Stars urged to regroup after defeats to Clan

Dundee Stars coach Omar Pacha admitted yesterday that his men were down after a weekend double-whammy.

The Tayside team lost twice against play-off rivals Braehead Clan and now need to regroup quickly ahead of tomorrow’s Elite League clash at high-flying Belfast Giants.

The back-to-back reverses now mean Stars are five points behind Braehead, who occupy the eighth and final play-off place.

Pacha admitted: “It was a disappointing weekend (to lose twice to Braehead) and we came into the weekend with a positive mindset.

“Previously, we have found a way to win but decisions were made which did not help us.

“Clan made a good job of driving the net and it is no secret that we are down right now.

“However, there are still a lot of hockey games left and a lot of hockey to be played.

“This is no time to feel sorry for ourselves. You can’t change what’s been done or dwell on what’s happened.

“Things did not go our way and we must regroup but we now need to take points against good teams on the road. We’ll learn from our mistakes.”

Clan have been lifted by the back-to-back wins over Dundee – but coach John Tripp insists the Stars still have the upperhand in the play-off race.

He said: “The table turned in our favour. We may be five points clear but Dundee still have three games in hand. The advantage is still with them.”