the club at the start of this season.  Kelman has been released from his contract with immediate effect.
“We’re still trying to retain our league championship and offensively we need a boost. Someone has to make way for me to be able to bring in a new face and I’ve decided to let Scott go.  I’d to thank him for his contribution to the club and wish him well in his future career.

Report from Blaze website

 

Belfast Giants Sign “Showman”

14/01/2009

Belfast Giants are pleased to announce the signing of Jason Rushton for the remainder of the 2008-09 season. Rushton, who hails from Victoria B.C. in Canada has spent the better part of the last six seasons in the Quebec Senior League, which is considered to be the toughest ice hockey league anywhere in the world.

“I’m not going to lie to you, this guy has been brought in to add toughness to our team and to drop the gloves with the other tough guys around the league. We have a very skilled team, and I think we have built a fast, exciting team to watch but if there is one area we might have screwed up, it was not bringing in that special player that gets under the skin of other teams, that entertains the crowd, that gets the people up and out of their seats night in and night out,” said Giants General Manager Todd Kelman.

Rushton is chomping at the bit to get to Belfast and can’t wait to play in front of the Belfast fans. “When I spoke to Steve Thornton and Todd Kelman, they said they were looking for someone to lift their crowds out of their seats, and I thought I’m your man, they said they wanted someone to protect their skilled guys and add toughness to the lineup, and I thought I’m your man and when they said that if I came in and did the job they know I can do, this could become a long-term arrangement in Belfast, I said ‘I’m definitely your man!’”

“I know what a great city Belfast is and any players that have been there say that it is a great organization to be a part of. I am looking forward to becoming a Giant and I am sure the fans are going to like the way I play.”

Rushton has played in the UK on a handful of occasions, most recently in 2006/07 with the Bracknell Bees where he scored 17 goals and 31 points in only 13 games.

“I believe Rushton will be the Showman that we have been looking for, the guy that makes an impact every time he is on the ice. Adding a tough guy makes everyone in the line up feel that much more at ease and I know our fans are dying for a player like him to be in Belfast,” said Kelman, “he will stick up and fight for his teammates and he understands his role. We have been getting pushed around by a few teams in this league and I believe having a player like Jason in the line up will keep teams a bit more honest.”

Jason will make his home debut on Wednesday, January 21 against the Sheffield Steelers. The puck drops at 7:30pm at the Odyssey Arena.

Report from Giants website

Stingrays land Finn

09/01/2009

Hull Stingrays have eased their defensive injury worries by signing Finnish youngster Antti Turunen.

The 22-year-old, a former Finland Under-18 international, has been playing for Asploven in the Swedish First Division this season but has spent the majority of his career in the Finnish junior leagues for hometown team JYP Jyvaskyla.

He flies into the country later today and will make his debut in the bmibaby Elite League match at Coventry Blaze tomorrow night before a home bow against Newcastle Vipers on Sunday.

Coach Rick Strachan said: "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."

Report from Stingrays website

 

Panthers strengthen squad again

06/01/2009

Nottingham Panthers are pleased to confirm the addition of Slovenian international Juri Golicic who has been playing for Ljubljana in the Austrian League.

The 27-year-old utility player has been recommended to the club as a solid forward who can also play on defence.

He has experience in North America and could prove to be a vital addition to the squad with the recent injury to Johan Molin sidelining him for several matches. Johan will undergo surgery to a facial injury which he sustained when he was hit from behind in the home win over Newcastle.

Flights and red tape permitting the GMB Panthers hope to ice two debutants in Wednesday’s home clash with the Basingstoke Bison, with recent arrival from Coventry, defenceman Corey Leclair due to ice for the first time for his new club also.

With the fantastic support the club has received in recent weeks it was decided, as ever, to give coach Corey Neilson every possible resource in his quest for success, this time in the shape of new faces.

With current injuries to Ityorumun Ndur and Johan Molin the arrival of Golicic and LeClair couldn’t be better timed.

Golicic comes with a decent pedigree and glowing references and Corey LeClair has shown himself to be an admirable blueliner with the Blaze already at this level.

Wednesday’s game against the Bison took on extra importance after the defeat at Manchester last weekend and is now a must win game for the GMB Panthers against a team that has caused us problems on more than one occasion this season already.

Report from Panthers website

 

Griffith leaves the Vipers

05/01/2009

Sunday night’s victorious Knockout Cup tie in Edinburgh was Todd Griffith’s final game in a Vipers sweater.

Report from Vipers website

 

Panthers strengthen squad

03/01/2009

Nottingham Panthers are pleased to announce the addition of defenceman Corey LeClair to their squad.

The 25-year-old six feet one inch blueliner has been released by the Coventry Blaze. He will not debut against his former club this weekend.

Before joining the defending league champions he was in the Esat Coast Hockey League at Dayton, Phoenix and Reading. He was wanted by at least two other Elite League clubs but has opted to sign for the GMB Nottingham Panthers.

Report from Panthers website

LeClair on notice

29/12/2008

Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has placed American defenceman, Corey LeClair on two weeks’ notice.

LeClair will continue to be part of the Blaze roster during this time and a final decision about his future with the club will be made after the two week period has elapsed.

“Corey will be part of this hockey club for the next two weeks at least,” said Thompson.  “I’ll take another look at the situation after that.  I have a lot of things to look at over the next week or so including Jon Coleman’s contract which expires after next weekend, Matt Soderstrom’s fitness and the extent of Danny Stewart’s injury.

“As those things become clearer or get resolved, I’ll be in a better position to determine how I want the make up of the team to be for the final part of the season.”

Report from Blaze website

Thornton suspended for two games!

27/12/2008

Belfast Giants player/coach Steve Thornton has been suspended for two games by the bmibaby Elite League with immediate effect.

 

Following a request from the Hull Stingrays for Supplementary Discipline following an alleged Tripping incident in the game between the two sides in Belfast on December 18^th, league officials studied the video evidence on Christmas Eve and finalised their conclusions on Boxing Day.

In the game on December 18^th, Steve Thornton became involved with Stingrays netminder Curtis Cruickshank in an incident that saw the Hull goalie sustain injury. Whilst no penalty was adjudged against Thornton on the night, the Hull Stingrays felt strongly enough to request a review of the game tape.

 

League officials reviewed the video evidence and judged that Thornton was guilty of Tripping Cruickshank and that the incident was serious enough to warrant a Match Suspension. Furthermore in view of the incident involving a netminder and resulting in an injury, officials have assessed the Giants player/coach an additional one game suspension.

 

Steve Thornton will miss the Giants games at home on December 27^th versus the Edinburgh Capitals and the away game in Hull on December 28^th. The suspensions also preclude him from appearing on the team bench and acting as bench coach. 

Report from EIHL website

Christmas present for Bison fans

24/12/2008

Basingstoke Bison are pleased to announce the signing of hard nosed Canadian forward Mike Olynyk.

The 27-year-old from Sparwood, British Columbia, will make his debut for the Herd in Saturday's clash with the Hull Stingrays.

The new forward's junior career saw him play four seasons in the British Columbia Hockey League, where he scored 154 points, which was a great return considering he also racked up over 400 minutes in penalties as well - so he is sure to add some spice to the Bison line-up.

In Olynyk's rookie professional season in 2002/03 he helped the Austin Ice Bats to the President's Cup finals in the Central Hockey League, the first of three years in Texas for him. His next season was split between the Quad City Mallards and the , Missouri River Otters, of the United Hockey League.

In the autumn of 2006, he moved to Port Huron and last season was still playing for the same franchise and one of his team mates was current Bison C man Brent Hughes. The captain is predicting the new boy to the Herd will be an instant hit and said: "Mike is good skater, he will finish his hits and create room for his linemates."
He added: " He will be good on the powerplay as he is prepare to stick in front of the net and take that extra hit and he also will help us on the PK. He can fight if he has too, but he is not coming here to do that job for us."

The signing of Olynyk is sure to add to the entertainment when he makes his debut against the Stingrays, in a game which has a 6.30pm face-off. Tickets are still available by ringing the box office on (01256) 355266.

Report from Bison website



League confirm Sharp 20-games suspension

20/12/2008

Elite League officials have reacted in the strongest possible manner to the indiscretions of Sheffield Steeler forward Andrew Sharp in the league-leaders game in Cardiff last weekend.

 

Sharp who was adjudged 121 penalty minutes at the end of the game for a series of incidents has been suspended for a total of twenty games with a possible season long ban for any repeat.

 

Sharp received a Match Penalty for Spearing that has been adjusted to a Match for Spearing to the Head/Neck area, that carries a 1+5 game suspension tariff. In addition, Sharp received a further 5 game suspension for Recless Use of his Stick.

 

Sharp also received a second Match Penalty and upon review this has now been adjusted to a 1+3+5 game suspension for Physical Abuse of a Game Official.

 

Sharp has also been warned that should he receive a penalty before, during or after a game has taken place for any of the above offences or leave the team bench to become involved in an altercation, then the Elite League will have no alternative but to suspend him for the remainder of the 08-09 season.

 

An Elite League spokesperson commented, “Hockey is a physical game, but there is no place or excuse whatsoever for the incidents that Mr.Sharp became involved in in Cardiff.”

Report from EIHL website

Capitals bring in defenceman Perkins

18/12/2008

Edinburgh Capitals are delighted to be able to announce the signing of defenceman Sean Perkins for the remainder of the 08/09 season in the bmibaby Elite Ice Hockey League.

Perkins spent the last two season playing in the ECHL for Cincinnati Cyclones. Over 48 games he had 13 points, from 5 goals and 8 assists, and 58 penalty minutes.

Doug Christiansen, Capitals Director of Hockey, commented, "Sean is a mobile defender who played with last years ECHL champions the Cincinnati Cyclones. He is a young player who is hungry to succeed. He had a shoulder injury earlier this season but he is fit and ready to go now. I am looking for him to bring more depth and skill to our blueline. He will be given the opportunity to play in all situations. The addition of Sean also allows us to explore the idea of bringing Adam Stefishen back up front. I think Sean will be a key contributor down the stretch."

A flight has been booked for Sean Perkins and he is expected to play this weekend.

Report from Capitals website

Coleman signs up

05/12/2008

An injury to Matt Soderstrom leads Thommo to bring in experienced American Jon Coleman

Cassidy Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has completed the signing of experienced defenceman, Jon Coleman.  Coleman joins the Blaze as temporary cover for the injured Matt Soderstrom and has signed an initial one month contract.

Thirty-three year old Coleman spent last season firstly with Graz in the Austrian League before moving to Elite League rivals, Nottingham Panthers just before the transfer deadline.  He has played in several of the top leagues in Europe including Russia, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Sweden and also with Bolzano in Italy, where he was alongside current Blaze star, Carlyle Lewis.

Prior to coming to Europe, American Coleman was drafted in the second round of the 1993 NHL draft by the Detroit Red Wings and although never having iced in the NHL, he had a highly successful early career in Detroit’s development system, notably with Adirondack of the American Hockey League.

Coleman holds both American and Irish passports and so does not require a work permit.  His international transfer has already been cleared by the International Ice Hockey Federation so he will arrive in the UK on Saturday in time to make his debut on Sunday night at the Skydome against the Cardiff Devils.

Soderstrom will see a specialist on Monday about his stomach injury which will lead to either a period of a few weeks rest, or possibly surgery.  He has been deregistered from the Blaze roster on a temporary basis.

Thompson was pleased to be able to secure the services of such an experienced defenceman at short notice.

Report from Blaze website

 

Czech out new signing

05/12/2008

Basingstoke Bison are pleased to announce the signing of Czech Republic defenceman Robert Pospisil.

The newest member of the Herd's blue line brigade will fly into Britain on Saturday morning from Prague. He will make his debut that evening in the Elite League clash with the Hull Stingrays.

The Herd's latest addition started his career at HC Pardubice in season 1996/97 and brings a wealth of experience to the team.

He has played in the French League with Epinal and was also the top scoring defenceman for Kapfenberg in the Austria's Nationliga.

In the past two seasons he has played in Poland with Podhale Nowy Targ and Stoczniowiec Gdansk and in Russia for Gazprom OGU Orenberg.

Report from Bison website

Capitals bring in Roman Nesrsta

28/11/2008

Edinburgh Capitals have signed young Czech forward Roman Nesrsta for this weekends game against Cardiff Devils.

