Meyers’s delight at fresh responsibility

The 29-year-old made a surprise switch in the summer from Nottingham Panthers – the Steelers’ arch-rivals – but has already made a big impression on his new coach.

Finnerty, whose team warm-up for the 2012-13 Elite League campaign with two exhibition games against Coventry Blaze this weekend – the first of which is tonight at Sheffield Arena (7pm), said: “The guy is a leader, he has been an exceptional captain in the past and I expect him to be one here as well.

“I wanted him here and I wanted the “A” on his shirt.”

A delighted Meyers added: “It wasn’t something I had expected at all. I was a little taken aback and very proud.”

Hull Stingrays begin their preparations for the new season with a game against their ENL team tonight (6.30pm), before facing off against Sheffield Steeldogs tomorrow in the first leg of the Bradford Brewery Cup, the return leg being at iceSheffield onTuesday.

After another tumultuous summer at the club – which culminated with Bobby McEwan taking on ownership of the club, player-coach Sylvain Cloutier is simply looking forward to getting back on the ice in a competitive match environment – although several imports are not expected to arrive until early next week

“This weekend it is all about shaking off the rust, getting the legs going and taking a look at things. We will then have all the players in next week,” he said.