Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Defender Gans is latest Star
KITMART Dundee Stars have made Canadian defenceman Craig Gans their 14th signing of the summer.
The 27-year old joins from Dunkerque i n the French Division Two. As he’s 6ft 4in. coach Omar Pacha was pleased to add size to his line-up.
Gans started his career in 2007-08 with junior side Leduc Oil Kings before having a brief spell with Olds Grizzlys.
While playing i n the Alberta Junior League side, he was team-mates with former Star Brett Switzer.
Gans continued to ice with the Oil Kings for another year before re-joining his home town team in 2008 until 2012.
In three seasons he made 128 appearances and racked up 57 points for the Grizzlys.
He finished the 2011-12 season with junior team Okotoks Oilers before moving on again when he signed with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), who play in the Alberta College Athletic Conference.
He played four years with SAIT while completing his studies and, i n 2014-15 he also briefly iced with Okotoks Drillers.
During his second year with SAIT, he was part of the team crowned CCAA champions.
After completing his college course, Gans moved to Sweden in 2016-17, signing for Swedish Division Two club Hofors.
Despite the team just staving off relegation, he led the team in points with 39 from 36 games.
The following season saw him sign for Division Two rivals Olofstroms IK before moving on to Dunkerque.
Last season, the blue-liner scored five times and had four assists in 26 games.
After signing his fifth defender, Stars coach Omar Pacha said: “We really wanted to add a bit more size and Craig is a 6ft 4in guy that can skate hard, take the body check and make that first pass. Every team needs a piece of the puzzle like Craig.
“I think he will do well and he will bring a bit more toughness to our line-up. That’s something we lacked a bit at the back last year.
“He will play more of a defensive role but he is another guy who will add depth to the squad.
“Going forward he has a really great shot on him as well.
“Craig is a guy who is going to be ready to jump into the play or make that good first pass.
“However, most importantly, he will play strong defensively and cut time and space off the other team. He will also be strong in front of the net to protect Alex Leclerc.”
Gans said: “I’m excited and feel privileged to be able to get the chance to be a member of the Stars organisation and family.
“I have heard nothing but good things and I had a good talk with Omar who filled me in about the club.
“He said he expects me to use my body and my size.”