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| Issue 0 | Thursday 1 January 1970 | |||||||||||||
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BNL Headlines The Legend Returns The Edinburgh Capitals are delighted to be able to announce that Murrayfield legend Tony Hand MBE is once again taking on the role of player/coach. ........ Flames Apply To English Premier League The Guildford Flames professional Ice Hockey club, in preparation for the upcoming season, have submitted an application to be a competing member in the English Premier League when the puck drops at Spectrum in September 2005. ........ EIHL Reject Guildford Bid The Guildford Flames have been denied membership to the Elite Ice Hockey League for the 2005-2006 season. ........ Home Sweet Home for Vipers The Newcastle Vipers are delighted to announce their first major corporate partner for the 2005-06 season has been secured. ........ Marple To Focus on Coaching The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey club have today announced that Player/Head Coach and General Manager Stan Marple will, beginning in the 2005-2006 season, relinquish his playing duties to concentrate solely on his bench duties and General Manager obligations. ........ Flames Lose Final Round to Dundee Stars On Wednesday night the Guildford Flames stared into the face of elimination when the Dundee Stars visited Spectrum for Game 3 of the playoff final with the Scottish club enjoying a 2 games to 0 lead heading into the match. ........ Tuyl to Leave Vipers The Newcastle Vipers have today announced that by mutual agreement, General Manager Clyde Tuyl will leave the club this summer, after three season's on Tyneside. ........ Vipers Duo Make 2nd All-Star Team Newcastle Vipers duo of Doug Teskey and David Longstaff have been named in the British Ice Hockey Writers' Second All Star team, it has been announced. ........ Flames Down 0-2 in Battle for Playoff Crown On Sunday evening the Guildford Flames ice hockey club travelled up to Dundee for Game 2 of the playoff final after the Stars took a 1 game to 0 lead in the series after a 4-0 win the night before in Guildford. ........ Flames Reach Playoffs The Flames have now advanced to the Playoff final. ........ Stingrays Duo in All-Star Team Excel Hull Stingrays netminder Ladislav Kudrna and captain Pavel Gomenyuk have been named in the British National League All-Star team. ........ Stingrays Firmly on the Map Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan has been summing up the past season and commenting on some of the players who have helped put the Stingrays firmly on the map of British hockey. ........ Flames Championship Hopes Alive The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey Club and Fife Flyers are headed for a deciding Game 3 in the playoff semi finals to determine which club advances to the playoff championship finals. ........ Stingrays' Ritchie: a Learning Experience Young Excel Hull Stingrays forward Dave Ritchie believes his first season at British National League level has been a "learning curve" for him. ........ Strachan: a Very Rewarding Season for Stingrays Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan hailed "a very successful season" after bowing out with a 6-3 victory at Dundee Stars in the British National League play-offs. ........ Flames Finish Joint First in Playoff Table The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey Club now look forward to the weekend when they will take on the Fife Flyers in the Playoff Semi finals in a 'Best Two Wins out of Three' series, beginning at the Spectrum on March 26th, 6pm face off. ........ Bees Playoff Game Correction Please note that if the BNL semi-finals go to three games, the third game will be played at the John Nike Leisuresport Complex on Thursday 31st March and not Wednesday 30th March as previously reported. ........ Flyers to Meet Arch-Rivals Guildford in Playoffs Fife Flyers secured a semi final matchup against arch-rivals Guildford Flames after they picked up the points required at the weekend with a solid 3-2 win over BNL champions Bracknell. ........ Roberts' Relief Over Maiden Win for Stingrays Back-up goaltender Sam Roberts expressed his relief after registering his first league victory for Excel Hull Stingrays. ........ Dundee End Stingrays' Season Excel Hull Stingrays' hopes of reaching the British National League play-off semi-finals came to an end following a 5-1 defeat by Dundee Stars at Hull Arena. ........ Do Or Die Weekend for Vipers After two disappointing games against Fife and Hull the Dickinson Dees sponsored Newcastle Vipers are looking to get their play-off campaign back on track this weekend during a double header with the Guildford Flames. ........ Stingrays Still Fighting Coach Rick Strachan insists his Excel Hull Stingrays side "are still in there fighting" after keeping alive their British National League play-off campaign with a terrific 2-1 victory over Newcastle Vipers at Whitley Bay. ........ Vipers' Weaver: 'Stingrays Will Be No Walkover' Newcastle captain Jonathan Weaver has indicated that the Vipers next two home games are more the most important games of the season. ........ Young Stingrays Battled Hard Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan saluted his side's battling performance as they went down 4-3 to Bracknell Bees in the British National League play-offs. ........ Flames On Verge of Clinching Playoff Semifinal Berth On Tuesday night the Guildford Flames Ice Hockey club stepped onto Spectrum ice for the first of 4 remaining games in the playoff round robin portion of the competition in continuing search of a semi final berth. ........ Flames Knock Off Bees in Bracknell After Home Loss The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey Club welcomed the Bracknell Bees to Spectrum on Saturday night for the first of back to back games as both clubs reach the midway portion of the playoff round robin competition to select the 4 clubs who will advance to the semi finals. ........ Wilson Looking to Ground High 'Flyers' After a mixed weekend for the Newcastle Vipers, this week sees no let up in the busy play-off schedule with games against Fife Flyers and Hull Stingrays. ........ Strachan: Hulls' Second Period Crucial Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan admitted the second period cost his side dearly after going down 5-2 to Fife Flyers in the British National League play-offs. ........ Vipers Won't Be Dazzled By Stars The Dickinson Dees sponsored Newcastle Vipers are in action this weekend with a double header against the Dundee Stars. ........ Hull's Nikolaev: Four Points a Must Ukrainian forward Andrei Nikolaev insists nothing less than four points against Fife Flyers this weekend will do for Excel Hull Stingrays. ........ Stingrays 'Are Having Trouble Scoring' Coach Rick Strachan admits his Excel Hull Stingrays side is having trouble scoring after seeing them lose 5-1 to Bracknell Bees at Hull Arena in the British National League play-offs. ........ Flames Take First Defeat in Playoff Round On Tuesday night the Flames playoff fixtures continued with a long trip to Fife to take on the Flyers. ........ Vipers Looking to Continue Solid Start The Dickinson Dees sponsored Newcastle Vipers playoff campaign continues on Wednesday evening at Whitley Bay Ice Rink against the Fife Flyers with both teams level in the group standings with three points each from three games. ........ Stingrays' Koulikov: Battle Will Go Down to Wire Excel Hull Stingrays assistant captain Slava Koulikov believes the race to reach the British National League play-off semi-finals will go down to the wire. ........ Flames Continue Perfect Record in Playoff Hunt With just 7 games remaining to qualify for the playoff championship semi finals, the Guildford Flames Ice Hockey club have put themselves in good shape winning 3 of the first 3 to stand in top spot in the playoff table. ........ Hull's Strachan Waits Over Rublivsky Coach Rick Strachan will monitor the fitness of Ukrainian forward Sergiy Rublivsky to see whether he can soon be back to galvanise Excel Hull Stingrays' British National League play-off campaign. ........ Critical Games Ahead for Stingrays Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan admits his side need to take at least four points from their next three games to have any chance of reaching the British National League play-off semi-finals following a 5-2 defeat by Guildford Flames at the Spectrum. ........ Stingrays' Strachan Rues Missed Chances Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan was again left to rue missed chances after Guildford Flames snatched a 2-1 win after overtime in the British National League play-off encounter at Hull Arena on Saturday night. ........ Stingrays' Goaltending Will Be Key, Says Glowa Excel Hull Stingrays forward Jeff Glowa insists solid goaltending will be the key to any team winning the British National League play-offs. ........ Flames Start Playoffs With Win On Wednesday evening the Flames began defense of their playoff championship title by hosting the Fife Flyers in the first of 10 playoff games to determine which 4 clubs will advance for a shot at the title on offer for 2004-2005. ........ Stingrays' Strachan 'Our Best Game of the Season' Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan felt his side played "their best game of the season" despite beginning their British National League play-off campaign with a 3-1 defeat by Newcastle Vipers at Hull Arena. ........ Vipers Looking For a Repeat Performance Newcastle Vipers start their 2005 British National League playoff campaign in Hull on Wednesday with General Manager Clyde Tuyl confident that his side can put together a strong bid. ........ Change to The Vipers 2005 BNL Playoff Schedule The Dickinson Dees sponsored Newcastle Vipers have made the following changes to their 2005 British National League Playoffs schedule. ........ Stingrays Coach Strachan: Hunger and Desire Will Decide Play-Offs Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan says "hunger and desire" will be the key components to winning the British National League play-offs. ........ Stingrays' Alipov Ready for Play-Offs Evgeny Alipov is desperate to erase the memory of last year's absence from the play-offs when Excel Hull Stingrays begin their post-season programme on Wednesday. ........ Flames Win Saturday: Prepare to Defend Playoff Title On Saturday night the Guildford Flames Ice Hockey club returned to Spectrum ice in the last game before the playoff competition that takes place through March. ........ Hull Coach Focuses On Play-Offs Coach Rick Strachan immediately turned his attentions to Wednesday's play-off opener against Newcastle Vipers after ending the British National League campaign with a 7-2 defeat at Elite League basement-boys Basingstoke Bison. ........ Kudrna Named Stingrays' Player of Year Czech goaltender Ladislav Kudrna was named Excel Hull Stingrays' player of the year at last night's end-of-season awards evening at the Quality Royal Hotel. ........ Flames Pick Up Point In Overtime Loss to Giants On Thursday night the Guildford Flames made their inaugural trip to Northern Ireland when they crossed the water to take on the Belfast Giants in Crossover play. ........ Vipers 2005 BNL Playoff Schedule The Dickinson Dees Newcastle Vipers are delighted to announce their 2005 British National League playoff schedule. ........ Stingrays' Strachan: A Professional Performance Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan applauded a "professional performance" after his side recorded a 7-1 home win over Edinburgh Capitals in the British National League. ........ Vipers Have No Answer to Swarming Bees The Dickinson Dees-sponsored Newcastle Vipers tonight surrendered their Winter Cup title to the Bracknell Bees, after going down by three goals to nil at the John Nike Leisure Complex. ........ Strachan Salutes Stingrays' Kudrna Coach Rick Strachan lauded Ladislav Kudrna after the Czech goaltender backstopped Excel Hull Stingrays to a stunning 2-1 victory over Elite League title-chasing Cardiff Devils at the Wales National Ice Rink. ........ Stingrays' Burgess: We Needed That Excel Hull Stingrays assistant player-coach Dru Burgess says the victory over Elite League Cardiff Devils was just the shot in the arm the team needed. ........ Flames Unbeaten Run Stops at 6 On Saturday night the Flames made their last trip to Bracknell before the playoffs face off in March. ........ Bracknell Bees announce Play-off Fixtures Wednesday 2nd March Bracknell v Dundee - 8pm Saturday 5th March Bracknell v Newcastle - 6pm Sunday 6th March Newcastle v Bees - 6pm Wednesday 9th March Hull v Bees - TBA Thursday 10th March Dundee v Bees - 7. ........ Stingrays' Rublivsky Out for Season Excel Hull Stingrays' worst fears have been confirmed after Sergiy Rublivsky was ruled out for the rest of the season. ........ Stingrays Wait Over Rublivsky Injury Excel Hull Stingrays are today hoping to learn the extent of Ukrainian forward Sergiy Rublivsky's injury which has ruled him out of the last three games of the regular season. ........ Tuyl Looking for Big Weekend After a midweek victory against the Hull Stingrays, the Newcastle Vipers are looking to build on the result when they take on the Dundee Stars on Saturday and when they face BNL Champions the Bracknell Bees in the first leg of the Winter Cup Final on Sunday. ........ Flames Sign McLennan The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey Club are pleased to announce their newest signing just in time for their run at defending their playoff championship title. ........ Third Time Lucky for Viper Shaun? Shaun Johnson will look to avoid an unwanted hat-trick this Sunday when the Vipers meet the Bracknell Bees in the Findus Winter Cup final. ........ Flames Battle to Goal-less Draw On Wednesday evening the Guildford Flames Ice hockey club made the trip to Sheffield for their only visit to Sheffield arena this season and came away from the Elite side arena with a rare 0-0 overtime tie. ........ Strachan Seeths Over Stingrays Performance Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan described as "unacceptable" his side's display in the 5-3 British National League defeat by Newcastle Vipers at the Metro Radio Arena. ........ Stingrays' Radmall: Pasha is Missing Link Adam Radmall admits Excel Hull Stingrays are missing captain Pavel Gomenyuk - but says the young defence will benefit from the experience. ........ Stingrays Overwhelmed by Racers Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan accepted London Racers' physical prowess was the main factor to his side's 8-0 defeat in the National Cup at Lee Valley. ........ Another 4-pointer for Flames After a 4-3 overtime win on Saturday the Guildford Flames ice hockey club returned home to Spectrum to take on the Dundee Stars and picked up a 4-2 win. ........ Tuyl Praise for Hat-Trick Hilton Dickinson Dees sponsored Newcastle Vipers General Manager Clyde Tuyl was full of praise for Hilton Ruggles after the Montreal born forward recorded his first hat-trick of the season against the Fife Flyers. ........ Successful Businessman Assumes Control of Vipers At Tuesday morning's creditors meeting, held in Bishop Auckland, an agreement was reached for the Paddy O'Connor-led consortium to purchase the assets of Newcastle KBS Vipers Limited. ........ Vipers' Tuyl: Hull Are Most Improved Team Newcastle Vipers general manager Clyde Tuyl has hailed Excel Hull Stingrays as "the most improved team" in the British National League this season. ........ Strachan: Second Spot Still in Our Hands Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan says finishing second in the British National League "is still in our hands" after a 4-3 overtime defeat at home to Guildford Flames. ........ Strachan Eyes League Runners-Up Spot for Stingrays Coach Rick Strachan says Excel Hull Stingrays must win their remaining games against British National League opposition if they are to be guaranteed second place. ........ Flames Defeat Capitals in Midweek Showdown On Wednesday nigh the Guildford Flames Ice Hockey club took to Spectrum ice to take on the Edinburgh Capitals for the second consecutive game after defeating the Scottish side 6-2 North of the border just 72 hours earlier. ........ Stingray Tribute as Bees Take League Title Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan paid tribute to Bracknell Bees after they were crowned British National League champions following a 2-0 win at Hull Arena. ........ Vipers' Wilson Looking for Mental Edge Rob Wilson insists he always had a strong belief that Newcastle would make it to the Winter Cup final. ........ Hulls' Burgess Looks to Play-Offs Assistant player-coach Dru Burgess says Excel Hull Stingrays would sacrifice second place in the British National League in order to have a healthy roster going into the play-offs. ........ Face-Off Time Change for Winter Cup Final The Dickinson Dees Sponsored Newcastle Vipers Have Announced That The Home Leg Of The Winter Cup Final On Sunday 20th February Will Now Face-Off At 7. ........ Strachan Salutes Sergiy Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan praised Sergiy Rublivsky after the Ukrainian forward bagged a hat-trick in the 5-3 British National League victory over Edinburgh Capitals at Hull Arena. ........ Stingrays' Strachan Cannot Fault Effort Coach Rick Strachan applauded the effort of his players after depleted Excel Hull Stingrays lost 4-0 to British National League leaders Bracknell Bees at Amen Corner. ........ It's Been Fan-Tastic, says Tuyl Vipers' General Manager Clyde Tuyl has paid tribute to Newcastle's fans ahead of their British National League clash with the Bracknell Bees on Thursday (7:15pm face-off). ........ Flames Rebound on Sunday On Saturday night the Flames stepped onto Spectrum ice in front of 1700 Flames supporters to take on the Newcastle Vipers, but it was the visiting club who collected the spoils after a 2-1 Vipers win. ........ Stingrays Seek Action over Vipers Duo Excel Hull Stingrays have asked for supplementary discipline to be taken against Newcastle Vipers pair David Longstaff and Rob Wilson. ........ Sergiy Sinks Capitals Sergiy Rublivsky hit a hat-trick as Excel Hull Stingrays recovered from an early setback to beat British National League basement-boys Edinburgh Capitals 5-3 at Hull Arena. ........ Vipers Set for NHL Invasion After a mid-week defeat at the hands of BNL league leaders the Bracknell Bees, the Dickinson Dees sponsored Newcastle Vipers will be looking to bounce back from the 6-2 scoreline with games against the Guildford Flames and the Nottingham Panthers. ........ Capitals Will Be Dangerous for Stingrays Coach Rick Strachan says Excel Hull Stingrays will be up against a dangerous Edinburgh Capitals side at Hull Arena Saturday night (5:30pm face-off). ........ Fife Bring On Board 'The Duke' Fife Flyers Ice Hockey Club are delighted to announce the capture of powerful forward KENT DAVYDUKE for the remainder of the season. ........ Flames Consider Move To EIHL As the Elite League has recently announced, all clubs in the British National League have been extended invitations to join the Elite League for the 2005-2006 season. ........ Flames Win 5th Home Game out of 6 in January On Saturday night the Flames returned to Spectrum ice to take on the Dundee Stars, and scored a trio of third period goals to take a 5-2 win. ........ Krulis Signs On Deadline Czech defenceman Jan Krulis has signed for the Bees on the transfer deadline. ........ Gomenyuk Injury Day-to-Day Excel Hull Stingrays will monitor the fitness of captain Pavel Gomenyuk on a daily basis ahead of Saturday's British National League clash with Edinburgh Capitals at Hull Arena (5. ........ Wilson Happy With London Display Newcastle Vipers Rob Wilson saluted his players after they answered his criticism with a hard-working performance against Elite League London Racers. ........ Vipers announce Winter Cup Final Details The Dickinson Dees sponsored Newcastle Vipers are delighted to announce details of the Winter Cup final against the Bracknell Bees. ........ Third Flames Game Leads to Loss On Monday night the Flames took to the ice for the 3rd time in 3 nights when they travelled to Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle to take on the Vipers and returned home with a 6-2 loss. ........ Stingrays 'Can Play With The Elite League Sides' Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan felt the performance in the 3-1 National Cup defeat by Belfast Giants at Hull Arena on Saturday "proved we can play with the Elite League sides". ........ Strachan Happy With Stingrays' Effort Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan could not fault the effort of his players after they went down 3-1 to Sheffield Steelers at the Sheffield Arena on Sunday. ........ Flames Offense Explodes after Saturday Defeat On Saturday night the Guildford Flames travelled North to Scotland to take on the Fife Flyers and returned to Spectrum with a 4-3 loss despite a short staffed Flyers bench. ........ Vipers Looking For a Giant Weekend After securing a place in the Winter Cup final by a sudden death penalty shoot-out against the Fife Flyers, the Dickinson Dees sponsored Newcastle Vipers return to league action with games against the Belfast Giants on Sunday and the Guildford Flames on Monday, with both games taking place at the Metro Radio Arena. ........ Kingston Deal for Hull Stingrays Excel Hull Stingrays have struck a deal with Kingston Communications which will enable fans to watch their National Cup encounter with Elite League leaders Belfast Giants at Hull Arena on Saturday night (5. ........ Cup Run is Fantastic, Says Johnson Shaun Johnson was in the Coventry Blaze team that lost to Newcastle in the 2002 Findus Cup final, now the Vipers forward aims to help bring some more cup glory to Tyneside. ........ Scott Hay and Fife Flyers Part Company Fife Flyers regret to announce that they have parted company with netminder Scott Hay. ........ Stingrays Loss 'A Learning Experience' Coach Rick Strachan described Excel Hull Stingrays' 6-1 Winter Cup semi-final second-leg defeat to Bracknell Bees as "a learning experience". ........ Update On Bees' Brendan Witt As of today (Wednesday) we have heard from Brendan that he feels unable to return to the Bees right now because of the situation with his home in Florida. ........ Weaver Up for The Winter Cup Jonathan Weaver is preparing for tonight's Winter Cup semi-final 2nd leg - promising to try his best to get the Dickinson Dees sponsored Vipers into the final. ........ Rublivsky Claims Maiden Win for Stingrays Sergiy Rublivsky registered his first win in British ice hockey as he continued his fine scoring start to his Excel Hull Stingrays career in the 4-1 win at British National League basement-boys Edinburgh Capitals. ........ Vipers Get Off To a Flying Start The Dickinson Dees-sponsored Newcastle Vipers put in a battling performance against the Fife Flyers, to leave Kirkcaldy with a 2-1 win in the Winter Cup Semi-Final 1st leg. ........ Vipers Come Close to Capital Punishment Two goals from man of the match Paul Ferone, helped lift the Vipers to a 5-3 win over the Edinburgh Capitals, making it two wins over the weekend for Rob Wilson's outfit. ........ Flames Rebound From Loss to Bees To Defeat Steelers On Saturday night the Guildford Flames took to the ice in front of a sold out Spectrum crowd in the first of back-to-back home matches, this night suffering a 3-1 loss to league leading Bracknell Bees. ........ Stingrays' Strachan Salutes Rublivsky Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan has applauded the impact made by Ukrainian forward Sergiy Rublivsky. ........ Vipers' Wilson Glad the Gate Was Open for Mac Rob Wilson has paid tribute to The Gate entertainment complex in Newcastle, for allowing him to bring in giant NHL defenceman, Chris McAllister. ........ Stingrays' Rublivsky Happy With Start Ukrainian forward Sergiy Rublivsky has conceded he probably tried too hard to mark his Excel Hull Stingrays home debut with a goal. ........ Stingrays' Radmall Remaining Confident Adam Radmall says another point-less weekend would "not necessarily" mean the end of Excel Hull Stingrays' British National League title hopes. ........ Vipers 'Can't Afford to Be Over-Confident' In a busy weekend, the Newcastle Vipers travel to Fife on Saturday to take on the Flyers in the 1st leg of the Winter Cup semi-final, while on Sunday the Vipers play host to the Edinburgh Capitals. ........ Hulls' Strachan: All To Play For Coach Rick Strachan insisted "there is still everything to play for" after seeing his Excel Hull Stingrays side held to a 3-3 tie by Bracknell Bees in the first leg of the Winter Cup semi-final at Hull Arena. ........ Bracknell's Witt Takes a Timeout Brendan Witt has had to return home due to a fire at his Florida residence. ........ Mac-Nificent Effort From Vipers The Dickinson Dees-sponsored Newcastle Vipers were 3 minutes 58 seconds away, from taking Elite League Nottingham Panthers into overtime at their National Ice Centre home. ........ Stingrays' Strachan: Just another game Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan is treating tonight's Winter Cup semi-final first-leg tie against Bracknell Bees at Hull Arena as "just another game". ........ Stingrays' Pyatt Raring To Go Excel Hull Stingrays forward Dave Pyatt cannot wait for Wednesday's Winter Cup semi-final first leg against Bracknell Bees at Hull Arena to start. ........ Stingrays' Strachan: One Bad Period Cost Us Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan rued "one bad period" after seeing his side lose 4-1 at bottom-of-the-table Edinburgh Capitals in the British National League. ........ Rallying Flyers Grab Points off Hull Fife Flyers take on the Newcastle Vipers this Saturday in the semi final, 1st Leg of the Winter Cup, looking to put behind them the heavy loss incurred at the hands of the Vipers last weekend. ........ More Bad News for Fife Flyers Fife Flyers were rocked today by news that Todd Dutiaume's injury is worse than first feared, leaving the popular and influential forward needing to undergo an MRI scan to fully ascertain the extent of the injury. ........ Flames Win One - Lose One On Saturday night the Guildford Flames Ice Hockey club returned to action to look for their second win in a row after the 2-0 victory over Basingstoke just a week earlier. ........ Stingrays' Rublivsky Wants Summer Return Sergiy Rublivsky is determined to make an impression for Excel Hull Stingrays and be offered a contract for next season. ........ NHL Star Joins The Vipers The Newcastle Vipers are delighted to announce that they have pulled off what could be their biggest signing ever, with National Hockey League defenceman Chris McAllister agreeing to join the Tyneside club for the remainder of the 2004-05 season. ........ Tuyl: 'Fife Will Want To Win' After last Saturday's defeat at the hands of the Belfast Giants the Newcastle Vipers will be looking to get to winning ways this weekend when they take on the Guildford Flames and the Fife Flyers. ........ Flames Sign NHL Veteran The Guildford Flames ice hockey club have become another in a string of European outfits to capitalise on the lockout situation that is forcing many of the top ice hockey players in the world to search for employment outside North America. ........ Hulls New Ukrainian Set to Fly In New Excel Hull Stingrays signing Sergiy Rublivsky flies into England tonight after receiving his work permit and visa. ........ Vipers' Illingworth: 'Sunday Could Make Or Break This Club' Newcastle owner Darryl Illingworth is hoping that the Metro Radio Arena will see a big crowd for the Vipers British National League clash against Fife Flyers on Sunday (6:00pm face-off). ........ Watch Out, Insists Vipers' Wilson Player-coach Rob Wilson is backing his Newcastle Vipers to regain their place in the top two of the British National League sooner rather than later. ........ Flames Defeat Basingstoke To Start The New Year Fresh On New Year's Day the Guildford Flames took to the ice in front of a near sellout Spectrum crowd to try and kick the new year off with a win and succeeded in snapping a 6 game losing streak with a 2-0 victory over Elite league side Basingstoke Bison. ........ Stingrays' Strachan: We Deserved Win Coach Rick Strachan felt Excel Hull Stingrays thoroughly deserved their 3-2 victory over British National League title rivals Fife Flyers at Hull Arena. ........ Gallace Release to Bison Confirmed With immediate effect the Newcastle Vipers have agreed to let Steve Gallace join the Elite League's Basingstoke Bison. ........ Stingrays' Strachan: We Will Get Better Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan warned his side "will only get better" after seeing them register a 100% record over the Christmas and New Year period following a 4-1 win over Dundee Stars on Tayside. ........ Flames Release Pohorelec The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey club have announced the release of Slovakian forward Dusan Pohorelec, less than 90 days after he joined the club. ........ Vipers' Skills Challenge and Open Practice Evening The Dickinson Dees sponsored Newcastle Vipers have organised a skills challenge and open practice this Thursday evening (6th Jan at 7:15pm) at the Metro Radio Arena. ........ Stingrays Sign Rublivsky Excel Hull Stingrays have confirmed the signing of Ukrainian forward Sergiy Rublivsky. ........ Strachan: Two Stingrays Points The Main Thing Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan applauded "four beautiful goals" after seeing his side move back into second place in the British National League with a 4-2 victory over Dundee Stars at Hull Arena. ........ Gallace Stays With Vipers for Immediate Future With speculation building during the past few days over the future of Steve Gallace, the Newcastle Vipers management wish to confirm that Steve will be staying on Tyneside for the immediate future. ........ Flames Loose to Vipers On Tuesday night the Flames travelled to Newcastle for their final match in 2004. ........ No Holiday Cheer for Flames On Boxing Day On Sunday afternoon nearly 2000 people jammed into Guildford Spectrum to see the Guildford Flames Ice Hockey club take on the Bracknell Bees in a Boxing Day match, but the Bees spoiled the Flames holiday cheer by offering a 5-0 defeat to the Surrey side. ........ Stingrays Make Offer To Ukrainian Forward Excel Hull Stingrays have made an offer to an unnamed Ukrainian forward. ........ Fife's Biette Sustains Eye Injury Fife Flyers were dealt a massive blow this weekend, as assistant coach Karry Biette was ruled out indefinitely after a sickening eye injury picked up during the boxing day clash with Edinburgh Capitals, which the Flyers won 2-1. ........ Chinn Re-Signs With Flames The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey Club have announced the re-signing of British forward Nicky Chinn, who returns to the Spectrum based club after last wearing a Flame shirt full time during the 2002-2003 season. ........ Belfast Gain Revenge as Shorthanded Fife Loose to Giants Fife Flyers were shorthanded as they took on the Belfast Giants, missing Mark Morrison who is in Canada, the injured Karry Biette, and Frank Morris and Steven King, who both were unable to travel due to work. ........ Stingrays' Ritchie Will Be Seeing Stars Youngster Dave Ritchie will be fit for Excel Hull Stingrays' British National League clash with Dundee Stars at Hull Arena tomorrow night (7:30pm face-off). ........ Burgess Satisfied With Stingrays' Win Assistant player-coach Dru Burgess saluted a solid performance as Excel Hull Stingrays recorded a 4-3 British National League victory over troubled Newcastle Vipers at the Telewest Arena. ........ Brendan Witt Update Since the press release of 21st December, there has been much media interest in the signing of NHL player Brendan Witt. ........ Stingrays' Strachan Philosophical Over Player Search Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan will take advantage of spending Christmas back home in Canada to continue his search for a new forward. ........ Florence to help out Stingrays Mark Florence is relishing pulling on an Excel Hull Stingrays uniform again in tonight's Winter Cup encounter against Fife Flyers at Hull Arena (5. ........ Pack Pround of her Stingrays Joint team owner Sue Pack described as "outstanding" Excel Hull Stingrays' performance in the 2-0 defeat by Belfast Giants in the cross-over clash at the Odyssey Arena on Friday. ........ Biggest Signing in Bees History The Bracknell Bees have delivered an early Christmas present to their fans, gaining the signature of top NHL defenseman, Brendan Witt. ........ Flames Conceed Two Games to Devils On Saturday night the Flames played host to one of the most talented clubs in the country when the Cardiff Devils made a stop at Guildford Spectrum in the first of a pair of games against the Elite league club. ........ Strachan: a Moral Victory for Stingrays Coach Rick Strachan felt the 5-2 home Winter Cup defeat by Fife Flyers was a "moral victory" for his Excel Hull Stingrays side. ........ Stingrays' Sunday Game Change Excel Hull Stingrays' home game against Fife Flyers on Sunday December 19 (5:30pm face-off) will now be played as a Winter Cup fixture as originally scheduled. ........ Stingrays' Strachan: We Will Give It our Best Shot Coach Rick Strachan takes his depleted Excel Hull Stingrays side to Elite League Belfast Giants tomorrow (Friday) night, saying "We will go there and give it our best shot". ........ Vipers' Beveridge Looks to Peterborough Return Matt Beveridge believes the Newcastle Vipers can build on their six game winning streak - starting with their visit to Peterborough on Saturday, one of his former clubs. ........ Vipers' Tuyl "We Won't Rush Tasker Back" Long-term injury victim Michael Tasker is back in light training with the Newcastle Vipers, but the club still won't set a date for his return to competitive action. ........ Vipers Fans Set to 'Donate Their Bears' The Newcastle Vipers will be holding their second annual 'Teddy Bear Throw' on Sunday 19th December 2004 during their British National League game against the Edinburgh Capitals (6:00pm face-off). ........ Strachan salutes Stingray Wray Coach Rick Strachan hailed Scott Wray "the ultimate professional" after the Canadian forward bowed out with two goals in Excel Hull Stingrays' 5-2 Winter Cup win at Peterborough Phantoms. ........ Reaching Semi-Finals Stingrays' Just Reward Coach Rick Strachan said reaching the Winter Cup semi-finals was "just reward" for his Excel Hull Stingrays players. ........ Flames See Stars in Key Game On Sunday night the Flames travelled up to Dundee to complete their Winter Cup group round fixtures. ........ Flames To Retire Kurtenbach Jersey Saturday, December 18th will be an important home game for the Guildford Flames. ........ Stingrays' Pyatt: Cup Progress would be "Wonderful Achievement" British forward Dave Pyatt says it will be a "wonderful achievement" if Excel Hull Stingrays reach the semi-finals of the Winter Cup. ........ Hull's Wray: It Was Tough to Leave Scott Wray admitted quitting Excel Hull Stingrays "was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make. ........ Wray Rocks Stingrays Excel Hull Stingrays are reeling by the news leading points-scorer Scott Wray is to leave the British National League club. ........ Stingrays Happy With Chernenko Progress Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan is happy with the progress being made by Ukrainian defenceman Vladimir Chernenko. ........ Flames Win And Lose in Weekend Action On Saturday night the Guildford Flames took to the ice for the first of consecutive home appearances with a tilt against Coventry Blaze in British National League-Elite league crossover competition, and came away empty handed in a 4-3 loss. ........ Stingrays' Strachan: We Have to Battle Through It Coach Rick Strachan feels Excel Hull Stingrays are in a "vicious circle" after watching his side lose 3-2 to Basingstoke Bison in the National Cup at Hull Arena. ........ Bracknell Bee gets the Call! The Bracknell Bees are pleased to announce that Peter Campbell has been selected to play for team Canada in the Loto Cup. ........ Stingrays' Strachan not under-estimating Bison Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan is reading nothing into Basingstoke Bison's Elite League position ahead of their National Cup tie at Hull Arena on Sunday night (5:30pm face-off). ........ Stingrays' Glowa: We Will Be Fine Canadian forward Jeff Glowa says there is nothing to be down about at Excel Hull Stingrays. ........ Vipers Release Defenceman Delacour With immediate effect the Newcastle Vipers have released Canadian defenceman Robin Delacour from his contract. ........ Hull's Koulikov Won't Rush Return Excel Hull Stingrays forward Slava Koulikov says he will not rush his comeback from a groin injury for fear of doing long-term damage. ........ Flames Get Back to Winning Ways On Tuesday night the Flames pulled into Kirkcaldy ice arena to take on the Fife Flyers in Winter Cup action. ........ Stingrays' Strachan: One of Those Nights Coach Rick Strachan felt "the last three games have taken their toll" on Excel Hull Stingrays after seeing them lose 3-2 at home to Edinburgh Capitals in the Winter Cup. ........ Hull's Strachan: Destiny in Our Own Hands Coach Rick Strachan says Excel Hull Stingrays' Winter Cup destiny "is still in our own hands" after a 2-0 home defeat by Bracknell Bees. ........ Flames Offence Dries Up On Sunday night the Flames the Flames made their way to Scotland for the first of 2 games in 3 nights. ........ Stingrays Chernenko Injury Boost Excel Hull Stingrays defenceman Vladimir Chernenko's rib injury has been diagnosed as "severe bruising". ........ Vipers Looking for Elite Opportunity Newcastle Vipers owner Darryl Illingworth today [Monday] confirmed that the club have officially resigned from the British National League and are currently seeking entry into the Elite Ice Hockey League for the 2005-06 season. ........ Flames Make Roster Moves The Guildford Flames ice hockey club are pleased to announce the signing of Defenceman Juraj Durco. ........ Vipers Head Into Weekend On a High The Newcastle Vipers head into this weekends fixtures on a high after a victory over the Elite League leaders the Cardiff Devils. ........ Chernenko Relishing Stingrays Opportunity Ukrainian defenceman Vladimir Chernenko admitted he jumped at the chance to join Excel Hull Stingrays. ........ Vipers Withdraw From Caledonia Cup It is with regret that the Newcastle Vipers have been forced to withdraw from this season's Caledonia Cup due to irreconcilable differences with the other participating clubs. ........ Chernenko Flies in For Stingrays Ukrainian defenceman Vladimir Chernenko will skate with his new Excel Hull Stingrays team-mates for the first time this morning after arriving in Britain. ........ Strachan: Stingrays Have The Makings Of A Great Team Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan says he "has the makings of a great team" after seeing them take another huge step towards a Winter Cup semi-final spot with a 3-2 victory over Milton Keynes Lightning at Planet Ice. ........ Stingrays Mckay in Dreamland Tim McKay admits he is "living a dream" after a hugely impressive start to his Excel Hull Stingrays career. ........ Seven-up Stingrays Sink Stars Slava Koulikov hit a hat-trick against former club Dundee Stars as Excel Hull Stingrays recorded a 7-4 British National League victory at Hull Arena on Saturday. ........ Flames 50-50 on Weekend in Winter Cup Action On Sunday night the Guildford Flames Ice Hockey Club returned to Spectrum ice looking for their third win in a row as they hosted the Hull Stingrays in Winter Cup action. ........ Strachan Salutes Stunning Stingrays Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan saluted a "solid team effort" after they registered a vital 1-0 victory at Guildford Flames in the Winter Cup. ........ Chernenko joins Stingrays Excel Hull Stingrays have added to their Ukrainian contingent by signing young defenceman Vladimir Chernenko. ........ Vipers' Tuyl: "We Need To Play Hard" After mixed fortunes for the Vipers last weekend and two mid-week defeats, the Vipers will be looking to get back on form when they travel to Edinburgh to take on the Capitals on Sunday. ........ Stingrays' Mckay Eyes Permanent Role Forward Tim McKay is hoping to impress coach Rick Strachan and earn a permanent place on the Excel Hull Stingrays roster. ........ Stingrays' Boothroyd surprised by GB call-up Excel Hull Stingrays forward Luke Boothroyd has spoken of his surprise at being named in the Great Britain Under-20 squad for the World Junior Championships at iceSheffield. ........ Stingrays Accept Three-Game Glowa Ban Joint Excel Hull Stingrays owner Mike Pack has confirmed the club have reluctantly accepted Jeff Glowa's three-match suspension. ........ Flames Grab Pair of Points from London Racers On Wednesday night the Guildford Flames were on Spectrum ice to take on the visiting London Racers of the Elite League, and the Surrey club handed the London club a 4-1 defeat to mark the occasion of the Racers first ever appearance in the Leisure centre. ........ Praise for Vipers' Thornton and Wilson Newcastle General Manager Clyde Tuyl today praised Vipers pair of Andrew Thornton and Robert Wilson. ........ Stingrays Give Best Performance of The Season Coach Rick Strachan described Excel Hull Stingrays' 5-2 Winter Cup victory over Newcastle Vipers at Hull Arena on Sunday as "the best performance of the season". ........ Guildford Goals Galore for Pavlov The Guildford Flames ice hockey club travelled up to Scotland for a pair of games beginning Saturday against Fife Flyers where they stole a 3-0 shutout win for a pair of BNL points. ........ Stingrays Strachan Applauds Awesome Andrei Andrei Nikolaev refused to take all the plaudits after grabbing a terrific treble to help Excel Hull Stingrays to a 5-2 Winter Cup victory over Newcastle Vipers at Hull Arena on Sunday. ........ Stingray Coach Strachan Declares: Dundee Deserved It Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan gave full credit to Dundee Stars after seeing his side lose 5-2 in their British National League encounter on Tayside on Saturday. ........ Gomenyuk Named New Stingrays' Captain Ukrainian defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk has been named Excel Hull Stingrays' new captain. ........ Hull's Johnson: It Will Be a Great Night Former Excel Hull Stingrays captain Stephen Johnson says "it's going to be a great night" when his number 10 shirt is retired at Hull Arena on Sunday. ........ Rays' Glowa Cleared to Play Canadian forward Jeff Glowa has been cleared to play on appeal for Excel Hull Stingrays this weekend following the three-game ban handed out by the British National League disciplinary committee. ........ Stingrays' Strachan Puts Faith in Boothroyd Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan will not bring in a replacement for departed captain Craig Minard in time for the weekend. ........ Slovak Boosts Bees Backline Michal Vrabel has joined the Bees to complete their defensive line-up. ........ Shock Departure for Stingrays Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan is working around the clock to find a new defenceman following the sudden departure of captain Craig Minard for personal reasons. ........ Vipers' First Look at NHL Talent Newcastle Vipers fans will see their first glimpse of the NHL on Saturday as the Coventry Blaze and new signing Wade Belak arrive on Tyneside. ........ Flames Defeated in Overtime On Sunday night the Flames returned to Spectrum ice after having a rare Saturday off, meaning just a pair of points on offer for the Surrey based club for the entire weekend. ........ Moody Leaves The Vipers for Chance Down Under Newcastle Vipers regret to announce that defenceman Scott Moody has asked to leave the club, and this request has been granted. ........ Stingrays' Strachan Satisfied With Weekend Haul Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan was satisfied with a three-point weekend after seeing his side lose 6-5 after overtime to Bracknell Bees in the British National League. ........ Wilson Targets 'Blazing' Weekend Newcastle player-coach Rob Wilson is urging Newcastle to build on their win against Dundee by securing two wins at home against the Coventry Blaze on Saturday (face-off) and away to the Hull Stingrays on Sunday. ........ War of The Tyne And Wear Tribes Crazy Kenny's sponsored neicehockey. ........ Stingrays Duo in Team of Month Excel Hull Stingrays duo Scott Wray and Craig Minard have been named in the British National League team of the month for October. ........ Stingrays Appeal Glowa Punishment Excel Hull Stingrays have appealed against the match penalty issued to Jeff Glowa during their 3-2 British National League win over champions Fife Flyers in Kirkcaldy on Saturday. ........ Stingrays Developing Their Own Identity Canadian forward Jeff Glowa says this season's Excel Hull Stingrays side "have developed our own identity". ........ Vipers' Wilson: "The Fans Can Roar Us Back on Track" Rob Wilson is urging Vipers fans to roar their side to success over the Dundee Stars this coming Sunday (6:00pm face-off). ........ Burgess Enjoying Scoring Run at Stingrays Assistant player-coach Dru Burgess says he is "full of confidence" after a hot scoring streak for Excel Hull Stingrays. ........ Viper's Tuyl: "We need to get back to basics" was the assessment of Newcastle Vipers General Manager Clyde Tuyl after a disappointing weekend that saw his team lose both games against Elite League opposition. ........ Vipers' Illingworth Demands a Worthy Performance Newcastle owner Darryl Illingworth is asking his players to put in a performance that "honours" the yellow and white jersey and the club's superb fan base. ........ Flyers Return to Form with Four Point Weekend Fife Flyers enjoyed a return to form last weekend, as they staged a dramatic late smash and grab win at home against the Hull Stingrays, before dominating the Dundee Stars in Dundee. ........ Flames Get 2 of 4 Winter Cup Points On Weekend On Saturday night the Guildford Flames Ice Hockey club were back on home ice when they hosted the Peterborough Phantoms marking the Phantoms only visit to Spectrum this season. ........ Fife Snatch Win from Stingrays Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan said "it was a tough way to lose" after Fife Flyers snatched a 3-2 Winter Cup win from the jaws of defeat in Kirkcaldy on Saturday. ........ Stingrays' Strachan: a Solid Road Game Coach Rick Strachan described Excel Hull Stingrays' performance on Sunday in the 4-2 Winter Cup win over Edinburgh Capitals in Murrayfield as "a solid road game". ........ Phillips Eyes Top-Four Finish for Stingrays Defenceman Kevin Phillips has backed Excel Hull Stingrays to challenge for a top-four finish in the British National League. ........ Stingrays' Pack Optimistic Over Semi-Final Prospects Joint Excel Hull Stingrays owner Mike Pack says qualifying for the Winter Cup is still within his side's grasp. ........ US Camp Boosts Stingray Roberts' Confidence Excel Hull Stingrays back-up goaltender Sam Roberts says he has returned "a more confident player" after attending a week-long try-out camp with United Hockey League outfit Quad-City Mallards. ........ Stingrays' Strachan Salutes Czech Star Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan hailed the performance of goaltender Ladislav Kudrna after he backstopped his side to a 3-1 win over Elite League London Racers in the National Cup at Hull Arena. ........ Bees Confirm Parrish Signing The Bracknell Bees today confirmed the signing of 32 year old defenceman Dwight Parrish. ........ Stingrays' Minard Eyes Top Four Excel Hull Stingrays captain Craig Minard believes a top-four finish in the British National League is well within their capabilities. ........ Stingrays' Strachan Highlights Need for Three Lines Coach Rick Strachan says recent events have underlined the need for Excel Hull Stingrays to play three-line hockey. ........ Flames Pick Up Win in Lone Game of Weekend On Saturday night the Flames travelled to Milton Keynes to take on the Lightning, one of two English Premier clubs competing in the Winter Cup competition. ........ We Will Battle On, Promises Tuyl Newcastle General Manager Clyde Tuyl has promised Vipers fans that his team will fight every inch of the way to pick up points in British National League. ........ Stingrays' Phillips Ready If Needed Teenager Dave Phillips is ready for second-line duty should he be needed when Excel Hull Stingrays face London Racers in the National Cup at Hull Arena on Wednesday. ........ Strachan: We Did Enough Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan applauded his "gutsy" side after they recorded a 4-2 Winter Cup victory over Dundee Stars at Hull Arena on Saturday. ........ Flames Sign Ex-Olympian The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey club are pleased to announce the signing of former Slovakian national team forward Dusan Pohorelec. ........ Sebastian Departs Fife Fife Flyers regret to announce that they have parted company with forward Chris Sebastian, who returns to Canada. ........ Seething Stingrays' Strachan Blasts Ref Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan blasted the performance of referee Kevin Westney after seeing Andrei Nikolaev taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg following their 6-5 Winter Cup defeat at Bracknell Bees. ........ Bees Suffer Shock Departures The Bracknell Bees regret to report that Serge Dube and Steve Weidlich are leaving the club. ........ Wallace Aiming High Stephen Wallace reckons the Newcastle Vipers will provide him with the perfect platform to finally realise his ambitions in Ice Hockey. ........ Vipers' Wilson: "We Deserved It" Newcastle Vipers player-coach Rob Wilson has hailed his side after their win against the Guildford Flames on Sunday. ........ Radmall Revels in Stingray Scoring Streak Defenceman Adam Radmall admitted victory was the most important thing after he helped Excel Hull Stingrays beat former club Coventry Blaze 4-3 after overtime in a nail-biting National Cup encounter at Hull Arena. ........ Metro Radio Is Music To Vipers' Ears The Newcastle Vipers are delighted to announce a new media partnership agreement with Metro Radio. ........ Nothing to be Ashamed Of for Rays Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan said his side "had nothing to be ashamed of" after losing 3-1 to Cardiff Devils in the National Cup at Hull Arena. ........ Whistle Backs Stingrays for Title Challenge Cardiff Devils coach Dave Whistle has backed Excel Hull Stingrays to challenge for the British National League title this season. ........ Vipers 'Starting to Grow As A Team' Newcastle netminder Doug Teskey believes the Vipers have what it takes to compete for all three major trophies available to the club this season. ........ Raitanen Returns to Stingrays Excel Hull Stingrays have announced the return of former fans' favourite Pasi Raitanen - in a commercial role at the club. ........ Flames Gain One Point and Loose One Forward On Saturday night the Flames were back in action on Spectrum ice taking on the Edinburgh Capitals in Winter Cup play. ........ Stingray's Strachan: Practice Made Perfect Practice made perfect for coach Rick Strachan after Excel Hull Stingrays registered a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory over Coventry Blaze in the National Cup at Hull Arena. ........ Stingrays' Radmall Relishing Coventry Reunion Excel Hull Stingrays defenceman Adam Radmall faces former club Coventry Blaze for the first time tonight, insisting he has "nothing to prove. ........ Vipers Release Caledonia Cup Schedule The Newcastle Vipers are pleased to announce that they will once again be competing in the Caledonia Cup with the Dundee Stars, Edinburgh Capitals and Fife Flyers. ........ Stingrays' Phillips Revels in First-line Show Dave Phillips said it was "a great feeling" to be promoted to Excel Hull Stingrays' first line during the 3-2 British National League victory at home to Guildford Flames on Sunday. ........ Strachan rues Disallowed Stingrays Goal Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan was left ruing a "huge turning point" after his side went down 5-2 to Guildford Flames at the Spectrum. ........ Flames Split Weekend Series With Stingrays in BNL Action On Sunday night the Flames travelled to Hull to take on the Stingrays after defeating them on home ice just 24 hours earlier. ........ Radmall Ends Drought to Douse Flames Defenceman Adam Radmall ended a two-year scoring duck as Excel Hull Stingrays came from behind to record a 3-2 British National League victory over Guildford Flames at Hull Arena. ........ Flames Add Reilly to Roster The Guildford Flames ice hockey club have signed British forward Jason Reilly for the remainder of the 2004-2005 ice hockey season. ........ Culley Looking Forward To Vipers Return Whilst the venue may be different for Sundays home game against Milton Keynes, Vipers forward Karl Culley is looking forward to his return to Hillheads. ........ Vipers' 'Home' Show On The Road Vipers General Manager Clyde Tuyl is looking forward to Sunday night, and the first of Newcastle's two home games to take place at Whitley Bay Ice Rink. ........ Stingrays' Glowa: Spirit Is Great Canadian forward Jeff Glowa has applauded the "feel-good factor" in the Excel Hull Stingrays dressing room. ........ Vipers' Tuyl: "We'll Pick Ourselves Up" The Vipers go into this weekends games looking to get back to winning ways after losing two of the last three games. ........ Giants Take Five from Flames On Wednesday night the Guildford Flames Ice Hockey Club hosted the Belfast Giants for their first ever meeting on Spectrum ice. ........ Hull's Strachan lauds Boothroyd Display Coach Rick Strachan commended the assured performance of Luke Boothroyd during Excel Hull Stingrays' recent 5-4 Winter Cup win over Peterborough Phantoms at Hull Arena. ........ No More Off Nights, Urges Vipers' Weaver Jonathan Weaver believes this coming weekend offers Newcastle the perfect chance to bounce back from Sunday's heavy defeat in Coventry against the Elite League Blaze. ........ Hull's Minard Relieved After Injury Scare Excel Hull Stingrays captain Craig Minard has spoken of his relief after discovering his elbow injury is not as bad as first feared. ........ Stingrays Stunned but Strachan Relieved By Win Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan admitted his side "found a way to win" after edging past Peterborough Phantoms 5-4 in the Winter Cup at Hull Arena on Sunday. ........ Vipers' Illingworth: 'It Was Not a Good Performance' Owner Darryl Illingworth struggled to find many positives after watching his Newcastle Vipers dumped 9-1 by the Elite League's Coventry Blaze. ........ Ice Star backs Skills Campaign One of British ice hockey's biggest stars, Jonathan Weaver, is giving his backing to the Get On North East initiative and urging adults to take up free literacy and numeracy courses. ........ Hull's Strachan: A Great Road Game Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan saluted "a great road game" after his side recorded a 4-2 victory at Dundee Stars in the Winter Cup. ........ No Special Treatment for 'Task' Ahead Newcastle center Michael Tasker insists it is business as usual tomorrow as the Vipers come face to face with the Elite League's Coventry Blaze (6:00pm face-off). ........ Vipers Have Cover in 'Event' The Newcastle Vipers are delighted to announce that Event Cover Productions have agreed to a third season as an official club sponsor. ........ Hull's Wray Wants Four-Point Weekend Top goalscorer Scott Wray wants Excel Hull Stingrays to overcome their Nottingham Panthers disappointment by picking up back-to-back Winter Cup wins this weekend. ........ Vipers' Wilson: No Fear Rob Wilson believes his Vipers side have nothing to fear when the Bracknell Bees visit the Metro Radio Arena on Saturday (6:30pm face-off). ........ Sheffield 'Steel' Vipers' Points The highly anticipated game against the Elite League Champions, the Sheffield Steelers, ended in disappointment for the Vipers tonight at the Metro Radio Arena. ........ Hulls' Minard: Defeat Was a Wake-Up Call Captain Craig Minard believes Excel Hull Stingrays' National Cup defeat by Nottingham Panthers on Sunday served as a "wake-up call". ........ Flames 50/50 On Road Trip On Sunday night the Guildford Flames ice hockey club travelled from Edinburgh to Coventry to take on the Blaze and were looking for a clean sweep after picking a 5-0 win in Scotland just 24 hours earlier. ........ Stingrays Applaud Panthers Opportunism Coach Rick Strachan applauded the opportunism of Nottingham Panthers after Excel Hull Stingrays went down 6-2 in the National Cup at Hull Arena. ........ No Panic, Says Vipers' Illingworth Owner Darryl Illingworth has acted to lift discouraged Vipers fans by insisting that Rob Wilson's men can still have a very successful 2004-05 season. ........ Fife Enjoy Consecutive Wins Fife Flyers wrapped up a huge week, with their 4th and 5th consecutive wins, beating Dundee Stars 7-3 at home on Saturday in a British National League encounter, before demolishing the Peterborough Phantoms 9-2 on the road on Sunday in the Winter Cup. ........ Stingrays' Alipov Thrilled By Steelers Triumph Player of the Year Evgeny Alipov described Excel Hull Stingrays' National Cup triumph over Sheffield Steelers as "the best game I have been involved in since I came to Britain". ........ Stingrays' Phillips Plea to Fans Double World Junior Championship gold medalist Kevin Phillips has urged the Excel Hull Stingrays fans to reminisce the glory days and flood back to Hull Arena. ........ Unknown Territory for Vipers Newcastle Vipers head into unknown territory on Sunday, when the Elite League Sheffield Steelers arrive on Tyneside for what will be the first competitive cross league game for the Vipers. ........ Fife Draw First Blood in Battle of the Champions Fife Flyers drew first blood in the much anticipated clash between last seasons BNL and EIHL league champions in Sheffield last night, running out 2-1 winners. ........ Stingrays' Strachan Proud of Players Coach Rick Strachan was proud of his Excel Hull Stingrays side after they overcame an horrendous coach journey to register a 1-1 draw with Guildford Flames after over-time at the Spectrum. ........ Netminders Steal Show As Flames and Stingrays Draw The Guildford Flames and Hull Stingrays took to the ice in the Flames first midweek game of the new season. ........ Guildford Pick Up First Points in Crossover Win On Sunday night the Flames returned to Spectrum ice to take on the Fife Flyers in Winter Cup play. ........ Stingrays' Pack: National Cup Results are Unpredictable Joint Excel Hull Stingrays owner Mike Pack says the results in the National Cup so far this season have proved there is little to separate the Elite League and British National League. ........ Stingrays' Strachan Hails Stunning Success Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan says the stunning 2-1 National Cup victory over Elite League champions Sheffield Steelers at a packed Hull Arena "proved we can beat anyone". ........ Stingrays' Strachan: We must believe in ourselves Coach Rick Strachan has told his Excel Hull Stingrays side to start believing in themselves more after going down 3-2 to Newcastle Vipers. ........ Hull's Pyatt Relishing Steelers Clash Dave Pyatt cannot wait to go head-to-head with boyhood idols Sheffield Steelers when they meet Excel Hull Stingrays in the National Cup at Hull Arena on Sunday night (5:30pm face-off). ........ Koulikov Hails Hull Brit Pack Russian-born forward Slava Koulikov has sung the praises of Excel Hull Stingrays' young British third line. ........ Hull's Ritchie Prepared To Be Patient Teenager Dave Ritchie is prepared to wait for his chance to ice for Excel Hull Stingrays - but admits it will be "a dream come true" when he does. ........ Three Points from Four in Flames' Weekend On Sunday night the Flames boarded the coach for their first road game of the season and came from behind late in the game to defeat the Hull Stingrays 4-3 in Winter Cup play. ........ Hull Defeat is Warning to League Excel Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan believes their performance against Nottingham Panthers in the National Cup will have sent a warning to the rest of the Elite League teams. ........ Hull's Glowa: We must improve New signing Jeff Glowa admits Excel Hull Stingrays must cut out the mistakes when they face Elite League Nottingham Panthers in the first National Cup game at the National Ice Centre tonight. ........ Phillips Relishing Elite Test Excel Hull Stingrays defenceman Kevin Phillips is relishing pitting his wits against the Elite League teams in the inaugural National Cup this season. ........ Sponsorship Joy for Stingrays Hull Stingrays have announced a major double sponsorship deal with Lafarge Plasterboard joining Excel Laminating in backing the British National League side. ........ Three More for Fife Fife Flyers are delighted to announce three additions to the team ahead of Saturday's season curtain-raiser against Edinburgh. ........ Stingray's Strachan Salutes Brits Coach Rick Strachan heaped praise on his young British third line after Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays opened their season with a victory. ........ Minard "Honoured" By Stingrays Captaincy Canadian Craig Minard said it was "an honour" to be named Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays captain. ........ Stingray's Pack Explains Ritchie Absence Joint owner Mike Pack has revealed Dave Ritchie missed Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays' 5-3 victory over Milton Keynes Lightning in the Winter Cup due to suspension. ........ Flames Open Season With a 5-4 Loss To Bracknell Bees On Sunday night the Flames opened the curtain on another season, but did not get the storybook result, suffering a 5-4 loss in Winter Cup action to the Bracknell Bees. ........ Stingrays' Pack Eyes Play-Offs Joint Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays owner Mike Pack has revealed "I will be disappointed if we do not make the play-offs this season". ........ Ritchie Handed Stingrays Chance Local-born forward Dave Ritchie has been handed a place on the Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays roster this season after impressing during a trial. ........ Hull's Pack: A Tough Start Joint owner Mike Pack believes Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays could not have asked for a tougher start to the season. ........ Strachan Pleased With Preparations Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan is pleased with the way preparations are going ahead of the season curtain-raiser on Sunday. ........ Johnson Backing for Youngsters Peter Johnson has backed youngsters Dave Phillips, Luke Boothroyd and Dave Pyatt to hold their own for Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays this season. ........ Burgess Backing for New Recruits New player assistant-coach Dru Burgess has backed Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays' new recruits to make a positive impression this season. ........ Key Defenceman Re-Signs for Fife Fife Flyers are delighted to announce the re-signing of key British defenceman Derek King for the 2004/5 season. ........ Burgess Raring To Go Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays player assistant-coach Dru Burgess cannot wait for the opening game of the season against Milton Keynes Lightning on Sunday. ........ Return of the King to Fife Fife Flyers are delighted to announce the re-signing of popular British forward, Steven King. ........ Saul Back for Fife Fife Flyers are delighted to announce the signing of pacy forward Adrian Saul for the 2004/5 season. ........ Making Hay While The Sun Shines... Fife Flyers are delighted to be able to announce their starting netminder for season 2004/5. ........ Flames Sign Pair of Forwards From Evaluation Camp The Guildford Flames were busy last weekend, but not with games in the British National League. ........ Capitals Land Probably The Best Sponsor in The World Edinburgh Capitals are delighted to announce that Carlsberg have become major sponsors for season 2004/05. ........ Stingrays to Retire Johnson Shirt Stephen Johnson is to have his No 10 shirt retired by Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays following his decision to bring the curtain down on his 23-year playing career. ........ Duo Given Stingrays Chance Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays have given youngsters Luke Boothroyd and David Pyatt the opportunity to nail down a permanent place on the roster. ........ Bees Blast From the Past! Bracknell Bees are pleased to announce the first ever Alumni Game to be held at the John Nike Leisuresport Complex on Sunday 29th August 2004, 6pm face-off. ........ Influential Biette Returns to Fife 21 Reasons To Be Cheerful. ........ Flames Looking for Young British Talent The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey club are less than 4 weeks away from their first face off of the season and, in an unusual turn, the club have yet to complete their opening day roster. ........ Roberts Returns to Stingrays Teenager Sam Roberts has agreed to return to Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays as their back-up goaltender for the forthcoming campaign. ........ Captain Haig Back with Fife Fife Flyers are delighted to announce the return of John Haig, last season's Captain for the 2004/5 season. ........ Trofimenkoff Takes Capitals Netminder Role Edinburgh Capitals are pleased to announce that netminder Dave Trofimenkoff has signed for the club. ........ Guildford Relaunch ISS Drug Freeze Programme This September will not only see the start of the 2004/2005 Guildford Flames Ice Hockey season, but also the re-launch of the ISS Drug Freeze Programme. ........ Minard makes Stingrays switch Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays have completed their import quota by signing Canadian defenceman Craig Minard. ........ Steven Lynch a Capital for Sixth Season Edinburgh Capitals are delighted to be able to announce that Steven Lynch will once again be team captain for the club. ........ Lightning Opener for Stingrays Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays will begin their 2004/05 campaign at home to Milton Keynes Lightning in the newly-formed Winter Cup on Sunday September 5. ........ Fife to Open Against Edinburgh Fife will open the season, and raise the 2003/4 championship banner against arch-rivals Edinburgh Capitals on Saturday September 11, before entertaining Milton Keynes for the first time in 3 years the following weekend. ........ Two More for Bees The Bracknell Bees have today announced the signing of two top forwards, completing the main line up for the 2004/2005 season. ........ Koulikov Back for Stingrays Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan believes the fans will begin to see the best of Slava Koulikov this season. ........ Capital Car Hire Drive Capitals Edinburgh Capitals are delighted to be able to announce that Capital Car Hire are back on board as sponsors for the 2004/05 season. ........ Outstanding Kyle Returns to Flyers' Fold Fife Flyers are delighted to announce the re-signing of Kirkcaldy born defenceman, Kyle Horne. ........ Stingrays' Player of the Year Returns Player of the year Evgeny Alipov has agreed to return to Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays for a second season. ........ Flames Find New Man at Netminder Position With the opening September face off now just weeks away, the Guildford Flames Ice Hockey club have announced their newest recruit in netminder Miroslav Bielik who will stand between the pipes during the 2004-2005 season. ........ Bees Get Their D-Men The Bracknell Bees have today confirmed the signing of two defencemen. ........ Sting-Wray! Coach Rick Strachan believes new signing Scott Wray will "get himself noticed" this season after the power forward decided to join Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays. ........ Fife Announce Ticket Pricing Structure Fife Flyers are pleased to confirm their season ticket and matchnight entry pricing for season 2004/5. ........ Defenceman for Bees Mike Rees has become the second defenceman signed for the Bees for the 2004/2005 season. ........ Influential D-Man for Flyers Fife Flyers are delighted to announce the return of popular and influential defenceman Greg Kuznik for the 200/5 season. ........ Bees Confirm New Signings The Bracknell Bees today confirmed the signings of Matus Petricko and Greg Owen. ........ Flames Keep Palov at Spectrum The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey Club have unveiled another signing as the countdown continues to September when the new season will face off at Spectrum. ........ Jozef Kohut Returns to the Guildford Spectrum The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey Club have announced their newest signing as Jozef Kohut who will ice with the club for a second straight season. ........ Capitals Announce Season Tickets Edinburgh Capitals are pleased to be able to announce season ticket details for season 2004/05. ........ Flames Sign British Forward Stuart Potts The Guildford Flames this week added a new face to their roster for the 2004-2005 season when they finalised a deal that will see Durham born Stuart Potts pull on a Flames jersey when the puck drops on the new season. ........ Czech Bounces into Stingrays Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan has secured the services of highly-rated Czech goaltender Ladislav Kudrna. ........ Flames' Vince to Play Elsewhere Next Season The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey Club will be without the services of last season's second top point getter Ryan Vince. ........ Michnac Back in Flames The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey Club continue to re-build their roster using members of their play-off winning side from this past spring. ........ Rastislav Böhme Joins the Capitals' Fold Edinburgh Capitals have acquied the services of Slovakian defenceman Rastislav Böhme. ........ Nikolaev back with Stingrays Ukraine forward Andrei Nikolaev has agreed to return to Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays for a second season. ........ Stingrays capture Radmall Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan has clinched the signing of World Championship Under-20 gold medalist Adam Radmall. ........ Flyers Start Re-building for Season 2004/5 Findus British National League Champions Fife Flyers are delighted to announce their first signing for the new season. ........ Aldridge Returns to Bracknell Ryan Aldridge will be playing his second season for the Bees in the 2004/2005 campaign. ........ Junior Development in the BNL Gets Results As part of the 5-year plan, the British National League has carried out a close-season audit on both the effectiveness of its Junior Development Programme and the relationships the League has with its respective Junior Clubs. ........ Konder Inks With Flames The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey club have announced a further addition to their roster for the upcoming season. ........ Edinburgh Delighted as Miroslav Droppa Re-Signs Edinburgh Capitals are delighted to be able to announce that defenceman Miroslav Droppa has re-signed for his second season. ........ Martin Cingel Returns to Capitals Edinburgh Capitals are delighted to be able to announce the return of Slovakian forward Martin Cingel. ........ Second Richardson Brother for Bees 21 year old Lee Richardson will be icing alongside his brother Mark, for the Bees next season. ........ Stingrays swoop for Glowa Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays have brightened up their pre-season by signing Canadian centre Jeff Glowa. ........ Jan Krajicek Re-Signs for Third Season Edinburgh Capitals are delighted to be able to announce that defenceman Jan Krajicek has re-signed for his third season with the club. ........ Meyers Returns to Bracknell 21 year-old Danny Meyers has re-signed for the Bees for the 2004-2005 season. ........ Flames Add Newcomer Jason Baird to Roster The Guildford Flames have signed their first new player of the summer, securing the services of Canadian forward Jason Baird for the 2004-2005 season. ........ Flames Ink Deal with British Forward Nick Cross The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey club continue to rebuild their roster following their championship playoff run in early April. ........ Ellis Confirmed as Coach and Richardson Returns The Bracknell Bees today confirmed that Mike Ellis will be returning as player/coach for the 2004/2005 season. ........ Galazzi Retires From Flames After helping the Guildford Flames ice hockey club to the play-off championship, British forward Mark Galazzi has informed the club that he will be retiring from the game and will not be available for a 4th consecutive season. ........ Gomenyuk Back for Stingrays Ukrainian defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk will stay with the Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays for next season after agreeing a new deal. ........ Flames Secure Return of Top Point Scorer The Guildford Flames are pleased to announce the signing of another player from the 03-04 play-off championship squad. ........ Flames Prepare for Championship Defence The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey Club, fresh off the play-off championship, have announced the signing of a pair of returning players from the championship side. ........ Flames Champions Again! On Sunday night the Flames skated onto Spectrum ice in front of a sold out crowd with a slim 1-goal margin following the FBNL Final 1st leg in Bracknell the night before. ........ Flames in Championship Final Showdown with Derby Rival Bracknell After building a 6-2 lead in leg 1 of the play-off semi finals, the Guildford Flames boarded the coach for the long trek to Edinburgh to finish the job in leg 2, and returned home to Surrey after a 4-3 win and a 10-5 aggregate score to advance to the 2 game aggregate goal play-off championship final on April 3rd and 4th. ........ Mcsorley Backing for Phillips Great Britain coach Chris McSorley believes teenager Kevin Phillips will become a regular part of the senior national programme. ........ Flames Clinch Play-Off Top Spot On Sunday night the Guildford Flames took to Spectrum ice with their eyes on securing top of the play-off table with just one game for each club remaining in the round schedule. ........ Flames Clinch Spot in Play-Off Semi Finals On Wednesday night the Dundee Stars travelled to Guildford to take on the Flames in Findus British National League Play-off action and a 4-1 victory for the Surrey club seals a spot in the play-off championship semi finals on the weekend of March 27th & 28th. ........ Phillips Back with Stingrays Double junior World Championship gold medallist Kevin Phillips has re-signed for Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays for the 2004/05 campaign. ........ Bees' Coach Ellis Cleared to Play In a season that hasn't seen the Bees have a lot of luck with injuries, some good news for a change as player/coach Mike Ellis has been given the all-clear to play this weekend. ........ Daryl Lavoie Injury Canadian defenceman Daryl Lavoie is almost certainly going to miss the rest of the season after fracturing his skull at the game in Dundee on Wednesday. ........ Edinburgh Capitals Player of the Year Awards 2004 The Edinburgh Capitals Supporters Club are delighted to be able to announce that voting has now begun for the 2004 Player Of The Year awards. ........ Flames Back In Win Column; Inch Closer to Semi Final Berth On Tuesday night the Flames were in Newcastle to take on the Vipers in continued play-off action, and picked up a pair of play-off points with a 3-1 win. ........ Flames 50/50 Against Edinburgh - Retain Top Playoff Spot On Saturday night the Guildford Flames were back in play-off action against the Edinburgh Capitals on Spectrum ice. ........ FBNL Players Feature in GB U18 Gold Medal Ranking Proof of the effectiveness of the FBNL's commitment to identifying young talent has today been shown with no less than five of the Great Britain Under 18's being selected from teams within the British National League. ........ Guildford's Rick Plant Suspended The Guildford Flames regret to announce the release of their all time top scoring British trained player. ........ Bowman Wants Stingrays Return Most Improved Player of the Year Michael Bowman is desperate to return to Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays for the 2004/05 campaign. ........ Strachan: We Will Have Less Eastern Europeans Coach Rick Strachan has revealed not all of his Ukrainian quartet will be returning to the Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays next season. ........ Flames Pick Up A Point In First Play-Off Match The Guildford Flames began their play-off championship campaign on Wednesday night when they travelled to Scotland to take on the Dundee Stars in the first of 10 games to determine which 4 clubs will remain to advance to the semi final stage of the competition. ........ Bees Blow as Ellis Ruled Out The Bracknell Bees were delivered an unwelcome blow today when player/coach Mike Ellis was told he may have to miss the rest of the season. ........ Flames Edged Out for League Title by Single Point On Saturday night the Guildford Flames were at home to the Newcastle Vipers as February came to a close in time for the March play-off championship round. ........ Fife Claim League Crown Fife Flyers finally confirmed their position at the top of the Findus British National League, winning their 2nd league title since the leagues inception, with a 4-3 overtime win against basement team Hull Stingrays. ........ Stingrays' Packs: Hard Work Starts Now Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays play the final match of their first season in the Findus British National League tonight - but joint owner Sue Pack admits: "The hard work starts now". ........ Strachan: Great Way to Finish Stingrays' Season Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan felt the thrilling 4-3 overtime defeat by Findus British National League champions Fife Flyers was "a great way to finish the season". ........ Alipov Named Stingrays' Player Of Year Ukrainian centre Evgeny Alipov has been named Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays' player of the year. ........ Strachan Keen to Spoil Fife Party Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan is determined to prevent Fife Flyers from being crowned Findus British National League champions at Hull Arena tonight (5. ........ Strachan: That Had Been Coming Coach Rick Strachan saw his Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays side notch up their biggest win of the season - then said: "We have played better and lost. ........ Stingrays' Johnson Reveals Frustration Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays captain Stephen Johnson admits his knee injury is taking longer to heal than expected. ........ Stingrays Slump in Kirkcaldy Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays suffered a clean sweep of defeats in Kirkcaldy as Fife Flyers took another step towards lifting the Findus British National League title following a 5-1 victory. ........ Stingrays' Strachan Hangs Up Skates Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan has admitted his playing days are over. ........ Strachan Slams Stingray Performance Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan described his side's performance in the 4-2 defeat by Newcastle Vipers at Hull Arena as "one of the worst of the season". ........ Vince Nets Back-To-Back OT Winners to keep Flames in First Place Race The Guildford Flames took to the ice Saturday at Spectrum as they continued their quest for a league title, entering the game 2 points back of the league leaders. ........ Fife Publish Playoff Schedule Fife Flyers have published their schedule of playoff games as follow: Thur 4 March: Guildford Flames v Fife Flyers Sat 6 March: Fife Flyers v Bracknell Bees Sun 7 March: Dundee Stars v Fife Flyers Tue 9 March: Fife Flyers v Edinburgh Capitals Sat 13 March: Fife Flyers v Dundee Stars Sun 14 March: Edinburgh Capitals v Fife Flyers Tue 16 March: Fife Flyers v Newcastle Vipers Wed 17 March: Newcastle Vipers v Fife Flyers Sat 20 March: Fife Flyers v Guildford Flames Sun 21 March: Bracknell Bees v Fife Flyers Home games on Saturdays will face off at 7. ........ Bowman backs Stingrays to Stun Fife Ever-improving Michael Bowman believes Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays can throw another spanner in the works of the Findus British National League title race tomorrow night. ........ FBNL Work To Move Ice Hockey Forward The FBNL Executive today confirmed they are putting together 'heads of terms' as a working document to move forward with pending negotiations brokered by the sports governing bodies IHUK and the IIHF. ........ Bowman Backs Stingrays to Stun Fife Ever-improving Michael Bowman believes Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays can throw another spanner in the works of the Findus British National League title race tomorrow night. ........ Flames Drop Overtime Point In Newcastle - Tied For League Lead On Wednesday night the Guildford Flames travelled to Newcastle to take on the Vipers and suffered a 5-4 overtime loss. ........ Pack Steeled For Sheffield Visit Joint Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays owner Mike Pack has described Sheffield Steelers as "the biggest team in Britain" ahead of their challenge match at Hull Arena tonight (7:30pm face-off). ........ Stingrays Comeback In Vain Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays produced a brave fightback against Guildford Flames - but it was in vain as they went down 3-2 after overtime at Hull Arena. ........ Strachan: We Deserved More Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan felt his side deserved more after losing 2-1 at Dundee Stars in the Findus British National League. ........ Flames One Point Off League Lead after Four-Point Weekend On Sunday night both the Fife Flyers and the Guildford Flames suited up for arguably the biggest game of the year as the FBNL regular season winds down. ........ Fife Earn Third Player of the Month Award Fife Flyers picked up their 3rd straight FBNL Player of the Month award for January, with the crown passing from Dan Goneau to on-fire netminder Steve Briere. ........ Stingrays draw a Blank Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays were blanked on the road for the first time in the Findus British National League this season as they went down 3-0 to title-chasing Guildford Flames at the Spectrum. ........ Strachan: Stingrays Will Have Say In Title Coach Rick Strachan believes Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays will have a major say in the Findus British National League title race. ........ Flames 50-50 On Weekend: Drop Crucial Head-to-Head With League Leaders On Sunday night the Guildford Flames made their way back to Spectrum to take on the Bracknell Bees after a disappointing loss against league leaders Fife Flyers in Kirkcaldy Scotland 24 hours earlier. ........ Stingray's Strachan Rues Missed Chances Coach Rick Strachan was left bewildered as to how his Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays managed to lose 5-1 to Edinburgh Capitals at Hull Arena last night. ........ Hogberg Allays Fatigue Fears Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays goaltender Anders Hogberg has shrugged off fears of fatigue in a schedule which will see him play four games in five days. ........ Hull's Koulikov: We Must Overcome Timo Blow Slava Koulikov has urged his Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays team-mates to prove they can cope without star defenceman Slava Timchenko. ........ Koulikov Happy With Form Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays forward Slava Koulikov is happy with his recent form after experiencing a "bad patch" over the Christmas period. ........ Strachan: We Got Our Just Deserts Coach Rick Strachan insisted his Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays got their just rewards in beating Newcastle Vipers 4-3 after overtime at Hull Arena. ........ Flames Close In on League Lead With 3 Point Weekend On Sunday night the Flames travelled to Scotland to take on the Dundee Stars and pulled out of the North country with a 7-1 win which, in combination with Saturday's overtime loss, gave the Flames 3 points over the weekend to move 2 points closer to league leading Fife Flyers. ........ Timchenko Blow For Stingrays Ukraine defenceman Slava Timchenko will miss Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays' next three Findus British National League matches as he is on international duty. ........ Hull's Burgess Keen to Break Winning Duck Dru Burgess is aiming to restore some personal pride when Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays face Newcastle Vipers at Hull Arena tomorrow night (5. ........ Hull Brave Weather for Flames Roasting On Wednesday night the Flames were at home to the Hull Stingrays who braved the winter conditions and made the trek south to continue their FBNL schedule against the Surrey side. ........ Stingrays Doused by Flames Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays suffered their seventh successive Findus British National League defeat after going down 6-1 to Guildford Flames at the Spectrum. ........ No Roster Changes for Fife Despite rumours to the contrary, Fife Flyers currently do not have any plans to make any roster changes for the remainder of the season. ........ England vs Scotland Competition: Coaches Selected The FBNL Executive today chose the coaching staff to be used in the forthcoming England vs Scotland competition. ........ Stingray's Florence Up For Battle Pint-sized Mark Florence is under no illusions as to the size of the task facing Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays when they travel to Guildford Flames tonight. ........ Stingray Owners: We Want To Return Joint owners Mike and Sue Pack have stated they would like to be in charge of the Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays again next season. ........ Best Play of the Season for Stingrays - but No Win Mark Florence scored his first goal of the season - but it was not enough as Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays went down to a 3-2 Findus British National League defeat by Bracknell Bees at Hull Arena. ........ Burgess Keen To Return to Hull in 04/05 Canadian forward Dru Burgess would be interested in playing for Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays again next season. ........ Flames Lose In Overtime To Snap a 5-Game Winning Streak Carrying a 5 game winning streak, the Guildford Flames travelled to local rival Bracknell on Sunday to take on the Bees in continued FBNL play and left the hive with a 4-3 overtime loss. ........ Hull's Strachan Hails Goneau Coach Rick Strachan labelled Dan Goneau "the best player in the league" after the Fife Flyers forward condemned Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays to a 6-3 defeat at Hull Arena. ........ Latest News Update From The FBNL First of all, an update on the FBNL Findus Cup DVD's and videos. ........ Nikolaev In Line For Shock Stingrays Return Ukraine international forward Andrei Nikolaev is in line to make a quickfire return to the Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays line-up for the Findus British National League home games against Bracknell Bees and Fife Flyers this weekend. ........ Fife Now Ten Points Clear A Paul Spadafora double and goals from Karry Biette and Todd Dutiaume fired Fife 10 points clear at the top of the FBNL league table, as they beat the second placed Dundee Stars in Dundee last night. ........ Hull's Brittle: A Real Four-Pointer Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays youngster Stuart Brittle has described Saturday's bottom-of-the-table clash with Bracknell Bees at Hull Arena as "a real four-pointer". ........ Flames Pick Up 4th Consecutive Win During Mid-week Trip To Scotland The Guildford Flames travelled to Scotland on Tuesday night to take on the Edinburgh Capitals in FBNL play, picking up their 4th consecutive win in dumping the Scottish side by a score of 4-2. ........ Strachan: We Will Give It Our Best Shot Coach Rick Strachan insists his Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays side will "give it their all" in their bid to reach the Findus British National League play-offs. ........ Strachan Salutes Stingray Response Coach Rick Strachan was pleased with the response of his Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays players despite going down 4-3 at Findus British National League leaders Fife Flyers in Kirkcaldy. ........ Flames Win 3-In-A-Row in Vipers Defeat On Sunday night the Guildford Flames put a 2 game win streak on the line as the Newcastle Vipers made the trek to Spectrum just a few days after the Flames defeated the Tyneside club 3-0 in Newcastle. ........ Mixed Weekend for Fife Fife had a mixed weekend, taking 2 points from Hull on Saturday, before continuing their poor run of results down in deepest Bracknell, where they were on the wrong side of a 5-0 scoreline. ........ Pack: Hull's Long-Term Future Unaffected Joint Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays owner Mike Pack insists failure to reach the Findus British National League play-offs will not affect the club's future. ........ Timchenko Fit for Stingrays Return Olympic defenceman Slava Timchenko has given Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays a boost ahead of the trip to Findus British National League leaders Fife Flyers tomorrow night by declaring himself fit. ........ Flyers' Morrison Expands Role Fife Flyers head coach Mark Morrison has agreed to formally expand his role within the organisation, taking an even more "hands on" approach to off ice management and decision making. ........ FBNL Announces England vs Scotland Dates As announced recently at the Findus Cup Finals, the FBNL are to host an England vs. ........ Marple Scores Again as Flames Shutout Vipers The Flames travelled to Newcastle on Wednesday night to take on the Vipers in midweek FBNL action and picked up a 3-0 win. ........ Hull's Johnson backing Burgess to Change Fortunes Captain Stephen Johnson believes the predatory instincts of new signing Dru Burgess can help turn close games into wins for the Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays. ........ Karting With The Capitals Remember the 'Karting with the Capitals' session is scheduled for this coming Wednesday night, the 21st January! This is a great chance to test your skills and speed against the finest the Capitals have to offer, players and fellow fans alike! All the on-track action will take place at Racing Karts, Livingston, and full details are available from the Supporters Club. ........ Gold Medal Helps Stingrays' Phillips Erase Disappointment Kevin Phillips has revealed how winning the gold medal with Great Britain Under-20s at the World Championships in Lithuania helped erase his disappointment of a year ago. ........ Strachan Wants Stingray Response Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan has called on his players to respond to their heaviest defeat of the season when they face Findus British National League leaders Fife Flyers in Kirkcaldy on Saturday. ........ Flames Back in the Win Column On Sunday, the Guildford Flames rode the wave of an offensive explosion to their first victory since December 20th. ........ Burgess Aims to Provide Stingray Firepower Canadian sniper Dru Burgess is confident of helping Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays become more of an offensive threat. ........ Stingrays Sweat Over Ukrainian Duo Ukraine international forward Andrei Nikolaev is unlikely to be in the Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays line-up for the clash with Findus British National League leaders Fife Flyers in Kirkcaldy on Saturday night. ........ Bees Secure Lyons for Rest of Season The Bracknell Bees have secured the signature of Corey Lyons for the remainder of the 2003/2004 season. ........ Miller Joins Bees for Weekend The Bracknell Bees have brought in 21year old Tyrone Miller, a defenceman with EPL team Romford Raiders, as injury cover for this weekend. ........ Burgess Braced For Stingrays Debut Canadian forward Dru Burgess is in line to make his long-awaited Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays debut this weekend following his passport saga. ........ Fife Storm into The Clear Fife Flyers stormed 10 points clear at the top of the Findus British National League last night with a stunning 5-1 road win over the misfiring Newcastle Vipers. ........ Stingray's Pope Hails Ukrainian Trio Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays player assistant-coach Brent Pope has heaped praise on Ukrainians Slava Timchenko, Andrei Nikolaev and Evgeny Alipov. ........ Hull's Koulikov: We Will Do All We Can Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays forward Slava Koulikov has revealed the players will do all they can to ensure they do not finish bottom of the Findus Briitsh National League. ........ Flames Open New Year with Defeats On Sunday night the Flames played host to the league leading Fife Flyers and suffered a 4-2 defeat at the hands of the Scottish side. ........ Hull Coach Strachan Content with Weekend Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan shrugged off the disappointment of Bracknell Bees' last-gasp overtime winner at Hull Arena last night by insisting: "I will take the point. ........ Fife The Team To Beat after first Bees Win Fife firmly established themselves as the team to beat in the FBNL so far this season with their first win over the Bracknell Bees in Kirkcaldy on Saturday, before following that up with a fine road win in Guildford, where they took the points from a struggling Flames team. ........ Strachan Unfazed Over 'Boring' Tag Coach Rick Strachan insists he does not care about the criticism over Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays' style of hockey, which has been branded "boring". ........ Stingray's Phillips has Sights Set on Gold Teenage defenceman Kevin Phillips has shrugged off fears of fatigue as he embarks on a hectic travelling schedule to play for club and country this weekend. ........ Hull's Florence Calls for Consistency British forward Mark Florence has called on Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays to start showing more consistency. ........ Sheptak Quits Bees Defenceman Curtis Sheptak has quit the Bees for more lucrative pastures, after just 5 weeks with the team. ........ Strachan salutes Hogberg Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan saluted netminder Anders Hogberg after he capped his home debut with a 40-shot shut-out in the 1-0 victory over Guildford Flames at Hull Arena. ........ Flames Suffer Back-to-Back Defeats The holidays were a time of preparation for the Guildford Flames ice hockey club as they readied themselves for the Findus Cup final on December 29th. ........ Fife Finish Busy December Unbeaten Fife concluded their busy December league schedule at the weekend, and maintained their unbeaten record during the month, which saw them record 8 victories and 1 tie to storm to the top of the Findus British National league, with a 7 point advantage over the second placed Dundee Stars. ........ Fife's Goneau named Player of the Month Fife Flyers are delighted to announce that forward DAN GONEAU has been named FBNL Player of the Month for December. ........ Fife Loose in Cup Playoff Spot Fife Flyers were defeated 6-2 by Bracknell Bees in the Findus Cup 3rd/4th playoff. ........ Hull's Hogberg: The Best Possible Start Swedish goaltender Anders Hogberg admitted his home debut "could not have gone better" after backstopping Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays to a 1-0 victory over Guildford Flames on Sunday. ........ Vipers Douse Flames in Findus Cup Final On Monday the Flames were in Newcastle to take on the Vipers in the long awaited Findus Cup final match. ........ Hull's Strachan: We're Ready To Take Advantage Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan says his side are ready to take advantage of any complacency shown by Guildford Flames when they meet at Hull Arena tomorrow night (5. ........ Double Frustration for Hull's Strachan Coach Rick Strachan suffered double disappointment after seeing Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays lose 2-1 at Newcastle Vipers in the Findus British National League. ........ Hull's Strachan swoops for Swede Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan has made a pre-Christmas swoop for Swedish goaltender Anders Hogberg. ........ Four-Point Weekend for Fife A 4 point weekend saw Fife maintain their position at the top of the Findus British National League table. ........ Hull's Strachan Still Hopeful of Landing 'Guest' Goaltender Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan has not given up hope of signing a 'guest' goaltender for the forthcoming Findus British National League games with Newcastle Vipers and Guildford Flames. ........ Findus Cup Tickets Update It's only a few days until the Findus Cup now and we [the league] just wanted to update you with regards to getting hold of tickets for the Findus Cup Finals on December 29 if you haven't got yours already. ........ Flames Defeat League Leaders in Convincing Fashion The Guildford Flames were at home on Saturday night for their only match of the weekend and played host to the league leading Dundee Stars, handing the travelling Dundee side a 6-0 defeat. ........ Hull Coach Strachan Hails Players' Efforts Coach Rick Strachan could not fault the effort of his Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays team as they went down 7-3 at Bracknell Bees. ........ Stingrays Agree Terms With DeGiorgio Netminder Domenic DeGiorgio has agreed to join the Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays. ........ Fife Storm Back to Top Flyers stormed back to the top of the Findus British National League table with a 4-1 win over local rivals Edinburgh Capitals, setting the scene for an intriguing double-header against 5th placed Newcastle Vipers. ........ Stingrays swoop for Burgess.... DeGiorgio next? Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan has confirmed the signing of Canadian forward Dru Burgess. ........ Hull's Burkitt: It Just Did Not Work Out Axed forward Noel Burkitt accepted things just "did not work out" for him at Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays The Canadian - along with goaltender Pasi Raitanen - was handed his two-week notice on Tuesday night having registered just one goal and three assists in 14 Findus British National League games. ........ Raitanen: I Will Miss Fans Finnish goaltender Pasi Raitanen will miss his rapport with the fans following his sacking by the Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays. ........ Strachan Defends Decision To Axe Duo Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan has defended his decision to axe popular goaltender Pasi Raitanen and forward Noel Burkitt. ........ Strachan in Hunt for Stringray Sniper Coach Rick Strachan admits he needs a proven goalscorer after more missed chances condemned Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays to a pointless weekend in the Findus British National League. ........ Flames One Point off League Lead after Scottish Double Header After a loss in the first game of a Scottish doubleheader weekend, the Guildford Flames ice hockey club were back in action on Sunday in Edinburgh where they defeated Capitals 4-2. ........ GB U20 call for Phillips Highly-rated Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays defenceman Kevin Phillips has been named in the Great Britain Under-20 squad for their World Championship Division II Group B campaign in Lithuania next month. ........ Roberts praises Pasi Sam Roberts has heaped praise on Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays team-mate Pasi Raitanen as he bids to become a number one goaltender. ........ Hull's Strachan: A good workout Coach Rick Strachan felt his Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays gained a good workout in their challenge match against Elite League Coventry Blaze. ........ Hull to ice Backup Netminder Roberts Tonight Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays back-up netminder Sam Roberts will be given a rare chance to shine in the challenge match against Elite League Coventry Blaze tonight. ........ Flames Top Table with 4-Point Weekend On Sunday night the Guildford Flames ice hockey club defeated the visiting Edinburgh Capitals by a margin of 4-3, to complete a 4-point weekend and jump to joint first place in the Findus British National League table. ........ Flyers Storm to The Top Fife Flyers stormed to the top of the Findus British National League on Sunday night with a fine 3-1 victory over the bottom of the table Hull Stingrays. ........ Johnson relishing Blaze test Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays captain Stephen Johnson is relishing the trip to Elite League Coventry Blaze on Wednesday night. ........ Hull's Strachan Left Disappointed Coach Rick Strachan says his Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays side must learn to shut up shop. ........ Hull's Strachan set to Experiment Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan is to try out a new system this weekend in an attempt to transform his side's fortunes. ........ Bees Sign Chinny The Bracknell Bees are pleased to announce the signing of Nicky Chinn for the remainder of the 2003/2004 season. ........ Johnson Fit for Weekend Captain Stephen Johnson will return to the Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays line-up for the back-to-back home games against Dundee Stars and Fife Flyers this weekend. ........ Flyers Continue Climb Fife Flyers continued their climb up the table to 3rd spot with 5 points out of 6 from their three games against Dundee, Edinburgh and Guildford. ........ Flames Suffer 4-2 Defeat On Long Mid-week Trip To Fife On Tuesday night the Flames made the long trip across the Scottish border to take on the Fife Flyers in FBNL play. ........ Schellin: I Am There if Stingrays Need Me Linus Schellin has refused to rule out icing for Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays again. ........ Flames Sting Bees with 2-0 Shutout On Saturday night the Guildford Flames played host to the Bracknell Bees for what was the 3rd meeting in a week between the two clubs, this time in Findus British National League play after the previous weekend where the Flames defeated the Bees 7-6 on aggregate to advance to the Findus Cup finals. ........ Stingray's Strachan: We need a Lucky Bounce Coach Rick Strachan believes his Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays side are on the verge of "giving someone a hiding". ........ Hull's Hopper Feeling Better with Himself Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays forward Karl Hopper admits he has not looked back since having a heart-to-heart with coach Rick Strachan last month. ........ Bees Release Hurley The Bracknell Bees have released forward Darren Hurley. ........ GB Test for Stingrays Great Britain continue their preparations for next year's World Championships whey they face Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays at Hull Arena on December 17 (7. ........ Flyers Bounce Back Flyers bounced back from the bitter disappointment of the Findus Cup semi final defeat at the hands of Newcastle Vipers to take 3 points from 4 in their Caledonia Cup campaigns against Edinburgh and Dundee, drawing 3-3 in Murrayfield, before winning in Dundee for the second time this season, downing the Stars 5-3. ........ Hull's Brittle: Our Fortunes Will Change Stuart Brittle believes Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays will bounce back from their poor start to the Findus British National League campaign - just as they did in the Findus Cup. ........ FBNL Cup Finals Details Whilst the official FBNL Website remains the primary source of information for the Findus Cup Finals on December 29 @ Newcastle’s Telewest Arena, here is some additional information for fans and members of the media. ........ Hull's Bowman Keen on Second Line Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays forward Michael Bowman has set his sights on regular shifts on the second line. ........ Schellin Released by Stingrays Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays have released Swedish forward Linus Schellin. ........ FBNL Latest News There's lots to tell you and first of all I must apologise if you are one of the few who have not received their regular updates. ........ Strachan slams Costly Blunders for Another Hull Defeat Coach Rick Strachan slammed the costly blunders which condemned Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays to a 4-2 home defeat by Edinburgh Capitals. ........ Flames Advance to Findus Cup Finals Leg 1 of the Findus Cup Semi finals could not have gone more to plan than last Saturday night for the Flames as they travelled to the ‘Hive’ in Bracknell to hand the Bees a 5-1 loss, taking a 4 goal lead into game 2 on Sunday in their bid to advance to the championship final of the competition. ........ Pope Slams Special Hand Treatment Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays defenceman Brent Pope has accused referees of giving Great Britain legend Tony Hand "preferential treatment". ........ Strachan set for Playing Return Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan is to don the skates again in an attempt to kick-start their Findus British National League campaign. ........ Hay Steps In to cover for Bees' Murphy Due to an injury sustained by netminder Stephen Murphy, the Bracknell Bees have signed Scott Hay as a replacement. ........ Hull's Johnson: Crucial Time Ahead Captain Stephen Johnson believes the Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays are entering a critical stage of the Findus British National League season. ........ Strachan Wants Home Improvement at Hull Rick Strachan has called on his Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays side to make home advantage count over the next fortnight and get their Findus British National League campaign back on track. ........ Flyers vs Vipers, Semi Final, Take 2... This Saturday, Flyers go into the second leg of their Findus Challenge Cup semi final a goal down after being squeezed out 3-2 by the Newcastle Vipers in the first leg in Newcastle. ........ Stingrays' Johnson Misses Training Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays captain Stephen Johnson missed training last night with the thumb injury he sustained in the 4-1 defeat at Bracknell Bees. ........ Stingray Coach Strachan Salutes Special Teams Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan is thrilled with his side's special teams. ........ Hull's Strachan Demands Improvement Rick Strachan has warned his Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays players he will not tolerate a repeat of their poor performance against Bracknell Bees. ........ FBNL Disciplinary Decision on Scott Young The FBNL Disciplinary Committee today concluded their investigations over an incident involving Scott Young, a player for the Dundee Stars. ........ Strachan Seething After Stingray Display Coach Rick Strachan was left seething after seeing Excel Laminating Hull. ........ Flames Edge Vipers in Lone Weekend Match Saturday night the Flames returned to Spectrum ice and picked up their 3rd win in a row with a 3-2 defeat of the visiting Newcastle Vipers. ........ Hull's Hopper Vows to Respond Karl Hopper has vowed to knuckle down and force Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan to hand him regular shifts on the team. ........ New Defenceman for Bees Bees coach Mike Ellis has secured the signature of ex-Canadian National team defenceman Curtis Sheptak. ........ Hull's Strachan 'We need at least a point' Coach Rick Strachan has underlined the importance of Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays picking up at least a point from their Findus British National League encounter at Bracknell Bees on Sunday night. ........ Flyers Looking for First Points Fife Flyers go into the weekend looking to pick up 2 valuable league points, and get off to a good start in their Findus Challenge Cup Semi Final. ........ Hull's Pope: We must stop blowing leads Experienced defenceman Brent Pope has called on Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays to start learning to play with a lead. ........ Strachan Backs Hull Trio for GB nod Coach Rick Strachan has backed Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays trio Slava Koulikov, Andy Munroe and Kevin Phillips to earn a place in the Great Britain squad for next year's World Championships in Norway. ........ Strachan Wants Consistency from Stingrays Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan has called on his side to cut out their Jekell and Hyde performances. ........ Late Heroics Boost Flames to Win The Guildford Flames stole a 4-3-overtime victory over the Fife Flyers in Findus British National League play. ........ Hull's Koulikov: Team Comes First Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays forward Slava Koulikov is putting personal glory to one side as his stunning start to the season goes from strength to strength. ........ Flames Release Parlatore The Guildford Flames have released Canadian forward Domenic Parlatore from his obligations to the club. ........ Hull: We have Missed Johnson Captain Stephen Johnson returns to the Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays line-up this weekend with coach Rick Strachan admitting: "We have missed him". ........ Hull's Koulikov is Realising Potential Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan believes Slava Koulikov is "just starting to realise his full potential". ........ Flyers Return to Full Strength Fife Flyers will be back to full strength this weekend as they take on Newcastle in Kirkcaldy on Saturday night, before making the long trip down to Surrey to take on the Guilford Flames. ........ Munroe Focused on Stingrays Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays defenceman Andy Munroe is refusing to look ahead to the World Championships in Norway next year having made his long-awaited Great Britain debut this week. ........ McSorley Leads GB Team to Victory in Fife Fife Flyers hosted Team GB head-coach Chris McSorley and a GB select team in a challenge match at the Fife Ice Arena on Tuesday 4 November, aiming to give McSorely the chance to run his eye over several up and coming stars who will be hoping to gain a berth in the GB team which will take part in the next World Championship campaign. ........ Dream Start for Koulikov Slava Koulikov made a dream Great Britain debut as he helped his adopted country to a 6-5 victory over Fife Flyers in a World Championship warm-up game in Kirkcaldy. ........ Flames Split Scottish Double-header The Guildford Flames made the long trek north to take on the Fife Flyers Saturday in the first game of a Scottish doubleheader. ........ Hull's Strachen: I Can't Fault The Guys Coach Rick Strachan looked to the positives after seeing Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays suffer their fourth successive Findus British National League defeat as Bracknell Bees claimed a 6-5 overtime win at Hull Arena. ........ Strachan Pleased with Performance Despite Hull Loss Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan was pleased with his side's performance despite going down 4-2 to Newcastle Vipers. ........ Flames Add to Roster The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey Club have today announced, subject to work permit and ITC approval, the signing of Peter Konder. ........ Hull Trio Poised for GB Debuts Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays trio Slava Koulikov, Andy Munroe and Kevin Phillips tonight make their Great Britain debuts when they face Fife Flyers in a warm-up match for next year's World Championships in Norway. ........ Findus Cup Finals Video available for pre-order The FBNL have announced that you can pre-order your commemorative DVD and videos from the Findus Cup Finals! This will include behind the scenes footage, player and coaches comments and of course the TWO games in their entirety. ........ Stingrays Strachan Expects Backlash Rick Strachan believes Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays will feel another backlash when Bracknell Bees visit Hull Arena tomorrow night (5. ........ Hull's Strachan wary of Vipers Firepower Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan is well aware of the threat Newcastle Vipers' first line pose. ........ Disappointing League Start for Stingrays Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan was left to reflect on a disappointing start to their Findus British National League campaign this weekend. ........ Flames 50/50 in First Weekend of Finus League Action On Saturday night the Flames opened their Findus British National League campaign with a disappointing result in losing to the Edinburgh Capitals 6-4 on Spectrum ice. ........ Hulls Strachan Shruggs Off Defeats Coach Rick Strachan shrugged off back-to-back defeats for Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays on the opening weekend of the Findus British National League campaign by insisting: "It is a long season and there is a lot of hockey to be played yet". ........ Fife to Promote Hockey as a Drug-Free Sport Fife Flyers, in conjunction with Fife Constabulary, will be hosting a special event at the Fife Ice Arena on Saturday, 1st November as they tackle the Guildford Flames. ........ Bees Release Two The Bracknell Bees have this evening announced that two players have been released, with immediate effect. ........ Strachan Backing Hull Players to Ease Blow Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan is backing his players to overcome the loss of Stephen Johnson and Brent Pope against Newcastle Vipers on Friday. ........ GB to Challenge Flyers and Stars in November Fife Flyers and Dundee Texol Stars are delighted to announce that the Great Britain team is to play two glamour challenge matches against the FBNL outfits at the Fife Ice Arena on Tuesday 4th November and at Dundee Ice Arena on Wednesday 5th November. ........ Findus Cup Finals Tickets On Sale, FaceOff Time Earlier Ahead of schedule, the FBNL are delighted to announce, incorporated into their hugely successful official website is the ‘Findus Cup mini-site’ – a directory of information aimed at all those coming to see some of the best Ice Hockey action of the season at the Newcastle Telewest Arena on December 29. ........ Flames Finish Top Despite Weekend Losses Saturday night the Flames travelled to Kingston upon Hull to take on the Hull Stingrays and were stung for a 4-1 loss in Findus Cup play. ........ Flyers Remarkable Turnaround Fife Flyers completed a remarkable turnaround of their season, and uncovered an unlikely goalscoring hero this weekend, as they qualified for the Semi Finals of the Findus Challenge Cup by defeating Dundee and Guildford. ........ Findus Cup Semifinal Draw Following a draw made today by FBNL General Manager Gary Stefan and Director of Officials Bob Bramah to decide the fixtures for the Findus Cup Semi-Finals, the results were as follows. ........ Raitanen Thanks Team-mates Pasi Raitanen saluted his Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays team-mates after posting his first shutout of the season against Edinburgh Capitals on Sunday. ........ Flames Fall to Stars Saturday night the Guildford Flames lost 4-3 to the Dundee Stars on Spectrum ice in continued Findus Cup play. ........ Hull's Pope issues Warning to Rivals Brent Pope has warned Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays' rivals - "Take us lightly at your peril". ........ Johnson to lead by example for Hull Captain Stephen Johnson will defy a suspected broken nose in an attempt to keep alive Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays' hopes of reaching the Findus Cup semi-finals. ........ Flames 50/50 on Scottish double-header On Saturday night the Flames travelled to Scotland to take on the Fife Flyers in the first of a two game Scottish doubleheader. ........ Strachan not too downhearted Coach Rick Strachan refused to be too downhearted after seeing the Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays come so close to breaking their Findus Cup duck. ........ Strachan: Flames were too hot Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan admitted Guildford Flames "were the best team we have played by far" following their 8-3 defeat at the Spectrum tonight. ........ Flames defeat Hull Stingrays 8-3 in Findus Cup play The Guildford Flames had a rare Saturday night off last weekend before Sunday’s match when the Hull Stingrays rolled into Spectrum and suffered an 8-3 defeat at the hands of the Flames in Findus Cup action. ........ Vipers to face Panthers The Newcastle Vipers are delighted to announce that they will face the Nottingham Panthers on Friday 10th October 2003 at the National Ice Centre. ........ Strachan backing Raitanen Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan has jumped to the defence of netminder Pasi Raitanen and insisted: "He will bounce back". ........ Flames Remain Unbeaten at top of Findus Cup table After kicking off their Findus Cup campaign with two wins and in sole possession of first place, the Guildford Flames returned to action this past Saturday night to take on the Edinburgh Capitals in continued Findus Cup play. ........ Hull's Strachan: We can still make semis Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan believes his side can still reach the Findus Cup semi-finals. ........ Flames take two wins in Findus Cup With a couple of challenge matches under their belts, the Guildford Flames travelled to Newcastle to take on the Vipers in the opening game of the Findus Cup. ........ Strachan: We will have shocked Coach Rick Strachan believes the Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays will have made people sit up and take notice by their opening weekend performances. ........ Strachan Disappointed with Bailey exit Coach Rick Strachan has spoken of his disappointment at Chris Bailey's shock departure from the Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays. ........ Flames Kick Off the Season The Guildford Flames ice hockey club got back to action last weekend with a home and away series against the Bracknell Bees in a challenge weekend. ........ Bees ready to extinguish the Flames Who likes 1970’s style hockey? Certainly not the Bracknell fans, who for the past two years have seen an abundance of hard-hitting hockey. ........ Venters signs up Fife Flyers are pleased to confirm the return of British forward Daryl Venters for the 2003/3 season. ........ Hopper vows to keep learning Karl Hopper cannot wait to play alongside Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays' Olympic and World Championship defenceman Vyacheslav Timchenko. ........ Vipers step up search for defence With just over a week to go before the season finally gets underway, the Newcastle Vipers are stepping up the search for blueline reinforcements. ........ Reggie's return Fife Flyers are delighted to confirm the return of GB International defenceman Kyle Horne to the team for the 2003/4 season. ........ Excel-lent week for Stingrays Excel Laminating Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan believes Ukrainian Olympic and World Championship defenceman Vyacheslav Timchenko will be "a key signing for us". ........ Stars Bide Their Time It’s been quiet in Dundee with regards to signings over the past couple of weeks, most likely due to the EIHL Affiliation wrangle. ........ Melicherik to Join Flames Milos Melicherik, a 28-year-old Slovakian center ice-man, has inked a deal that will have him in a Guildford Flames uniform for the up-coming ice hockey season. ........ Just Two Imports Slots Left for Bees The Beehive is excited to confirm the signing of Nathan Rempel. ........ Ice Warriors meltdown? Plans for Belfast’s second ice hockey team foundered this week with news that the Belfast Ice Warriors have decided against joining the British National League (BNL) this season. ........ Stop Press - Two more sign for Stars Dundee Texol Stars this week have announced the signing of Canadian power forward Jason Shmyr and young Swedish defenceman Johan Johannson. ........ Giant star signs for Bees The Bees are excited to announce the signing of Dave Matsos. ........ Illingworth: We Nearly Joined Elite Newcastle Vipers owner Darryl Illingworth has revealed how close the club came to signing up to the proposed Elite League this summer. ........ Old and New Faces at Kirkcaldy The Flyers roster is starting to take shape with three new names on Mark Morrison's team sheet since the last issue of TPSH. ........ Stars on the Hunt for Silverware New Dundee Texol Stars Coach Roger Hunt has made it clear in no uncertain terms during his pre-season wheeling and dealing that he expects the Dundee team to be challenging for honours yet again. ........ Tough Pair of Wingers for Bees Bracknell Bees are proud to announce the signings of Darren Hurley and Chris Crombie, both of whom will be dominant forces on the left wing Coach Mike Ellis said: “Darren Hurley will bring experience, strength and toughness to the Bees. ........ Stingrays Close in on Swede Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan is hoping to know by the end of the week whether a Swedish forward will be joining the Findus British National League club. ........ Slovakian Defenceman Signs Up for Capitals Edinburgh Capitals are delighted to announce the signing of Slovakian defenceman Miroslav Droppa, a six-foot one-inch stay-at-home defenceman who has spent the last 5 seasons playing in the Slovakian Extraliga for HK 32 Liptovský Mikulás. ........ Smerciak to Join Flames The Guildford Flames Ice Hockey Club have announced the newest member of the squad as 30-year-old Marian Smerciak. ........ Ellis Gets His Assistant as Lavoie Signs Daryl Lavoie has signed as Mike Ellis’ player assistant coach. ........ Fifth Import Unveiled for Vipers Veteran forward Marc West was unveiled as the fifth import to sign for Newcastle Vipers last week. ........ Another New Season, Another New Owner, Another New Name Life is certainly never dull for ice hockey fans in Hull. ........ Flames Add Ryan Vince to Forward Lines The Guildford Flames continue to shore up their roster in anticipation of the new season, and have now added Canadian forward Ryan Vince to the club. ........ Recruitment Starts in The Kingdom Recruitment started in The Kingdom this last week, when Fife announced that Mark Morrison was returning for his 11th season in a Flyers jersey. ........ Legend Returns Home Edinburgh-born Tony Hand today returned to his roots by signing as player/coach of Edinburgh Capitals. ........ Another Dundonian Joins Texol Stars Dundee Texol Stars Head Coach Roger Hunt is delighted to announce the signing of Dundee-born forward Paul Berrington. ........ Stingrays Envisage No Work Permit Problems Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan insists his side will not be hit by an ice hockey-wide freeze on work permits. ........ Vipers Claim a King The Newcastle KBS Vipers are delighted to announce that British forward Martin King will be returning for the 2003-04 season. ........ Culley Agrees to Vipers Return The Newcastle KBS Vipers are delighted to announce that British forward Karl Culley will be returning for the 2003-04 season. ........ Vipers Announce Ticket Prices The Newcastle Vipers are now in the position to announce the admission prices for the 2003-04 season. ........ Vipers re-sign Defty and Potts The Newcastle Vipers are delighted to announce the signings of British pair Ian Defty and Stuart Potts for the 2003-04 season. ........ Flames add Vince The Guildford Flames continue to shore up their roster in anticipation of the new season, and have now added Canadian forward Ryan Vince to the club. ........ Vipers Re-sign Leach The Newcastle Vipers are delighted to announce that Simon Leach will be returning for the 2003-04 season. ........ Stingrays Coach closes in on New Signings Hull Stingrays expect to complete the deal for another defenceman within the next few days. ........ FBNL Fixture Meeting Delayed Hull Stingrays fans will have to wait even longer to get their hands on the new season's fixture list. ........ Second Bees Signing Bees’ new coach Mike Ellis, has secured the signature of 22 year old GB International, Greg Owen. ........ National Issues will not divert Stingrays Stingrays owner Mike Pack today pledged ice hockey's national troubles will not divert him from his main priority - running a successful Hull team. ........ Weaver agrees to “come home” The Newcastle KBS Vipers are delighted to announce that Jonathan Weaver has agreed to “come home” and ice at the Telewest Arena for the 2003-04 season. ........ Hull sign Hull Stingrays coach Rick Strachan believes he has signed "the complete package" in Ukrainian defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk. ........ Martin Cingle Returns Edinburgh Capitals have secured the services of Martin Cingel for another season. ........ Trubley returns to Newcastle The Newcastle Vipers are delighted to announce the return of Rob Trumbley for the 2003-04 season. ........ Danny Meyers signs for Bees 20 year old Danny Meyers has become coach Mike Ellis' first signing for the Bees' 2003/2004 FBNL season. ........ 8 Strong Teams Directors of the Findus British National Ice Hockey League decided on Friday to go forward with eight strong Teams. ........ Robbo Due to Return Edinburgh Capitals are pleased to announce that forward Iain Robertson has agreed terms for the 2003/4 season. ........ Captain Lynch Returns Edinburgh Capitals are pleased to announce that 26-year old club captain Steven Lynch has signed a one year contract and will return for the 2003/4 season. ........ Ladislav Kudrna - return of another Cech mate Edinburgh Capitals are pleased to announce that Czech netminder Ladislav Kudrna has re-signed with the club for the 2003/4 season. ........ New Bees coach unveiled Canadian born Mike Ellis will lead the team both on and off the ice for the Bees as they embark on their first campaign in the FBNL. ........ Deadline for FBNL applications reached The deadline for applications into the Findus British National League expired last night with the selection committee for the League now responsible for compiling a report for the FBNL Board of Director’s meeting on June 20th. ........ |
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