DANNY BOY AIMS TO MAKE HIS MARK

DEFENCEMAN Danny Markowitz jets into Dundee this week at his own expense hoping to land a regular spot with Dundee CCS Stars. The 24-year-old from Jericho, New York, is expected to make his debut against Belfast Giants in an Elite League and Challenge Cup, Group A, double-header, on Tayside on Friday. But he misses Wednesday’s joust at fourth-placed Sheffield Steelers because the paperwork can’t be processed on time. He will slot in to replace crocked, 29-year-old Canadian defenceman Doug Krantz who has made 12 appearances for the club, scoring two goals and setting-up two others. Markowitz, born in a town set up by Quakers escaping persecution in England, played 47 games for Alaska Aces last season but has been squeezed out because of the National Hockey League lockout. The 24-year-old, six-foot tall, player has done his homework on Dundee, who are currently seventh in the table, and is up for the gamble. He knows several of the Tayside team’s players but has not iced with them. Dundee are attempting to re-focus after Saturday’s 9-1 home defeat by Cardiff Devils. Jeff Hutchins, Dundee’s playcaller, said: “We’ve signed Danny on a trial basis to cover for Doug. “He’s looking for a spot after what is going on in North American and is paying his own way. “If he is successful then I have a decision to make.” Commenting on Saturday’s disappointment, Hutchins said: “We didn’t show up to play.”