Dundee Stars netminder Jarrett Fiske has inked a one-year contract extension with the Elite League side.
The American made 40 appearances in all competitions in his first season with the Stars, recording a .901 save percentage and 3.26 goals-against-average.
“The community welcomed me with open arms this past season and I am grateful for the hospitality and support they have given me throughout this year,” said Fiske upon his re-signing.
“It was an easy choice when presented the opportunity to stay… I want to continually grow as a professional, and do what I can to propel the organisation to a higher standard.
“Additionally, the goal is to win trophies for this city and organisation.”
Before turning professional with the Stars, Fiske spent five seasons in the NCAA with the American International College and Niagara University, owning a .916 save percentage and 2.60 goals-against average.
Analysis: Dundee Stars extend netminder Jarrett Fiske
Fiske returns to Dundee after a so-so debut season in the Elite League – his first as a professional.
The American, a product of the NCAA, made a positive impression in league play, finishing the campaign with a .912 save percentage – which placed him eighth in the charts amongst netminders who hit the 20-appearance mark.
Jarrett Fiske, Niagara University (Image: Niagara Athletics)
Crucially, Fiske outperformed teammate Richard Sabol (who ended the season with an .881 save percentage) and won control of the crease down the stretch.
But inconsistency was an issue.
Fiske, who went 14-21-0 on the season, was virtually unbeatable in early March – he recorded 151 saves on 158 saves in three straight wins – but followed up that hot streak with four sub-.900 performances in his next five appearances.
Fundamentally, Fiske has the makings of a sturdy Elite League netminder.
The Erie, Pennsylvania-born shot-stopper has raw physicality and stature (he’s 6-foot-3) to make life difficult for opposition forwards, with a decent glove to back it up.
Fiske’s rebound control, the ability to push shots away from the crease, isn’t a strength, but he has time to hone that part of his craft and will do so as part of a double import tandem.
‘Bringing in a veteran goalie to play with him will make him even better’
“He is eager to learn, he is very gracious of the opportunity he has to play here in Dundee and he is going to be one of our two import goalies for the next season, but he still has a lot to learn and there is room for growth there,” said Stars head coach Marc LeFebvre.
“So, bringing in a veteran goalie to play with him and mentor him, will make him even better and I think what he needs to keep developing, but he has shown quite a bit this season and we were quite impressed with him, especially his work ethic and his professionalism.
“I think there is more to come from him, he is a great teammate and the guys in the room love him, so we are happy to have him back and we want him to keep battling for that starting spot every night.”
Dundee’s decision to re-sign Fiske early in the offseason underscores their belief in him.
It’s over to the 25-year-old to repay that faith next term.
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