Report from Capitals website

Robinson gets train to Nottingham

26/11/2008

Nottingham Panthers are pleased to announce the arrival of netminder Michel Robinson. 

The Montreal born goalkeeper has been released by the Edinburgh Capitals and travelled to Nottingham today to sign forms and registration documents.

His pedigree is a proven one having been selected a first choice all star in the UHL in North America and leading the league in save percentages in Italy.

Last season he was plagued by injury and had high hopes of getting back to his best for his debut year in the UK. In recent times he has been posting save percentages of ninety and over and after parting company with the Capitals he jumped at the chance to join the Panthers.

The GMB Panthers have been looking to shake up their own line-up and the new signing and the rest of the squad are well aware that there are irons in fires in all departments, from the netminding through the defence and in attack.

There are some good players who want to join the Nottingham Panthers and buy into the high ambitions of the club. These things don’t happen over night and there are aspects outside the sport such as family commitments and other matters than can sometimes prevent a quick-fire signing.

Michel Robinson has told the club he is determined to grab this chance with the GMB Nottingham Panthers and says he can’t wait to play and train in the National Ice Centre.

Late last night he was planning on an early start to get to the airport to fly home, several telephone calls later arrangements had been made for him to get a train to the East Midlands instead. When Robinson moved to the UK his former coach in Italy Paul Adey, long time Panthers player and later coach said at that time : “He played very well for me, if he plays up to his potential he could be the Elite League’s top goalie and he should win a lot of games.”

Meanwhile the GMB Nottingham Panthers would like to pay tribute to the professionalism of Davis Parley. He has reacted to the news with dignity and integrity and we wish him every success in his future career. He is a great individual and we are confident he will be successful in different circumstances. He has the ability to do well.

Report from Panthers website

Continental Cup 3rd Round - Bolzano, Italy

23/11/2008

Coventry Blaze 6-4 Dunaujvaros (Hungary)
22/11/2008

Blaze set up a winner takes all clash tomorrow with host club Bolzano after this their second successive win in the group matches.
 
Blaze scorers were: 
Carlyle Lewis 2, Dan Carlson, Russell Cowley, Corey LeClair & Barrie Moore
 
Period Scores: 4-1, 1-1, 1-2
Penalty Mins: Cov 20 - Dun14

Report from Vipers website

Vipers Agree Release of Marek Ivan

14/11/2008

Newcastle Vipers ipers can officially confirm that forward Marek Ivan has returned home to the Czech Republic this week and will not be returning to the Club after being given his release by the Club.

Marek was given his two week notice as part of his contract and was due to play in this weekends match against former Club the Nottingham Panthers, however Marek had to fly to the Czech Republic on Tuesday for personal reasons and after discussions with the club the decision has been made to allow Marek to stay in the Czech Republic and not return for this weekends game as planned.

 

The Vipers would like to thank Marek for his contribution to the season and wish him all of the best for the future.

Report from Vipers website

Hutchins returns as Willis departs

10/11/2008

Newcastle Vipers can confirm that forward Tyler Willis will be leaving the club this week and that former Viper Jeff Hutchins will be joining in his place.

Vipers General Manager Jaimie Longmuir said: “We would like to thank Tyler for his hard work and effort since joining the club and wish him all of the best for the future.”

Willis has joined the Vipers from Kalamazoo Wings after being on the Vipers shopping list for the last 3 years.

However Willis will now be returning to Kalamazoo for the remainder of the season.

“Tyler has had too good an offer from Kalamazoo that he couldn’t turn down.

“Tyler was very professional in his approach to the situation and we have a lot of respect for his honesty and hard work.”

With the news that Willis will be leaving the side, the Vipers have worked hard to secure the services of Jeff Hutchins from the Edinburgh Capitals who played for the Vipers during the 2007/2008 campaign.

“We have worked hard and reacted quickly to the news that Willis will be leaving us and have made an agreement with Jeff Hutchins to come back to the Vipers,” said Longmuir.

“Hutchins is a known player who will score goals and I am sure he will strike up a great partnership with Ed Courtenay who also arrives this week,” continued the General Manager.

Report from Devils website

Adams gets his man

03/11/2008

Mark Richardson signs for the Panthers

30/10/2008

Mark Richardson is back with the GMB Nottingham Panthers. He was with us last season but started this year with Basingstoke when plans to play on the continent fell through.

Coach Corey Neilson said today : "Mark is a good capture for us. He knows the set-up having been here last season and I can use him up front or at the back. His arrival is a message to everyone in the team that they have to do the business every night we play."

Meanwhile David Clarke will be back in the line-up this weekend for tough games at home to Manchester and in Coventry, so the coach has a full squad to work with.

Report from Panthers website

 

Vipers sign Ed Courtenay

30/10/2008

Newcastle Vipers are delighted to announce that they have signed former NHL winger and Belfast Giants player coach Ed Courtenay for the remainder of the 2008/2009 bmibaby Elite League season.

 

The 6ft 4 tall Canadian, who played 44 games for the San Jose Sharks in the NHL, scoring 7 goals and recording 13 assists.

Vipers head coach Rob Wilson said:

"We are delighted to have signed Ed and he will bring a lot of creativity to our forward lines and give us that extra spark we have been looking for."

"Ed is a top offensive player who wants to win and we are very excited about what he can bring to the table here at the Vipers."

Courtenay had originally retired at the end of the 2007/2008 season but Courtenay is relishing the opportunity to lace up his skates again.

"I had planned to retire from playing but the Vipers have given me a good offer to come back and I'm really looking forward to getting back on the ice."

"The Vipers have a good team and hopefully I can chip in and help them challenge at the top where the team should be."

Courtenay has been a much sought after player since rumors of his wish to return to playing came out and Courtenay had been heavily linked to a move to the Cardiff Devils but the Vipers have secured the signature of the player who scored 89 points for the Giants last season.

 

Report from Vipers website

 

Pasi Raitanen comes back for more

30/10/2008

Edinburgh Capitals are delighted to announce that Pasi Raitanen has agreed to come back. He will be starting netminder in the game against Newcastle Vipers at the Metro Radio Arena tonight. Michel Robinson will also be dressed and backing up Raitanen.

Report from Capitals website

Jeff Hutchins to play for the Capitals

29/10/2008

Jeff Hutchins has just agreed terms with the Edinburgh Capitals and will make his debut against Coventry Blaze tonight.

Report from Capitals website

Planet Ice Secure Bison Future

27/10/2008

Planet Ice have secured the future of the Basingstoke Bison.

The Herd will take to the ice on Tuesday night in Nottingham as they continue their Elite League campaign.

Eric Braff will remain as player/coach and in charge of all on ice matters. Greg Chambers and Jeremy Cornish will remain as his assistants.

Mark Richardson has asked to be released of his contract, while injured Jason Goulet has decided to return to Canada.

The Bison will continue to improve and strengthen the Herd over the coming weeks.

Planet Ice Director of Operations, John Neville said: "This is a new start, a new beginning, we have agreed with our Director of Hockey Harry Robinson to co-ordinate day-to-day working alongside myself.

"We will be honouring the existing season tickets for the remainder of the season."

Local councillor and businessman Harry Robinson said: "Ice Hockey is an important part of the community of Basingstoke. Together with Planet Ice we are looking to ensure the stability of the team on both a commercial and financial basis.

"I will now be actively pursuing fresh sponsorship and partnerships which will support those objectives."

He added: "I am sure our great fans will get behind Planet Ice in their endeavours to maintain ice hockey in this town."

Report from Bison website

Stingrays seal Thompson deal

27/10/2008

Hull Stingrays have agreed terms with American left winger Jamie Thompson.

The 34 year old from Massachusets joins the Stingrays after playing for the Austin Ice Bats last season and the signing brings the Stingrays roster back up to full strength.

"Jamie has all the experience in the world and he played last season with both Stuart Kerr and Aaron Wilson in Austin and both said great things about him ," Coach Strachan commented.

"He'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."

Thompson is a graduate of the University of Maine and includes El Paso , Worcester IceCats, Austin , Elmira Jackals and the Danbury Thrashers as his previous clubs in a career that has seen him score 317 goals.

Thompson flies into the UK today and will start working with the club tomorrow.

Report from Stingrays website

Capitals bring in Jacey Moore

24/10/2008

Edinburgh Capitals have made the decision to bring in a new backup netminder, Jacey Moore.

Jacey Moore was recommended to the Capitals by former player Mike Stutzel. Jacey has played for the Castlegar Rebels in the KJIHL and has also been used as a backup by the Victoria Salmon Kings in the ECHL.

Doug Christiansen said, "We have activated back-up goalie, Jacey Moore. Right now as a club we are not doing the job defensively and we needed to shake things up. Jacey is a player I brought in on a try-out and he has practiced with us all year. He has impressed me with his work ethic and athleticism. He is an older player who has been around and is excited about this opportunity. This is in no way a reflection of Mark McGill who has been great in training all year. It was my decision that we needed someone a bit older to give the necessary push to our defensive unit. Mark has a bright future with the club, right now we needed someone who could potentially make an impact today."

Report from Capitals website

 

Hinks released by Devils

22/10/2008

Cardiff Devils coach Gerad Adams has today confirmed that Canadian forward Rod Hinks has been released.

“We’ve given two weeks notice to Rod,” Adams said. “I think we needed a change up front and it’s part salary cap, part performance.”

Report from Devils website

 

Brad Cruikshank is a Steeler

22/10/2008

Head Coach David Matsos has confirmed that Brad Cruikshank will be joining the Steelers on a contract until the end of the season. Cruikshank has given 2 weeks notice to his present club Basingstoke which means he will play for the Bison for the last time this weekend and join his Steelers team mates early next week.

"This is the power forward we have been looking for" said Matsos "with the long term injury to Nathan Gillies we had no option but to look for a replacement. This now gives Nathan time to fully recover from the elbow injury and when he he is back to full fitness we will re asses the situation and move forward

Report from Steelers website

 

New Coach appointed

16/10/2008

The Club is proud to announce the appointment, with immediate effect, of Eric Braff as Player Coach. He will be assisted by Greg Chambers and Jeremy Cornish.

Report from Bison website

 

Kozak Released

16/10/2008

Hull Stingrays have parted company with Canadian forward Rick Kozak.

Kozak had only recently returned from a suspension which kept him off the bench for six games but recent developments have convinced the club that the player should be released.

By a twist of fate that leaves him free to play in the Stingrays game against the Nottingham Panthers at the Hull Arena on Saturday. It was Kozak's actions against the Panthers in the second league game of the season that resulted in the ban.

"The Stingrays will now be working hard to replace the player as soon as we can, and get back to concentrating on winning games."

Report from Stingrays website

 

Aldridge releases statement

14/10/2008

Ryan Aldridge released the following statement today:

On Saturday October 11th I informed Tomas of my decision to resign as Coach. I was asked to reconsider my resignation over the weekend. On Monday I confirmed that I had not changed my mind about leaving the Bison.

This is a decision I have been considering for some time. The last eighteen months have been a constant struggle. I had hoped after battling so hard to survive last season that this season would be different but this has not proved to be the case.

My position as coach has more often than not resembled that of club captain, constantly having to deal with issues such as accommodation, transport, equipment and wages. I am leaving because I am not able to do the job as I wish. We're stuck in a rut and something needed to change.

It is a painful decision for me as I have never quit at anything before. I know I will never play or coach for more supportive and passionate fans.

I am proud to have been associated with the Bison. I shall be working hard in my final two weeks to help the team as best I can to achieve the results they deserve.

Ryan Aldridge

Report from Bison website

Ryan Resigns

13/10/2008

The following statement was issued by the Club today:

It is with regret that the Club wishes to announce that Ryan Aldridge has confirmed his intention to resign from his position as Club Coach.

Report from Bison website

Phoenix turn to Burnett

10/10/2008

Manchester Phoenix are delighted to announce the signing of Canadian forward Lucas Burnett as the replacement for the recently departed Grant Jacobsen.

Originally from Rossland in British Columbia, Lucas will bring size to the Phoenix roster as he stands 6ft 2ins and nudges the scales to the 225lb mark. Two years in junior hockey with the Trail Smoke Eaters saw him progress into college hockey playing for the university of Alaska-Fairbanks for four seasons before turning professional. Last season was his rookie year as a pro and he played with popular Phoenix forward David-Alexandre Beauregard on the Tulsa Oilers team in the Central Hockey League.

