By Kris Smith
The Kitmart Dundee Stars are aiming to make it back-to-back wins over their oldest rivals, the Fife Flyers.
Dundee dominated in Kirkcaldy last night as they took an early lead through François Bouchard before it was doubled by Drydn Dow, with Bouchard providing the assist. Brian Hart moved Stars 3-0 into the lead during the second period as Dundee continued to look comfortable and in control at one of the toughest arenas in the league.
Chase Schaber pulled one back for the home side in the third period but Fife could not spark a comeback. There were a lot of penalties but neither side could get their powerplay clicking as Omar Pacha’s men punished Fife and made Todd Dutiaume’s side rue their missed chances. Fife’s Joe Basaraba was the only player not icing last night.
Now it is Dundee’s turn to host and they will look to continue their dominance and take all four points from this weekend’s derby matches with the Flyers. Stars can move four points clear of Fife in the Challenge Cup group B table if they pick up two more points in regulation tomorrow.
Charles Corcoran was handed his first professional contract in the summer and since joining from Brown University of the NCAA, he has impressed a lot of fans in Tayside with his skill and speed.
“I have really enjoyed my time in Dundee so far, it has been extremely easy to transition into pro hockey with the group of guys we have.” Said Corcoran.
He continued: “I feel after the first couple of games here that I’m settling in with the different style of play, hopefully over the course of the season I will be able to contribute to the team in any way I can.”
Looking ahead to the final game of the weekend, Charlie said: “I expect very competitive games with Fife, anytime you play a rival it is a fiery game and I am not anticipating anything else.
“In scouting them we know we have a tough test ahead of us, but we are ready for the challenge.
“I think we have a good foundation to build on, we have a good mix of everything and as long as guys play to their individual strengths I think we will be a hard team to play on a nightly basis.”
When asked if he feels the team can achieve something this season, Corcoran replied: “All signs so far point to great potential for our club, we are taking it one day at a time but it is exciting to know we have the right pieces this year to make some noise in the league.”
Jordan Kelsall was brought in on loan from fellow Elite League side, Nottingham Panthers, to add depth to Pacha’s roster. During the early stages of the season, him and his fellow Brits are gaining valuable experience as Stars have been able to role four lines, which is crucial against some of the bigger sides.
Talking about his first few weeks in Dundee and the start to the competitive campaign, Jordan said: “So far it’s been faultless! I am really enjoying living here in Dundee and being a part of this organisation.
“Everyone made me feel very welcome here and it could not have gone any better up until now.
“I think we have had a very good start overall, the games against Freiburg were a good test for us to get going and to gel as a team.
“On Saturday we played a strong Belfast team and for the majority of the game we stuck to our game plan and had some success.
“Then on Sunday we continued to do the same and that showed in the final result.”
Stars have a chance to find some “success” according to the young forward, however they are taking it in small steps.
He said: “I believe if we do what we do best and stick to our game plan, there’s no reason as to why we can’t have success.
“Right now we are just concentrating on ourselves to be the best we can be going into the weekend.”
Having played for one of the larger clubs in the league, ice time is not something young British players see a lot of but in Dundee, Kelsall will have a lot more opportunities to develop.
He said: “What brought me to Dundee was the opportunity to play in the Elite league for the duration of the season and gain ice time and experience.
“I couldn’t have asked for anything more up until now and I’m confident this will continue.”
5pm is the start time for tonight’s game at the DIA and tickets are still available both online and from the DIA box-office.
