Pach: New Stars will be hardest-working squad

DUNDEE CCS Stars fans turned out in force to welcome this season’s Elite League team to the City of Discovery on Monday evening at the Dundee Ice Arena.

Co-director Steven Ward introduced new manager Omar Pacha and 17 players to almost 200 supporters ahead of Saturday’s eagerly-anticipated opening Challenge Cup game when Belfast Giants are the visitors.

The Canadian, who was player/coach with Manchester Storm last season, said: “I’m really excited about the guys we’ve brought in. They’re a young team and, make no mistake, they’ll be the hardest-working squad in the league!

“They have been keeping fit over the summer and I’m really pleased with the way they are shaping up already in training.”

The manager, who ruled himself out of going back on the ice this season to concentrate fully on running the team, gave fans an open invitation to watch the Stars train tomorrow (12.15pm).

With the remaining three imports still yet to arrive in Dundee, Pacha revealed they won’t be available for Saturday’s game, but is confident their work visas will be in place ahead of the Scottish Cup Weekend on September 9-10 at Murrayfield.

“I’m not anticipating any problems and we should have the full roster ready next week.”

Meanwhile, Dundee Comets produced a brilliant display to shoot down visitors Kirkcaldy Kestrels 7-6 on Sunday.

Dundee Comets forward John Dolan finds the net against visitors Kirkcaldy Kestrels as the hosts ran out 6-5 winners.

Stars fans pose with Jordan Cownie, Joey de Concilys and Riley Stadel at the Meet The Players event at Dundee Ice Arena.