DURHAM, UK – It appeared that Hull Stingrays player/coach Sylvain Cloutier had assembled a strong roster last summer when he managed to secure the services of players such Jereme Tendler, Derek Campbell, Jason Silverthorn and Tristan Harper. However things have not gone to plan for the Stingrays this term as they currently occupy the final play off place in the Elite League standings and have struggled to compete with the top teams at times this campaign.
Pro Hockey News recently got the opportunity to speak to Scottish forward Tristan Harper about his and the Stingrays season up to now.
“It’s been a rollarcoaster, with many ups and downs and lots of frustrated people including myself.
“(We have to) make sure we play every game hard, finishing the season strong with no more injuries. It’s been super frustrating not being able to play. No one likes sitting on the side line watching especially knowing I can make an impact when we are short of guys.
“At the start of the season I was getting chances on the powerplay and main scoring lines. Since I was out injured, I missed 17 games so right now I’m back working my way up there to the special teams and scoring lines.
“I can make a big impact when I’m banging and crashing no one likes playing against those players.”
Harper went onto to speak of how he is benefiting from playing under Stingrays player coach Sylvain Cloutier and how highly he rates Hull’s starting netminder Christian Boucher.
“(Cloutier) has had a great career, he has had a lot of experience all over the world with some great players. He knows a lot about the game, so whenever he tells you something you’re definitely not going to arguing with him about it.
“I think Boosh (Boucher) is an in Unbelievable goalie, he comes to every game with a heart of gold and gives it his all. A lot of respect for that guy.”
Even though Tristan was born in Dundee he grew up playing hockey in North America in the development league the NAHL, which is a completely different style of hockey to that which is played in the Elite League week in week out. Tristan speaks about his time in the NAHL and of one of the best players he has iced with.
“You can’t really compare the Elite League to the NAHL. The NAHL was players 16-21 years old and the Elite League has a lot of experienced players who have played all different sorts of high level hockey including NHL.
“I played with a player called Pat Maroon when I was in St.Louis, you would never think he could skate and stick handle as good as he could. But he ended up getting drafted and now playing in the AHL. Probably one of the best players I have played with while growing up.”
Tristan left North America to intially ice for the Nottingham Panthers in the 2009/10 season before he linked up with his home town team the Dundee Stars for the entirety of the 2010/11 campaign.
“I was in California training off season and Corey Neilson (Panthers coach) actually called me asking if I was interested. I was waiting for a few other offers, but I ended up deciding the best option would be the Nottingham Panthers at that time.
“(Returning to Dundee) was exciting as it had been quite a few years ever since I got to play in front of family and close friends, plus playing at a high level against other good players made it a greater challenge.”
Despite making a big impression in Dundee Tristan decided to move away from his home town and experience life elsewhere in the Elite League.
“I just wanted to have a new experience and see what is was like playing down south. I always enjoy learning different ways of the game from coaches and players around the hockey world, so I thought Hull would be a good choice Clouts (Cloutier) sounded like a great guy so I thought I would give it a go.”
The young Scot went onto speak about the teams/rinks he has enjoyed and disliked visiting since he returned to the UK.
“I hated playing in Newcastle last year it was cold and not exactly the nicest rink to play in. I like playing in Nottingham, especially when there is a big crowd it’s always a fun environment for a hockey game!”
Just before the interview concluded Tristan spoke of how he saw his career progressing over the next 5 years.
“In five years time, I would love to still be playing hockey anywhere at a high level. I may still be in the Elite League or somewhere in Europe or even America but as long as I’m having fun then I don’t see any reason for not playing.”
Thanks to Tristan for recently taking the time out to speak to Pro Hockey News.
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
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