Three local lads are gearing up for their toughest season yet with the Dundee Stars and the trio of Dundonians have spent all summer working hard on their games.
For Jordan Cownie, Kris Inglis and Craig Garrigan it will be their second year competing together in the top tier of British ice hockey.
Last season all three players were fan favourites and impressed head coach Omar Pacha enough to earn new deals for the 2019/20 season.
Cownie, 24, is aiming to be a stand-out Brit again in the league and wants to continue his development under the guidance of Pacha.
“I feel like I am coming into the new season a lot stronger, a lot faster and also a lot mentally stronger which can be positive and hopefully that shows a reflection on the ice,” said the former St John’s pupil.
“I think last season as a whole was definitely another positive step for the club. Everyone is working hard to push the club in the right direction and there is no secret that we were all disappointed not to make that final push for the play-offs.”
The centreman was recognised as the league’s best under-23 British player at the end of season awards.
He said: “It’s such a tough league for Brits to break into, so it just kind of goes to show that with the right work ethic and attitude, anything is possible and right now the sky is the limited for me.”
Ex-Monifieth High School pupil Garrigan made his professional debut last season and despite seeing limited ice-time, the hungry winger seized every chance he got.
Now the 21-year-old has set his sights on making his way further into Pacha’s plans.
He said: “Last season, I felt like I was getting many chances and I was taking them when I got them but this year I hope my chances are not limited and that I get a lot more ice time and can start to build my way up through the lines.
“Towards the second half of the season, I thought I proved myself worthy of getting another contract for next season and I spoke with Omar and we agreed that this summer was a huge chance for me to improve.”
Defenceman Inglis has made significant progression in his time under the Canadian coach and after being thrown in at the deep end two years ago when injuries forced Pacha to turn to the then 19-year-old.
However, he took it all in his stride and backed it up with another solid season of progression in 2018-19.
The Baldragon Academy pupil has kept his aspirations modest by simply aiming to continue to develop at the same pace.
Inglis said: “I have to be realistic with my goals and I want to be able to help this team as much as I can and that means I have to be strong in my defensive zone to give our team the best chance of winning games.
“I had a great time playing here last year, I made a good improvement and the club has taken big leaps forward but after last year’s disappointment, we are even hungrier this year.”
The Stars take on Danish opposition in their pre-season games, as the Odense Bulldogs come to Tayside for two ties on August 24 and 25 before their Elite League campaign begins with a Challenge Cup double header against the Glasgow Clan the following weekend.