Phoenix head coach Tony Hand noted, “We’ve had a very good start to the season and I was keen to bring a new guy in quickly to maintain the balance and tempo in the squad. I think Lucas will be an excellent signing. He had a good first year as a pro and David spoke very highly of him having played with him in Tulsa. I am confident that he’ll slot in quickly and prove a good asset to the club.”

Report from Phoenix website

EIHL announce Final Suspension decisions

08/10/2008

The Elite Ice Hockey League wish to confirm the final decisions in respect of Disciplinary measures on Brad Voth of the Cardiff Devils and Steve Thornton of the Belfast Giants.

 The league appointed a fully independent three man Appeals Committee to review both players’ cases in accordance with the leagues discipline and appeal procedures.

 The Appeals Committee has reported the following final decisions…

 Beginning with immediate effect, Steve Thornton of the Belfast Giants will serve a four-game suspension, with a further seven games deferred.

 Following a special meeting of all the EIHL member clubs, an appeal by the Cardiff Devils on  behalf of Brad Voth was agreed, and the Appeals Committee have ruled that he will now serve a total of a seven-game suspension with a further seven games deferred.

 With Brad Voth having already missed six games, the seventh game to be served will be the away trip to Belfast on October 9th. Voth will be eligible to return to play in the Devils next game on Sunday 12th October when Belfast visit Cardiff.

 A league spokesman commented, “With the Appeals Committee having listened to and deliberated over all the evidence, the EIHL have accepted their findings and the final suspension tariffs that they have imposed.”

The Elite Ice Hockey League wish to confirm the final decisions in respect of Disciplinary measures on Brad Voth of the Cardiff Devils and Steve Thornton of the Belfast Giants.

Report from EIHL website

Kalmikov in Riddle out at Hull

03/10/2008

Hull Stingrays today announced that the club has released forward Jake Riddle from the squad with immediate effect. Mike Pack made the following comment, 'There are always regrets when you have to give a player notice and although Jake has a load of talent, he has other issues with discipline and attitude which has prompted us to take this step. We are very aware that the overall team performance is what matters.'

The Stingrays have moved quickly to fill the forward slot and have agreed terms with Ukrainian born Konstantin Kalmikov. The experienced winger was a 1996 third round draft pick for the Toronto Maple Leafs and has over 200 AHL games under his belt. He has experience of the EIHL and spent the 2004-5 season with the Nottingham Panthers. The club will now be working hard on the paperwork trail to allow him to take to the ice as soon as possible.

Report from Stingrays website

Wilson joins the Stingrays

30/09/2008

Hull Stingrays have moved quickly to boost their defence with the appointment of Canadian Aaron Wilson.

Wilson who last iced for the Austin Ice Bats in the CHL will be joining last year's line mate Stuart Kerr who has made an impressive start with the bmibaby Elite League outfit.

The 26 year old Wilson continues Coach Strachan's policy of bringing size and strength to the blue line.

Strachan said "At 6'4" and 220 lbs we will be looking to Aaron to bring a presence to the defensive line - I am sure that he will settle into the squad very well. As soon as his paperwork is complete he will join his team mates." Wilson fills the void left when Jonathan Bernier unexpectedly went back to North America.

Report from Stingrays website

Jacobsen leaves Phoenix for return to Texas

29/09/2008

Manchester Phoenix are disappointed to announce the sudden departure of forward Grant Jacobsen.

Jacobsen advised club officials on Saturday that he had been approached by his former club – the Texas Brahmas – about a return to the Central Hockey League and that he was considering it. 

Monday afternoon saw the Canadian advise head coach Tony Hand that he had decided to accept the offer from Texas and that he will be leaving Manchester as early as Tuesday morning.

Hand commented, “I am very, very disappointed at this turn of events. The speed at which things have moved is bewildering and leaves us needing to find a replacement at very short notice or go into next weekends games lighter than we’d choose to be. The squad has been an excellent start and Grant had been very much an integral part of it. Having spent a lot of time researching and recruiting the team, we now have to back to the well to see who may now be available.” 

Jacobsen remarked, "I was really enjoying it here however, the offer from Texas came and I had to move quickly or lose the chance. Manchester have done nothing wrong, it's a chance for me to make some extra money and I had to give them a quick answer."

Report from Phoenix website

 

EIHL announce further tough suspensions

26/09/2008

Following the games last Sunday between the Newcastle Vipers vs Belfast Giants and Basingstoke Bison vs Cardiff Devils, the Disciplinary Committee of the EIHL wish to confirm the following decisions and suspensions that include the single biggest suspension levied against one player for one offence.

 

A league spokesman commented, “We are still in the early weeks of the new season, and this is the second time that the committee has had to preside over such matters. The league does not wish to be continually suspending players. However, the players and coaching staff need to appreciate that if the rules are broken, there are tariffs in place to penalise such actions.”

 

Steve Thornton of the Belfast Giants has been suspended for a total of nine games.

Following review, his 2+2 penalty for High Sticking has been upgraded to a Match Penalty for Slashing. The slash in question was made to the head/neck area of the opposing player and as such this offence carries a suspension tariff of five games. Furthermore, the committee has imposed a further three game suspension for Reckless Use of the Stick.

 

Todd Griffith and Rob Rankin, both of the Newcastle Vipers, have been suspended for one game each.

Both players were assessed 5+Game penalties for Fighting at 59:58 of the game played Sunday September 20^th however, fight instigation in the last five minutes of a game carries an automatic one game suspension tariff.

 

Jez Lundin of the Newcastle Vipers 
was originally assessed a two-minute minor penalty for Cross-Checking. The penalty has been upgraded to a 5+Game penalty for the same offence.

 

Brad Cruickshank of the Basingstoke Bison 
has been suspended for a total of five games.

He was originally assessed a Match Penalty for Excessive Rough Play but, upon review, this has been increased by an additional two game suspension for Excess Rough Play and a further two game suspension for Bringing the Game into Disrepute.

 

Curtiss Patrick of the Basingstoke Bison 
has been suspended for a total of three games.

He was originally assessed a Match Penalty for Excessive Rough Play, and upon review, this has been increased to by an additional two game suspension for the same offence.

Report from EIHL website

Finding Nimmo: Capitals bring in CHL All Star

26/09/2008

Edinburgh Capitals are pleased to be able to announce the signing of forward David Nimmo for the 08/09 season in the bmibaby Elite Ice Hockey League.

Hailing from St. Albert in Canada, Nimmo started his career with the Melfort Mustangs in the SJHL before serving four years with the University Of Alabama-Huntsville in the NCAA. Last season Nimmo played for the Amarillo Gorillas in the CHL where he had 84 points, from 41 goals and 43 assists, and 67 penalty minutes over 64 games.

Nimmo was the number one points scorer for the Amarillo Gorillas in the 07/08 season. He was named CHL Player Of The Month in December 2007 and also to the Southern Conference All-Star team for the 2008 CHL All-Star Game. In the 06/07 season he led University Of Alabama-Huntsville in points and assists.

It is hoped that Nimmo will be in the country and ready to play for the Nottingham Panthers double header on 4th and 5th October providing all his paperwork goes through smoothly.

Doug Christiansen commented, "David is the top notch forward we have been looking for. He is a goal scorer. Anytime a player can score 41 goals he has the ability to help a team. I am looking for him to make an immediate impact. My conversations with him have been great and I know he is looking forward to the new challenge Edinburgh provides."

Report from Capitals website

 

Stingrays rocked by Bernier exit

20/09/2008

Hull Stingrays were shocked today by the news that Jonathan Bernier has quit the team without notice to take up a contract in the AHL.

Bernier arrived at training today to say that he is leaving the club and had booked a flight out of the UK tomorrow.

This latest development has rocked the club after the early injury to Paul Moran and the ongoing controversy over the suspension of Rick Kozak.

 Report from Stingrays website

Miller completes Herd

18/09/2008

Basingstoke Bison are pleased to announce their final import signing is Canadian forward Matt Miller.

This hard nosed fast skating forward will fly into the country for his first spell in Britain, once the necessary paperwork has been sorted out. He will definitely miss Basingstoke’s up coming double header weekend with the Cardiff Devils.

The sixth and final import forward hails from Sioux Lookout in Ontario and played for the past two seasons for the Amarillo Gorillas in the Central Hockey League.

There he was a team mate of  Bison summer signings Trevor Read and Brent Hughes. For the whole of his pro career Miller has been used as a fighter and this is the reason he has racked up 756 minutes in penalties.

Report from Bison website

EIHL set the tone with stiff suspensions

12/09/2008

Following unsavoury incidents in both the Nottingham Panthers vs Hull Stingrays and Cardiff Devils vs Sheffield Steelers games last Sunday, the bmibaby Elite League have meted out severe punishments on Hull forward Rick Kozak and Cardiff captain Brad Voth.

 

Kozak has been suspended for a total of ten games for Sucker-Punching an opponent and Bringing the game into Disrepute with a further ten games suspended for a repeat offence, while Voth has received a twelve-game ban for Sucker-Punching an opponent and Slashing to the back of an opponents legs with a further twelve suspended again pending a repeat offence.

 

A league spokesman commented, “Ice hockey is a very physical sport as everyone is well aware, and occasionally tempers flare and there are flashpoint incidents. However, the games last Sunday saw incidents that we feel are beyond what is the normally acceptable in terms of physical contact and we felt the need to adjudicate strongly.”

 

“A lot of discussion took place over the summer recruiting period about teams bringing in players to ‘entertain’ and we have no problem with that philosophy. We are a professional sport however, also acknowledge that we are all in the entertainment business but, there are limits to what is and what is not acceptable. After extensive video review, the incidents involving both Rick Kozak and Brad Voth have been deemed as being unacceptable, and it is our duty to ensure that we send a message to all the clubs, the coaching staff and all the players as to what will not be tolerated.”

Report from EIHL website

Stew back on Bison menu

12/09/2008

Danny Stewart will return to the Basingstoke Bison line-up this weekend, as the Herd entertain the Manchester Phoenix and then travel to Newcastle Vipers.

The Bison have acted quickly after the news that summer recruit Austin Sutter would not be coming to Basingstoke and snapped up Canadian hot-shot Stewart, who had been on his way to Italy to play for SG Pontebba, before visa problems stopped his Italian adventure.

The Herd fans will be pleased to see their team's third highest goal scorer back on the team for his second season in Britain. Last year Stewart collected 60 points in 64 games hitting the net 29 times, only Gregs Owen and Chambers did better.

Report from Bison website

BLAZE WIN CHARITY SHIELD

03/09/2008

Coventry Blaze 5 Sheffield Steelers 4 (After Overtime)

A tremendous prelude to the sixth bmibaby Elite League season saw Coventry Blaze capture the Charity Shield with an overtime powerplay goal by hat trick hero Adam Calder settling an epic match up.

Blaze took the initiative from the off and Carlyle Lewis fired them ahead after only 1.08 with Calder grabbing his first of the night at 8.10 on the powerplay to give the home side a 2-goal advantage after the opening period.

Again on the powerplay, Calder made it 3-0 at 22.00 before the Steelers fightback began with a goal from skipper Jonathan Phillips at 29.20 while the visitors were on a 5 on 3 powerplay.

Nathan Gillies then scored Steelers' second at 30.18 and at the end of the second period it was very much game on.

The game was tied at 44.38 with a powerplay strike by Phillips and it was anyone's game game going into the final ten minutes.

Blaze took the lead again at 52.35 with a shorthanded goal by Dan Carlson but a second 5 on 3 powerplay opportunity saw Scott Basiuk level again for Steelers at 53.25.

No one could win it before the 60 minute buzzer and therefore it was into overtime where that man Calder (last season EIHL leading scorer and MVP) took center stage once again to complete his hat trick with the winning goal timed at 60.26 on the powerplay.

Period Scores: 2-0, 1-2, 1-2, 1-0
Penalty Mins: Cov 24, She 30
Shots On: J F Perras 45 - Jody Lehman 36      

Report from EIHL website

Vipers Sign Czech Marek Ivan

02/09/2008

Newcastle Vipers are delighted to announce that they have signed Czech centre Marek Ivan for the 2008/2009 bmibaby Elite League season as well as securing the services of former Sheffield Steeler and Cardiff Devil Warren Tait on a short term deal.

