Video: ‘Backwards’ move is no problem for wise head of Stingrays’ Osman

At 32, the American is the oldest member of the East Yorkshire club’s roster and, for part of the campaign, has been required to forego his natural attacking instincts to fill in regular gaps on the team’s back line, caused either through injury or players leaving.

It’s Osman’s second spell in Hull, having spent two seasons under former player-coach Sylvain Cloutier between 2011-13, scoring 85 points – including 52 goals – in 123 games.

And with increased defensive duties placed upon him this season, while his points tally will probably be down on his previous returns come the end of the current campaign, he is confident he is more than playing his part as Hull push for a sixth-place finish in the overall standings and, in doing so, secure a place in the post-season.

“My role is different to when I was first here, sure, but I’ve played quite a bit back there throughout my career – I like it back there,” said Osman.

“It was something that Pash (player-coach Omaar Pacha) and I talked about from the beginning really. He knew what he was getting with me and he knows I’m a simple player.

“I’m not one of those guys that is a razzle dazzle guy but I’m here to fulfil any role that he wants me to play.”

This weekend presents Hull with an excellent chance of moving into sixth place when they take on Fife Flyers in a Gardiner Conference double header, the first meeting being in Kirkcaldy tonight (7.15pm) before repeating the match-up in Hull tomorrow (6pm).

Two wins for Hull would take them above Fife, who have also played four games more.

The two previous encounters between the teams have left the eight-game Conference series evenly-poised.

Hull won 3-1 on home ice at the end of October before losing out 8-3 at Fife the following weekend.