By Kris Smith
The Hart brothers from Maine both joined the Stars from the East Coast Hockey League, with oldest brother, Kevin signing first in 2015 before Brian came to Scotland in 2017.
Whilst their time in Dundee never overlapped and they both had different roles on the team, both Americans shared enjoyable experiences in the City of Discovery.
Firstly, Kevin started off by explaining what he has been doing since he left Dundee in the summer of 2017 and he began: “After leaving Dundee, I returned to the New England area, spending most of my time in Massachusetts and Maine.
“I finished my MBA (Master of Business Administration) at Providence College and took an accounting/finance job just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, where I have been for almost three years now.
“I skate in a couple of beer leagues in the Boston area and in the summer both of my brothers play on the team.”
Then Brian did the same and he explained: “After spending the previous two years in Dundee, I have tried to spend as much time at home in Cumberland, Maine, as possible.
“While playing four years professionally provided me with great friendships and experiences, a full dose of home living was hard for me to pass up.
“In addition to spending time with family, I was fortunate enough to join the local ECHL hockey team, the Maine Mariners in January; playing alongside my little brother Teddy.”
Both players then went on tell of some of the memories they have made whilst in Scotland and Kevin said: “I have very fond memories of my time in Dundee and Scotland.
“I was lucky to go back in 2018 when my brother Brian was with the Stars and I remain close with several of my teammates from both seasons and hope to make another trip back in the next few years.
“Both years we had a really close group on and off the ice, and despite being one of the smaller clubs we had some big wins in both years.
“After losing the second playoff leg to Cardiff (Devils) in 2016, it was nice to come back the following year and advance to the Playoff Weekend!”
Brian then added: “I have a lot of good ones from Dundee!
“Despite missing out on the playoffs in both seasons, I still always smile when looking back on my experience of playing in Dundee.
“Between my teammates, Pach, and the fans, I loved every minute I spent playing and living in Dundee.
“I will never forget the nights we beat Fife at the DIA and then hitting the town with extended Stars family.
“Long live 3 Sessions and UG!”
Although, Kevin (29), then selected his favourite memory in a Stars jersey and he commented: “My favourite memory has to be the Playoff game against Cardiff.
“I had never seen an atmosphere quite like that and despite coming up empty it was an experience I will never forget.”
Brian (26), then chose his favourite and added: “Anytime I was on the ice for a Matt Marquart reverse hit, nothing fired me up like Mags exploding someone.
“Beating Nottingham with eight forwards was not too shabby either: courtesy of Craig Garrigan’s two muffin goals.”
The brothers then discussed more about why they each chose to sign with the Stars and Kevin began: “I knew very little of Dundee and the Elite League after my first season in the ECHL but I had a European agent reach out to me that summer and ask if I would consider playing in Europe.
“Within a week I started talking to a few teams but Marc sold me on the league and the city.
“It was definitely the right decision!”
Brian then shared his story and he said: “It was Kevin and his stories about playing for the Stars that sold me on the move!
“I was not having much fun playing hockey in the minor leagues in the U.S. and Kev made it clear how different the experience was.
“Since playing in Dundee, my passion for the game has been revitalised!”
Finally, both brothers had a message for all the Stars fans back in Dundee and Kevin started off by saying: “I Just hope everyone is staying healthy and well.
“I still follow the team closely, as well a lot of fans on social media, so hopefully the 2020-21 season is a great one for you Stars fans!”
Brian then concluded: “I hope everyone is staying safe during this crazy time.
“I am not sure what is in the future for my little brother’s hockey career but either way I hope to return to Scotland as soon as possible.
“I miss my friends there and cannot wait to see them and all you amazing Stars fans again!”
Next up in this week’s series of ‘Look Back’ articles on the 18th Dundee Stars season you can read the ‘Where Are They Now’ interview of another former Stars player from the 2018-2019 season and that will be available tomorrow at 12pm!
If you want to be a part of the historic 20th Dundee Stars season then you can buy your season tickets by contacting [email protected]
