Netminder Preece is latest Stars signing

K ITM A RT Dundee

Sta rs ice hockey team have signed netminder

Brython Preece.

The 21-year-old most recently iced for Coventry Blaze in 2017-18 and Stars head coach,

Omar Pacha has brought in the

Welshman to back-up Canadian

Alex Leclerc for this season.

The Newport-born goalie came through the Cardiff Devils youth system and, standing at 6ft 5in, he is an extremely big presence in goal.

Preece is a rare breed of goaltender as he catches with his right-hand. That causes problems for opponents who are used to facing left-handed goalies.

Two seasons ago, Preece was the back-up to Canadian stopper

Kevin Nastiuk at Coventry Blaze and covered for the Midlands club on eight occasions.

During the 2016-17 season, he played in North America and signed with Utah Outliers, who play in the Western States League.

However, he soon returned home to Britain as a chance to play with Coventry Blaze arose.

The previous year, Preece was a part of the Ontario Academy (OHA) in Canada and played for two seasons with their U/18 squad.

He had a 2.29 goals against average from 18 games in his first year with the OHA and a 2.92

GAA from 26 starts in his second campaign.

Once his goaltender pairing was confirmed, Pacha said:

“Unfortunately, Craig Holland informed us a few weeks ago he wasn’t coming back, which was disappointing.

“We had to move quickly and

Brython was available.

“Brython is a tall goalie and is in good shape now.

“He didn’t play last year but is hoping to continue his development this year. Brython is still young, being only 21, and he will prove to be a good addition.”

Omar Pacha is delighted to have Preece in his squad.

From left, Bertie Ross, Grant Reekie and Ross Johnston (see right.