Leading man Mayer is big hit for Stingrays

The 23-year-old Canadian has quickly made himself a favourite with fans at Hull Arena, racking up 17 points – including nine goals – in his first 15 appearances for the East Yorkshire club.

Mayer, in only his second full year as a profoessional, is a pivotal part of rookie coach Pacha’s aim to build a younger, faster team than the one under previous incumbent Sylvain Cloutier, and was one of eight new faces introduced in the summer.

As far as Pacha is concerned he is doing everything that is expected of him.

“From day one we wanted him to fulfil a specific role,” said Pacha. “And he is one of the guys I was expecting to chip in offensively and be right up there in terms of points production on our team, and he’s been doing well this year.

“He’s got good speed and he’s got a good shot – he’s a good, all-round hockey player.

“He’s only 22 or 23 and it’s good to see him having some success but, when you see his potential, you can see that he can give you more and it will be great if he can keep contributing like he is.”

Hull and Pacha, who returned in last Sunday’s 3-1 win over Fife Flyers after an 11-game absence with a broken arm, have endured a difficult start to the season, sitting third bottom of the Elite League standings with only four wins from 11 games.

But recent home wins against Gardiner Conference rivals Edinburgh Capitals and Fife have provided a timely lift, with the next four games being against Scottish rivals.

Injuries and the early-season departures of Kurtis Dulle and Matt Larke have made it a baptism of fire for 27-year-old Pacha, but once replacement forward Will Frederick arrives from the USA and enables Hull to roll three forward lines, he is confident his team will begin to show their true potential.

“What I like so far is that every week we’re getting smarter and better as a team,” added Pacha. “Once we get our three forward lines back that is when we will see our full potential.”

Fife have a chance to exact some swift revenge on Hull in Kirkcaldy tonight, before Pacha’s team return home to host Braehead Clan tomorrow (6pm).