By Kris Smith
Omar Pacha’s Stars were defeated at home by Coventry Blaze on Saturday night as they went down 2-1 in what was a tight contest at the Dundee Ice Arena.
The Blaze held a 1-0 lead after the first period as Evan Bloodoff capitalised on a Dundee turnover in the eighth minute.
However, when both teams went down to four skater each in the second period, Kevin Dufour put the Stars back on level terms as he went clean through on the Coventry goal and dispatched the puck through the legs of Jamie Phillips on the halfway mark.
Although, the West Midlands club would nick the two points in the final period as Alex Forbes scored a shorthanded goal in the 49th minute.
The Stars are now on the road in the Fly DSA Arena in Sheffield for tonight’s game versus the Steelers. Before they return to Dundee Ice Arena on Saturday 26th October, face off 7.00pm, against the Glasgow Clan in what will be massive game for both clubs. Tickets can be bought HERE!
Aaron Fox’s Steelers will be looking to bounce back from defeat following their 6-2 defeat by Manchester Storm on Friday night in the Challenge Cup.
This will be the third match between Dundee and Sheffield this season and the Stars will be going all out to register their first win over the Yorkshire club in this campaign.
In their last visit to the Fly DSA Arena, the Stars claimed their first win as an Elite League franchise in Sheffield and it was also Omar Pacha’s first win in Sheffield as a coach too.
Stars forward, Justin Maylan has been stressing the importance of starting to play a solid 60 minutes at both ends of the ice, regardless if it is at home or away.
He said: “For us as a team right now it doesn’t matter if we’re playing at home or on the road.
“We need to start playing better hockey, but I don’t think anyone is happy with how many goals against we’re giving up so that’s our priory at the moment.”
The Canadian centre is very familiar with Sheffield now and says the team have prepared well for their trip to the House of Steel.
Maylan added: “They are a very skilled team with a great coach, so anytime you play a team with that combo you have to be prepared. We had a good week of practice and we feel ready for the challenge.”
When asked what he felt had been different between how the team played in the cup matches and the league games, Justin replied: “I’d say the desperation.
“Especially the last couple games in the Challenge Cup when we knew we were playing for a top pick.
“We really played desperate, good unselfish team hockey all over the ice, which is a good sign that we have the horses when it’s crunch time but we just need to bring that desperation level to every single game for 60 minutes.
“I think we’ll have the same kind of results as the cup because we’ve been in many of the league games but we just haven’t played a full 60 minutes of our style in most of those losses.”
Sunday’s match in Sheffield will start at 4pm. Watch the webcast HERE!
