Pacha issues warning to misfiring Stars

Shell-shocked Dundee Stars coach Omar Pacha described Sunday’s heavy home defeat by the resurgent Sheffield Steelers as “unacceptable”.

The success-hungry coach warned that changes will be made to turn the club’s fortunes around.

Fans expressed their disappointment after Sunday’s 6-1 Elite League reverse to the men from the House of Steel.

Dundee have lost their last three games and find themselves four points adrift of ninth-placed Manchester.

They travel to mid-table Coventry Blaze on Saturday before hosting league and play-off champions Cardiff Devils on Sunday.

The frustrated Canadian told Stars TV that one of the periods was the “most embarrassing” since he became a coach.

He added: “We can’t have that. We knew it would be a tough league this year but it is 16 games now and they have been going down.”

The coach argued that he can coach them and put on extra practices and workouts but if players are not helping the team or progressing as a hockey player then something has to happen.

Pacha said: “A lot of the guys have shown good things this year but now we have to reconsider everything. “This organisation can just apologise for what happened (on Sunday) and it is unacceptable.

“Something will happen, We can’t have that, it is a no-no in the market we are trying to grow.

“If the guys are not ready and up to the challenge I am sure somebody else will be.”

Steelers have made changes since their new coach arrived – and Fife Flyers coaching staff are fully aware of the alternations.

Tom Barrasso, a former National Hockey League all-star, joined the Yorkshire club after three successful years on the Continent and has quickly lifted Steelers up the table.

The English side play at Glasgow Clan tomorrow before travelling to Kirkcaldy for Saturday’s clash, but the days of rivals travelling around the country scouting their next opponents are gone.

Video footage of games must be posted hours after and Jeff Hutchins, Fife’s assistant coach, will scan the tape looking for ways through the Steelers.

Flyers go into the game with a full roster and have had a clear week.

Hutchins said that his men must focus and added: “We’ll look at the Glasgow v Sheffield game tape and we’re aware of the changes that the new coach has brought to the team.

“They play on Friday. Some people believe that it is good to be in game mode and others don’t agree.

“Having played the night before can make a difference as the game wears on but teams in this league are built to play back-to-back games and we know this fixture will be a tough one.

“They (Sheffield) were a good team before they changed their coach and they are a good team now.”

Omar Pacha: Frustrated.