Newly-recruited duo are raring to get going

ICE HOCKEY: Stars signings persuaded to join by team boss

Two of Dundee Stars’ latest recruits are raring to go as the new season approaches – but aware of the tough competition they face in the league this year.

Kevin Dufour and Craig Gans are just two of the new faces in the Stars roster for the new Elite League campaign, which begins on August 31.

Dufour was Omar Pacha’s final signing of the summer and the Dundee head coach brought in the Canadian to add to his attack.

The left winger has netted 88 points in 136 games since he turned professional in 2017 but, despite spending his whole career in North America, Dufour has always wanted to come to Europe.

Kevin said: “I am excited that I made the move this year.

“My conversations with Omar went really well. I like how he thinks and sees me coming here as an opportunity and that was exciting.

“I also had the chance to play with one of my buddies this year, Antony Beauregard, which was interesting.”

The Quebec native hopes to continue racking up points in the UK and added: “I just have to use my speed, take it to the net and shoot the puck as much as I can.”

“I think my style of play should fit pretty well here because of my speed.

“North America has made me better along the walls as it is a bit more physical over there and that will help me here and I am excited to get things going.”

Defenceman Craig Gans was playing in France last season before he was enlisted by Pacha this summer.

Pacha brought in Craig to toughen up his squad as he felt that was something missing from last year and while Gans is excited by the opportunity to play in this “up and coming league, he is aware of how tight the table can be.

He said: “Playing in France, you have the top teams and the bottom teams but, in this league, especially looking at the standings from last year, every team can compete with each other.

“I know a few guys who have played in the Elite League before and they really enjoyed themselves.

“They said it is a great league to be in and it’s a very up and coming league in the last couple of years.

“I’m just very excited to get this opportunity and it was my talk with Omar and the way that he described being here and playing for the team, that got me excited.”

Gans plays a tough game and is very defensively minded, although in the past he has proven his attacking capabilities.

However, Craig just wants to play his natural game and by doing that, give his team-mates the best chance to win.

He added: “I just feel like I need to play my game, do what I can do and help the team out and then we can be successful.”

Canadian Kevin Dufour.