Stars look to reignite their season ahead of Blaze trip

Pacha to ‘press the reset button’ in bid to climb league table

Dundee Stars will ‘press the reset button’ as they visit Coventry Blaze for the first time this season tonight.

Head coach Omar Pacha has promised changes after unacceptable performances recently and has altered the team structure as they bid to recapture their early season form.

The struggling Stars lie seven points adrift of sixth-placed Blaze, who have played one more game.

Pacha said: “We made a few changes to the line-up, with certain forwards changing positions, whether it be some guys playing centre, left wing or right wing.

“We changed our format on the powerplay, so structure-wise we did change a bit and we have changed a few things that we struggle with throughout the rear.

“We also went back to the good things that we did at the start of the season.

“As I said to the guys on Tuesday, we press the reset button now. For the last two weeks it was not acceptable but now it is a good opportunity for guys to showcase their worth.”

The Canadian insisted that resorting back to their original defensive play from the start of the season would be crucial against Coventry.

Pacha continued: “The main thing is to get back to our defensive structure and we were proven to be successful at the start of the season.

“We were in every single game and we were playing tight er, so defensively that is where we want to get back to and I am sure if we do that we will be successful.”

Former Blaze player Matt Marquardt said he was relishing his return trip with Stars.

He said :“They area proud organisation and it is a tough building to go and play in. We are just looking to get some points here. Coventry is an exciting place to play and it is a big game, so I am looking forward to it.”

After a few disappointing losses for Stars, the winger says believing will be key.

Marquardt added: “We just need to stick with our systems, believe in each other and believe in the systems.

“We have had some tough luck this year and after a tough week of practise and video sessions we see that there is a certain way that we have to play in order to be successful.

“At the same time we cannot get away with playing or own game or getting off being on our own page. We just have to stick to the game plan, work hard and stick together.”

When asked what he expects to see from a new Coventry side that they have not faced yet, Matt replied: “We are quite a different team too from last year. I have played for Danny Stewart, who is a very good coach.

“He preaches hard work and this year they are doing really well in the standings right now. They are a team we are looking to catch but Danny is a really good coach so they will have a good game plan.

“We just have to go in stick to ours and worry about our game and try and come out with two points.”

Dundee will return home tomorrow as they host reigning Elite League champions Cardiff Devils in their third tie of the season.

Tonight’s game faces-off at 7pm before tomorrow’s game starts at 5pm.

Derek Black Pictured going up against Fife Flyers’ Danick Gauthier, Matt Marquardt, right, will face former side Coventry Blaze today.

Stars head coach Omar Pacha wants his team to recapture their early season form.