The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Stars and Flyers gear up for testing weekend in ice hockey’s Elite League
Pacha’s men target back-to-back wins over league new boys Guildford
Dundee Stars take on Elite League newcomers Guildford Flames for the first time in a double header this weekend.
The last time the Stars and Flames met was back in the British National League season of 2004-05, when Dundee beat Guildford in that year’s play-off final.
Guildford sit in ninth place on nine points in the league standings, just three points ahead of Omar Pacha’s side – so back-to-back wins over the Flames could lift Dundee up to eighth place.
Stars took three points from their double header against Coventry last week with a 3-2 overtime victory on the road but suffered a 2-1 overtime defeat on home ice.
Meanwhile Guildford went down 5-4 away to Belfast Giants before beating league leaders Manchester Storm 6-4 at home.
The Flames have scored 59 goals in 16 games and conceded 64, whereas the Stars have scored 40 goals and conceded 66 goals in 16 games.
Dundee are still short-benched going into the weekend, due to recurring injury concerns.
Anthony Mastrodicasa made his return to the ice last weekend after missing four weeks, following an upper body injury that he sustained in Sheffield.
He left the ice in the second period last Sunday against Coventry with another upper body injury and is doubtful to feature this weekend but it is considered a short-term injury.
Pacha said: “Anthony has had zero luck but Saturday’s game is vital as it would set us up for Sunday and we need to get back to winning at home.”
Johan Andersson can potentially make his return after sitting out last weekend’s games, also with an upper body injury, and Cameron Mcgiffin has been ruled out in the long term but his season is not over.
Pacha ices again this weekend, due to the team’s current injury problems.
After two new signings were announced this month, two players have also left the club.
Earlier in the month, Tyler Brickler parted ways with the club and it was announced this week that Patrick Lee had also left.
The Stars have a Kids for a Quid deal for today’s game.