By Kris Smith
Brython will be partnered by Swedish goalkeeper, Anton Svensson for the 2022-2023 Elite League season and the pair will fight it out over the course of the year to be chosen as the starting netminder.
Last season saw the Welsh goalie called in to action due to injuries and during his stint between the pipes, he impressed many fans, players and coaches across the league with his performances and earned a chance to keep that spot.
Stating his intentions and aspirations for this year, Preece said: “I just want to build on last year.
“The team had a very successful run at the end of last season and I want to get a lot more games behind me, build my confidence on the ice and keep building in practice by doing all the little things right.”
He continued: “It is about taking it day-by-day and doing the little things right one the ice.
“For me, this season is about game time and getting better every day and cracking the GB roster at the end of the year, but it all starts by taking it day-by-day.”
The 24-year-old also explained why he returned the to club this summer, adding: “Having a new coach coming in is always exciting, the way he was speaking to all the guys, he has the whole team behind him.
“Also, I think all the returning guys tasted that success last year and that made them want to get back to Dundee and keep it going.”
Preece also shared his excitement about the possibilities the Stars have this year with their goaltending duo and the advantages it can have for not only the team, but each goalie.
Brython explained: “Having a good goalie tandem is always a massive advantage for any team.
“It is quite a nice relationship and always quite friendly but you always compete on the ice and try to push yourself and out-compete the other guy.
“With Anton being older as well, it is a great opportunity for me to learn from his experience, so it is exciting for him to get here and we will start competing.”
“It is also a massive advantage to have two goalies rotating and being able to give one guy a chance to rest-up”, continued Preece.
“There is also a lot more competition between the two goalies and sometimes when you have a long road trip in this league, like a nine-hour bus ride, then it is a big advantage to have another goalie who is fresh for the next day.”
Finally, the Brit is now in his third year with the club and has recognised the potential this year’s Stars team have after they showed positive progression in last weekend’s two friendlies against Belfast Giants.
Brython commented: “Belfast are going to be one of the top teams in the league this year and us playing them last weekend was a very smart decision, because we know where we want to be.
“We got better in every period last weekend and the boys showed on Sunday that they could compete with the best in the league, as it was a one-goal game the whole way through.”
Now Preece and the rest of the team are back on the ice and practicing hard for this weekend’s final two preseason matches, as the Stars visit Glasgow Clan on Saturday, before hosting Fife Flyers on Sunday.
Get your tickets for the first Tayside Derby of the season HERE.
Banner Image: William Cherry/Presseye.
Featured Image: Derek Black.
