Stingrays: Cloutier sends message to players (VIDEO)
COACH Sylvain Cloutier believes the signing of Jason Silverthorn and the axing of Matt Reynolds and Slava Koulikov sends a message to his under-performing Excel Hull Stingrays.
The trio of forward changes – first revealed on sporthull.co.uk yesterday – comes on the back of just two wins in the last 11 games.
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Hull Stingrays' Sylvain Cloutier
The run has left Stingrays second-bottom of the Elite League and already out of this season's Challenge Cup.
Stingrays are currently leaking nearly four goals a game, while scoring only two per match.
James Sanford has already arrived to bolster the defence, while the signing of fellow Canadian Silverthorn should improve the team's points scoring rate.
Cloutier said: "Jason has a lot of skill and will bring speed up front. He will also put the puck in the net.
"I am really excited to have Jason in our line-up.
I will be counting on him. He has a great offensive threat, he is a good all-round player.
"Hopefully the other guys will get the message we are serious about making changes. If we have to make them we will do."
Canadian Reynolds was Stingrays' second-top points scorer last season, deprived of top spot only by a four-week absence due to a broken finger.
However, he has struggled this season, with just five points in 11 games.
Long-serving Koulikov has managed just three.
With forward Lee Mitchell nearing full fitness after a knee injury, Cloutier decided to wield the axe on two, rather than just one player.
"Mitch will probably be ready next week, and I had a look at our Brits and made a decision.
"It just didn't work out between me and Slava," said Cloutier.
"Matt is a very good player and a great person, but I just think he was struggling."
Silverthorn, 30, was expected to fly into Britain today and should make his debut in Coventry tomorrow.
Stingrays' fans will get the first glimpse of their new man on Sunday against Belfast at Hull Arena.
Cloutier denied any further signings are in the pipeline, but admitted he is anxious to get a settled squad before Christmas.
5 Comments
by bob, sunflower valley
Friday, October 16 2009, 11:06AM
“Correct me if i'am wrong but isn't that what they are trying to do now .The Coach wasn't good enough so they have changed the coach The players they got have not done what was expected so clouts has gone out and got the players to do it.And sent a message to the rest of the team to up there game.I maintain with this guy in charge no players are going to be allowed to take anybody for fool's weather it be the Owner's or the fans.We have been promised this sort of action in the past but nothing ever happened at least they are trying to put right the wrongs so far this season.The defence will be sorted soon.let's be honest they have so far seen what we can see ie scoring and are trying to put it right.so I would think they are sorting the defence out.Come on you Rays!!! in Clouts I trust.”
by paul, Hull
Friday, October 16 2009, 9:39AM
“i agree steve we have had the same dross for too long excuse after excuse we either make a push or we dont the packs should want to make a push by gettin the best possible players in if they want to get the crowds back in they need to spend a bit of cash correcting the mistakes we have on the ice and get the best possible team on the ice our defense is shocking we need another good dman back there as what we have is shocking.”
by Steve H, Willerby
Friday, October 16 2009, 9:14AM
“Really fed up with the excuses from the 'Rays camp. Year after year we have a rubbish side. Please, all at the 'Rays - management and players - stop feeding us excuses and deliver a successful side. I get tired of hearing about 'potential', bad luck, injuries etc. Hull desreves better and if the current lot can't deliver then maybe it's time to Pack it in !”
by charliebob, driffield
Friday, October 16 2009, 8:54AM
“Could not agree more.
Shame Renny is gassed
shame Slava was signed,but happy he has gone no free ride this season for him,and wont have to read all the time in the papers how he is yet to reach his full potential,”
by bob, sunflower valley
Friday, October 16 2009, 7:25AM
“Looks like they are staying true to their word this season.I am pleased with the changes instead of just sitting back and doing nothing.Others have said that reyolds has split from his girl thats why he has struggle sorry if you can;t raise your game when other sportsmen say it's a good to play when there is other stuff going on in their lives you can't use that for why your not playing so well. His only defence is that playing on 3rd couldn't have helped his game much but what ever line your on you have to play to the best you can ..As for Slava nope can't be bothered to say any thing like he couldn't be bothered to play after SO many chance's tough you had your warning and you did nothing bye bye.Come on you Rays!”