Cloutier praises rookie
Excel Hull Stingrays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier hailed the performance of rookie British forward Bobby Chamberlain during the 3-2 overtime loss to Coventry Blaze at Hull Arena on Sunday night.
The Hull-born 16-year-old, in his debut Rapid Solicitors Elite League campaign, produced a man-of-the-match display after stepping up to take the place of Ryan Lake, who lasted just 10 minutes before being forced out with injury.
Cloutier said: “The kid is 16 years old. We could see he had the potential. We were not sure if he would be ready to play but with Jack Watkins out and then Laker, he has had his chance to play, he has taken full advantage of it and he doesn’t look out of place at all.
“We know he is going to make mistakes – everyone makes mistakes – but with him being 16 he is still learning. The pace of the game is fast but he has adjusted well.
“He can skate very well and is strong for a 16 year old. He works extremely hard and he has got the right attitude. He wants it bad and that is what you want from your young guys.”
Cloutier has also backed his young British players – there are six on the roster 23 and under – to keep improving.
He added: “There is only room to improve. We have 18-to-21-year-olds playing against experienced British guys on the other sides. The big clubs have GB nationals, we have guys coming up. You have to give our young guys a lot of credit for battling with these guys.”
Stingrays take on Fife Flyers in the Rapid Solicitors Elite League at Hull Arena on Sunday September 26 (6pm face-off). Tickets can be purchased by ringing the Hull Arena Box Office on 01482 325252.
