Cloutier misses out on prize asset

The 24-year-old Canadian was one of a handful of new faces signed by Cloutier during the summer before the demise of the club was announced almost two weeks ago by former owners Mike and Sue Pack.

The club has since been resurrected by the owners of Elite League rivals Coventry Blaze, who have backed Cloutier to produce a competitive team for the 2010-11 season.

But the week-long delay between the club folding and being reborn proverd too long for some of the players signed by Cloutier, with Korchinski believed to have been snapped up by Laredo Bucks in the CHL, a club he made 122 appearances for between 2006-2008.

Defenceman Matt Suderman, who would have been another new face, has joined league newcomers Dundee Stars, while fellow blue-liner Guillaume Lepine - brought in as a replacement Stephen Burns - was snapped up by Nottingham Panthers.

And former Sheffield Scimitars forward James Archer, who made a number of appearances under Cloutier as part of a two-way deal last season, signed a full contract with Stingrays earler in the summer but switched to EPL outfit Manchester Phoenix shortly after news of the club's demise was confirmed.

But Korchinski was the one player who Hull fans appeared to be particularly keen to see in action, with Cloutier comfirming the East Yorkshire club have missed out on a "real gem".

"It is frustrating, but I understand he's gone to Laredo in the CHL so we have to move on," said Cloutier, who also confirmed Bobby McEwan would be returning as his bench coach.

"It's a shame because I seriously think he would have been one of the top 10 players in the Elite League this season.

"In my opinion, he should really be playing at AHL level I don't quite understand why that's not been the case more.

"But there are plenty of other players available and there are also players who are on trial at the moment.

"We don't have to rush into making any snap decisions. There are a copuple of guys I'm waiting to hear back on so we'll just see."

Despite the disappointment over Korchinski, Cloutier's bid to persuade his summer signings to stick with Hull was boosted yesterday after the club reported that three other players had agreed to return to the club.

Scottish forward Lee Mitchell, along with defenceman brother Craig and Canadian goaltender Christian Boucher have all committed themselves to Hull for the 2010-11 Elite League campaign according to a statement released by the club on Monday night.

"These were three key players to hang on to," said Cloutier.

"I'm delighted that they've all committed themselves to the club. Considering the turmoil of the last few weeks, the attitude of all three of them has been fantastic."

Canadian forward Jason Silverthorn, who proved a hit last season when he posted 21 goals and 27 assists in 45 games to finish as the club's second-top points scorer, has already comfirmed his return.

It remains to be seen whether Cloutier can also convince last season's top scorer, Konstantin Kalmikov, to return for a third straight season, with talks still ongoing between the club and player.

Other players whose futures are still to be determined include import defenceman Joshua Mizerek, who was Cloutier's chosen captain upon signing in July, and fellow blue-liner Trevor Read, the club's last signing before the Packs called time on their seven-year spell at the helm.