By Kris Smith
Omar Pacha’s men face a long ride down to Manchester on Saturday as they aim to continue their perfect start to the regular season.
Coming off the back of two big wins over Glasgow Clan in the Challenge Cup, the Stars want to make a similar start in the league.
They powered past the Clan 6-3 and 7-2 in back to back games last weekend and showed that they have improved their offensive capabilities, something Pacha focused on over the summer.
Meanwhile, Ryan Finnerty’s Storm side lost all four of their preseason games and will be hungry for their first win.
They were defeated home and away by Coventry Blaze and in between those two games, they lost twice Heilbronner Falken on home ice.
Dundee will be without winger, Egils Kalns who was handed a one-game suspension on Thursday by the league’s Department of Player Safety (DOPS) for a hit on Glasgow’s Craig Moore last Sunday.
Looking ahead to what will be a tough weekend Stars head coach, Pacha said: “It is our first regular season game of the year, so we know we want to kick-off the season in the right way.
“It is always a tough building to play in but we have had a good week of practice so heading into there will be a good challenge.”
After seeing his side net 13 goals in two tremendous performances, the Canadian coach wants to see that form continue.
Omar added: “We need to play the right way and obviously generate chances and scores goals again but as long as we are moving our feet and playing the right way then I am confident we are going to get a result.”
His side made the best start possible to the Challenge Cup with two wins out of two and it is just as important to make the same start in the league, according to Pacha.
He continued: “It’s massive, we had a great start to the Challenge Cup and now we have a bit of momentum, so we have to keep going and start the league campaign in the right form as well.”
Defenseman, Reilly O’Connor says he and the team are ready for the challenge of winning another game of the road after a good week of practice.
He said: “It has been a great week of training, we have been working hard on and off the ice.
“The guys are feeling good and I’m feeling ready and looking forward to it.
“It is going to be a good matchup and we just have to keep level-headed, play hard and stay focused on our goals.”
Dundee built a lot of momentum last weekend and when asked how to carry that into this weekend, O’Connor replied: “You just can’t get too high or too low, you have to stay focused and come to the game ready play and bring the same energy we had last weekend.”
The Stars only conceded five goals from 86 shots last weekend and they aim to continue their tight defensive displays.
“We just have to keep talking in the defensive zone and keep close support all over the ice,” added Reilly.
“It is going to be a faster game, so everything is going to be a bit quicker.
“So, quick puck movement to get it up to the forwards will be key and then getting it deep against the other team.
“It’s a small rink and they play a physical game, so it is going to be a hard match but I think we are up to the task.
“If we keep playing together then we will continue to get positive results.”
Face off time for Saturday’s tie in Manchester is at 7pm and the Storm provide a webcast for £10.
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