Jeff Hutchins has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with ambitious Dundee Stars.
After signing the extended contract, the Toronto-born forward declared: “We want to build on what we’ve achieved this season.”
That includes topping the Elite League table and sitting in pole position in the highly-competitive Gardiner Conference with a defining clash against Scottish rivals Braehead Clan to come on Sunday at Dundee Ice Arena (6.30pm).
Hutchins, who will be 36 next month, has enjoyed his three seasons on Tayside following his transfer from Edinburgh Capitals and plans to play for at least another year before taking stock.
The contract extension follows lengthy behind-the-scenes talks with Dundee’s bosses, the Ward family. Playcaller Hutchins described the last three seasons on Tayside as being “fantastic”.
He said: “The owners and I have agreed a two-year extension as player-coach. We have a fantastic working relationship. We do not see eye to eye on all issues but we have a good understanding and have the club at heart.
“We want to take this club forward and improve what we have done this year.”
Stars are third in the table with 53 points from 45 games, three points adrift of Thursday night’s opponents Sheffield Steelers, one of Hutchins’ former clubs.
Stars are determined finish as high up the table as they can, win the Gardiner Conference, and be in the play-off final four at Nottingham on April 5-6. No Scottish club has yet to achieve that in the Elite League era.
Hutchins, a Great Britain international, added: “We’ve not determined how long I’ll play but I will be on the ice next season and we’ll see what happens after that. A lot will depend on my body.
“We have to sit down and talk budgets for next year but we’ll not really know that until they have tallied up this season.”
Hutchins added: “A lot of top clubs have spent thousands and they have not ended up where they wanted.
“We have a tighter budget than some other clubs but we want to finish as high as we can. That helps recruitment for the following year. If guys see you are in the top four then they are willing to take a chance. It is important we end up there.”
“Our selections this year have worked.”
The coach maintained a core of Great Britain talent and he aims to do the same for the next two years. He wants to retain as many of his star players as he can but knows that money talks.
Hutchins added: “Obviously, there are players I would like to keep but some have come here as a stepping-stone and will move on. We know that.”
The coach, who has played for 16 teams in six leagues during his career, unearthed some outstanding talent last summer.
American forward Nico Sacchetti, who will sit out tomorrow through injury, is one. He has been constantly among the top three points gatherers this term.
Goaltender Dan Bakala has been a stand-out for most of the season. Jerry Pollastrone, who recently left for Scandinavia, was also a value signing and helped the club progress.
Jack MacLellan, a recent acquisition, has quickly made his mark and Lubomir Vaskovic, who scored two goals on his home debut last Sunday, already looks a sound buy.
Hutchins, who iced in more than 100 games for Mississippi Sea Wolves in the East Coast Hockey League in North America, added: “Jack has been great and Lubo has done fine.
“He’s having to adjust to a more physical game, which he is not used to, but he played well at the weekend.
“My situation, playing in Dundee and living in Edinburgh, works for me personally and for the club and I am honoured and privileged to be asked to carry on for another two years.”