Marek Ivan joins the Vipers 3 years after playing for the Nottingham Panthers where he scored 46 points in 52 games for Nottingham including 25 goals and 21 assists and recording 135 penalty minutes during the 2004/2005 Elite League season. Ironically the Vipers open up their 2008/09 campaign against the Panthers this Saturday at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena.

Report from Vipers website

Wilson steps into the lineup for Vipers

28/08/2008

Newcastle Vipers head coach Rob Wilson will take the fourth import defenceman spot for the time being, it was announced today.

At the club’s press launch, held once again at the Hilton Hotel on the Gateshead quayside, Wilson also said that the final forward has verbally agreed a contract and should sign a contract in the next 24 hours.

“I still hope to bring in a defenceman but for the time being I will take up the four spot, sharing ice with Jez Lundin.

“This weekend I will do what I normally do and watch the challenge matches from the bench, but I will be in the lineup when the season proper starts on September 6.”

Wilson also said that his final forward is a Canadian who has spent the last three seasons in Europe.

“We’ve agreed the deal verbally, but we won’t confirm anything until we receive the signed contract.  However this guy fits in with our team ethos, he has speed and skill but also steel and toughness.”

Report from Vipers website

 

Here's to you Michel Robinson

28/08/2008

Edinburgh Capitals are delighted to be able to name their starting netminder for the 08/09 season in the bmibaby Elite Ice Hockey as Michel Robinson.

Michel Robinson will be sponsored by The Castle Arms. Robinson spent last season with Bakersfield Condors in the ECHL where he played 20 games before picking up an injury. Once his injury had healed he played 9 games for St.Hyacinthe Top Design in the LNAH to get himself fit again.

Doug Christiansen said, "Michel Robinson will be one of the top goalies in the league. Championships are won with goaltending and we got a great one. When I heard he was available, he was my top priority.  Michel is coming off a tough, injury-plagued year. He is hungry to get back to when he was Goalie of the Year in the UHL and the top statistical goalie in Italy the year before that." 

Chrsitiansen added, "Michel will be a rock for us all year. He will be our defenders best friend because of how well he plays the puck. He is like a 3rd D-man, in fact, he has scored a goal."

Robinson has received the following awards over the past seasons:
2004-2005- UHL First Team All-Star, Goalie of the Year, was called up to Milwaukee of AHL
2005-2006- UHL Goalie of the Month Twice, was called up to Milwaukee of AHL
2006-2007- led Serie A in Italy in save percentage and was second in goal against average

Paul Adey, coach of Ritten and long time Nottingham Panthers star, commented on Robinson, "Robinson played very well for me in Ritten and was playing well in the playoffs until he got hurt. If he plays up to his potential he could be the leagues top goalie. He could be the big surprise in the league. I think he is a great signing for the Elite League and should win a lot of games."

Report from Capitals website

 

Slovakian forward Rajcak back for more

21/08/2008

Edinburgh Capitals are pleased to announce that Slovakian forward Andrej Rajcak will be returning to the fold for the 08/09 season in the bmibaby Elite Ice Hockey League.

Rajcak played for the Capitals during the 06/07 season where he had 48 points over 54 games, through 14 goals and 34 assists, and 111 penalty minutes. At the end of the 06/07 season Rajcak was joint top points scorer with Martin Cingel. Last season Rajcak played in Denmark for Hvidovre IK where he had 56 points over 45 games with 21 goals, 35 assists and 84 penalty minutes. His team also made the play offs and he had a further 3 points over 7 games from 1 goal and 2 assists with 59 penalty minutes.

Report from Capitals website

PANTHERS GET THEIR MAN

20/08/2008

Nottingham Panthers and DAN TESSIER have agreed terms for the upcoming season in the bmibaby Elite League.

Coach Corey Neilson and the club have been negotiating with the player after the coach had a sudden vacancy on his hands when much fancied centreman Chris Richards reneged on his commitment to join the club.

 Tessier has played for the Panthers before. In season 2005-6 he had 11 goals and 26 points in 19 games before landing a big contract in Switzerland.

He then joined arch-rivals Sheffield Steelers for a year before moving to the top flight in Germany last year, returning to North America with Kalamazoo and then returning to Sheffield. With the Steelers last year he had an impressive 16 goals and 36 points in 24 games.

 His signing for Nottingham is sure to spark debate but the club never closed the door on a possible return but his availability has not coincided with a vacancy. He is a proven winner and an excellent hockey player. He is exciting to watch and (tongue in cheek) we thought if we signed him it might help our arch-rivals to sell a few more tickets when we play there! He’s not the first player to play for us, move on to Sheffield and then come back.

 Dan Tessier said today : “I’m pleased to be back and I can promise the fans I will be doing the best that I can for the Panthers.”

The 29-year-old has put his plans to join the police force in Canada to join the club and coach Corey Neilson says he’s very pleased that we got our man: “He’s a good fit for us, he’s great at winning the draw, we needed to find another good centreman, Tess has proven himself to be one of the best centremen ever to play in Britain, so I’m excited. I think the fans will be in for a treat. We certainly won’t have to wind him up or motivate him when we play against the Steelers that’s for sure!”

Report from Panthers website

Elite League adopts 4-officials policy

19/08/2008

The start of the new ice hockey season will see the bmibaby Elite League operating with four officials – two referees and two linesmen – in every game.

The use of four officials is now commonplace in North America in the National Hockey league and the American Hockey League, together with the SM:liiga in Finland and it is encouraged by the International Ice Hockey Federation as the right way to go for member countries domestic leagues.

All the Elite League officials, above, together with a new group of ‘stripey’s’ looking to progress their officiating careers, recently attended a two-day training camp at the Coventry Skydome Arena in order to familiarise themselves with the new system. Arto Jarvela, the referee in Chief from Finland who is also an IIHF supervisor assisted at the camp as the busy schedule included on-ice drills, extensive video review and formal instruction on how to best implement the use of the fourth official.

Elite League Director of Hockey Andy French noted, “The use of four officials is now widely used in the top leagues around the world, and we felt the time was right to introduce the system going into the new season. Everyone wants the officiating to continually improve and for our officials to be recognised for international events, the four-man system needed to be adopted sooner rather than later. This is a great move by the league and should benefit the game as a whole.”

Speaking on behalf of the officials, Referee in Chief of IHUK Simon Kirkham  added, “The other big benefit to the league is that the use of four officials gives all the younger guys a chance to move up a level, and in so doing create more opportunities for people to get into the sport as officials.”

Report from EIHL website

 

RICHARDS DOES PANTHERS U-TURN

15/08/2008

Report from Panthers website

Kyle Bruce, the final piece in the Phoenix roster

15/08/2008

Canadian right-winger Kyle Bruce is the final summer signing for the Manchester Phoenix and his announcement helps make it a Happy Birthday for player-coach Tony Hand MBE.

Speaking about completing his roster Hand said, "It's been a long summer as I've taken my time, but with Kyle coming on board, I'm very happy with the squad we've assembled and now it's time to start preparing for the training camp. Kyle will bring us the 'power forward' element I've been looking for," added the coach who celebrates his 41st birthday today. "He's strong on the puck, gritty and he's a powerful, physical player."

Report from Phoenix website

Big Braffer back for Bison

14/08/2008

Basingstoke Bison are delighted to announce the return of Eric Braff for a third season in Hampshire.

The popular Canadian was as solid as a rock last year for the Herd defence, leading it for scoring, as well as logging up huge amounts of ice time in an often depleted defensive core.

The native of Ontario is a true fans's favourite and this was illustrated last spring, when he scooped the Basingstoke Gazette's Sports Personality of the Year title voted by its readers.

The 6ft 4in blue liner is the final piece of a back division, which is set to take no prisoners this season as every member is over six foot.

Bison head coach Ryan Aldridge is delighted the lynchpin of his defence is back and said: "Braffer is a true professional both on and off the ice. He was one player I wanted back and thanks to our partnership with the University of Winchester that has been made possible."

Report from Bison website

Seven in a row for Cingel

12/08/2008

Edinburgh Capitals are delighted announce that Martin Cingel has agreed to return for the 08/09 season in the bmibaby Elite Ice Hockey for his 7th season.

Last season Cingel had 53 points, from 18 goals and 35 assists, and 102 penalty minutes over 64 games. Cingel is now viewed as a Capitals legend by the fans due to his total commitment to the club since he came to the UK back in 2002.

Doug Christiansen said, "Martin Cingel was our captain last season and is a great signing for the club. Martin really came on in the latter half of the season. His leadership was vital down the stretch and pushed us into the playoffs. He scored many big goals for us and was a player everyone looked up to. He is not a talkative leader, rather he leads by example. When he does speak everyone listens. He always had the right thing to say." 

Report from Capitals website

 

Tenacious Griffith Signs for Vipers

08/08/2008

NewcastleVipers are delighted to announce that they have signed tenacious Canadian forward Todd Griffith from the South Carolina Stingrays of the East Coast Hockey League.  The 23 year old centre from Welland Ontario is set to team up with Derek Campbell and Rob Rankin on the Vipers second line.

A delighted Vipers Head Coach Rob Wilson said:  

“Todd is a feisty centre that battles on every draw and hits hard on every shift.” “He plays a tenacious game and has a lot of skill and heart and is only 23 years old.”  

Griffith already has his attacking line ready for the 2008/2009 season that starts on the 30^th August at the Metro Radio Arena where he will line up with fan favourite Derek Campbell and new signing Rob Rankin from the Hull Stingrays.  

“This is going to be one of the most exciting lines in the league,” says Wilson. “This line is going to produce speed, energy and aggression as well as provide a lot of goals and assists for the team.”  

Griffith was rumoured to be on the Belfast Giants wanted list if then head coach Ed Courtenay was still in charge at the Odyssey Arena.  

Report from Vipers website

Phoenix add right winger Luke

08/08/2008

Manchester Phoenix player/coach Tony Hand has moved to within one of completing his new-look roster with the signing of American right winger Luke Fulghum.

Hand commented, "Luke interested me immediately and I was pleased to learn he was interested in coming to Europe. The references we took spoke highly of his skating ability and speed, his energy, grit and competitiveness. He's won championships in college hockey and knows how to find the back of the net. I'm very confident he'll be an excellent signing for us."

Report from Phoenix website

 

Beast of Basingstoke

07/08/2008

Basingstoke Bison are delighted to announce the signing of giant Canadian Jason Goulet.

The 6ft 5in defensive defenceman weighting in at 245 pounds, will bring even more size and grit to a very impressive looking blue line core.

The native of Winnipeg played last season in the East Coast Hockey League with the Bakersfield Condors and has been tracked by Bison head coach Ryan Aldridge all summer and he has now flown the Condors' nest to head for Hampshire.

Aldridge said: "This is another great signing for the Herd and I have only had good reports about Jason. I spoke to Scott Hay at Bakersfield and he said he is beast out on the ice and a great player.

"He is a solid defensive defenceman who clears the net well. He can play the first pass out the zone, hits like a truck and is no afraid to drop his gloves for his team mates."

While at Bakersfield last season he scored once and collected five assists as well as racking up 160 minutes in penalties.

Report from Bison website

 

Capitals on the Mark

07/08/2008

Edinburgh Capitals are pleased to announce the signing of centre Mark Hurtubise for the 08/09 season in the bmibaby Elite Ice Hockey League.

Hailing from Canada and standing 6'2" tall, Hurtubise spent last season in the ECHL with the Mississippi Sea Wolves where he amassed 44 points in 66 games from 14 goals and 30 assists and 46 penalty minutes. The previous season in the ECHL he got 41 points from 17 goals and 24 assists with 50 penalty minutes while icing for the Long Beach Ice Dogs.

Doug Christiansen commented, "Mark is a very skilled centre. Mark is something that we did not have last year, a pure centre. He is a player who should really excel on our big ice sheet.  From day one I am expecting Mark to be a key player for us. He will play in all situations and be a threat on the power play. Mark will be given every opportunity to get a lot of points this year."

Report from Capitals website

 

Neumeier back for Stingrays

06/08/2008

Hull Stingrays have finalised their roster for the 2008/09 bmibaby Elite League season with the signing of Canadian defenceman Troy Neumeier.

