Its the start of the 2003/2004 season in the British National League. A league made up of seven teams all around the UK. Following a poor season before the Hull Thunder enter the 2003/2004 campaign under the new name the Hull Stingrays. A mere sixteen points in 34 games meant that the Thunder would not be entering the playoffs for 2002/2003.
The season started with British hockey veteran Rick Strachan, taking over on the coaching side. But a few days before the season started and with the majority of the team signed, Rick decides he still has a few playing years left in him and informs chairman Mike Pack that he would rather just be a player/coach. Its a daunting task to find somebody this late into the off season to take over. But finally chairman Mike Pack and Managing Director Sue Pack are pleased to announce that Canadian coach Stuart Fenton is to take over the coaching responsibilities.
The date is Friday the 15th of August, the official Stingrays website is updated with the news that the fan favourite Rick Strachan will be on the ice this season instead of behind the bench, he is to be replaced by the inexperienced Stuart Fenton.
Hull Stingrays- At the bottom of the ocean
Forum rules
Data Editing Forum: Editing the game, databases or saved games. Home of the EHM Editor and the EHM Assistant.
Game Add-ons Forum: Database projects, graphics and sounds. Any discussion which does not relate to editing databases or saved games.
Game Knowledge Discussion: Attributes, coaching, drafting, scouting, tactics and training/practice.
Rosters Forum: Discussion relating to all database and roster projects for Eastside Hockey Manager.
Technical Support: Difficulties, crashes and errors when installing or running the game (and nothing else). Any issues relating to the TBL Rosters must be posted in the TBL Rosters forum. Questions about how to install add-ons must be posted in the Game Add-ons Forum.
General EHM Chat: Anything relating to Eastside Hockey Manager 2004 / 2005 / 2007 / 1 which does not fall within any of the other forums.
Please carry out a forum search before you start a new thread.
Data Editing Forum: Editing the game, databases or saved games. Home of the EHM Editor and the EHM Assistant.
Game Add-ons Forum: Database projects, graphics and sounds. Any discussion which does not relate to editing databases or saved games.
Game Knowledge Discussion: Attributes, coaching, drafting, scouting, tactics and training/practice.
Rosters Forum: Discussion relating to all database and roster projects for Eastside Hockey Manager.
Technical Support: Difficulties, crashes and errors when installing or running the game (and nothing else). Any issues relating to the TBL Rosters must be posted in the TBL Rosters forum. Questions about how to install add-ons must be posted in the Game Add-ons Forum.
General EHM Chat: Anything relating to Eastside Hockey Manager 2004 / 2005 / 2007 / 1 which does not fall within any of the other forums.
Please carry out a forum search before you start a new thread.
-
stu122
- Junior League
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Tue Oct 26, 2004 2:50 pm
-
stu122
- Junior League
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Tue Oct 26, 2004 2:50 pm
Day 1- Thursday 14th August 2003
I landed in Manchester Airport late Thursday night, I was greeted at the airport by Mike and Sue Pack. A friendly couple obviously obsessed with the sport and the Stingrays. The car ride to Hull was not what I was expecting, straight away the pair were informing me of the clubs history and the dissapointment of the previous season. There plans were for the club this year to make a serious bid for the title. They belived the team assembled were good enough to compete with the top teams in the league. I had not had much time to look at the squad from my home in Canada, but from what I could see there was a real European blend to the team. I was informed from a few ex players and coaches that the UK league was not a very high standard, and that players go to the UK when there career in North America is over. Though I was looking foward to the challenge, and eager to meet my team in the morning. We Finally made it to the rented accomidation I was being put in for the night, tomorrow should hopefully be a productive day.
Day 2- Friday 15th August 2003- AM
Its an early start I decide to go to the rink early to have a look at the teams set up and get some sort of indication on any work that I need to do. The Hull arena is a 3,150 seat arena with a wide ice pad and good ice conditions, its hardly the Air Canada Center, but its not too bad. I am met by Mike Pack by the locker rooms. He informs me that the press release has gone out and that the fans will likely to be posting there comments on the teams internet forum in the next couple of hours. I take a walk around the rink and walk up to the benches. A big stingray painted at centre ice stares at you as you look around. I was shown to my office, it is a small room with a filing cabinet in the corner, a desk with a computer on, a notice board on the wall and a fax machine sitting on the floor in the corner. A letter is on my desk with the players names and my staffs names and contact details. I firstly take a look at my staff I need to have a talk with all of them and the head coach is my first target.
