The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Dundee Stars eye victory over Clan to build on back-to-back home wins
Dundee Stars face Braehead Clan tonight as Omar Pacha’s men look to build on two huge back-to-back home wins.
The Stars shut out Belfast Giants last Sunday with goals from Johan Andersson and Brian Hart, with the victory proving to have a galvanising effect on the club as spirits were lifted.
It helped guide Pacha’s side to a 3-1 dismantling of league champions Cardiff Devils on Wednesday.
Riley Stadel, Andersson and Gabriel Lévesque were on the scoresheet for Dundee – and now the Stars have Clan in their sights as they strive to climb the Elite League table.
The game is the first between the sides this season and doubles up as a Gardiner Conference clash.
Dundee netminder Travis Fullerton enjoyed two formidable performances between the pipes for Dundee, playing a crucial role in the two big upsets against Giants and Devils.
He conceded just one goal from 67 shots and made ‘highlight reel’ saves when it really mattered.
Fullerton said: “Obviously beating two top teams gives us confidence going forward. We need to take the positives and bring it into Saturday’s big game.
“Braehead are a quality team and have great support from their fans at home and it will be a fun atmosphere.
“I have always liked playing there and it is a game we need to win to keep pace in the conference.”
Pacha added: “It is a big conference game and we need to get on track in that competition. We are doing well at home but we need to figure out a way to start taking points on the road on a more consistent basis.”
Three former Stars will be icing for Braehead – Bari McKenzie, Craig Cescon and Josh Grieveson.
Last year’s fixtures resulted in six wins for Dundee and four for Braehead.
The Stars put 32 goals past the Glasgow side and conceded 34 over the 10 games last season, including Dundee’s two wins over the Clan in the play-off quarter-finals.