Preparation time is boost for Stingrays

Cloutier hopes to have all his 17-strong roster in place a few days before two pre-season challenge matches against Coventry Blaze on August 27 and 28.

They will not open their league campaign until almost two weeks later when they travel to the Belfast Giants on Friday, September 9. The fixture list released yesterday revealed that Hull’s first clash with Yorkshire rivals and 2010-11 regular season champions Sheffield Steelers will be on Sunday, August 11 at Hull Arena.

Having more than two weeks preparation time for the league campaign is in stark contrast to last year when the bulk of Cloutier’s squad did not arrive until a few days before Hull’s belated start to the season, a situation brought about due to the club’s temporary closure in July.

“The longer we get before the league fixtures start the better,” said Cloutier, who is targeting a top-six finish. “It gives us more time to work on systems and other factors, which can only be a good thing.”

SHEFFIELD Steelers have cut ticket prices for their Festival of Hockey on August 27, organised to celebrate the club’s 20th anniversary.

Owner Tony Smith, who too over the day=to-day running of the club last week, said: “I want the building full for our birthday party. I want this to be the biggest and best event in Sheffield that Bank Holiday weekend.

“We don’t want to out price any of the club’s fans from the last 20 years.”

For tickets purchased before the event, childrens will remain at £5. Tickets for adult season ticket holders have been cut by £7 to £18, while non season ticket holders will now pay £22.50. Concessions have dropped from £20 down to either £15 or £16, the lower price being available for a season ticket holder who qualifies for concessions.

For further ticket information or to claim a refund on a ticket already purchased, fans are asked to contact the Motorpoint Arena box office on 0114 256 5656)

Player-coach Ryan Finnerty, meanwhile, is hoping to have done enough to persuade defenceman Rod Sarich to return to the Steelers for a seventh successive season.

The 30-year-old Canadian has asked for some time to consider some opportunities in Europe, but Finnerty is hoping his heart will remain in Sheffield.

“I think it’s getting to decision day for both of us,” said Finnerty. “But I’m confident he will come back and help us win again

“Roddy knows I value him as a player and as a team-mate. I know he is fully-respected and I know he can deliver for us. He can do things that others can’t.

“He is a special talent.”