Netminder Preece re-signs for Stars

KITMART Dundee Stars have re-signed netminder Brython Preece for the 202223 Elite League season.

Stars have secured the services of the 24-year-old goaltender for another campaign – the Welshman’s third season in the City of Discovery.

Preece 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 6ft 5in 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.

Across 17 regular-season appearances in the 2021-2022 campaign, Preece started 14 times and won eight of those games, while also recording a save percentage of 88% and a goals against average of 3.41.

After signing his first goaltender for the new season, Stars GM and head coach Jeff Mason 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.

“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 topquality 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.”

Preece is delighted to be returning to Dundee after a successful season for both himself and the club.

He 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.

He added: “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.”