I scroll down the list looking for head coach.... There isnt one. I look for an assistant coach.... There isnt one. I presume that this is just a typo and they have been left off the list. I hunt down Mike Pack who confirms that the only coaches are Brent Pope a veteran player who has played a lot in the AHL/ECHL. Also Rick Strachan is the other coach. Not being a huge fan of player coaches I put a note in my diary to look for some people to fill these spots.
The rest of my staff include Brian Tait a 39 year old scout from Brighton. I am informed that he is good at scouting younger players, and spotting the players with potential. Finally there is James Hyman a 44 year old physiotherapist from Bishop's Stortford.
I decide to go to the newsagents located outside of the arena and pick up a coffee and a copy of PowerPlay magazine. PowerPlay is the national Ice Hockey magazine. I go back to the office and notice the fax machine has a piece of paper sticking out of it.
I put down my coffee and have a look at the paper, its the opening schedule for the 2003/2004 campaign.
The Stingrays will start the league campaign against Edinburgh Capitals Away on the 22nd of October. Firstly though we have three challenge games with two home games firstly against Fife Flyers and then the Guildford Flames. Followed by an away game to the English Premier League outfit the Slough Jets.
I decide to go to the cafe for Lunch and take a twenty minute break.
I landed in Manchester Airport late Thursday night, I was greeted at the airport by Mike and Sue Pack. A friendly couple obviously obsessed with the sport and the Stingrays. The car ride to Hull was not what I was expecting, straight away the pair were informing me of the clubs history and the dissapointment of the previous season. There plans were for the club this year to make a serious bid for the title. They belived the team assembled were good enough to compete with the top teams in the league. I had not had much time to look at the squad from my home in Canada, but from what I could see there was a real European blend to the team. I was informed from a few ex players and coaches that the UK league was not a very high standard, and that players go to the UK when there career in North America is over. Though I was looking foward to the challenge, and eager to meet my team in the morning. We Finally made it to the rented accomidation I was being put in for the night, tomorrow should hopefully be a productive day.
Day 2- Friday 15th August 2003- AM
Its an early start I decide to go to the rink early to have a look at the teams set up and get some sort of indication on any work that I need to do. The Hull arena is a 3,150 seat arena with a wide ice pad and good ice conditions, its hardly the Air Canada Center, but its not too bad. I am met by Mike Pack by the locker rooms. He informs me that the press release has gone out and that the fans will likely to be posting there comments on the teams internet forum in the next couple of hours. I take a walk around the rink and walk up to the benches. A big stingray painted at centre ice stares at you as you look around. I was shown to my office, it is a small room with a filing cabinet in the corner, a desk with a computer on, a notice board on the wall and a fax machine sitting on the floor in the corner. A letter is on my desk with the players names and my staffs names and contact details. I firstly take a look at my staff I need to have a talk with all of them and the head coach is my first target.
I scroll down the list looking for head coach.... There isnt one. I look for an assistant coach.... There isnt one. I presume that this is just a typo and they have been left off the list. I hunt down Mike Pack who confirms that the only coaches are Brent Pope a veteran player who has played a lot in the AHL/ECHL. Also Rick Strachan is the other coach. Not being a huge fan of player coaches I put a note in my diary to look for some people to fill these spots.
The rest of my staff include Brian Tait a 39 year old scout from Brighton. I am informed that he is good at scouting younger players, and spotting the players with potential. Finally there is James Hyman a 44 year old physiotherapist from Bishop's Stortford.
I decide to go to the newsagents located outside of the arena and pick up a coffee and a copy of PowerPlay magazine. PowerPlay is the national Ice Hockey magazine. I go back to the office and notice the fax machine has a piece of paper sticking out of it.
I put down my coffee and have a look at the paper, its the opening schedule for the 2003/2004 campaign.