The 37-year-old, a 10th-round draft pick by Vancouver Canucks in 1990, brought leadership and stability to Stingrays following his arrival from Coventry Blaze over the festive period last season.

Report from Stingrays website

Thompson completes roster

05/08/2008

Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson completes roster with signing of Sylvain Deschatelets

Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has completed the signing of Canadian forward, Sylvain Deschatelets from bmibaby Elite League rivals, Cardiff Devils.

Twenty-eight year old Deschatelets finished last season as the Devils’ top scorer with an 88 point return (26 goals and 62 assists) that saw him finish the season in 7th place on the Elite League scoring list. He spent the previous two seasons playing in Italy and Switzerland before which he enjoyed a successful career in the ECHL, UHL and AHL.

The capture of the 6’2”, 200lb native of Quebec, means Blaze will have the services of three of last season’s top seven Elite League scorers, top duo of Adam Calder and Dan Carlson already having agreed two year contracts with the club.

Deschatelets is ready for the challenge of filling departing captain, Sylvain Cloutier’s shoes.

Report from Blaze website

Devils import roster complete

05/08/2008

Cardiff Devils coach Gerad Adams has completed his import signings for the 2008/09 season with the capture of defenceman Likit Andersson.

Andersson, 35, becomes the eleventh and final import to sign for the upcoming campaign and arrives in Cardiff after spending last term in the Danish league.


Andersson, who was born in Thailand but raised in Sweden, notched 10 goals and 16 assists last year in Denmark and will bring an attacking mindset to the Cardiff blueline.

“Likit is the kind of player that likes to jump into the offensive rush and loves to score goals,” said Adams.

“His experience is important for us because the other D-men are quite young and he’s going to help them along.”

Andersson, who has iced throughout Europe and North America, joins imports Mike Hartwick, Wes Jarvis and Doug MacIver in the Devils rearguard. Andersson provides a different approach to the three stay-at-home defencemen and is set to become a big part of the Cardiff powerplay.

Report from Devils website

Vipers Sign Tyler Willis

04/08/2008

Newcastle Vipers are delighted to announce that they have secured the signature of all action winger Tyler Willis for the 2008/2009 bmibaby Elite League season.

The 31 year old British Columbia native who was selected by the Vancouver Canucks, round 8, number 196 of the 1995 NHL draft will join the Vipers as a replacement for Joel Irving after five years with the Kalamazoo K Wings of the International Hockey League. 

 

The signature of Willis has delighted  Mincoffs Vipers head coach Rob Wilson who believes that Tyler Willis will be the greatest entertainer to play in the bmibaby Elite League.

 

“It has taken us three years to get the signature of Tyler but now the timing is right and we are delighted to sign what I believe will be the greatest entertainer this league has seen,” said Wilson.  “This guy loves to hit, check and play a really aggressive offensive game and will be another fan favourite to add to the roster.” “Tyler is a natural born winner and has captained teams wherever he has played and will bring a lot of experience and leadership to our side.” 

Report from Vipers website

 

LeClair signs for Blaze

01/08/2008

Blaze sign American Corey LeClair from Dayton Bombers to complete six man defensive unit.

Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has completed the signing of American , Corey LeClair from the Dayton Bombers of the East Coast Hockey League.

The twenty-four year old LeClair has spent the last three seasons in the ECHL, debuting for Reading Royals in 05/06 before joining Dayton for the 06/07 season and helping them become the ECHL American Conference Champions.  He began the 07/08 season with Phoenix Roadrunners before being traded back to Dayton in February of this year in a deal that saw fellow new signing Scott Kelman make the same move.

LeClair stands at 6’ 2” tall, weighing in at 200 pounds and completes Paul Thompson’s six man defensive unit for the new season.  He will be lining up alongside Coventry’s four GB international defencemen – Jonathan Weaver, Ben O’Connor, Leigh Jamieson and Tom Watkins plus returning Swede, Matt Soderstrom.

LeClair is really looking forward to taking to the ice in a Blaze uniform next season.

Report from Blaze website

Slonina agrees Stingrays switch

31/07/2008

Hull Stingrays are pleased to announce the signing of American forward Steve Slonina for the 2008/09 bmibaby Elite League season. 

The 27-year-old split last term with Mississippi River Kings in the Central Hockey League and ECHL side Bakersfield Condors. He is also a former team-mate of fellow new Stingrays signings Jason Kostadine and Rick Kozak.

Coach Rick Strachan said: "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.

Report from Stingrays website

Bison sign title winner !!

31/07/2008

Championship winning goalie  Kevin Reiter will be the last line of defence of the Basingstoke Bison after signing for the Herd this week.

Last season, the American shot stopper helped Fort Wayne Komets to the Turner Cup as play-off winners in the International Hockey League (IHL), recording eight shut-outs in the process.

The 26 year old from Pittsburgh also picked up the 'goalie of the month' award three times during the IHL season, where he spent a total of 2,722 minutes guarding the Komets net and returned a 91% save rate.

He played the bulk of the season with former Bison netminder Nick Boucher as his goalie partner.

Reiter spent four years at the University of Alaska before joining Missouri River Otters in the autumn of 2004 and posted five shut-outs for the United Hockey League team. For the 2006 season he joined East Coast Hockey League side Phoenix Roadrunners before moving to Laredo Bucks, where he posted an impressive 91.5 save percentage.

Report from Bison website

Stingrays solve Riddle

30/07/2008

Hull Stingrays are pleased to announce they have retained the services of player of the year Jake Riddle for the 2008/09 bmibaby Elite League season.

The 25-year-old American was Stingrays' third-highest points-scorer last term, with 46 from 59 games, and was also named forward of the year and the fans' favourite.

Coach Rick Strachan said: "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."

Report from Stingrays website

Bruce Mulherin boost for Phoenix

25/07/2008

References from former Elite League stars Shaun Sutter and Joe Tallari and the help of the University of Bolton were influential factors in Manchester Phoenix head coach Tony Hand completing the signing of Canadian forward Bruce Mulherin from the Las Vegas Wranglers.

The 26-year old from Red Deer Alberta was quick to cite the good things he heard from Sutter and Tallari after agreeing terms to join the Manchester Phoenix. “It was after speaking with Shaun that I first got in contact with Tony Hand to see if there was any interest. And after speaking with Joe who’d also played in Las Vegas, he too said good things about the UK, the league and Manchester in particular, so my decision wasn’t too hard in making.”

Report from Phoenix website

 

Calder commits to Blaze

24/07/2008

League MVP signs new two year contract

Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson today confirmed that star forward, Adam Calder has signed a new two year contract with the club.

Calder joined the Blaze at the start of the 04/05 season and has since played 251 games for the club, scoring 168 goals and 185 assists for a 353 point total.  After helping the Blaze to the Elite League Grand Slam in his first year, he moved for half a season to Vaxjo Lakers in Sweden before returning to the Blaze line up half way through the 05/06 campaign.

In a glittering UK career to date, the free scoring Canadian has been  an Elite League first team all star on three occasions, won seven Elite League trophies and last season was voted the bmibaby Elite League Player of the Season.

Calder’s partnership with American Dan Carlson has been the most prolific in league history and last season the pair shattered both league and club scoring records in finishing at the top of the scoring charts.  The Blaze have won the Elite League Championship in each of the three seasons where the pair have played together.

Unsurprisingly, Calder attracted interest and offers from a host of top European Clubs, but unlike several of last season’s Elite League stars, has opted to stay in the UK.

With Carlson already having put pen to paper on a new two year contract, Thompson believes he will still have the best striking partnership in the league next season.

Report from Blaze website

Cornish ready to cream for Bison

24/07/2008

Basingstoke Bison are pleased to announce the signing of Canadian tough guy Jeremy Cornish for the coming season.

The latest addition to the Herd is no stranger to the Elite League having made a name for himself, ever since his debut in the autumn of 2004 for the London Racers.

The all-action Lucan, Ontario native had a successful time in the capital, but on the demise of the club, he headed north to add some grit to the Newcastle Vipers. There he enjoyed play-off success in the spring of 2006.

Last season, the no-nonsense forward was the steel in the Sheffield Steelers, before ending the year playing for the Bloomington Prairie Thunder in the International Hockey League, alongside a former Bison legendary hardman Jeff Ewasko.

His split season saw him score seven goals as well as racking up 287 minutes in penalties from 75 games.

Report from Bison website

Big Mac Returns to the Vipers

23/07/2008

Newcastle Vipers are delighted to announce that they have signed former New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche player Chris McAllister for the 2008/2009 season. 

The NHL and AHL star was nicknamed “Big Mac” by fans when he played for the Vipers during the NHL lockout in 2004 in a season that saw McAllister play 14 games for the Vipers. 

 

“I’m delighted to have McAllister playing for the Vipers again,” commented head coach Rob Wilson. “After re-signing Henderson and Gouett for our blueline, it was important to have a big guy back there that is going to go for the hits and impose a presence.” 

 

Born in Saskatoon, Canada, the 33 year old started his career in the WHL with the Saskatoon Blades and was selected by the Vancouver Canucks in round 2 # 40 overall of the 1995 NHL draft.

“Chris is a real team player and is the type of player we want playing at this club,” continued Wilson. “His presence is going to be a real attribute to our game and I’m sure the fans are delighted to have a fan favourite playing back for the Vipers.”

Report from Vipers website

 

Jay Latulippe, Devils Final Import Forward

23/07/2008

Latulippe (pronounced: Lah-tool-ihp), 26, joins the Devils after playing the last two seasons in the CHL, most recently in Texas with the Corpus Christi Rayz. However, it was a former team-mate of Latulippe from three years ago that gave Adams the incentive to sign the American forward.


“Jay was recommended to me by Tyson Teplitsky,” said Adams.

“They played together for the Dayton Bombers in the ECHL and Tyson said he would be a great fit for us in Cardiff. Jay’s a smaller player, but he’s a fast skater and very aggressive.”

Latulippe, a 5-foot-10inch, 180-pound forward, had an outstanding college career at ClarksonUniversity and began his pro career in the 2004/05 season. Last year Latulippe notched 12 goals and 30 assists in 45 games for the Rayz after originally starting the season with the Odessa Jackalopes.

Report from Devils website

 

Gomenyuk Back for Third Spell

23/07/2008

Hull Stingrays are pleased to announce the signing of Ukrainian defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk for the 2008/09 bmibaby Elite League season.

The 30-year-old returns for a third spell at Hull Arena - he was named Defenceman of the Year in 2004/05 - having also spent two separate seasons with Newcastle Vipers.

Coach Rick Strachan said: "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.

Report from Stingrays website

Giants Complete Roster With Muscle and Grit...

22/07/2008

Belfast Giants have completed their roster with the double signing of forwards Malcolm Macmillan and longtime Giant, George Awada. Awada will be returning for his fifth consecutive season with the Giants while it will be Macmillan's first European experience. The signings add size and grit to a promising Giants roster.

The name Malcolm MacMillan might not mean a lot to Giants fans yet, but when the season gets under way, he is bound to become one of the most popular players on the 2008-09 roster. Malcolm has been a standout performer for the Reading Royals over the last three seasons. Two years ago, he racked up 10 goals, 35 points as he led his team in fighting majors and set a franchise record for penalty minutes with 270 in 66 games. He has earned call-ups to the American Hockey League in each of the past two seasons including 12 games in the AHL with the Hershey Bears last year. The Royals fans chose him as their choice for the Ironman Award as well as the Player With The Most Heart. He was also picked as the most popular player with the Royals Supporters and is sure to become every bit as popular here in Belfast.

"George Awada knows the EIHL very well. He has scored 130 goals in Britain over the past 5 years and I think that there is maybe only one other player in the league to score more goals than him in that period. The amazing thing is that George hasn't always played on the first line or top power play unit and he still manages to always get it done. I said from day one that I was very eager to obtain George's signature and I am very happy that we finally got it. He consistently puts up a point a game, he has worn letters as a Captain and an Assistant every year and has already won trophies in the UK including a championship here in Belfast. I also like the fact that he is another big body that will help us compete with some of the other teams in our league that are putting more of an emphasis on size."

Report from Giants website

Capitals complete their defence with Joe Dustin

22/07/2008

Edinburgh Capitals have now completed their defence for the 08/09 season in the bmibaby Elite Ice Hockey League with the signing of Joe Dustin.

