Hull look to put Stars further behind

Sylvain Cloutier's team have suffered two defeats at the hands of Elite League newcomers the Dundee Stars already this season, following up a 9-4 reverse in November with a 4-2 loss last month.

The first defeat, somewhat unexpected given Dundee's early struggles to adapt to life in the top-flight, prompted threats from the club's management team to ring the changes but Hull have since settled to become one of the league's morse consitent performers.

Seventh-placed Stingrays – who welcome Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Steelers to Hull Arena on Sunday (6.00) – will be looking to boost their push for a top-six finish - particularly after defeats to leaders Cardiff Devils and Nottingham Panthers last weekend.

A win would also increase an already healthy seven-point gap between themselves and the Stars, who lie one place below them in the table in the battle for the eighth and final end-of-season play-off spot.

"It's a long bus ride to Dundee, but that is no excuse," said Hull captain Kurtis Dulle. "You just have to be ready to go.

"They are a tough team who have beaten (leaders) Cardiff at home twice and they are one of the teams hoping to catch us. These are games we have to win."

Centre Andrew Coburn, meanwhile, feels he has blossomed as aplayer during his debut professional season thanks to the amount of ice time handed him by Cloutier.

The 24-year-old has proved to be one of Hull's most effective performers this season, lying third in the team's scoring list with 12 goals and 18 assists in 39 games.

"Clouts has given me more ice time and I am really having fun," said Coburn.

"When you are having fun things come easier and more natural to you. I am grateful for the opportunity Clouts has given to me and I just want to make the most of it.

"I was a little nervous coming in but 12 goals is something I am satisfied with but I don't want to stop there.

"To get 12 goals so far is a little surprising but I feel I can still get better."