Lovdahl expected to complete Stingrays jigsaw

As tends to happen to most Elite League clubs at least once every pre-season, Lovdahl has been beset by delays over his work visa and has missed the club‘s first three games of the season.

But with the necessary paperwork expected to arrive at his North American home at some point on Friday, Cloutier is confident the 28-year-old American will be on UK soil at some point this weekend, possibly even in time for Saturday night’s home clash against Edinburgh Capitals.

Having played the majority of last season short-benched after defenceman Josh Mizerek was released in November, Cloutier will be relieved to have a full roster to play with for a change - even if he has to possibly wait until Sunday’s return match in Edinburgh should there be any further delays concerning Lovdahl.

Most of all though, Cloutier will be keen for his players to get off the mark with at least one win this weekend after last week’s frustrating 3-2 defeat at Dundee Stars.

“We played a great game on the road at Dundee,” said Cloutier. “We outshot them but you have to give their goalie credit, he played a great game.

“Having watched the video, it’s hard to work out how we didn’t win the game but, if we can put together that kind of effort and performance level we should be okay this weekend.”

Chief threat among Edinburgh’s ranks this weekend will once again be top marksman Rene Jarolin, the 31-year-old Slovakian who finished joint-second top goalscorer in the Elite League last season in a Capitals team which dramatically tailed off towards the end of the campaign and missed out on a play-off spot.

The 31-year-old forward already has three goals in four Challenge Cup games for Edinburgh this season, all of which have ended in narrow defeats for the Scottish club.

But Cloutier is aware that Richard Hartmann’s side possess enough quality to cause plenty of problems in both meetings this weekend.

“They have got a very good team, make no mistake,” added Cloutier. “Jarolin is their main scoring threat - when you score that many goals you’re going to be a good player in any team.

“But we’ve got to concentrate on our game and make sure it’s they who adjust to us, not the other way around.”

The anticipated arrival of Lovdahl will allow Cloutier to switch utility player Ryan Hand to his preferred forward duties.

“Hopefully, Shane can play some part this weekend,” said Cloutier. “He clearly cares as he’s been in touch with me after every game - those are the kind of guys you want on your team.

“He’s used to the big ice having played at the University of Alaska. I’ve had nothing but good reports on him from other coaches, his first pass is excellent and he competes every night. It will be great to finally get him here.”