Hi Stars Fans,
I hope everyone is doing well and looking forward to the upcoming weekend.
On the ice, we have just picked up 3 points out of 4 against a strong Coventry Blaze team, so overall I’m a happy coach right now. Picking up two points on the road is never easy, especially in this league, but the win in Coventry showed application and a willingness to get the job by all the boys. It was mixed emotions not getting the full two points at home on Sunday, but overall, it was a good weekend with the 3 points.
It was a great atmosphere in the rink on Sunday, all of you were extremely loud throughout the 60 minutes which in turn always spurs on the whole team to perform. Never doubt for a second the impact that fans being loud plays in on ice performance.
The game itself, I thought we created a lot of chances and our defensive play was way more solid than previous games. Again, we got unbelievable goaltending from Fully, he really is one of the top netties in the EIHL and we are lucky to have him. He gives us a chance to win every night. I also thought we used our speed really well throughout and played at a very fast pace, which I love as a Coach. It was unfortunate to lose Mastro early in the second period. Completing the game with four defenseman was extremely difficult, but the guys again hung in there which again is pleasing to see as a Coach. We hope to have him back soon as he is a big part of the team.
As you are all aware, I met with Patrick Lee on Monday. Unfortunately, Patty is dealing with a few personal issues and he has decided to leave the club. The club wish him all the best for the future. As you all have seen, over the course of the last few weeks we have made very positive roster moves. I’m happy with the additions and what they’ll produce for our club between now and April. Obviously, losing Larry to injury was a very difficult blow for us, he is a top end player, but now I finally feel we are shaping up well up front. Larry’s treatment is coming on well, and we are still hopeful we will have him back in the line-up this side of Christmas.
This week we will be extremely busy on the ice but also off it too with our superb community project. We will be visiting schools and also a special appearance at a local hospital. Myself, the players and everyone in the club see it as a complete must to give back to the community & it’s always something the players enjoy doing.
On the business side of things, we are getting great coverage across the board with radio, TV, social media and newspapers. Everyone in the organization is pushing extremely hard to attract new people to the games too, but as I’ve said many times, you the fans play a huge part on that front too. Please keep spreading the word about the Dundee Stars in your place of work, and with your friends and family. We also have the privilege of bringing new sponsors to the club this weekend, so let’s make sure they’re made to feel welcome and feel a part of the Stars family.
Finally, we have yet another game promotion this Saturday night when we play the Guildford Flames (7pm) at the Dundee Ice Arena. HALLOWEEN NIGHT + KIDS FOR A QUID. My challenge to our fans over the course of the week is to bring as many people to the game as possible. It will be a great game, but an even better way to spend your Saturday night!!
See you all there!
Pach
