The 29-year-old, versatile attacker returns to City of Discovery for a third season after starting his year off in the Alps Hockey League with Italian side, Sterzing/Vipiteno Broncos and in five appearances, he scored four goals and assist on two more.
Sanche previously played two seasons in Dundee between 2021 and 2023 as he racked up 127 points (58G, 69A) across 114 games, including four playoff games as he was part of the 2021-2022 roster that reached the Playoff Semi-Finals in Nottingham.
The 5-foot-5-inch shift forward would move on to play for fellow Elite League outfit, Glasgow Clan last season and in an injury-hampered campaign, he totalled 30 points in 35 games for the Braehead club.
LEFEBVRE ON SANCHE
After bringing Sanche back to Dundee, Stars Head Coach, Marc LeFebvre said: “I will try to improve our team anytime I can and we have had some good results here lately but we have to keep up that level of play and obviously Phil adds to that.
“He is a great offensive player and he fills out our lines a bit more, obviously he is familiar with playing in Dundee and the league, so it was definitely something we were looking for.
“He will have to buy-in like everyone else and buy-in to our team concept but he is a dynamic player and we expect big things from him.”
SANCHE ON COMING HOME
Once he landed back on Tayside, Philippe then added: “I am really excited to be back, it feels like coming back home.
“I am excited to be back in a place I am familiar with and to be back playing in front of our fans.
“One reason why I wanted to come back is that I want to keep playing hockey and having fun, so my goal this season to come here and enjoy every moment, while continuing to grow as a person.”
Further explaining his decision to return to Dundee, he continued: “There was a big part of me that wanted to comeback, so it was not really a long conversation and it was more of a discussion about if I was interested in coming back and obviously, I was.
“I am looking forward to seeing the fans cheer this time instead of booing but honestly, I am excited to play in the atmosphere here again, it was always amazing and the fans support the team really well, so I am really excited to play in front of them again.”
Speaking after his first day of practice in Dundee, Sanche commented: “It has been a quick turnaround to get here but it was nice to see some familiar faces, a lot of happiness and a lot of old friends, but also to meet the new guys as well, so overall it has been a good first day.”
Sanche will wear the #13 Stars jersey this season and will be in the line-up as soon as he receives international clearance.
To view Philippe’s career stats on Elite Prospects click HERE.
All images: Derek Black.
