The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Stovin stresses importance of Stars bouncing back against Clan
Dundee Stars centre Brett Stovin has expressed the importance the team have placed on winning points this weekend.
Stars travel to face Glasgow Clan tomorrow after getting the better of the Braehead outfit last Friday in a 6-3 victory.
However, that good feeling was blown away by manchester Storm as they claimed a 3-0 victory on dundee ice 24 hours later.
Stovin revealed Omar Pacha’s men are extremely determined not to let a losing streak begin.
He said: “We are all motivated to bounce-back obviously as every game is a play-off game from now and we need points in every single game.
“So, we can’t string together two losses if we want to make the playoffs and obviously, we all want to make the play-offs and we are all here for the same reason.
“After a loss, it is mandatory that you have to bounce back with a win.”
When asked if he thinks playing the same opponent they beat in their last game makes anything easier, Brett replied: “Absolutely not.
“We are both battling for a playoff spot and we are both in the same position.
“We both have injuries, we are pretty tight in the standings and are both fighting for the last couple of play-off spots.
“So going there, yeah it is shorter travel and they are a team we have played a lot but at the same time, they have played us a lot too.
“It will be very difficult to go into their barn and come away with a win, we just have to prepare and go down there ready to play our game.”
As the trip to Glasgow is the Stars’ only fixture this week, Stovin also made it clear how vital winning points from every remaining match is.
He added :“very crucial, especially against a team that we are fighting with for a play-off spot.
“We have to play a perfect game if we want to come out of there with two points.
“So, we have to show up and come away with the points as its only a onegame weekend .”
With the news that the Tayside team will still be without at least two players for tomorrow – Kris Inglis and Alex Schoenborn have been ruled out of this weekend’s action – the Canadian forward shared how the team have coped with the shortage of bodies.
Stovin said: “It is definitely not easy.
“Guys have been taking care of their bodies pretty well and it is the perfect time for us to have our schedule slow down a bit.
“No matter how much you want to keep working and say that it doesn’t affect you, that isn’t always the case.
“Guys have bared down, played different roles and a lot of minutes.”