Belfast Giants v Dundee Stars: Grimshaw facing tough test on debut

Ryan Grimshaw faces a baptism of fire when he steps off a transatlantic jet.

The 6ft defenceman will make his debut for misfiring Dundee Stars in the Giants’ lair only hours later.

The American will meet his new team-mates only minutes before they square-up to Elite League champions Belfast, the early pace-setters this season, in the 8,000-capacity Odyssey Arena in Belfast.

It’s a tough call but Jeff Hutchins, Dundee’s player/coach, believes in Grimshaw.

He said: “He’s a pretty experienced guy and he’s been brought in to steady our defence back there.

“Hopefully, he’ll bring some leadership and calmness there as I’m worried about losing goals.

Finnish defenceman Joonas Liimatainen is cut from the squad from next week as Hutchins aims to make strides up the table from eighth spot. They finished last season in third position.