Dundee Stars defenceman Kris Inglis is looking to put the nightmare of last season behind him after re-signing with the Tayside club.
The 22-year-old is back for a fifth season with Omar Pacha’s men after spending much of 2019/20 battling injury before the coronavirus pandemic ended the campaign prematurely.
But he looked on the positive side, with the elongated summer allowing him to focus on his recovery and be fit and ready for a return to action.
“For me, I am glad that I am able to put last season behind me,” Inglis said. “Missing so many games through injury was extremely difficult and to just miss out on the top eight, despite having a good run at the end of the season was disappointing.
“Having such a long break from hockey is tough as I miss being on the ice doing and what I love.
“But on the plus side it has given me more time to focus on complete recovery from my injury and more time to work out before next season.
“Dundee is my home and the feeling of playing for this club is such an honour. It’s never a difficult decision to play here for another season and after graduating from university, I’m able to completely invest myself in hockey and better myself as a player.”
Inglis signed for the team in 2016 and has made over 160 appearances during his time with the club, coming through the local junior system.
His return was welcomed by head coach Omar Pacha, who revealed he has plans for the Scot involving taking on more responsibility.
Pacha added: “I want to expand his role on the team and be able to use him in different situations.
“I think, for Kris, the big thing is trying to stay healthy all year and to be consistent in his play because I believe that consistency is one of the key things that all young defenceman have to work on.
“He has all the tools, skates well, an be physical and reads the play really well, but he is one of those guys that needs to stay healthy.
“He’ll learn by playing more games, which will help him to improve on every aspect of his game.
“We want him to be solid defensively, but also want him to gain confidence and play our style and brand of hockey because we want our defenders joining the rush and other situations.”
