Dundee Stars

Dundee Stars 2025-26 Season Preview

A Season of Reflection and Renewal: Dundee Stars Mark 25th Anniversary with Fresh Intent

As the Dundee Stars prepare to celebrate their 25th anniversary, the club enters a season shaped equally by reflection and resolve. After an inconsistent 2024–25 campaign that saw the Stars finish eighth and exit early from the playoffs, Head Coach Marc LeFebvre returns for his third season with a clear mandate: bring consistency, structure, and a competitive edge back to Dundee.

But the offseason has been marked by more than just roster moves. The sudden and tragic passing of Gary Kelly — a gifted young local player and cherished member of the Stars family — has cast a shadow across the organization. His loss has resonated deeply throughout the EIHL community. Remembered for both his talent and his generous spirit, Gary’s legacy will be honoured throughout the season. Everyone at EIHL Dream Team extends heartfelt condolences to his family, teammates, and friends.

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Building from the Back: Roster and New Signings Overview

LeFebvre has set a clear tone for the upcoming season: tougher, bigger, and more defensively sound. With 15 players currently signed (2 goaltenders, 6 defensemen, 7 forwards), the Stars are assembling a team built on depth and resilience.

Familiar faces like Spencer Naas and Keanu Yamamoto return to provide offensive continuity, while a retooled blue line — anchored by captain Drydn Dow and bolstered by rugged North American imports — signals a commitment to tightening up defensively.

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Netminders

Dundee enters the season with a competitive trio between the pipes:

Departing:

• Richard Sabol: The Slovak was decent last year but has not been retained by the Stars for another year.

Returning:

• Jarrett Fiske: Returns for a second campaign, looking to build on a steady debut year.
• Dominick Jaglar: A homegrown prospect, steps into a full-time EIHL role following steady development through the SNL and the Stars academy.

New Signings:

• Emil Kruse: A Swedish netminder is a seasoned, technically sound goaltender with a history of strong performances in Sweden (SHL and Allsvenskan) and Denmark, now bringing his experience to the UK’s Elite League. Joins from IK Oskarshamn.

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Defence

Head Coach Marc LeFebvre has responded decisively to departures and looks to have built a tougher, more physical blue line.

Departures:

• Kyle Pouncy (France)
• Ben O’Connor retired from full time Pro after a glittering career (dropped to the NIHL)

Returning to anchor the group:

• Drydn Dow, team captain and perennial workhorse, remains the Stars’ most reliable blueliner.
• Kris Inglis continues to bring grit and shutdown ability.
• Craig Moore returns with valuable versatility, able to play both defence and forward.

New Signings:

• Griffin Luce headlines the new arrivals. With close to 100 AHL appearances, he brings size, bite, and positional awareness, and is poised to become a leader on the back end.
• Jackson DeSouza (6’5”, Lillehammer) adds imposing physicality and reach.
• Justin Bean, a recent signing from the Maine Mariners (ECHL), tallied 35 points in 72 games and brings huge upsize potential.

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Forwards: Familiar Faces, Fresh Energy

Up front, the Stars return key contributors and inject fresh talent into a group that blends pace, skill, and identity.

Returning forwards:

• Spencer Naas: Brings speed, tenacity, and a consistent scoring touch.
• Keanu Yamamoto: A creative playmaker and transitional threat.
• Craig Garrigan: Hardworking, dependable, and experienced.
• Jonathan McBean: A rising Scottish star continuing his development.
• Kameron Kielly: The former Steeler impressed last year and will continue again Tayside.

New additions:

• Matt Berry: Arrives from Glasgow, offering flexibility and bottom-six depth.
• Morten Jürgens: Estonian national team forward known for his poise and vision, joining from Coventry.
• Ben Almquist: A clear statement of intent from Dundee: a fast, creative import who can bolster scoring depth and strengthen special teams. Proven production in Norway and a smooth transition into Cardiff’s lineup mid-season, he represents a significant boost to the Stars’ forward group
• Brad Schoonbaert: A well-rounded, dependable forward arriving from Cardiff with a blend of offensive savvy, competitive commitment and is expected to bring energy, experience, and toughness
• Matt Boudens: A seasoned Canadian centre physical, experienced, and a proven winner. With major junior, collegiate, and professional accolades. Boudens brings leadership roles and playoff experience across multiple leagues, as well as a breadth of talent and character to Dundee.
• Otto Nieminen: Proven EIHL experience, playoff winner with Nottingham last year. A huge signing for the Stars and Otto will give primary depth scoring to Dundee.
• Hampus Olsson: Imposing physical presence and versatile, capable of playing on either wing. His size and strength make him a formidable opponent in front of the net, while his skill set allows him to contribute offensively.
• Rio Page and Jaydn Baxter: 2 young local players that have signed on 2-ways.

Several forward spots remain open, with at least two top-six import expected before puck drop.

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EIHL Dream Team – One to Watch: Griffin Luce

A quietly excellent acquisition, Griffin Luce could prove to be the glue in Dundee’s defensive overhaul. With AHL experience, leadership qualities, and physical presence, Luce is primed to log big minutes and help solidify a previously shaky back end. His development and health will be key to Dundee’s success.

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Season Outlook: Measured Optimism

The Stars head into their milestone season with renewed clarity and emotional fuel. They may not be title contenders, but they look better structured, more physically imposing, and mentally galvanized. The memory of Gary Kelly will be a constant source of motivation.

If the goaltending settles early and offensive depth is bolstered with the right additions, Dundee could punch above their weight. A strong playoff push and potential upset in the postseason aren’t out of the question.

EIHL Dream Team Predicted Finish: 8th Place

#GK45 – Rest easy pal