The Stingrays will start the league campaign against Edinburgh Capitals Away on the 22nd of October. Firstly though we have three challenge games with two home games firstly against Fife Flyers and then the Guildford Flames. Followed by an away game to the English Premier League outfit the Slough Jets.
I decide to go to the cafe for Lunch and take a twenty minute break.
-
stu122
- Junior League
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Tue Oct 26, 2004 2:50 pm
The roster
Day 2- Friday 15th August 2003- PM
Having just finished lunch I get ready for the first practice session. I decide its a good time to look at what Im working with for the season. I take a look at my roster, I load up the Hockey Database and the European Hockey site to assist.
The team consists of 18 players. The team are allowed 8 foreign players and currently have 6. The rest are British Players.
Netminders
Anders Hogberg- A 36 year old Swedish netminder. Being one of the 6 imports its pretty important that the import netminder is the starting goalie. There is not point having a goalie who is going to sit on the bench. He has played the last two seasons with Lillehammer IHK in the Eliteserien in Norway. Previous to that he had a stint in Denmark with Runged IK and has also a lot of experience in the Swedish 1+2 divisions. He has some North American experience playing with the Sudbury Wolves and London Knights in the OHL.
Sam Roberts- A 18 year old netminder, who will probably ride the bench for the majority of the season. He is young and not much experience in the professional ranks. I plan to include him in some games this season but hopefully he can learn a lot from the experienced netminder and push for starting position in the next 2-3 seasons.
Defence
Brent Pope- Brent is a 6 foot 2, 224lbs defenceman from Hamiliton Ontario Canada. He has played a lot in the AHL and ECHL, and has a vast of experience in the British game. Having been a member on the GB National team he is a dual national which means he is classed as a non-import. He will be a key member of the team and I hope to use him as a physical presence on the blue line.
Pavel Gomenyuk- A small Ukranian defenceman with a lot of experience in the east european leagues. Has experience in Britain playing for Milton Keynes.
Rick Strachan- Another dual national, ill be working close with Rick this season. His experience in the WHL and mainly Britain will be vital. Hopefully the team will feed off of his experience and leadership.
Vyacheslav Timchenko- Another small Ukranian defenceman. His first time in the country having played the last few seasons for ES WeiBwasser in the 2.Bundesliga. He has a lot of playing experience in the Russian leagues playing with Sokol Kiev and Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk.
Kevin Phillips- British defenceman who can play either side. He is going to need to put weight on as at 154 lbs he will get pushed off the puck easily. Played last year with the Thunder.
Andy Munroe- Quite a good sized British defenceman still young. Has played in Hull for the past two seasons, before that he was a member of the England under 18/20 team.
Karl Hopper- A British defenceman who can play either side. Has spent the last few seasons with Hull and spent one season with the Chelmsford Chieftans.
Fowards
Dru Burgess- A small foward who can play either center or on the right wing. Had four seasons in the NCAA playing for Colgate University before joining the Roanoke Express in the ECHL posting big numbers in his rookie season. Three solid seasons for Basingstoke Bison followed then he joined the Mudbugs in the CHL and had a tough season. Joins the Stingrays this season and is expected to be a top scorer.
Stephen Johnson- British Center who has played in the UK for the last 20 years. Very experienced player.
Evgeny Alipov- First time in the UK for the Ukranian foward. Lots of experience in the Russian League and the Czech league. Has been a member of the Ukranian national team.
Slava Koulikov- Dual National player who doesnt count as an import, as he was trained in Britain. Can play on both the left and right wings. Has a lot of experience in the UK playing with Kingston, Milton Keynes, Dundee, Solihull, and Chelmsford. Also played for Berkut Kiev.
Andrei Nikolaev- Ukranian foward who can play on either the left or right wing. A lot of experience in the Russian leagues, and played a lot in Eastern Europe. Had a stint with the Ukranian National squad. This is his first time playing in the UK.
Mark Florence- Tiny British foward, who has played with Hull since 1990. Played previously for Kingston and Humberside.
Dave Phillips- British left winger, who is quite a big presence standing at 6 foot 2.
Michael Bowman- Plays as a center or left winger, has had experience playing with Hull and Newcastle.
Stuart Brittle- Another small right winger, got good numbers playing for the Nottingham Lions.
