The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)

Dundee Stars make final signings with addition of forward and netminder.

Coach Pacha’s delight as Canadian forward Dufour and Welsh netminder Preece round-off Dundee squad

- ERIC NICOLSON enicolson@thecourier.co.uk

The Kitmart Dundee Stars have made their final two signings ahead of the new season – Canadian forward Kevin Dufour and British netminder Brython Preece.

Dufour, 27, joins from Manchester

Monarchs.

He started last season with Indy Fuel of the East Coast Hockey League and from 49 games netted 19 goals and assisted in 15 more.

In February he was traded to the Monarchs, where former Stars assistant coach Doug Christians­en was the general manager and from 12 appearance­s he posted five goals and two assists.

Stars head coach Omar Pacha said: “I really like his speed, his explosiven­ess and the way he battles and he works on the ice.

“He is a player that goes to the dirty areas and he has a great shot on him and last season he scored 24 goals in the

I like his speed and the way he battles. He has a great shot on him. OMAR PACHA

regular season and he will fit in perfectly to our structure.

“Dufour is a guy that I know will do well in his first year here because he works hard, does the extra little things in practice and he keeps wanting to get better.

“We have had to be patient for the last few guys but we have got them now and I couldn’t be happier.”

Dufour said: “I’m really excited, it will be my first year playing ice hockey in Europe.

“I’m a hardworkin­g offensive player. I can skate well and take the puck to the net and I will hopefully score some goals and help the team.

“It’s exciting to try and perform in a league that is improving year on year.

Preece, 21, most recently iced for Coventry Blaze in 2017-18 and Pacha has recruited the Welshman to back-up Alex Leclerc for this season.

A rare breed of goaltender, he catches with his right hand.

Pacha said: “Unfortunat­ely, Sheepdog (Craig Holland) informed us a few weeks ago that he wasn’t coming back which was disappoint­ing, but we had to move quickly and Brython was available.

“Brython is a tall goalie and is in good shape now.

“He didn’t play last year but he is hoping to continue his developmen­t this year and he is still young. We are excited to see him in camp.

“All his experience from his time with Coventry will help in the league this year.”

Season tickets are still available fans to purchase from DIA. for

 ??  ?? Stars have recruited quality with tall netminder Brython Preece.
Stars have recruited quality with tall netminder Brython Preece.
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