By Kris Smith
Canadian trio, Colin Joe, Carter Folk and Ryan Verrier are all new to both the Stars and the Elite League, but all three have enjoyed their starts to life in Scotland.
Former KHL defenseman, Joe was the final signing to Head Coach, Jeff Mason’s puzzle and arrived on Tayside during Monday’s practice session, but the Canadian wasted no time in settling in and familiarising himself with his new surroundings.
Speaking about his first few days in Dundee, Colin said: “It has been good!
“Obviously, making that travel with the time change can be tough but I am really happy with everything and the organisation has been really accommodating so far and it has been good to get on the ice.
“I like the rink too, it seems like it has a great atmosphere and it has also been fun getting used to driving on the other side of the road and getting out to see some of the city.”
The 34-year-old from Edmonton, Alberta also expressed his eagerness to get back into game situations, as the Stars face-off against Belfast Giants, this weekend.
“Anytime you have the summer off, you are itching to get back to playing the game and it is a bit different that practicing, so it is always exciting to get into games”, said Colin.
Meanwhile, Folk joined the Stars from Norfolk Admirals in the ECHL after completing his studies at the University of Saskatchewan, and now the gritty winger is delighted to be back out on the ice.
Carter said: “It has been really good to get back out there.
“It took a couple days to get into it after that long flight but the club here is really good and the team look really fast, everyone is enthusiastic to be here, which is a good thing.
“Obviously, we have a big test this weekend but it is about taking good strides, implementing the systems and getting that competitive spirt back.”
The native of Regina, Saskatchewan is also keen to start playing matches again and he added: “We are all really excited and I am thankful that we are getting right into it early, as we only had a week of practicing then right into the games.
“This is obviously my first time playing in this league and against Belfast, but it is exciting to get into it and to make that trip over there and to see what we can do as a team.”
Meanwhile, American defender, Verrier is making his full professional debut with the Stars this season after joining from the Worcester Railers of the ECHL.
The 23-year-old from Reading, Massachusetts has been thoroughly impressed during his first week with the Stars, stating: “Starting with the coaches and everyone that works around the club have been really great, they have all accommodated us really well and done everything they can to give us the best possible chance to succeed on the ice.
“I know all the players are very excited to get over to Belfast and to show what we have been working on.
“Everyone is out there on the ice, working hard on their game and their cardio and just making sure we are ready to play tomorrow.”
Looking to this weekend’s double header with Belfast, the University of New Hampshire graduate continued: “I am definitely excited, just like everyone else in the locker room.
“Everyone has been training hard over summer and when you spend the whole off-season working on your skills, it is time to show it in the game, so we are all ready to show what we can do tomorrow.”
You can see Colin, Carter and Ryan make their first appearance at the DIA this Sunday by purchasing your ticket HERE.