Overall Impressions
The team has a low budget, meaning most of the money had to be spent on the cheaper European players. The salary cap for the league is £4,200 a week. The budget we have set is around £3,700. Currently we spend £3000 a week on wages. Meaning hopefully I can bring in two new import players and possibly a young British player. I think that the team could use a proven scorer from the ECHL/AHL though budget permitting. Also a player who can put himself around and drop the gloves if needed. The team will have a light practice today which will consist of just skating and doing light practices on all areas.
Having just finished lunch I get ready for the first practice session. I decide its a good time to look at what Im working with for the season. I take a look at my roster, I load up the Hockey Database and the European Hockey site to assist.
The team consists of 18 players. The team are allowed 8 foreign players and currently have 6. The rest are British Players.
Netminders
Anders Hogberg- A 36 year old Swedish netminder. Being one of the 6 imports its pretty important that the import netminder is the starting goalie. There is not point having a goalie who is going to sit on the bench. He has played the last two seasons with Lillehammer IHK in the Eliteserien in Norway. Previous to that he had a stint in Denmark with Runged IK and has also a lot of experience in the Swedish 1+2 divisions. He has some North American experience playing with the Sudbury Wolves and London Knights in the OHL.
Sam Roberts- A 18 year old netminder, who will probably ride the bench for the majority of the season. He is young and not much experience in the professional ranks. I plan to include him in some games this season but hopefully he can learn a lot from the experienced netminder and push for starting position in the next 2-3 seasons.
Defence
Brent Pope- Brent is a 6 foot 2, 224lbs defenceman from Hamiliton Ontario Canada. He has played a lot in the AHL and ECHL, and has a vast of experience in the British game. Having been a member on the GB National team he is a dual national which means he is classed as a non-import. He will be a key member of the team and I hope to use him as a physical presence on the blue line.
Pavel Gomenyuk- A small Ukranian defenceman with a lot of experience in the east european leagues. Has experience in Britain playing for Milton Keynes.
Rick Strachan- Another dual national, ill be working close with Rick this season. His experience in the WHL and mainly Britain will be vital. Hopefully the team will feed off of his experience and leadership.
Vyacheslav Timchenko- Another small Ukranian defenceman. His first time in the country having played the last few seasons for ES WeiBwasser in the 2.Bundesliga. He has a lot of playing experience in the Russian leagues playing with Sokol Kiev and Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk.
Kevin Phillips- British defenceman who can play either side. He is going to need to put weight on as at 154 lbs he will get pushed off the puck easily. Played last year with the Thunder.
Andy Munroe- Quite a good sized British defenceman still young. Has played in Hull for the past two seasons, before that he was a member of the England under 18/20 team.
Karl Hopper- A British defenceman who can play either side. Has spent the last few seasons with Hull and spent one season with the Chelmsford Chieftans.
Fowards
Dru Burgess- A small foward who can play either center or on the right wing. Had four seasons in the NCAA playing for Colgate University before joining the Roanoke Express in the ECHL posting big numbers in his rookie season. Three solid seasons for Basingstoke Bison followed then he joined the Mudbugs in the CHL and had a tough season. Joins the Stingrays this season and is expected to be a top scorer.
Stephen Johnson- British Center who has played in the UK for the last 20 years. Very experienced player.
Evgeny Alipov- First time in the UK for the Ukranian foward. Lots of experience in the Russian League and the Czech league. Has been a member of the Ukranian national team.
Slava Koulikov- Dual National player who doesnt count as an import, as he was trained in Britain. Can play on both the left and right wings. Has a lot of experience in the UK playing with Kingston, Milton Keynes, Dundee, Solihull, and Chelmsford. Also played for Berkut Kiev.
Andrei Nikolaev- Ukranian foward who can play on either the left or right wing. A lot of experience in the Russian leagues, and played a lot in Eastern Europe. Had a stint with the Ukranian National squad. This is his first time playing in the UK.
Mark Florence- Tiny British foward, who has played with Hull since 1990. Played previously for Kingston and Humberside.
Dave Phillips- British left winger, who is quite a big presence standing at 6 foot 2.
