Challenge for new Dundee Stars coach Dan Ceman
More than 120 Dundee Stars fans turned up at Dundee Ice Arena for an impromptu question-and-answer session with new player-coach Dan Ceman.
- By Neil Robertson
- Published in the Courier : 05.07.10
- Published online : 05.07.10 @ 09.46am
The meeting was only arranged at short notice after Ceman paid a flying visit to the UK with his English wife to attend to some family business, but he was delighted with the turnout and the welcome he received.
"The rink here has exceeded my expectations and the Stars fans are as warm and passionate as I heard they were, while the city itself looks great," said the Canadian.
"I am sure my wife Melani and I will settle in fine and I cannot wait for the season to start in September."
Ceman, who has played previously in the UK for Sheffield Steelers, Bracknell Bees and Nottingham Panthers, also revealed his plans for the Stars' rookie season in the Elite League and what attracted him to the job in the first place.
"I have wanted to go into coaching for a few years now," said the 36-year-old.
"The chance to be player-coach here really appealed to me.
"The opportunity to be a part of an expansion team was another big factor.
"I am relishing the chance to get things off the ground and to make a big impression for Dundee right away.
"There was interest from other clubs hoping to sign me as a player but this job seemed to be the right fit.
"Combining the two roles as coach and player will be a real test even although I have held the leadership role in hockey teams for years now.
"But the biggest challenge will be recruiting a team capable of competing properly in the Elite League as we need so many new faces here."
Highly-rated
Ceman made his first import signing at the end of last week in the shape of the highly-rated American Peter Cartwright.
Ceman admitted he is determined to add players of a similar calibre to his roster over the next few weeks.
"Cartwright is exactly the kind of guy we are looking for," he added.
"He has scored a lot but he can play equally as well defensively as offensively.
"We are also going to need some size on the wings to get into the corners to bang and play physically and then we require defensive defencemen and offensive defencemen-it is all about getting the proper mix."
As well as hoping to help the Stars find success, Ceman is also intending to try to increase the profile of ice hockey in general in Dundee.
"We have a loyal and solid fan base but we hope to reach into areas that have never been exposed to the sport.
"We will try everything we can to generate a lot of publicity and interest."
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