Dustin spent last season in the ECHL playing for Bakersfield Condors, scoring 27 points from 7 goals and 20 assists in 58 games before his acquisition by Stockton Thunder where he scored a season-high three points from assists on 14/02/08. He also scored six multi-point games. Dustin accrued 67 penalty minutes last season over 65 games.

6ft Dustin started his career in the NCAA playing for University of Wisconsin River Falls amassing 26 points from 8 goals and 18 assists in 109 career games. He had a career high 14 points from 4 goals and 10 assists in 27 games as a 02/03 junior and had three game winning goals. Dustin was also named to the NCHA All-Academic team and the WIAC Scholastic Honour Roll. He then made his professional debut with the Rockford Ice Hogs in the Central Hockey League. He then spent the next few seasons playing for Fayetteville FireAntz, Charlotte Checkers, Louisiana Ice Gators and Oklahoma City Blazers.

Dustin will be joining Kyle Horne, Craig Mitchell, Shawn Germain, Taylor Christie and Adam Stefishen to complete the Capitals defence.

Report from Capitals website

Phoenix sign centreman Nathan Ward

18/07/2008

Manchester Phoenix head coach Tony Hand has made his second raid on the Odessa Jackalopes in signing Canadian centreman Nathan Ward.

Nathan Ward follows hot on the heels of defenceman Alex Dunn and he noted, “Alex is a really good player, we’re good friends having played together for the past two years and it’ll be good for us both to know someone when we get to Manchester to help us settle into new surroundings.”

Entering his third year as a professional, Nathan is looking to continue his development as a player that saw him double his point production last season over his first year. “After signing with the Jackalopes, I just didn’t seem to get my share of the luck. I hit just about every post and crossbar imaginable,” he laughed. “I didn’t lose my confidence though, it’s all about learning from your mistakes, working harder and making things happen. I’m level-headed enough to know that the bounces that don’t go your way soon enough come round again and last season saw things work out much better for me. It would nice to enjoy the same level of improvement again this year.”

Report from Phoenix website

Giants Sign Two More Forwards

16/07/2008

Belfast Giants are delighted to announce the signings of forwards Evan Cheverie and Paul Deniset. They are both very highly skilled forwards that are going to add to the excitement in the Odyssey this season. Cheverie is no stranger to the Elite League as he led the Coventry Blaze in scoring during the 2005/06 season. It will be Paul Deniset's first time in the UK but he has already tasted European success last year finishing in the top ten in scoring in the highly rated German Bundesliga.

Coach Thornton on signing Evan Cheverie:
"Evan is a former East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) all-star and was on the Elite League first all-star team when he played for Coventry. He is a proven star over here and has put up numbers everywhere he has played. He was the top scorer for the Blaze in 2005/06 as well as his ECHL team so we have very high expectations for Evan. He also knows how to win having won the French Elite League title while playing with Stevie Lyle in Morzine. With a lot of new faces coming in this season, it is nice to have another guy in the room that knows the league and has performed well in the UK before. He will be a big part of our offence this season and there aren't many gifted forwards out there that can also take shifts on defense, which is a huge bonus."

Coach Thornton on Paul Deniset:
"Getting one of the top players from the German Bundesliga is a major coup for the Giants. Paul is very fast and very skilled and excels on the big European ice. He is a proven leader having worn a letter 3 out of 4 seasons while starring for the University of Manitoba. He battles extremely hard on the ice and has game breaking skill. He was one of the top players in Canada during his last few collegiate years and managed to land himself a job in Germany as a result. I think Paul is going to be one of those players that will make his linemates better."

Report from Giants website

 

Adams strengthens defence with Jarvis

16/07/2008

Jarvis, 29, played in the Elite League last year for the Basingstoke Bison before leaving the club when financial troubles arose. The 6ft 3in, 230lb former NHL draft pick will also be continuing his education at Cardiff University alongside recent signing Mike Hartwick.

“Wes is a big D-Man with an all round game that we can use in all situations,” said Adams.

“He’s an experienced and versatile player, who can become part of our powerplay and also help out on the penalty kill. Wes has combined hockey and education before and enjoys the balance, which will really help him adjust to life in Cardiff.”

Report from Devils website

 

New netminding duo for Stingrays

16/07/2008

Hull Stingrays are pleased to announce Curtis Cruickshank and Andrew Jaszczyk as their netminding duo for the 2008/09 bmibaby Elite League campaign.

Canadian Cruickshank, 29, joins having returned to Basingstoke Bison for a third spell last season while Brit Jaszczyk, 19, has taken over the back-up duties from Tom Chamberlain.

Coach Rick Strachan said: "Curtis has done a job wherever he has been and he has always had a big save percentage. More importantly he is very vocal on and off the ice, he will talk to his defence and it will make their job a lot easier.

"Not many guys want to be a back-up but Andrew wants an opportunity to learn and he will do that with us. It will be a stepping stone for him, he will practice with us four times a week and if we need him to play he will play."

Report from Stingrays website

 

Hinks joins the Devils

14/07/2008

Cardiff Devils are pleased to announce the signing of Canadian forward Rod Hinks.

Hinks, 35, joins the Devils after playing in Switzerland and has spent much of his career in Europe. Hinks is also familiar with the Elite League, having played for the Newcastle Vipers in 2006/07. In 40 games on Tyneside Hinks scored 23 goals and added 24 assists.

“Rod played in the Swiss B league last year, which you have to be extremely skilled to play in and many players can’t make it there,” said Devils coach Gerad Adams.

“He’s a good scorer, with great stick-handling and is going to partner Jason Silverthorn on the first line. We’ve signed a few physical forwards so far, so bringing in Rod gives us more skill up front.”

The Ontario-born forward originally moved to Europe in 1995 to play in Italy and has also skated in Austria and Germany. Hinks scored 42 points in 40 games last year in Switzerland, where he split time between Neuchâtel Young Sprinters and Sierre-Anniviers.

Report from Devils website

Capitals sign Canadian defender Christie

14/07/2008

Edinburgh Capitals are delighted to be able to announce that Canadian defender Taylor Christie for the 08/09 season in the bmibaby Elite Ice Hockey League.

Christie was in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft Selected 6th round 195th overall by the Colorado Avalanche. He spent season in the ECHL playing for Dayton Bombbers and Phoenix Roadrunners where he had 30 points from 7 goals and 23 assists in 65 games with 47 penalty minutes.

As well as being a key player in the Capitals defence, Christie will also studying with Capitals partner Heriot Watt University.

Christie commented, "To be able to experience life in a city like Edinburgh and study at a first class University like Hariot Watt is something that I’m truly looking forward to. In talking with Doug, I know our team will be exciting to watch and that hockey fans in Edinburgh will have a fun and entertaining experience at our games this winter."

Report from Capitals website

 

Alex Dunn completes Phoenix blueline

11/07/2008

Tony Hand has completed his new defensive line-up for the Manchester Phoenix with the signing of gritty American blueliner Alex Dunn from the Odessa Jackalopes in the Central Hockey League.

Twenty-six year old Alex Dunn, originally from Waterford in Michigan, turned professional just over two years ago having graduated from Lake Superior State University with a degree in Fire Science. Having completed his senior year, he played the latter stages of the 2005-06 season with the Idaho Steelheads before heading south to Odessa where he played under former Sheffield Steelers coach Don McKee.

Tony Hand commented, “When Alexs’ name came my way and I saw he’d played with the Jackalopes, I put a call into Don and he told me Alex would be an excellent signing. Don described him as a very reliable, gritty and solid defenceman, the sort of guy who plays with an edge to his game and you can rely on in all situations, and that appealed to me.”

Standing 5ft 11ins, right-shot Alex Dunn tips the scales at 195lb and he said, “playing overseas at some point has always been in the back of my mind, and guys I’ve spoken to speak well of the UK and Manchester. They told me the fans there like to see an honest effort and I believe I’ll bring that to the team. I play a hard-nosed, chippy and gritty game, but like to add a little offence too when the time is right. I consider myself a decent skater, like to move the puck quickly to get things going and get the team moving forward.”

Report from Phoenix website

Giants Complete Their Defensive Unit

10/07/2008

Steve Thornton has completed his 5 man defensive unit with the signing of Mike Burgoyne from the Oklahoma City Blazers and former Michigan State University star Tyler Howells.

Howells joins the Giants from the Helibronn Falcons of the German Bundesliga where he finished his first year of professional hockey after starting the season with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the East Coast Hockey League where he racked up 7 goals and 16 assists in 30 games. Prior to that, Howells starred for the Michigan State Spartans for four seasons where he won the CCHA League Championship in his third year and the National Championship during his final season at University. He was an Assistant Captain for the National Championship team and was selected to both the NCAA Regional and NCAA National "All-Tournament" Teams.

Joining Howells on the blueline next season will be Mike Burgoyne, a Central League All-Star who has set the league on fire over the last two seasons in Oklahoma City. At 6'2" and nearly 15 stone, he is an imposing figure on the blueline but it's his offensive skill that has garnered the most attention around the league.

Burgoyne has led his team in scoring the past two seasons as a defenceman, scoring 21 goals and 40 assists in 64 league games, adding another 8 points in the playoffs during the 2006-07 season. Last year, he did it all over again scoring 55 points including 17 goals in 64 league games. He was selected into the starting line-up for the last two all-star games in the United Hockey League and last season he was voted the league's best offensive defenceman in a league wide "Best of the Best" poll voted by players and coaches from opposing teams. He was also selected as his teams Most Valuable Player in both of the last 2 seasons.

Report from Giants website

Icehawk Brent ready to strike for the Bison

10/07/2008

Basingstoke Bison are delighted to announce the signing of Canadian forward Brent Hughes.

The newest Herd member will add some more punch to the offensive unit of the team and last year played in the International Hockey League with the Port Huron Icehawks scoring the team's first hat-trick of the season.

The native of Toronto picked up 23 points from 71 games, as well as sitting out 59 minutes in penalties, for an Icehawks outfit who also included former Bison Mark DeSantis.

The previous year the feisty forward helped the Colorado Eagles to the Central Hockey League crown scoring 10 points in 18 games in the post season play-offs. He arrived at the Eagles after being traded from fellow CHL outfit the Amarillo Gorillas.

Report from Bison website

One Moore for Barrie

08/07/2008

Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has completed the signing of Canadian winger, Barrie Moore for a fourth season.

The former Buffalo Sabres draftee joined the Blaze at the start of the 2005/06 season and has gone on to make 213 appearances for the club, recording 173 points including 78 goals.

Thirty-three year old Moore played thirty-nine games in the NHL, for Washington, Buffalo and Edmonton and since joining the Blaze has helped the team to two bmibaby Elite League titles, one Challenge Cup and one British Knockout Cup.

Moore will be taking advantage of the club’s highly successful partnership with Coventry University and will combine his playing duties with studying for his MBA.

Thompson is pleased to have the experienced Moore back in the line up.

Report from Blaze website

 

Phoenix find their sniper

04/07/2008

Tony Hand has a proven track record in attracting quality goalscorers to the Manchester Phoenix, and in 32-year old David Beauregard, he's signed a sniper of genuine pedigree.

Montreal native David Beauregard is the man Hand has entrusted to fill the hole left by Joe Tallari and the task does not faze the amiable French Canadian. "I know Joe did a great job in Manchester last year and I'm coming there to take on that role. I've always worn number 10 on my shirt and Joe too did well with that number last year. People have told me I should have tried Europe earlier in my career, so I'm really excited about signing in Manchester."

David Beauregard suffered a staggering injury not long after being drafted in 1994 by the San Jose Sharks, when after scoring 15 goals in his first 12 games of the 94-95 season, he took a high stick to the face that resulted in the loss of sight in his left eye. "It wasn't easy getting back into the game," he said. "It took me a while to judge distances again. But I love hockey, and I was determined to play again and turn professional. I'd had a good camp with the Sharks despite being one of the smallest players there and I knew I could make it." The injury cost him a chance to sign an NHL contract, but that didn't deter him from his goal to play the game he loves. "I just kept on practising and things got better and better, and the goals returned, it doesn't bother me at all."

Report from Phoenix website

Austin ready to drive Bison forward

04/07/2008

Basingstoke Bison are pleased to announce the signing of Canadian forward Austin Sutter.

