The Stars have secured the services of the 24-year-old goaltender for another campaign, and this will be the Welshman’s third season in the City of Discovery
Brython made the move to Dundee in 2019 and joined the team as the back-up goaltender, making two appearances for the club during the 2019-2020 season.
However, the 6-foot-5-inch stopper has made his claim for more ice time after stepping in and backstopping the Stars to some crucial wins during last season’s injury crisis – where he became dubbed as the “Welsh Wall”.
Across 17 regular season appearances in the 2021-2022 campaign, Preece started 14 times and won eight of those games, whilst also recording a save percentage of 88 per cent and a goals against average of 3.41.
After signing his first goaltender for the new season, Stars GM and Head Coach, Jeff Mason excitedly said: “Brython is a guy that got into some games and provided some quality goaltending last season for the team.
“He is a younger British goalie, who is very driven and determined to succeed and so, it was important to have him back, continue to develop him and see if we can continue his growth and maturation in this league.
“So, I am happy to have him back with us and hopefully he makes up part of a very solid goaltending tandem for us.”
Jeff continued: “He certainly has potential and showed flashes of it last year and the team got some big victories in the times that he played.
“So it is now about continuing to commit to that development and continuing to work on things and building that consistency to be a top quality goalie in this league.
“It is certainly beneficial if you can have a tandem like we did last year in Belfast, where we have an import and a solid British goalie that we were comfortable with and could play.
“It opens you up to do other things, so I think it is a great signing for us and I think it is a great opportunity for Brython going forward.”
The American coach has already discussed the numerous opportunities that will be available for every player on the roster and in the goaltending department, it is no different.
He said: “It is the same with any position, healthy competition is always good and you certainly want to have players that can step in when called upon.
“Overuse of the goaltending position is something that this league is guilty of in the past, and that is across a number of teams.
“So, it is important to try and mitigate that, but as I told everyone, there are lots of opportunities this year to come in and earn ice time, no matter which position that is.”
Preece then discussed how happy he is to be returning to Dundee after a successful season for both himself and the club.
Preece said: “I am very happy to be coming back to Dundee and it was an easy decision to make.
“I am settled here on and off the ice and I am looking forward to building on last season’s achievements.
“Also, it is an exciting time for the Stars, with bringing in an experienced coach in Jeff, who has visions for what he wants to achieve on and off the ice.
“It is great to be a part of that and it gives an opportunity keep building on last season.”
The Welsh goalkeeper then admitted that the success of last year, has pushed himself and the team to raise the bar going forward.
Brython added: “The bar has definitely been set now.
“With what we achieved as a team last season, it has shown that we can compete with any team in this league.
“With the great support of the Stars fans, we will push towards the team’s ambitions for this season.”
Finally, Preece then discussed how his growth and development through the past season has only further motivated him to keep on progressing.
He said: “My game took the jump it needed to keep pushing towards my personal goals.
“I have aspects of my game that I still want to improve and the results of last season has increased my drive to do so.”
Brython is our 5th signing of the summer and joins Drydn Dow, Craig Garrigan, Philippe Sanche and Chris Gerrie on the roster for next season.
You can get your season tickets to watch these five players and the rest of the team in the 2022-2023 campaign by contacting: [email protected]
Preece will again wear the #44 jersey for the Stars again.
To view Brython’s career stats on Elite Prospects click HERE.
