Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Stars to make history
HUNDREDS of Dundee ice hockey fans left the city today to cheer on the Stars as they attempt to make history.
The ice hockey team will compete in the Elite League play-off finals for the first time.
It follows one of the best results for the club when they defeated Braehead Clan over two legs in the quarter-final.
A spokesman for Dundee Stars said: “It’s one of the biggest results in the club’s history — this is the first time we’ve reached the final four.
“The other teams are massive organisations, so it could be said that we’re punching above our weight, but we have had a good season and we are really excited for t he game in Nottingham. This is absolutely massive for a city of Dundee’s size.”
The group of supporters — who left on a bus at 7.45am from Dundee Ice Arena — told the Tele they were buzzing ahead of the weekend.
Brenda Price, 77, from Douglas, is a lifelong ice hockey fan and said: “This is a really exciting weekend.
“I always travel to follow the team but this is really special. We’re going to have an amazing time.”
Mark Shepherd, 40, from Arbroath, said the party would start on the bus on the way south.
Mark, who was travelling to give his support along with wife Tracy, 41, said: “I began following the team four years ago and haven’t missed a game since. We certainly wouldn’t miss this event — it’s incredible that they’ve made the finals for the first time.”
Norma Colliar, 65, from Downfield, said: “This is a big weekend for the team and for the fans, and it’s great to be travelling with them to give them our support. There’s no question that they’re definitely going to win.”
Stars will face Cardiff Devils in the first semi-final at 1pm tomorrow, before Fife Flyers’ conquerors Belfast Giants take on Sheffield Steelers.
If Stars can upset the odds again to beat the Elite League winners, they will line up for the grand final on Sunday at 4pm.
Stars photographer Derek Black said: “This is a really big weekend for the team. We’re all looking forward to a fantastic weekend.”
For full coverage of the Stars’ big weekend, see the Tele’s sports pages.