Mariani answers the call from Stingrays after Huttel suffers injury

RULED OUT: Defenceman Chad Huttel will not be joining Hull Stingrays this season after suffering a shoulder injury in the summer.

Former Sheffield Steelers’ defenceman Huttel is likely to be out of action for several months as a result of his off-season accident, prompting Hull coach Sylvain Cloutier to move quickly to bring in a replacement.

Mariani, 24, made 108 appearances in the Central Hockey League for Laredo Bucks and Tulsa Oilers, posting 23 points (seven goals and 16 assists). He also had a brief spell in Sweden with Visby/Roma last season.

“I had a lot of good reports about Kyle,” said Cloutier. “He is a good two-way defenceman, solid at the back and can help with offensive situations – his Swedish coach says he has a great shot.

“But more importantly everyone I spoke to said the same thing about Kyle – he competes every night and never gives up.

“That fits the mould of the Hull Stingrays as we need to have a team who works hard and battles every night.”

As for Mariani, he believes he offers some welcome versatility to the Stingrays, with him being asked on a number of occasions in the past to fill in as a forward.

“Ever since turning pro I have heard nothing but good things about this league,”” said Mariani. “I’ve had quite a few past team-mates and friends play in this league and it seems like the Stingrays are a great team and organisation.

“I am a defenceman who can skate and carry the puck up the ice or make a pass and join the rush. I have a good shot, I play a physical game and I am reliable in my own zone.

“I am an all-around player, can play the powerplay and penalty kill as well and every year I always end up playing a bit of forward when the team is short.”

Stingrays complete their pre-season programme at home on Wednesday night when they face Sheffield Steeldogs in the second leg of the Bradfield Brewery Cup, with the teams all-square at 5-5 following last week’s first encounter in South Yorkshire.

Cloutier will then switch his sights to Saturday night’s opener at defending champions Nottingham Panthers before his team return home for a Gardiner Conference opener against Braehead Clan.