Stars coach praises his injury-hit squad for battling displays

Dundee Stars coach Omar Pacha praised his side for their battling performances over the weekend whilst they were extremely short of bodies, writes Kris Smith.

The Stars hit major injury problems over the past week as they were already missing three import forwards before their two weekend matches and lost two more following Saturday’s tight 4-3 loss away to Manchester Storm.

Then, Dundee’s medical staff got overloaded on Sunday, as Spencer Dorowicz left the game in the first period, followed by Kris Inglis being stretchered off in the second and goalie Adam Morrison being subbed out in the third.

Despite only having 11 players left to play with, the Stars held Belfast Giants to a 2-1 scoreline until the dying minutes, where their far superior numbers proved the difference in a 4-1 win for Belfast.

Everyone at the Dundee Ice Arena gave the remaining Dundee players a standing ovation for their outstanding effort in the toughest of circumstances.

Reflecting on the performance, Pacha said: “I am really proud of the guys that played on Sunday night, it was not an easy night by any means.

“It is very rare that I have seen a situation like that, so I was really proud and I cannot speak highly enough of the guys and their character for battling through and for keeping it tight for so long.

“At one moment in time, there was some hope we could tie it but then we took penalties and that killed the game.

“So, after a loss, it is very rare to hear me praise the whole team, but it is what I am doing.”

Pacha then revealed more information about the current injuries and which players could make a comeback for this weekend’s fixtures.

Defenceman Inglis, who fell awkwardly on to his leg on Sunday night, is still be evaluated and Pacha labelled it a “bad one”, with fears it could possibly be “long term”.

Also facing a possible lengthy spell away from the action is forward Alexandre Ranger, who missed both games due to an upper body injury.

However, positive news for Stars fans is that forwards Dillon Lawrence and Craig Garrigan and also netminder Morrison all seem fit enough to play this weekend’s matches against Cardiff Devils and Guildford Flames.

Attackers Sebastian Bengtsson, Philippe Sanche and Spencer Dorowicz are all going to face late fitness calls before Friday night’s home match.

Omar Pacha has a number of players unavailable.