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The off-ice report

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Hull have added some bulk to their offensive lines in the shape of Canadian forward Simon Rizk, with the Stingrays taking the 6'3", 220lbs forward from Roanoke Valley Vipers in the UHL.  Hull Coach Rick Strachan sees the value of the signing, saying "He is young and enthusiastic and wants to be here.  He knows why he is here, he doesn't mind fighting, and if he can get a goal and a point or two it will be a bonus."  Coach Strachan went on to add "Every other team in the league has some physical presence and of course we need some too.  This guy fits the bill and I am pleased to have him on my team."

Hull have also secured the services of returning players Mark Florence and Luke Boothroyd, with Florence becoming the longest-serving Hull player, having joined the team when they were the Humberside Hawks in the 1994-95 campaign.  Boothroyd is returning to the Stingrays after taking a year out from hockey, and Hull owner Mike Pack is pleased to see the two players on the roster for this coming season.  "Flo had an exceptional year and I am confident he can repeat those performances this year and make an impact this season. Luke is a versatile player but I expect him to be in defence which is his preferred position. He showed before he went travelling he was a young guy with a bright future."

Newcastle Vipers have re-signed forward Matt Beveridge, who will be returning to the Tyneside ice for a fourth season.  "Matthew and I have been in talks for a while," says Coach Rob Wilson.  "There were offers from other clubs, Elite League and EPL, but in the end I'm glad we have been able to agree a deal and have Matthew back. He has consistently produced for us in his time here, and I have confidence he will do again.  Matthew brings a strong offense and is also a smart player."

Sheffield Steelers have signed Canadian forward Ben Gustavson for the forthcoming season, taking him from Fort Worth Brahmas in the CHL.  The signing completes the Sheffield roster, according to Coach Dave Matsos, who says “I think our patience has really paid off with this final signing, I always thought that if I held my nerve I would find a diamond in the rough and in Gustavson I think I have. Ben is another hard working, grinding, gutsy forward who knows what it takes to win Championships."

Cardiff Devils have rounded off their summer signing campaign with the unveiling of four new players, following an agreement with Basingstoke that would see the Devils playing their initial home games at the Bison's home rink until the new Cardiff rink is completed.  First up on the signing front is Dave Iannazzo, a forward who joins the Devils after icing with St Cloud State in the NCAA for the past four seasons. Also signing is Max Birbraer, a Kazakhstan-born forward who played last season with Long Beach Ice Dogs, and Lukas Komarek, a Slovakian defenceman starting his professional career after icing at Under 17 and Under 18 teams at a national level.  Rounding out the signings for Cardiff is centreman Mark Smith, who has been brought in as a replacement for veteran Devil Vezio Sacratini, who has announced his decision not to return to Cardiff.  Also not returning to Cardiff this season is Louis Goulet, who has signed for Augusta Lynx in the ECHL.

Belfast Giants have captured the signature of Canadian blueliner Jean Phillipe Morin, who joins form Flint Generals in UHL.  Better known as JP, Morin's signing has been hailed by Coach Ed Courtenay, who says "He has racked up an impressive 291 penalty minutes over the last three seasons, a record that shows the toughness of his game.  I have been looking for a young guy who will be able to sustain longer periods on the ice as well as stand up for his team mates when required."

Belfast have also confirmed the return of Shawn Skiehar, with Coach Courtenay saying that “Skiehar is a highly skilled forward, with an excellent work ethic. He made quite an impact last season, both amongst the Odyssey fans and the opposition, with his ability to score goals and his readiness to step up and defend his team mates. Shawn settled well here in Belfast last season and he was delighted to agree terms to return for another season with the Coors Giants.”

Nottingham Panthers will be without the services of former Manchester Storm player Joe Cardarelli, with the forward signing for Augusta Lynx in the ECHL.

Edinburgh Capitals  will be without Neil McCann this season,  with the defenceman having for Victoria Salmon Kings in the ECHL.

Edinburgh have, however, announced a new signing this week, taking Canadian forward Jason Silverthorn from Smoke Eaters Geleen in Holland.  The Capitals General Manager Scot Neil says that Silverthorn comes highly recommended by current Caps players who have iced with him before. “Steve Kaye brought Jason to our attention, although Jason graduated later, they played together and had similar points scoring records in college. All the guys from Elmira have done a good job for the Capitals and obviously I’ll be pleased if he performs up front as well as Adrian and Steve when they were here. Steve and Adrian know what it takes to do well here and they are convinced that Jason will be a fan-favorite. He’s a good skater who has already had a couple of years as a pro in the USA, so he knows what’s expected of him, all the reports suggest that he’s a good addition to our roster.”

by Richard Allan