Hi Stars fans,
I hope all is well with everyone!
In our last 7 games since we began our #PlayoffPush, we are currently standing at 5-1-1. Something I’d have definitely taken as we set out on the big push. Unfortunately, we are coming off a home loss from Sunday after what I can only describe as a very bad start, something I have addressed with the players already. They know as well as me that for the Stars to reach the play-offs we have to be engaged from the get-go every single night we take to the ice. The EIHL is so tight from 5th to 10th and considering the fact we have a winning percentage, we are unquestionably a team that is hopeful to make the top 8. This is the biggest goal we have as a Club and we will be doing our upmost to achieve that.
As an Organisation this year, we have faced many different forms of adversity that we have been able to overcome. As we only have 17 games left in the season, it is a chance for the players and the club as a whole to keep pushing and accomplish our goal of making the playoffs. We all knew this season would be a huge challenge given the strength of the league and the ever challenging schedule that we faced, especially in the first half of the season, but as of now I believe the players have proven to be up for any challenge I set them.
Off the ice, the club is growing on a weekly basis and we are one of the few teams that have seen their average attendance grow. I am delighted to say that this year we have made significant strides in enhancing the awareness of the club across Dundee and Scotland as a whole, which has without doubt helped us drive bigger numbers through the doors to watch the Stars in action. To be sustainable in a league with bigger teams this is an area we need to push on a daily basis & is something I am relentless about behind the scenes- getting the Stars brand out there to drive people through the doors and raise broader commercial awareness is of paramount importance. Again, as fans, you can always help by talking to your friends/family/work-colleagues about the Stars and encouraging them to come to a game at the DIA. You guys know as well as I do that when people go to a hockey game, they’re almost hooked instantly. The game of hockey is amazing to watch LIVE with the speed, skill and physicality across the 60 minutes of action.
That being said, our next two homes fixtures against Glasgow this coming Sunday (10th Feb) and Fife the following Sunday (17th Feb) for our annual charity night are perfect games to encourage your peers and family to come along to as we aim to pack the DIA. As a team, our main focus is MK Lightning away on Saturday which is a massive game and you can be rest assured, myself and the team are focused ahead of this game. The 2 points are a must and always helps make the long journey home from there more bearable!!
After analysing the pre-sales for Sunday’s home game vs Glasgow @ the DIA, I would encourage you all to get your tickets early online or directly from the Box office. We want to make sure all home games are absolutely electric and most importantly, give the boys the further boost needed to go get those vital points.
Our playoff push is well underway and as always, all we ask is for our Stars fanbase to #StandStrong and help push us along the path to reach our goals. It is going to be one exciting ride.
COYS!
Pach
