Hull Stingrays bankruptcy

The turbulent life of Hull Stingrays seems to have come to an end: owner Bobby McEwan announced today with a short statement on club website that Stingrays suspended the operations immediately after the loss of major sponsor Rapid Solicitors. Former coach, McEwan bought the Stingrays in 2012 from Coventry Blaze after the team had taken over the club from original owners Mike and Sue Pack after the 2010-2011 season to avoid the closure.

Here the complete statement:

"It is with great sadness I have to inform you that this is the end for Hull Stingrays.

"The loss of a major sponsor, increased operational costs, the introduction of ice-time charges as well as the shortage of fans attending our matches have left me with no other choice but to liquidate the club.

"There had been interest from parties willing to take control of the club but once that failed to materialise there simply was no other alternative.

"Reaching the play-off finals weekend and coming within a whisker of progressing to the final last season filled me with immense pride.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years in charge of the Stingrays - it was a dream come true for me. Sadly, that dream has now come to an end.

"It has been an extremely stressful time for my wife Debbie and I and this is the toughest decision I have had to make in my life.

"I would like to apologise to [player-coach], Omar Pacha, [assistant-player coach] Carl Lauzon and [captain] Matty Davies for not being able to build on last season's success.

"Finally, I must thank our loyal supporters for all their backing over the years - I am just sorry it has had to end this way."

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