Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Pacha’s new deal as Elite season shelved
DUNDEE Stars have signed head coach and general manager Omar Pacha to a new three-year deal and vowed to press on with planning for next season after the Elite Ice Hockey League suspended the upcoming campaign.
Amid continued uncertainty about when fans will be allowed to return to rinks in the UK, the 10 EIHL clubs – who comprise the top level of ice hockey in Britain – have “unanimously agreed” that a proposed December start of the 2020/21 season is now impossible.
Stars revealed their players have already been told to look elsewhere for opportunities to play hockey this year, with star Canadian forward Anthony Beauregard seizing the chance to leave the club.
However, the City of Discovery outfit struck a hugely positive note after news of the coming season’s suspension was confirmed by the EIHL.
Having made big strides in building the club’s profile in recent years, Stars have opted, rather than mothballing, to continue their commercial work, while also implementing plans for the 2021/22 season under Omar Pacha, who has been handed a new contract.
Revealing the news, club co-owner Steve Ward said: “Covid-19 has had devastating effects on everything we do, so it is with great regret that the league has taken the difficult decision to shelve plans to start the season late.
“We have tried to look into all possible ways to commence this season but, with social distancing, the chance of a second wave and no realistic change, it has become apparent that there is no likelihood the season would be feasible.
“Therefore the decision was taken to put a halt on all planning and focus on plans to resume the league for season 2021/22, starting in December of that year.
“We look forward to coming back bigger, stronger and better than before.
“We are fully committed to our staff members. Mike Ward Jnr will continue in his role of getting the
Stars message out there and enhancing our commercial and community programmes.
“But the great news for everyone today should be we have agreed terms as a family to bring Omar (Pacha) back and he is going to stay on board as our head coach and general manager for a further three seasons.
“We are delighted he has chosen to remain part of the Stars family.”
Pacha added: “With the Stars I have always been vocal and mentioned the positivity of the club in how it has become one of – if not the – fastest growing sports club in Scotland.
“In Dundee I am proud to say we have established ourselves as a major team and are privileged to play a huge role in the community.
“This year, without a doubt, will be one of the hardest in the organisation’s history. However, we are committed to work harder than ever to ensure that we are in the strongest position going into the 2021/22 EIHL season. It is our ultimate goal to welcome all our loyal supporters back to Dundee Ice Arena when it is safe to do so.”