HULL Stingrays' coach Sylvain Cloutier expects to have completed his squad rebuild by the weekend.

Cloutier finished his team-building in July, but lost five players when Stingrays shut down last month.

The club re-opened only days later under a new Coventry-based management team, but Cloutier has been forced to find replacements for almost a third of his squad.

Having signed Jereme Tendler, Kurtis Dulle and Jozef Sladok in the last few days, Stingrays' squad is nearing completion.

Cloutier said: "The deals for the defencemen are done.

"Hopefully the new forward I have in mind will sign too before the weekend.

"I'll be much happier when I see his signature on his returned contract."

As well as the final import signings, which should take his overseas' contingent to 12, Cloutier also plans to give a number of British players a chance too this season.

One player thought to be on his list is former fans' favourite Ryan Lake.

"Once I get the squad complete I can start getting our pre-season training camp ready and switch things around," added Cloutier.

The lateness of the close-season change of ownership and recruiting means Stingrays will only start their season on October 3 with a home clash with Cardiff.

The club have also confirmed their Saturday night home games at Hull Arena will face off at the new time of 7pm.