By Kris Smith
The 30-year-old blueliner was part of the Stars side that topped Group A back in the 2019-2020 campaign, as the Stars won five out of six games and finished four points ahead of Glasgow Clan, and five ahead of Belfast Giants.
Now, Drydn and this year’s squad have a chance to repeat the same feat as they face the current holders of the Challenge Cup, Belfast back-to-back in their final two games this weekend.
After two wins over Glasgow and an away victory against Fife Flyers, the Stars currently sit top of Group A and are one point ahead of the Flyers, and two ahead of the Giants.
Therefore, two victories against Adam Keefe’s side this weekend would guarantee a first-place finish and provide the opportunity to be seeded in the Quarter-Final draw, but any more than a single point should secure second place for Dundee.
Looking ahead to the crucial set of games, Player-Assistant Coach, Dow said: “Belfast are a good team, so we definitely have to be playing a strong game and need to be at our best.
“They have a lot of talent on the offensive side of the puck, so as long as we stick to the systems and bear down on our opportunities then we will have a good chance to get a result.”
With the possibility of cementing a top spot finish in Group A this weekend, Dow added: “It would be a huge achievement to win the group and it is vital to be coming out of these Challenge Cup games as high as you can.
“It also means you get to choose who you play in the next round too, so it is important that in these next two games we try to solidify our place at the top of the table.”
He continued: “It can also be a great motivating aspect for us and last year was it was always exciting for us to play those big games in the cup and especially getting that big win at home in the Quarter-Finals.
“The second leg was a bit of a disappointment after the big COVID break, but it is definitely gives you a boost getting a big achievement like that out of the way early and it is something you can look back at during the season as something to spark yourself and get us going.
“It is extra games and extra opportunities to prepare yourself throughout the season for those knockout type games and every cup in this league is very important and you want to have as many chances as possible to compete for silverware.”
Do not miss your chance to see the Stars in their final Challenge Cup group game this Sunday as we host Belfast. Get your tickets NOW.
All pictures: Derek Black.
