By Kris Smith

Dundee Stars players have spent the week learning from their mistakes as they prepare for their first encounter with the reigning Elite League and Challenge Cup champions, Belfast Giants.

The Stars head coach, Omar Pacha, has used the last five days to prepare his players for what he expects to be a difficult and challenging game.

Dundee currently sit at the top of Group A with four points after winning two of their first three games and the Giants are in fourth at the foot of the table.

However, the Northern Irish side have won the only cup game they have played and a win at home over the Stars on Saturday would put them level on points with Dundee.

Therefore, the Tayside team have a chance to strength their pole position but are expecting the cup holders to make it extremely difficult to take any points on the road.

After a winless but positive last weekend for Dundee Stars, they picked up their first league point in three games.

The Stars head coach has said:

And there in-form forward, Egils Kalns who has two goals in the last two games added:

Meanwhile, Belfast’s Dundee-born goaltender, Stephen Murphy is fully aware of how dangerous a side like the Stars can be and expects them to come into the SSE Arena with a point to prove.

He said:

Whereas Murphy’s opposite, Alex Leclerc says he and his teammates need to bring their A-game if they are to succeed in Northern Ireland.

He added:

Matt Bissonnette, a former Giant and Star knows exactly what these game are all about and how important they can be in terms of winning trophies.

He said: After watching both clubs over the last few weeks, this game will be huge for the outcome of first place in the group.

“Dundee will need to bounce back after losing a game Sunday but personally I thought they should have won.

“I’m sure Belfast will come out firing but it’s never easy to play the Giants on a Saturday night in Belfast!

“They have definitely showed over the last few years that they want to have a chance to win every trophy possible.

“Whereas, Dundee will have to use their speed and limit their mistakes if they want to stay in a game with the Giants who have a very deep squad this year.”

Saturday’s game at the SSE Arena in Belfast will face-off at 7pm and there is a webcast available on the Belfast website for Dundee fans unable to attend the match.