Dundee Stars boss Mike Ward has sent out a global SOS after being hit by the worst injury crisis in his ice hockey career.
Five key players have been crocked in a disastrous eight-day spell and a sixth quit the team to move to Sweden.
Ward is keeping his fingers crossed he can get reinforcements in by this weekend. It is a critical time as Dundee face rock-bottom Edinburgh Capitals at home on Saturday and at Murrayfield on Sunday.
Stars, now fifth in the Elite League, cannot afford any more slip-ups after back-to-back defeats at in-form Cardiff Devils and arch rivals Fife Flyers.
Ward, a former goaltender with Dundee Rockets, said: “Make no mistake, this is a crisis for us.
“Six have gone in eight days and we have contacted agents and been speaking to our own players trying to find names of guys who might be suitable to come in here.
“It’s the business end of the season now and we’ve done so well so far. We don’t want things to slip away.”
His casualty list worsened at the weekend when leading points gatherer, Nico Sacchetti, was hurt in the early stages of Sunday’s derby at Kirkcaldy.
Mike Wirll was hurt at Cardiff Devils on Saturday along with Rory Rawlyk (both injuries undisclosed).
Meanwhile, Tysen Dowzak (broken ankle) has returned to America and skipper Brock McPherson (upper body) looks to be sidelined for three weeks.
These injuries come as Jerry Pollastrone decided to switch to a Swedish club.
Ward said: “We’re left with three import forwards and, thankfully, the transfer deadline has been switched back because of the Olympics.
“Luckily, we were able to bring James Isaacs and he was impressive. I was proud of the guys at Fife last Sunday. So were the fans, who appreciated the effort put in.
“James (Isaccs) was a ray of sunshine for us and we would hope to have at least one guy in here before we play Edinburgh this weekend back-to-back.”