Kyle Mariani comes in to replace Huttel at Hull
Hull Stingrays have announced the capture of Canadian defenceman Kyle Mariani. The 24-year-old Toronto native heads to Hull as a replacement for Chad Huttel, who suffered a shoulder injury during the offseason which has ruled him out for several months.
Mariani played for Mississauga Chargers (Ontario Junior Hockey League), Cape Breton Screaming Eagles and Prince Edward Island Rocket (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League) and Summerside Western Capitals and Halifax Lions (Maritime Junior A Hockey League) before turning pro in 2011.
He made 108 appearances in the Central Hockey League for Laredo Bucks and Tulsa Oilers, posting 23 points (seven goals and 16 assists) and he also had a brief spell in Sweden with Visby/Roma last season.
Player-coach Sylvain Cloutier said: “I had a lot of good reports about Kyle. He is a good two-way defenceman, he is solid at the back and can help with offensive situations. He is a good skater and his Swedish coach says he has a great shot.
“But more importantly everyone I spoke to said the same thing about Kyle – he competes every night and never gives up. That fits the mould of the Hull Stingrays as we need to have a team who works hard and battles every night. I am looking forward to working with Kyle and he is a good addition to the team.”
Mariani admitted he jumped at the opportunity of joining Stingrays.
He said: “I am very excited to be a part of the Stingrays and the EIHL. Ever since turning pro I have heard nothing but good things about this league, having had quite a few past team-mates and friends play in this league while more recently learning more about the Stingrays and Sylvain it seems like a great team and organisation and I can’t wait to get going.
“It all came about very quickly through a European agent. I had something in place in the United States for the coming season but once this came about I jumped on the opportunity and couldn’t be happier with my decision. As soon as the paperwork is finished I will be on the next flight out and I can’t wait to get to work on the ice.
“Stingrays are getting a player who will always give it 100 per cent and leave it all on the ice. I am a defencemen who can skate and carry the puck up the ice or make a pass and join the rush. I have a good shot, I play a physical game and I am reliable in my own zone.
“I am an all-around player, can play the powerplay and penalty kill as well and every year I always end up playing a bit of forward when the team is short.”