DURHAM, UK – All Elite League sides have been doing their best to bolster their rosters over the summer months with both the Belfast Giants and Dundee Stars making some interesting additions to their squads recently.
Belfast were desperately unlucky to end the 2010/11 campaign without any silverwear and there have been a number of changes to their line up since the Giants were beaten at the National Ice Centre in April. Their inspirational Brit Colin Shields has left Northern Ireland to sample hockey in mainland Europe and replacing a home gown player of Shields calibre is a huge ask for Giants coach Doug Christiansen.
Christiansen has been able to bring one of the most exciting young British players of recent years into the Odyssey though as former Sheffield Steeler Robert Dowd will be lining up in the White and Blue of Belfast next term. Dowd picked up almost a point per game during his time in South Yorkshire and much is expected from the highly talented forward now that he has moved onto play for Doug Christiansen at Belfast.
Dowd during his time with Steelers
Giants have also made another eye catching signing as former Cardiff forward Jon Pelle will be joining Dowd in Northern Ireland. Pelle was a revelation in the Welsh capital last season as he picked up over 100 points as Gerad Adam’s Devils enjoyed a remarkable campaign. Pelle will bolster Giants offensive capabilities hugely and if Belfast can find the right line mates for the right handed forward Doug Christiansen could have one of the most feared forward units in the entire Elite League next season.
Dundee Stars have also been busy recruiting players since the end of last season. Stars have not been able to capture players in the same class as Pelle and Dowd however Dundee have made some interesting signings that could see Dan Ceman’s side improve on their debut campaign at the top level in the British game.
Stars Jeff Hutchins
Veteran forward Jeff Hutchins has moved across to Dundee from Edinburgh Capitals and the capture of the former Newcastle, Belfast, Coventry and Sheffield man will be a great addition for Stars as Hutchins can bring a great deal of versatility and know how to what was at times a disappointing offensive effort by the Stars last time round.
Ceman has also bolstered the British side of his roster with the double capture of Lee and Craig Mitchell from the Hull Stingrays. Both Mitchell brothers have plenty of experience at Elite League level. Lee has proved himself to be a solid dependable forward during his 6 year stay on Humberside while his younger brother Craig is a promising d man who could benefit from moving back to his native Scotland after a 2 year spell in Hull.
Craig Mitchell in action for Hull
Dundee have also opted to re-sign many of their 2010/11 squad which is a rather interesting decision by the organisation as Stars will no doubt be looking to better the 8th place finish they managed last term though how any great improvement will be made with a similar roster to last term is left to be seen.
In summary Belfast look to have the backbone of an impressive roster though with many signings yet to be made it is hard to assess if Giants will have enough quality to challenge for the Elite League title in 2010/11. Dundee Stars will be hoping that they can learn from their debut season in the top flight and that the few tweaks they have made to their line up can see them make progress up the League standings this coming campaign.
Images courtesy of Paul Lynch Photography
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
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