HULL Stingrays' assistant coach Bobby McEwan admits losing goalscoring talisman Jereme Tendler is a bitter blow to the club.

Tendler is currently suspended, pending a personal hearing, following a positive test for a "specified substance".

The Canadian could be banned for up to two years, putting his Stingrays' career at risk.

McEwan refused to comment on the nature of the "specified substance" or the circumstances surrounding the case.

However, he said: "Jereme's scored 80 goals in less than two seasons here.

"From that point of view he is irreplaceable at the moment."

Tendler was one of the players tested by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) following a clash against sister club Coventry Blaze at the Skydome on January 15.

He was informed of the result on February 3 and immediately suspended. He has missed the club's last four games, including last weekend's back-to-back victories over Dundee Stars.

McEwan said the Stingrays' squad were 'shocked' when told of Tendler's positive test.

"Everyone's disappointed to lose a player like Jereme," said McEwan.

"Jereme is a goalscoring talisman.

"We've told the players just to carry on, and a four-point weekend is as good a reaction as you can get.

"At the moment we don't know how long Jereme will be out for.

"It's all still in limbo until it's finally done and dusted."

With Josh Mizerek axed before Christmas and not replaced, and Tendler suspended while the UKAD procedure runs its course, Stingrays are now down to only eight imports for the foreseeable future.

Unfortunately, they also look set to travel to Rapid Solicitors Elite League table-toppers Belfast Giants tomorrow minus defenceman Martin Ondrej.

The Slovakian said he could be out for up to a month after sustaining a groin injury in last Sunday's clash against Dundee Stars.

"I was tripped behind the net. I felt pain when I skated. I knew straight away I had a problem," said Ondrej.

"The same type of injury happened to me two years ago at the Detroit training camp and I was out for a month. The doctor has given me some pills and I am having treatment with the physios.

"I will definitely miss this weekend, but we will see next Thursday how I feel about icing the following weekend.

"I am certainly hoping to be back by the end of February, but it's very frustrating."

Stingrays will also be missing forward Matty Davies, who is recovering from concussion after a heavy challenge from Stars' Jeff Hutchins.

The Dundee forward received a match penalty on the night for checking from behind.