Dundee Stars
[7] Dundee Stars
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Wikipedia - Dundee Stars
The Dundee Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in the Scottish city of Dundee. They were formed in 2001 and play their home games at the Dundee Ice Arena, situated off the city's main Kingsway dual carriageway. The current title sponsor of the team is 'Trade-Mart'.
The team currently play in the top professional UK-wide Elite Ice Hockey League and have previously played in others including the British National League (BNL), Scottish National League (SNL) and The Northern League. In joining the Elite League (EIHL), they are one of three Scottish teams playing in the competition, alongside Glasgow Clan and Fife Flyers.
History
BNL years
Founded in 2001, the Dundee Stars won the Findus British National League (FBNL) and the Playoffs in their first season (2001–02) and then ranked 2nd in the FBNL 9n (2002–03), topped their playoff group and reached the semi-finals of the challenge cup the following season. Stars' third season was a disappointment compared to the previous two, with a low league position and a place in the final of the Capital Cup.[]
Season 2004–05 started off disappointing for all three Scottish teams in the BNL. The National Cup, the Keyline Cup and the Challenge Cup were no better. However, the Stars turned their season around after making a few changes to the roster and won the Playoffs and also fared well in the Caledonia Cup.[]
Post BNL years: SNL
In 2005 Edinburgh Capitals and Newcastle Vipers decided to resign from the BNL in order to join the premier Elite League. As this would leave the BNL with only five teams; and thus with little option but to fold, the Capitals and Vipers temporarily withdrew their applications so as to allow the remaining BNL teams to apply for EIHL status. However, terms could not be agreed between the EIHL and the remaining five BNL teams; leading the Capitals and Vipers to resubmit their original applications and join the EIHL; which ultimately resulted in the closure of the BNL. This led the Stars, along with fellow former BNL team Fife Flyers, to move to the Scottish National League. The Stars refusal of the EIHL's terms was due to their local rival, Fife Flyers, being unable to join the EIHL due to their arena not meeting the EIHL's standards. It was decided that Stars' would not join the EIHL at that time unless the Flyers were allowed to join with them. In joining the SNL the Stars had to release all of their imported players in order to meet SNL rules.
During the first season, Fife won the SNL with Stars three points behind in 2nd. Flyers also won the Autumn Cup, the Northern League and the SNL Playoffs. Season 2006–07 introduced the NHL style Zero Tolerance rules and the one import rule with the intent of making the SNL a more skillful league. The Stars have relied heavily on their junior development with many under-19s and some under-16s "playing up" as well as managing to secure the services of two of the "old" favourites, Jeff Marshall (Canada) and Patric Lochi (Italy).
EIHL years
In late April 2010, the Dundee Stars confirmed that they had been accepted into the EIHL, as the league's 2nd expansion team for the 2010–11 season.
The Dundee Stars are known for their passionate fan base and exciting style of play on the ice. The team's colors are blue, white, and gold, and their logo features a fierce star symbolizing their competitive spirit.
The Stars have a strong roster of talented players from around the world, including skilled forwards, solid defensemen, and reliable goaltenders. They are coached by experienced professionals who strive to bring out the best in each player and lead the team to victory.
The Dundee Stars play their home games at the Dundee Ice Arena, where fans gather to cheer on their favorite team and witness thrilling matchups against other top teams in the EIHL. With a rich history and a bright future ahead, the Dundee Stars continue to be a powerhouse in British ice hockey.