By Kris Smith
The Stars added the 26-year-old forward to their squad this summer and since arriving in Dundee he has been chomping at the bit to get into the gritty action of the first preseason tests against Fife Flyers this weekend.
Phelan said: “It felt good to get a skate with all the guys, get to know the new faces and we had a nice team supper as well on Sunday evening, so it has been great so far and I am excited to keep going every day.
“Practices are nice but games are always a lot more fun, so we are doing a lot of preparation and we have lots of systems to cover, but we have a full week to get prepared and we will be ready for Fife on Saturday.”
The Canadian has also challenged himself to be productive at both ends of the ice for the Stars this season and he added: “I have a few personal goals for myself this year but I want to help out as much as I can both offensively and defensively.
“However, the most important part is that I want to win games and we have a solid team right now, a lot of good players and it is important for us to all stay healthy because I believe we can do something special this year.”
This will be James’ first season playing in Europe and he has been overwhelmed by the massive welcome from the Stars fans since joining the club.
He said: “We have had some fans in the stand at practice and it is fun to feel the support right from the start.
“Me and my girlfriend have had a really nice welcome and we are loving the fans, loving the city and it has all been great so far.”
Phelan continued: “It feels good to go abroad for the first time, it has been a fun adventure so far and I have seen pretty much all of North America but this is a whole new place.”
The Stars will face their cross-river rivals Fife Flyers both home and away this weekend as both teams take to the ice for the first outing of the preseason.
Saturday’s game in Kirkcaldy will face-off at 7:15pm and Sunday’s contest in Dundee begins at 5pm. Get your tickets HERE!