Michael Bowman- Plays as a center or left winger, has had experience playing with Hull and Newcastle.
Stuart Brittle- Another small right winger, got good numbers playing for the Nottingham Lions.
Overall Impressions
The team has a low budget, meaning most of the money had to be spent on the cheaper European players. The salary cap for the league is £4,200 a week. The budget we have set is around £3,700. Currently we spend £3000 a week on wages. Meaning hopefully I can bring in two new import players and possibly a young British player. I think that the team could use a proven scorer from the ECHL/AHL though budget permitting. Also a player who can put himself around and drop the gloves if needed. The team will have a light practice today which will consist of just skating and doing light practices on all areas.
-
stu122
- Junior League
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Tue Oct 26, 2004 2:50 pm
Day 3- Saturday 16th August 2003- AM
Having met most of the players it has become quite apparent that its a mixed locker room. There is space for two more players on the team and I hope to get some new players in for the Fife game. The team needs an experienced player who can put the puck in the back of the net, the money is available to sign a real high quality player. So I decide to make a few calls to agents to see what can be offered. Unfortunately most of the players have signed up for clubs, and the players who are left are the ones nobody else would dare sign. The two spots available are key spots on the team and I can't afford to sign poor players. Having called agents in Sweden, Finland, Canada and America. I have finally found the player I want. Its ambitious but a contract is offered to 32 year old Brett Lievers. An American born center who has played in the IHL, DEL, FNL and LNSw. He was awarded the Ken McKenzie trophy in the IHL. If I can pull this signing off it should be one of the signings of the season. I offer him a one year contract, on £300 a week.
I move on to look for somebody who can put the hits on and get the gloves off. Ive tried looking for players but theres not much available. I over three players trial contracts. Firstly D.J. King a 19 year old center/left winger who played in the WHL for Lethbridge last season. He posted 139 penalty minutes along with 32 points in 55 games. Peter LeBoutillier is offered a trial contract. He has a lot of experience in the AHL and some in the NHL. He played for Sheffield Steelers in the 2000/2001 season. Hopefully he will accept and bring some North American grit into the team. Finally a trial contract is offered to Olivier Didier, a young buck who will drop the gloves for fun. He played 4 games for Rimouski Oceanic in the QMJHL and took 45 penalty minutes. For a 20 year old he is a very big kid standing at 6"3 and weighing 238lbs. I should hopefully hear from these players in the next couple of days.
Day 3- Saturday 16th August 2003- PM
Quiet afternoon, team practiced and started to formulate some lines. The Ukranian players will probably all be on one line. Though its early days and still six days before the first game against Fife.
Bad news this evening. D.J. King is not interested in a trial contract and I inform the agent that we arent interested in him anymore. This is a position I need to get right so a trial contract at the moment is the best possible option. Im informed though that there has been a lot of interest in Lievers from ECHL/AHL/CHL teams, things don't look to hopeful.
The next couple of days should bring some developments on the signing front, the players will still be under light practice schedules.
Day 8- Friday 21st August 2003- AM
With no news from agents or players I start to look for my players, I recieve a call at about 11am. Peter Lebouttilier has agreed terms with the Huntsville Channel Cats in the SEHL. Im kinda dissapointed about this as I was very much expecting him to sign. I will wait till I hear from Olivier Didier then get back to the drawing board. With the Fife game tomorrow I decide to check out there roster to see what they have to offer.
Key Players
Steve Briere- Former ECHL/AHL netminder. Played for Fife last year seems to be a strong netminder.
Greg Kuznik- Fans seem to think that former AHL/NHL defenceman will be the signing of the season. Personally I don't think that one player can make a team but he will surely be a good player.
Paul Spadafora- ECHL enforcer, will probably push the smaller guys around.
Todd Dutiaume- Natural goalscorer, will be a tough opponent.
Day 8- Friday 21st August 2003- PM
The night before the first game, more bad news Olivier Didier has agreed terms with Quebec Radio X of the QSPHL. Going into tomorrows game with a shorter bench than I would like. Tomorrows game plan will be a light skate in the morning then the game. We will try going on the attack early and catch them out early doors. They have a good team in Fife and most fans are predicting an easy Fife win. The lines will be finalised tomorrow.
