Leeds Knights v Basingstoke Bison: Hectic start enables Sam Dunn to settle in quickly
SAM DUNN has had his eyes opened to UK hockey at a hectic pace in the past 10 days or so - and he likes what he sees.
The 27-year-old defenceman arrived at Leeds Knights to replace American Matt Staudacher less than two weeks ago but, within his first five days, had already got through his first three NIHL National games.
It proved to be a positive start for the right-handed Canadian, opening up with an assist in the midweek 5-1 win over Hull Seahawks before helping his new team overcome Telford Tigers 7-4 on the same home ice two nights later.
His third game ended in a 6-1 loss to the Tigers last Sunday but, regardless of the results, it has been a frantic start to his time in the UK.
Before agreeing to make the move to West Yorkshire, Dunn sought the advice of two players already playing in league - Hull’s Johnny Corneil and Telford’s Caelan McPhee, who he played respectively against and with during his time at Saint Mary’s University in the USports league.
Positive references from both - who he enjoyed victories over in his first two games - played a role in him following up his two years in France’s top-tier Ligue Magnus at Anglet with a move to Leeds.
“I didn’t really know much about the league,” said Dunn. “I know some guys who play in the Elite League and then I know a couple of guys in this league - Johnny Corneil and (Calean) McPhee at Telford.
“So I talked to them and they said it’s been really fun and they liked it.”
Comparing NIHL National to his time in France - his first stint abroad - Dunn said there were clear differences.
“I was very curious about what to expect,” he added. “This is a very fast league and it’s a lot more physical than France was, for sure - the speed is definitely one thing that I noticed and it’s a little less structured, which can also be a good thing.
“It’s fun and it’s taking a little bit of time to adapt, just to the different way that the game is played here, but it’s good and I’m excited.”
Having settled in quickly with his new team-mates, Dunn is determined to help the Knights maintain their winning habit, having already won three league titles, a play-off crown and a National Cup under head coach Ryan Aldridge.
“It’s a great group of guys here and our coaching staff is amazing as well,” he said.
“We’re all working really hard to continue the legacy that has been started here. We’re in a good spot and everybody is focussed on the same thing.”