The Dundee Stars’ horrendous run might just be over.
Marc LeFebvre’s side haven’t won in regulation time since 22 November (and are 1-7-0 in the weeks since), but their latest signing could turn the tide.
Quinn Ryan will skate for the Stars for the rest of the season, joining on a short-term contract from the ECHL’s Norfolk Admirals.
The 29-year-old arrives in the Elite League with four professional seasons under his belt, including stops in the ECHL and Denmark’s Metal Ligaen.
“Quinn is a dynamic player who brings skill and speed to our forward group,” explained LeFebvre.
“We need some more flair in our offence and Quinn’s skill set will contribute to that. He knows what it means to compete at a high level and we’re excited to see how his experience and skill addds to our locker room.”
In a set of corresponding roster moves, the Stars signed defenceman Zach Taylor and released forward Hampus Olsson.
Who is Dundee Stars forward Quinn Ryan?
Quinn Ryan, Dundee Stars (Image: KJ Jugar)
Ryan is a product of the American Collegiate Hockey Association, which operates at a similar level to NCAA Division Three.
Through five seasons at Liberty University, the Brockville-born forward scored 235 points (88 goals, 147 assists) in 147 appearances.
He turned professional in 2020-21, signing with the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies.
Ryan made subsequent stops with the Indy Fuel, Worcester Railers, and Norfolk Admirals, scoring 71 points (31 goals, 40 assists) in 126 third tier games.
He also enjoyed a brief spell in Denmark, tallying eight points (five goals, three assists) in six games for Rungsted Seier Capital.
How will Quinn Ryan help the Dundee Stars?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.
When a forward joins the Elite League from the ECHL, their point production is relatively translatable.
If they scored in bucketloads on the coast, they tend to find twine on these shores too.
And Ryan’s ECHL record is noteworthy.
In 2022-23, he scored 4o points (15 goals, 25 assists) in 49 appearances for the Worcester Railers as a sophomore pro.
Delivering similar numbers in Dundee would transform the Stars’ season.
And his arrival comes at a crucial time.
The Stars have been outscored 26-5 in December, a run that includes four consecutive regulation time defeats.
With Ryan on board, Dundee can start to think about the task at hand: qualifying for the playoffs.
Despite their rough start, LeFebvre’s side aren’t out of it.
The Stars are just six points behind the eighth-placed Coventry Blaze, with five games in hand.
As the festive season rolls on, it’s all eyes on Dundee.
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