The 22-year-old from Red Deer, Alberta is sure to add to some more firepower to the Herd's offensive and last season played in the Central Hockey League for the Amarillo Gorillas scoring 24 times in a 65 points haul.

The raw young talent finished fourth in the Texas team's scoring race, just one place behind Chris Lipsett who was the Sheffield Steelers top goal scorer in their Superleague season of 2001/02.

Sutter has spent the past two campaigns with the Gorillas, where he ranked up over 100 points in all games and moving to the Bison will be his first taste of ice hockey outside North America.

The Herd's new winger also top scorer for the Powell River Kings of the British Columbia Hockey League in season 2003/04 with 70 points in just 59 games.

Sutter will have a familar face in the dressing room for the coming year as he will re-join Gorillas team mate Trevor Read who was signed last month by Basingstoke.

Report from Bison website

 

Carlyle joins the Blaze

03/07/2008

Coventry Blaze sign big hitting forward Carlyle Lewis from Belfast Giants

Cassidy Coventry Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has completed the signing of hard hitting power forward, Carlyle Lewis from bmibaby Elite League rivals, Coors Belfast Giants.

The 6’ 3”, two hundred and thirty pound winger joined the Giants at the start of last season after a season with HC Bolzano in Italy – hosts of Coventry’s third round Continental Cup group in November. 

Thirty year old Lewis, who hails from Nova Scotia in Canada has previously played with current Blaze captain, Sylvain Cloutier in Albany and Blaze forward, Danny Stewart in Danbury.  During the last ten years, he has averaged over two hundred penalty minutes per season and has a well earned reputation as one of the toughest players to ice in the bmibaby Elite League.

“We have needed a forward like Carlyle Lewis in our line up for the last few years,” said Coach Thompson of his latest capture.  “I think everybody is well aware of his toughness, but it’s the physical element of his all round play that attracted me to him.  I want Carlyle to make every night uncomfortable for opposition defencemen.

“Even though he is a big, strong man who obviously brings considerable physical presence, he has good skills as well and I’m looking to him to significantly contribute in the points department.  The Skydome is tailor made for Carlyle Lewis and I really feel there will be a lot of Lewis replica jerseys in the stands this season. 

Report from Blaze website

Basiuk Signing Completes Steelers Roster

01/07/2008

Sheffield Steelers roster for season 2008-09 is complete. This morning head coach David Matsos has confirmed that 6'2 defenseman Scott Basiuk has joined the club following spending the last two seasons with Manchester Phoenix.

"Its a great signing for us" said Matsos "Scott helps us in so many area's. Firstly he shores up our back end, he is big and strong, he plays hard, I think he plays dirty and I like that. I know from speaking to many of our forwards that Scott Basiuk was a player they didn't enjoy playing against

"I spoke with Scott at the end of last season and was excited when he told me that he wanted play in Sheffield. We we also able to offer Scott an education package with the University of Sheffield, without their support I don't think we would have been able to complete this deal

"One other big area I think Scott will be a big plus for us is on the power play. Whilst Scott is a defensive defenseman he has a very big, hard short and he isn't afraid to use it, he likes getting that shot away and that was something that perhaps we didn't do as well as we would have liked last year.

"I think with losing Tessier's point production we have tried to replace that with a combination of Nathan Gillies and Scott Basiuk. We know that Gillies is a different type of player to Tessier, grittier but not as offensive. Well I think that with Basiuk jumping into the line up we have another guy who can score 10 - 15 goals. I'm very happy with this and all of the other signings

"I look at our team right now and think we match up better than we did last year and can't wait to see us all out on the ice"

Report from Steelers website

Phoenix lasso buffalo rancher Josh Garbutt

27/06/2008

The latest cast of the Manchester Phoenix recruiting lasso has seen Tony Hand land buffalo rancher and defenceman Josh Garbutt.

Originally from Medicine Hat in Alberta, 23-year old Josh Garbutt now lives in Yorkton Saskatchewan, and when he’s not playing hockey, he’s out on the range looking after over a thousand head of buffalo. “It’s tough work as buffalo take some handling, you sure don’t wanna get on the wrong side of them at all,” he joked.

Standing 5ft 11ins and nudging the scales to the 205lb mark, the left-shot blueliner started out as a forward, but has switched successfully to playing defence. “I like to break up opponents rushes and get things moving with a good pass. I enjoy joining the rush and move the puck quickly so you could call me an offensive defenceman. I know my role though and enjoy playing a physical game in our end to get things going.”

Having cut his teeth in the Western Hockey League, Josh turned professional after a year at the University of Regina studying for what he hopes will be an eventual post-hockey career. “I studied on a pre-police course as one day, I’d like to join the Royal Canadian Mounted Police – that’s a while away yet though, as I’m excited now about signing in Manchester and coming to play in England. I’ve talked to a lot of guys who’ve played over there and both my fiancée Britney and I can’t wait to get there. It’s a great chance for me and I intend to make the most of the experience.”

Report from Phoenix website

Kozak heads for Stingrays

27/06/2008

Hull Stingrays are pleased to announce the signing of Canadian forward Rick Kozak for the 2008/09 bmibaby Elite League season.

The 22-year-old, who is a towering 6ft 3in and 225lbs, was a third-round draft pick by Philadelphia Flyers in 2003 and spent last season in the Central Hockey League with Mississippi River Kings, registering 42 points and 204 penalty minutes in 60 games.

Coach Rick Strachan said: "Rick is a big, physical guy who fits perfectly into the theme of the team. He is your typical power forward. He will stand in front of the net looking for rebounds, he has good hands, can score goals and is not afraid to drop the gloves.

"We have been chasing him for a while. We have finally got him and we are glad he is coming. He is happy to be joining us and is excited about the new season."

Report from Stingrays website

 

Gillies Next to Join the Steelers Family

26/06/2008

David Matsos has this morning confirmed that 27 year old Canadian Nathan Gillies has signed a contract with the club and will be his final forward signing of the summer.

Gillies has American League experiance in both Binghamton and Bridgeport though spent most of the last 3 seasons in Charlotte in the East Coast League

Matsos said "I have been trying to sign this guy since I became the Steelers coach 3 summers ago, there isn't anyone who has a bad word to say about the guy as a person, a player or a leader. I looked at many different options, the out and out tough guy, the super skilled forward but every time I kept coming back to Nathan, a guy who will give us grit, energy and who will make an offensive contribution

"Nathan has played and Captained Randy Dagenais at Union College and also played with former Steeler Kirk DeWaele in Charlotte. Both also gave glowing references. I believe that Nathan will be a fearless player, he is a guy who will fight anyone and can play on any line"

Gillies is presently working out at his home in Cambridge, Ontario "I can't wait to get going" he said "at my time in life I needed a new challenge, I am someone who gives his all in everything he does and I needed something new to focus my attentions on. I thought about Europe and spoke with guys like Kirk DeWaele. The message I got back was Sheffield, Sheffield, Sheffield. Then out of the blue who called me, the Sheffield coach, I suppose it was meant to be

"I know Sheffield has done its homework on me, and likewise I have done mine on both the club and the coach. I couldn't find anyone with a bad word to say about either, I'm excited and can't wait to arrive. I know many of the guys on the team, I have played with some and against many others. Matty has told me that I will be coming to play on a team hell bent on winning a championship and that sounds great to me"

Report from Steelers website

Double signing for Devils

25/06/2008

Stingrays move for Reynolds

25/06/2008

Hull Stingrays are pleased to announce the signing of Canadian forward Matt Reynolds for the 2008/09 bmibaby Elite League campaign.

The 27-year-old registered 19 goals and 33 assists in 76 regular-season games for Fort Wayne Komets in the International Hockey League last term before adding eight points in 13 matches in winning the play-offs.

Coach Rick Strachan said: "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. 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."

Report from Stingrays website

Henderson is back for Vipers

25/06/2008

The Vipers are delighted to announce that Candian defenseman Burt Henderson will return to the Vipers for the 2008/2009 bmibaby Elite League season. 

The 32 year old Vancouver native joined the Vipers during the second half of last season and played 14 games, helping the Vipers secure a place in the playoff final weekend. 

Henderson spent eight years playing in Japan for Snow Brand and OJI and decided to take early retirment at the end of the 2006/07 season but Vipers owner and close friend Paul Ferone persuaded him to come out of retirement and lace up the skates again. 

"I'm really excited about coming back." says Burt. "I came back last year out of retirment and instantly got my feel back for the game thanks to the Vipers fans and the city of Newcastle." 

"I wasn't enjoying playing much back in Japan but now I've got the bug back and with a full summer of training behind me now the Vipers are going to see the best of me."

Report from Vipers website

Thornton Announces Double Signing...

23/06/2008

Belfast Giants are delighted to announce the double signing of former college teammates Bobby Robins and Andrew Martin for the 2008-09 ice hockey season. Both players played under Steve Thornton's former college coach, Blaise Macdonald, at University of Massachusetts-Lowell and came with glowing references. They have both made smooth transitions to pro hockey and are excited to start their European careers with the Coors Belfast Giants.

Bobby Robins spent last season with the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL where he produced 35 points and 151 penalty minutes in 68 games. He comes to Belfast with over 100 games of AHL experience in the last 2 and-a-half years.

Player/Coach Steve Thornton had this to say:

"I have been chasing these 2 guys for quite a while now and I think that they are going to be very important players for us next year. The teams with 10 imports in our league seem to be leaning towards speed and skill with the other teams going for more size and toughness. Bobby Robins will tick both boxes for us. He will be able to play on a skilled line and at the same time keep other teams honest with his big physical presence. He has been described as a devastating hitter that can change the momentum of a game at any given moment. I spoke to 6 pro coaches about him and 3 of them tried to trade for him last season."

Report from Giants website

 

Kerr joins Stingrays

20/06/2008

Hull Stingrays are pleased to announce the signing of Canadian defenceman Stuart Kerr for the 2008/09 bmibaby Elite League season.

The 24-year-old iced for Austin Ice Bats in the Central Hockey League last term, accumulating 208 penalty minutes in 62 regular-season games. Kerr was a team-mate of fellow new recruit Jason Kostadine at Reading Royals in the 2005/06 ECHL campaign.

Coach Rick Strachan said: “Stuart is a tough stay-at-home defenceman who takes care of his own end and gets the job done.

“He is a quality player who plays a solid game. He can take care of himself and he will be called on to play a lot of minutes. He is a quality person too and will be a leader in the dressing room but we will be expecting all the guys to be leaders.”

Report from Stingrays website

Bison sign defencman Trevor Read

19/06/2008

Basingstoke Bison are delighted to announce the signing of Canadian offensive defencman Trevor Read.

The 28-year-old from Calgary is the complete defence package as he has the physical presence to clear his own net, plus the hands to make that first pass out of the zone.

This will be his first time in Britain having spent the last three seasons in Texas in the Central Hockey League firstly with the Austin Ice Bats and then the last two and a half years with the Amarillo Gorillas playing 171 games.

Last season the 6ft 1in 215 pounder collected 25 points from 61 appearances while only sitting out 50 minutes in penalties, before his CHL spell, he played in the East Coast Hockey League and in his rookie professional season helped the Toledo Storm to the divisional title.

The signing of Read comes hot on the heels of American D-man Curtiss Patrick last week, while Patrick will add the brawn to the back division, Read will bring the flair as a very creative player.

The latest addition talking from home in Texas said: "I am very excited about coming to Britain and I have thought about for a number of years and now is the right time.

"I am a player who likes to jump up into the play, I have a good pass and good vision on the ice. I like to play on the powerplay and can't wait for the season to start."

Read added: "I have a good buddy in Brad Cruikshank already at the Bison and I am looking forward to playing on the same team as him again."

Report from Bison website

 

Derek Campbell returns for second Vipers season

19/06/2008

After scoring 66 points in 64 games for the Vipers last season, Derek Campbell has signed up for another season on Tyneside, the club are delighted to confirm today.

Described by coach Rob Wilson as an "all action forward", Campbell joined the Vipers last summer following his debut UK season with Manchester Phoenix. Now coach Wilson has persuaded the 28-year-old Canadian to sign up for the 2008-9 campaign.

"Derek is the epitomy of an all-action player," said Wilson today. "He can score goals, make goals for others and isn't afraid to get his nose dirty. And he can look after his teammates when required.

"He is very hardworking, gives 100% effort every night and is a player who displays what Viper hockey is all about."

