Frustrating wait set to end for Cloutier

SYLVAIN CLOUTIER will end weeks of frustration when he finally leads his new-look Hull Stingrays team out on the ice on Sunday night to face Cardiff Devils in the Challenge Cup (6pm).
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Oct 2010, 10:54 BST
Updated 2nd Oct 2010, 11:30 BST

The Stingrays' start to the 2010-11 season comes a month after the Elite League's opening weekend due to the off-ice troubles that saw the club fold for a week in August before being rescued by the owners of rivals Coventry Blaze.

Cloutier lost a handful of his original signings from the summer due to the temporary closure but has added depth in the extra time he has been given to rebuild what is now a 19-strong roster.

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Cardiff arrive at Hull Arena for the Group B clash fresh from their 12-4 mauling of Edinburgh Capitals in the league on Thursday and while Cloutier is aware of the threat posed by Gerad Adams's side he is more interested about the promising team he has put together.

"It has been very frustrating – waiting and watching other teams play but, also, we've got to be thankful that we've all still got jobs," said Cloutier.

To listen to Sylvain Cloutier talk about his side's Elite League chances in the latest edition of HockeyTalk go HERE

"We've got a lot of speed up front now on two lines and whereas last season we probably had the experience up front, I don't think the speed was there and I think I've added that this season.

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"I feel the guys I've brought in may be a little younger, but they are hungrier and will therefore bring a lot of energy to our team and they are extremely excited about playing here which is what you want."

After taking on the Boston Bruins as part of the Belfast Giants Select team in tonight's exhibition match in Northern Ireland, Sheffield Steelers' player-coach Ben Simon will hop back across the Irish Sea to oversee his team's clash with winless Dundee Stars at the Motorpoint Arena tomorrow (4pm).

The Steelers' boss has more reason than before to look forward to the game as he will be able to use his full roster for the first time this season now that defenceman Rod Sarich has recovered from the back injury that has seen him miss the last four games.

"Having Rod back is great news because it means we'll have everyone available for the first time," said Simon. "Rod's a smart player, a great skater and, importantly, he knows when to go (forward) and when not to."

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In the EPL, Sheffield Steeldogs travel to 2009-10 league champions Milton Keynes Lightning tonight before welcoming last season's play-off winners, Slough Jets, to Ice Sheffield on Sunday (5.30pm).

Tickets for Sunday's game are available on the door - Adults 8, Child 3 (Under-8's Free); Concession 6, Family 18.

** Listen to Sylvain Cloutier discuss Stingrays' Elite League hopes as part of the latest HockeyTalk podcast which can be found at http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/ice-hockey Boston Bruins' defenceman Johnny Boychuk is also featured.