Photograph of Stephen Burns in action for the Hull Stingrays during last season courtsey of Arthur Foster.

Hull Stingrays have confirmed Canadian defenceman Stephen Burns has left the club midway through his two-year contract.

The 25-year-old Ontario native was named defenceman of the year in his debut campaign at Hull Arena which saw him register four goals, 12 assists and 105 penalty minutes in 63 games.

A club statement read: “Stephen Burns earlier today gave us notice of his intention not to return to the club and complete his two-year contract.

“We are disappointed by his decision but the club will move swiftly to identify a suitable replacement.”

Speculation suggests that Burns would be enroute to Cortina of the Italian Serie A1 having applied for his Italian passport.