The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Stars at full strength for cup trip to Belfast
ICE HOCKEY: Fabrizio Ricci back in squad after suspension
Dundee Stars will be at full strength for Friday night’s Challenge Cup trip to Belfast Giants
Canadian Fabrizio Ricci, who was suspended for Sunday’s victory over Glasgow Clan, will return to the squad for the trip to Northern Ireland before the double-header with Fife Flyers.
The Ontario native is relishing the three-game weekend as he settles into life on Tayside.
The six-foot winger said: “It is going to be a real challenge for us but we will have a good week of practice to get ready for it.
“This is a good weekend to start preparing for the regular season, to get into the swing of things and get the ball rolling in the right direction.”
“We just have to keep on playing hard. Every time we play hard good things happen and we just have to come out and all be on the same page.
“Once we get the momentum going we will be hard to stop as we have a great group of guys who want success.
“We have to just keep on doing what we are doing to build that momentum, put in a hard shift for 60 minutes.”
Ricci, who made a scoring debut in the 4-2 loss at the hands of Giants last Saturday, is loving life so far with the Dundee outfit.
“I slotted in real good as the guys were really welcoming and after a couple practices it put me right in place,” he said.
“I am comfortable doing what I can to help the team move forward.”
Meanwhile Fife Flyers open their Elite League campaign
Sheffield Steelers.
Coach Todd Dutiaume tipped Canadian Scott Aarssen to have a major role in Yorkshire.
“Scott made a real difference when he was on the ice against Belfast last Sunday,” said Dutiaume.
“I love his game. He adds an extra element and he will be an excellent player for us. He had a successful season with Sheffield last season and he also enjoyed a lot of success when he was with Braehead. We have to go down there with a positive attitude and get our work boots on to prepare for one tough hockey game.”
Sheffield are second in league after a 5-2 success away to Milton Keynes Lightning. tonight away to