Stars snap up Verrier from NCAA top flight

Dundee Stars have confirmed the signing of American defenceman Ryan Verrier for the new Elite League campaign.

The 23-year-old blueliner joins the Stars from the University of New Hampshire, who play in the top division of the NCAA.

After completing the deal to bring Verrier to Dundee, Stars head coach Jeff Mason said: “I am delighted to get Ryan on board. He is a player who came very highly recommended by his college coaches.

“I spoke to both his head coach and assistant coach and they were both very high on him and he fit the bill of what I was looking for.

“He also played on the big ice at the University of New Hampshire and from watching him and looking at the reports, he is a guy that skates well and angles himself well on the big ice.”

Mason continued: “I connected to Ryan through my friend and ex-teammate from Belfast, Steve Saviano, who is friends with his family, and he had only great things to say about him.

“Savi, who is a guy that I trust a lot, spoke very highly of them and Ryan, so his opinion goes a long way in my book and it was certainly something that made me feel even more confident that Ryan was the right player for us.”

Verrier was “very happy” to be joining the Stars.

He said: “It has always been an interest of mine to play in Europe and I know the level of hockey is very competitive.

“This will definitely be a good experience to go out and see the world and experience something new, so I am very excited about it and I have heard Dundee is a great place to live too.”

Ryan Verrier said he is excited to join Dundee Stars.