Having met most of the players it has become quite apparent that its a mixed locker room. There is space for two more players on the team and I hope to get some new players in for the Fife game. The team needs an experienced player who can put the puck in the back of the net, the money is available to sign a real high quality player. So I decide to make a few calls to agents to see what can be offered. Unfortunately most of the players have signed up for clubs, and the players who are left are the ones nobody else would dare sign. The two spots available are key spots on the team and I can't afford to sign poor players. Having called agents in Sweden, Finland, Canada and America. I have finally found the player I want. Its ambitious but a contract is offered to 32 year old Brett Lievers. An American born center who has played in the IHL, DEL, FNL and LNSw. He was awarded the Ken McKenzie trophy in the IHL. If I can pull this signing off it should be one of the signings of the season. I offer him a one year contract, on £300 a week.
I move on to look for somebody who can put the hits on and get the gloves off. Ive tried looking for players but theres not much available. I over three players trial contracts. Firstly D.J. King a 19 year old center/left winger who played in the WHL for Lethbridge last season. He posted 139 penalty minutes along with 32 points in 55 games. Peter LeBoutillier is offered a trial contract. He has a lot of experience in the AHL and some in the NHL. He played for Sheffield Steelers in the 2000/2001 season. Hopefully he will accept and bring some North American grit into the team. Finally a trial contract is offered to Olivier Didier, a young buck who will drop the gloves for fun. He played 4 games for Rimouski Oceanic in the QMJHL and took 45 penalty minutes. For a 20 year old he is a very big kid standing at 6"3 and weighing 238lbs. I should hopefully hear from these players in the next couple of days.
Day 3- Saturday 16th August 2003- PM
Quiet afternoon, team practiced and started to formulate some lines. The Ukranian players will probably all be on one line. Though its early days and still six days before the first game against Fife.
Bad news this evening. D.J. King is not interested in a trial contract and I inform the agent that we arent interested in him anymore. This is a position I need to get right so a trial contract at the moment is the best possible option. Im informed though that there has been a lot of interest in Lievers from ECHL/AHL/CHL teams, things don't look to hopeful.
The next couple of days should bring some developments on the signing front, the players will still be under light practice schedules.
Day 8- Friday 21st August 2003- AM
With no news from agents or players I start to look for my players, I recieve a call at about 11am. Peter Lebouttilier has agreed terms with the Huntsville Channel Cats in the SEHL. Im kinda dissapointed about this as I was very much expecting him to sign. I will wait till I hear from Olivier Didier then get back to the drawing board. With the Fife game tomorrow I decide to check out there roster to see what they have to offer.
Key Players
Steve Briere- Former ECHL/AHL netminder. Played for Fife last year seems to be a strong netminder.
Greg Kuznik- Fans seem to think that former AHL/NHL defenceman will be the signing of the season. Personally I don't think that one player can make a team but he will surely be a good player.
Paul Spadafora- ECHL enforcer, will probably push the smaller guys around.
Todd Dutiaume- Natural goalscorer, will be a tough opponent.
Day 8- Friday 21st August 2003- PM
The night before the first game, more bad news Olivier Didier has agreed terms with Quebec Radio X of the QSPHL. Going into tomorrows game with a shorter bench than I would like. Tomorrows game plan will be a light skate in the morning then the game. We will try going on the attack early and catch them out early doors. They have a good team in Fife and most fans are predicting an easy Fife win. The lines will be finalised tomorrow.
Wow, nice story!
-
archibalduk
- TBL Admin Team
- Posts: 20372
- Joined: Tue Jul 06, 2004 8:44 pm
- Custom Rank: Seaside + Fruit Juice Mode
- Favourite Team: Guildford (EPL) / Invicta (NIHL)
- Location: United Kingdom
- Contact:
-
stu122
- Junior League
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Tue Oct 26, 2004 2:50 pm
-
archibalduk
- TBL Admin Team
- Posts: 20372
- Joined: Tue Jul 06, 2004 8:44 pm
- Custom Rank: Seaside + Fruit Juice Mode
- Favourite Team: Guildford (EPL) / Invicta (NIHL)
- Location: United Kingdom
- Contact: