The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Stars chief Pacha reflects on rollercoaster first year on Tayside
ICE HOCKEY: Dundee Stars’ head coach optimistic over 2018-19 fortunes
Omar Pacha has told Dundee Stars fans to expect continued improvement both off and on the ice next season after a roller-coaster first season on Tayside.
The Canadian head coach – who also doubles up as the club’s general manager – emphasised his admiration for his team’s efforts through a season littered with difficult circumstances.
But now the ambitious playcaller has targeted a rise in Elite League fortunes and has already identified signing targets for the 2018-19 campaign.
Reflecting on his debut season with Stars, Pacha said: “I am proud of the guys – there are a lot of positives, both on and off the ice, to take from the second half of the season.
“Considering all the injuries, players leaving, a late recruitment drive and a team which was not supposed to make the play-offs, it was a fine accomplishment to finish where we did but to be honest we fell short.
“It was disappointing when we didn’t make the play-offs but considering what happened throughout the year we could have folded.”
When asked what fans can expect next for the team and the coming season, Pacha said: “We want to keep players who we thought were great assets, so we are going to look to see where we can improve over the next few weeks.
“We conceded too many goals last season and that proved to be a big factor in how the campaign panned out.
“We gave other teams too many grade A chances, so we are going to try and cut that down next year.
“There will be a few signings announced in the next few days and hopefully the fans can get on board. I’m sure they’ll be happy with the guys we bring to the club
“They are all good players and full of good character.
”We want to build the team around players who can take us to the edge of the play-offs or even finish higher.”
Big wins over local rivals Fife Flyers and Braehead Clan contributed massively to Stars’ play-off push and Pacha admitted those victories were key.
He said: “Beating your rival teams is always nice and we knew we had to beat those teams if we wanted to compete for a play-off spot.
“Unfortunately we also dropped points against Braehead and Fife, which ultimately not only cost us the Conference but our play-off chances too.
“We were really pushing the guys hard and losing Riley Stadel and Emerson Hrynyk for a few games hindered us.”
There was a real turning point in Stars’ season and it was clearly visible in the results after the festive period.
Pacha added: “I think the turning point really came after Christmas.
“We had a talk after the Braehead game and how this was the new year and we want to start it off right.
“We went nine and one. It was a great run and put us right back in the play-off mix.
“At Christmas you saw teams like Edinburgh collapse but we found a way get right back into the race.
“There was a good buzz going on in Dundee and the fans jumped on board and joined us.
“I don’t think it was a complete disaster considering everything we have been through and I think the supporters know that too.
“There are no excuses, though I know not one team faced as many injuries as we had, especially for a short roster.”
American defenceman Zack Fitzgerald has been named as Braehead Clan’s new captain after re-signing for the club. The 32-year-old returns after a spell with the Sheffield Steelers.