Cloutier calls it a day
Blow for Blaze as skipper hangs up his skates
Last updated: 22nd July 2008
Cloutier (top right) set for coaching role
Coventry Blaze captain Sylvain Cloutier has decided to hang up his skates with immediate effect to take over as head coach at Corpus Christi Ice Rays of the Central Hockey League.
The Canadian forward, 34, who notched up 62 goals and 95 assists in 139 games for the club, lifted the Elite League title and British Knockout Cup after being named skipper at the start of last season.
Coach Paul Thompson said: "I'm very surprised to be honest.
"I've been speaking to him a lot over the summer and we'd even got to the point where we had reached a deal to extend his own playing contract by another season.
"So this news definitely came out of the blue."
Features
All go for Thompson
Paul Thompson tells skysports.com about his preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Hinks - It's all my fault
Rod Hinks has told skysports.com he does not have anyone to blame but himself after being released.
Strachan speaks out
Rick Strachan told skysports.com that the Stingrays are glad to see the back of Rick Kozak.
