Matt Bissonnette found the net quickly in pre-season and believes that Dundee Stars can “surprise a lot of people this season” after a positive start.
“I think we have a great group of guys on our team and everyone is coming together nicely, if we are all pushing in the same direction I think we will surprise a lot of people this season,” said Bissonnette.
The Stars begin both their competitive and Challenge Cup campaigns this weekend when they host Belfast Giants tomorrow and welcome Scottish rivals, Glasgow Clan, on Sunday.
Bissonnette was brought in by Omar Pacha this summer after spells with Belfast and French side, Epinal, and previously the winger had played under the Stars coach at Manchester Storm.
Describing what it is like to play for Pacha, he saidd: “Coming to Dundee I knew what to expect with Omar. He is definitely a player’s coach, guys want to play for him.
“As long as we are competing every day and pushing to get better, it will keep him happy.”
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The 26-year old was first on the scoresheet in Dundee’s first game of the season and again found the net to put Stars ahead in the second of the two friendlies.
Reflecting on the exhibition games, Matt said: “Last weekend was a lot of fun and I think that was a key for us as a group.
“Omar made sure to make it clear that he wanted us to be working in our systems but most important making sure we were having fun out there and I think for the most part we were.”
A tough opening weekend of competitive hockey awaits the Stars and first up is Bissonnette’s ex-employers.
He said: “I am really excited to get to play Belfast early in the season, I enjoyed my time there.
“I have nothing but respect for that organisation, but that being said I want nothing more than to beat them at home in front of our fans.
“We aren’t the biggest team, but I know we are fast and speed kills, so if we can get our feet going all weekend we should come out with good results.”
GM and head coach Pacha added: “I was really was pleased with the crowds last weekend. There was a great turnout for both games.
“All in all, the guys competed hard and I want to see that elevated a bit more and I want to see a bit more fluidity in the offence and defence but it was a good first weekend, although we have to make sure we improve as a team and we take another step forward.
“Anytime you play an entire weekend at home you want to be the team that is setting the tempo right from the start.
“There is no football this weekend, so we are hoping that we get some new fans that come in and see what it is like.
Tickets for both home games are available at the DIA box office and online.
