By Kris Smith
The Stars scored seven times in their first two games and the offensive duo were delighted to score for the fans, both watching and in attendance.
Saturday night saw the Stars travel to Northern Ireland and face the Giants, who were at the near-end of their Champions Hockey League training camp and that showed as the home team claimed a 9-4 victory on the night.
However, Dundee gave a good account of themselves and even tested Belfast’s resilience as they cut what was a four-goal lead, down to two and continued to threaten.
First on the scoresheet for the Stars was new signing, Semjonovs and he beat Peyton Jones with an accurate shot from out on the left wing, as he skated into the zone.
Sanche then added Dundee’s second by beating Jones with a low effort at the near post, after he headed straight for the Belfast net, following a face-off.
Whilst on the powerplay, Hugo Reinhardt also netted for the Tayside team, before Semjonovs bagged his brace with an easy finishing that completed a lovely passing move between himself, Sanche and Elijiah Barriga, whilst on the man advantage.
Then Sunday evening saw Belfast seal a 5-3 victory late on, as Dundee fought to the bitter end to get their first win of the season.
Defenseman, Drydn Dow got Dundee on the board in the second period to make it a 2-1 game, but after the Giants added another, Carter Folk stepped up to put the Stars back to within one.
Then for the second night in a row, Sanche provided another rapid response to conceding as he flung the puck in off the underside of the crossbar to make it a one-goal game, with only six minutes left.
Looking back on the weekend, Sanche started off by saying: “It always feels good to score and obviously Sunday was a lot of fun, getting back out there in front of the fans.
“When we had a little push in the third, the fans were right behind us and it brings back memories of last year and that was one of the reasons why I came back, because the fans are always amazing.
“I think we improved every period all weekend, so it is a good sign and it is only our first two games.
“The boys are still getting used to playing with each other and some guys are getting used to playing on the bigger ice, but it is all a big step in the right direction.
“So, now we just have to improve through every game and get ready for the season.”
Then, Latvian-born winger, Semjonovs also talked through his goals and his first few days in Scotland.
He said: “It was a good weekend, I arrived in Dundee on Wednesday evening and then practiced with the team only twice before going straight into the games.
“We had a dinner before the game yesterday and got to know each other better, so we are getting closer as a group.”
“It has been tough as I have only been on the ice three times in the last four months, but it will get better every day as the season goes on.”
Romans continued: “The first one was just a nice shot from the angle and the second came from a great pass from Barriga, I just had to hit the open net.
“Then last night, I also had some chances to score but it was not to be, but hopefully I cam score in the next game in front of our fans.”
This weekend sees the Stars renew our Scottish rivalries as a trip to Glasgow Clan on Saturday night is followed by a visit from Fife Flyers on Sunday evening, so make sure you do not miss any of the action.
Buy your home game tickets HERE and contact the Dundee Stars OSC on social media for information on the away trip to Glasgow.
