Fast, fierce and fearless, they dominated British ice hockey in the 1980s and transformed Dundee into Scotland's “Hockey City”.
The Dundee Rockets have reunited to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their third Grand Slam title and reflect on their achievements.
The team was founded by local scaffolding foreman Tom Stewart and recruited players from Canada and the United States to strengthen the local team.
One of those players was Chris Brinster, who moved from New York to Dundee to play as a Rockets defenseman from 1981-1987.
“There was a great chemistry between us and the locals; it was never an 'us vs them' relationship, it was more like family,” he explained.
“Every time we went into a game, our mindset wasn't, 'Can we win?' but, 'We're going to win.' We had that winning attitude from day one, and it just snowballed.”
Canadian Roy Halpin recorded over 400 goals and 350 assists from 1981-1985.
“I loved every moment here: the wins, the fans, it was a privilege,” he said.
“Tom Stewart built a team based on trust and friendship between players.
“Just one trophy at a time. I never thought about it beyond that, but every time I stepped on the ice I tried to win.”
The Rockets won three Grand Slam titles between 1981 and 1984 and were the first British team to qualify for the European Cup.
Their legions of fans followed them from the old Kingsway Rink to venues across the UK and eventually to the national final at Wembley.
Dundee's Jock McGough lined up in defence alongside Chris Brinster.
“It was an incredible time,” he said.
“Tom Stewart carefully selected the right people to bring in to strengthen the existing team. They have helped us become better players.”
The players will be back in the spotlight in Dundee on Wednesday 26th June when they host an evening with the Dundee Rockets at the Whitehall Theatre in the city.
“I talk to our guys a lot and I tell everybody: What you guys have done has never been duplicated in ice hockey or probably any other sport,” Chris Brinster said.
“Be proud of what you've accomplished, keep doing it and pass it on to your children and those who will grow up in the future.”
Roy Halpin added: “Building on a winning tradition, Dundee started out as a hockey town.
“Today, I hear and see the success of the Dundee Stars. Hockey is going to continue.”
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