It is understood that Campbell had offers from teams in Germany and Italy, but spurned them to stay with the Vipers.

Wilson now has two spots to fill in the forward lines, with centres required for the top two lines.

Report from Vipers website

Stingrays sign 'tough guy' Bernier

18/06/2008

Hull Stingrays are pleased to announce the signing of Canadian enforcer Jonathan Bernier for the 2008/09 bmibaby Elite League season.

The 23-year-old defenceman split last season in the Central Hockey League with Arizona Sundogs and Wichita Thunder. He had 25 fights last term, taking his tally to 51 in the last two campaigns.

Coach Rick Strachan said: "He is tough and is not afraid to drop the gloves. He is a great team guy and will stand up for his team-mates. His first job will be to protect his team-mates and make sure we don't get pushed around - he knows that. His second job will be to play solid hockey.

"He is dedicated and hard-working and he wants to improve his game and become a better hockey player. He is young and has a long to way to go but this is an opportunity for him to improve. He will surprise people with his hockey ability."

Meanwhile, the Stingrays Office has confirmed that they have agreed terms with a new player to the country and expect to annouce the new signing later this week.

Report from Stingrays website

Shawn Germain to patrol Capitals blue line

17/06/2008

Edinburgh Capitals are pleased to announce the signing of defender Shawn Germain.  Germain played his last two seasons with the Reading Royals of the ECHL and earned a call-up to the Hershey Bears of the AHL.  Shawn won Reading's Defensive Player of the Year awards in each season he was with the club.  In addition, he won the Community Service Award in 2006-2007.

Doug Christiansen said, "Shawn is a great signing for us. Having played with him, I know exactly what we are going to get from him.  He is a steady defender who does not get a lot of points but he plays extremely well in his own end.  He skates well and is a great teammate.  Being the Defensive Player of the Year two times in a row for an ECHL team, shows how good he is.

Shawn will remind a lot of the fans of Steve Kaye.  He has a tireless work ethic and is a self-made hockey player. Kaye and Germain are the two hardest workers I have ever played with.  Germain is a leader by example and will be looked to in key situations all year."

Germain added "I am thrilled to be coming to such a great organization. Having played with Doug, I know what kind of person he is and I know he is going to do a good job putting together a championship level club."

Germain will wear number 15 for the Capitals.

Shawn Germain has won the following awards:
'04-'05 - Ontario University West Most Sportsmanlike player- Waterloo Warriors
'05-'06 - Oklahoma City Blazers Integrity Award and Most Improved Player
'06-'07 - Reading Royals Defensive Player of the Year and Community Service Award
'07-'08 - Reading Royals Defensive Player of the Year

Report from Capitals website

Sarich Back After Saying No to Denmark

17/06/2008

The Steelers have confirmed that Rod Sarich has signed a new agreement with the club for next season. It will be Sarich's 4th season with the Steelers having already played 169 games for the club

"I'm delighted to be back with the Steelers, Sheffield is now my 2nd home" said Sarich

The Steelers had made their intentions clear from the end of last season to re-sign Sarich but the Steelers most offensive defenseman caught the eye in Europe "Its nice when you get interest in your services, its flattering for sure and yes I listened to the other clubs. I do feel though that I'm a Steeler and my heart is certainly here in Sheffield

"After winning the Play Off Championship last season it just made me more excited about returning and giving that league championship a proper crack, everyone in Sheffield talks about history, those teams that have delivered a league title. I would like to join that list of players

Report from Steelers website

Vipers sign netminder Verner

13/06/2008

The Vipers are delighted to announce the signing of netminder Andrew Verner for the 2008-09 bmibaby Elite League season - a signing which is making a statement of intent to Vipers fans that they mean business for the new season.

The IIHF World Championship bronze and silver medallist with Canada has signed a 2-year-deal with the Vipers as the starting netminder and assistant coach.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Verner was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in round 2 (34th overall) of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft and started his hockey career in 1989 with the Peterborough Petes of the OHL.

After three seasons with the Petes, Verner moved to the AHL with the Cape Breton Oilers in 1992 for a three year spell and in that time stepped up to the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers. Verner was then called up to the Canadian National programme in 1994, winning bronze and silver medals at the World Championships. Verner has gone on to represent Canada on over 100 occasions.

A move to Europe materialised for Verner in 1995 with Austrian side Lustenau and has gone on to spent the rest of his career in the major European leagues with spells at Finnish side HPK Hamennlinna, Swedish side Malmo, German sides Cologne and Hannover and a five year spell with Austrian side Klagenfurt, even scoring a goal against Innsbruck during the 2005-06 season.

Verner is a highly decorated player, claiming the netminder of the year at Hameenlinna in the Finish Elite League during 1996-97, best netminder stats in the DEL with Cologne during 1999-00 and the MVP of the Austrian league during 2003-04.

On his move to the UK and the Vipers, Verner said: “I have known the Vipers head coach Rob Wilson for a while now and we have always spoken about me coming to England to play but the time was never right,” said Verner. “I had been settled in Austria with my kids and it wasn’t right to move when we were settled but now it is time for me and my family to take a chance and move on. Rob has given me a great opportunity to continue playing at a high level and to get my foot in the door with a role in coaching.”

Report from Vipers website

PANTHERS COMPLETE SENIOR ROSTER!

12/06/2008

NOTTINGHAM PANTHERS ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE SIGNING OF CANADIAN NETMINDER DAVIS PARLEY.

The 25-year-old was a high draft pick in the NHL (fourth round in 2000 by Florida Panthers, 120th overall). The six feet two inch goalie has an all action style.

Last year he had a save per centage of 92.4% in the East Coast Hockey League at South Carolina and in five years in the pros has consistently posted save percentage statistics of over 90 per cent.

The club has been waiting for the signed paperwork to come through from Davis before making the final big signing news of the closed season public and we are pleased to announce that happened in the last 24 hours.

GMB Panthers coach Corey Neilson said of his latest and final capture : “He was on my top five wish list for goalies, some of them fell by the wayside, but he was always on the list. He’s a big guy with great stats and he plays the puck well and that’s important for our style of play.

“I’ve played against him in the past, he’s a game winner, he’s won games on his own and has done it at East Coast level.

“He’ll be a good fit for us. He was keen to come and agreed to terms pretty quickly and we’ve been waiting for the paperwork to come through which has been delayed by travelling and holidays and things.

“He was a high draft pick and has a great butterfly style and he’s aggressive on shooters. He will be one of the best goalies in the league. He’s really competitive.

Report from Panthers website

 

Bison beef up blue line

12/06/2008

Basingstoke Bison are delighted to announce their first new import signing for the coming season in American defenceman Curtiss Patrick.

The 28-year-old hails from Hampton, Virginia and at 6ft 3in and 210 lbs, he will certainly add some beef to the Bison blue line in what will be his first taste of the British game.

Known as a good hitter, the latest addition to the Herd won three ACHA Championships with Pennsylvania State University, before joining the Johnstown Chiefs of the East Coast Hockey League in 2003/04.

From there he has spent the last four years with the Wheeling Nailers again in the ECHL and also has had two spells in the American Hockey League with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins where he picked up two assists in just 10 games and the Springfield Falcons.

The last four years of his career have seen him return a points tally of seven goals and 19 helpers reflecting his style as a stay at home defenceman.

The new boy to the Bison has a very good hockey pedigree as the three previous generations of his family have played in the NHL and the family are dubbed 'Hockey's Royal Family'.

Report from Bison website

 

Glowa Back for Stingrays

12/06/2008

Hull Stingrays are pleased to announce Canadian forward Jeff Glowa has agreed to return to Hull Arena for a fifth successive season.

The 32-year-old posted 18 goals and 35 assists in 61 games as captain of the bmibaby Elite League club last term. The previous campaign he was named player of the year, forward of the year and the fans' favourite.

Coach Rick Strachan said: “Jeff is a solid two-way hockey player. He is reliable, durable and gets the job done. He is a warrior.

“He is strong on the draw, takes the crucial face-offs, he kills penalties and he plays on the powerplay. He never lets you down and he comes to play every night."

Report from Stingrays website

Phoenix unveil goalie combo

12/06/2008

It’s GBs’ Murphy and prospect Summerfield between the pipes

Great Britain international netminder Stephen Murphy and outstanding prospect Adam Summerfield will form the Manchester Phoenix netminding combination for season 2008-09.

Phoenix head coach Tony Hand expressed himself to be “very happy” to have secured the services of fellow Scot Murphy and “keen to give a promising prospect a key role,” in entrusting 17-year old Adam Summerfield with the back-up role.

Report from Phoenix website

 

PAYETTE IS BACK BUT SHOWING HIS CARING SIDE

11/06/2008

The Vipers are delighted to announce that Canadian star Andre Payette has a signed a new deal with the Newcastle based club for the 2008/09 bmibaby Elite League season. 

 

Known more for his tough and physical style of play on the ice, Payette is starting his new deal on Tyneside by helping raise money for kids in the North East. 

 

The feisty Canadian who has made 150 appearances for the Vipers, scoring 85 points in his three year spell on Tyneside is getting ready for an event in aid of the Vipers Community Foundation; the official registered charity of the Vipers that works with children across the region promoting healthy living and physical activity. 

 

Next Wednesday, sporting stars including former Newcastle United players Bob Moncur, John Beresford, Peter Ramage, boxing legend Glen McCrory, former Celtic stars Alan Thompson and Frank McAvennie as well as players from British ice hockey will join Andre at Ramside Hall Golf Course to raise money for the Vipers Community Foundation.

Report from Vipers website

Stefishen back for more

10/06/2008

Edinburgh Capitals are thrilled to announce the return of fan favorite Adam Stefishen.  Stefishen enjoyed his best season as a professional totaling career highs in goals, points, and penalty minutes. He led the team in penalty minutes.  Adam played both defense and forward for the Capitals and was a big part of the teams success.

Director of Hockey Operations, Doug Christiansen about Stefishen, "Adam did everything I asked of him, he was a team player and a true professional.  Of course, Adam is known for his toughness, but his versatility is was made him so valuable.  His play defensively was a large part of our success the last half of the season.  'Stef' had a number of suitors throughout the league and I was worried that we were going to be playing against him.  I am thrilled to get him back.  I know the fans of Edinburgh love his blue collar work ethic and respect the work he does. Having a player as sought after as Stefishen return, is a great sign for our club and the direction we are going.  His return was a priority for us."

Speaking from his home in Canada, Stefishen added "I am very excited to have re-signed for the up coming season. I have confidence that Doug will be putting a good team on the ice.  I am optimistic that we can keep up the momentum that we had towards the end of last season."

Stefishen will again wear number 22.

Report from Capitals website

Super Swede Back !

10/06/2008

Blaze Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has completed the signing of Matt Soderstrom for a further season.

Soderstrom first joined the club in its final season in Solihull and moved to Coventry with the team in 2000 where he played a further four seasons.  After two seasons in Italy and one with Telford Tigers in the English Premier League, Soderstrom rejoined the Blaze at the start of last season.

In his six seasons with the club, thirty-one year old Soderstrom has made 374 appearances – fifth on the all time appearance list – recording 32 goals and a further 90 assists.  He helped the club win the British National League double in the 02/03 season and the bmibaby Elite League and Knockout Cup double last season.  He was the club’s Player of the Season in 02/03 and last season picked up both the Clubman and Most Improved Player awards.

Thompson said that Soderstrom’s new contract was well deserved.

Report from Blaze website

Kenton Smith checks in with Phoenix

09/06/2008

Manchester Phoenix have completed two weeks of negotiations with the signing of experienced Canadian defenceman Kenton Smith from the Charlotte Checkers of the East Coast Hockey League. 

Phoenix head coach Tony Hand was undeniably pleased when he commented, “Kentons’ name came my way couple of weeks ago and I was immediately interested. Everyone I talked to spoke highly of him and his record in Charlotte indicates a very solid, consistent performer. I also talked to guys who’ve played against him and they too spoke well of his defensive attributes. He’s been very professional in the negotiations and I like that in a player’s character – I’m very pleased that he’s joining us, I think he’ll be a great addition to our roster.” 

Twenty-eight year old Kenton Smith hails from Edmonton Alberta and began his hockey career with the Calgary Hitmen in the Western Hockey League wher