Last season’s skipper was the only player who was contracted to the Stars for the 2022/2023 Elite League campaign at the end of the last season and he will suit up in blue, red and white for a fourth year.
The 29-year-old has featured in 183 games for the club (153 League, 26 Challenge Cup & 4 Playoff) after joining the Stars from the University of Calgary, back in the summer of 2018.
The 2021 Slovakian2 Playoff Champion has accumulated 112 Elite League points (28G, 84A) and he is also a former nominee in EIHL Second All-Star Team (2019-2020) and also led the league in scoring by a defenseman that season, with 14 goals.
Discussing the return of the veteran d-man, Stars GM and Head Coach, Jeff Mason said: “I am extremely excited to have Drydn back, as he has been a key player for the Stars for a number of years.
“I think his mobility and skills with the puck, as well as his ability to distribute the puck and to join the rush is something that will be very beneficial for us.
“He also fits in very well with the style of play and system that I hope to implement.”
Jeff continued: “Having a guy that has been around for a number of years, who is a veteran defenseman that I can kind of lean on for some things and how things have been done in the past, will be helpful.
“But also, he is a guy who I can lean on at the back end to take charge and take some responsibility from the D-core and help develop the other guy playing alongside him.
“Obviously his numbers dropped off a little bit last year but the way I hope to play, I think fits him really well and I can certainly see him reverting back to the numbers and success he had in previous seasons.
“So, I am extremely excited to have him back and I am looking forward to a successful season.”
The Calgary, Alberta-born blueliner then said: “I am very excited to be coming back to Dundee for my fourth season.
“I consider it home now and the Stars are a great culture to be a part of and already I cannot wait to get started on the next season.”
After last season’s success of reaching the Playoff Finals Weekend for the first time in five years, Dow added: “It is very exciting, especially coming off the season that we had last year.
“There is a very good foundation to build on for Jeff coming in and I think he will be able to continue on what we have already built.
“With his experience both playing and coaching at high levels, I am excited for the opportunity to play for him and see what he is able to bring to the future of the club.
“I think it will definitely give motivation to the club to try and continue with that success!”
Drydn then continued: “I know personally that I feel like the club has taken huge strides in each of my last three season, so it is a goal to continue to improve in the season standings and hopefully bring some hardware back to Dundee!”.
This September will be the start of a new era for the Dundee Stars, as the club begins its third decade and with our #6 back for another year, you can be too!
Purchase your 2022-2023 Early Bird season tickets HERE!
Drydn will be joined by Craig Garrigan, Philippe Sanche and Chris Gerrie, as Mason continues to build his first ever Stars roster.
