EDINBURGH CAPITALS boss Doug Christiansen at last has his man after completing his ice hockey defence with the acquisition of Joe Dustin.
Christiansen, the Murrayfield men's director of coaching, targeted Dustin 12 months ago but the blue-liner opted to stay in the US.
Dustin joins Great Britain internationalist Kyle Horne, new young talent Craig Mitchell, plus imports Shawn Germain
, Taylor Christie and Adam Stefishen in Capitals' defence.
And the playcaller revealed: "Joe is a player I targeted last summer. He decided to stay in North America last year and he had another solid season.
"He has the ability to put up a lot of points for us and Joe's signing finishes our defensive core. It is one that I think will surprise a lot of people and with Joe involved, we have a defender who is known for putting shots on net and being a leader on the powerplay."
Christiansen believes his defence is well-balanced and added: "Taylor Christie and Joe Dustin give us two players who could have a breakout season similar to the way Ryan Crane did last year.
"Shawn Germain is a very steady stay-at-home defender who will be counted on all season in every key defensive situation.
"Of course, our fans know Kyle Horne, who is a consistent GB internationalist. Craig Mitchell is a player that can develop and give us some great energy all year.
"Finally, we have a toughness and grit from Adam Stefishen. Adam's versatility will once again help us this year. How much he plays on defence is yet to be determined, but I thought that last year he did a great job for us at the back. It is nice to have a player like Adam who can help us both up front and on defence."
Dustin spent last season in the East Coast Hockey League with Bakersfield Condors, scoring seven goals and recording 20 assists in 58 games before his acquisition by Stockton Thunder.
The 6ft player started his career in the NCAA playing for University of Wisconsin River Falls amassing 26 points from eight goals and 18 assists in 109 career games.
And the talented player was also named to the NCHA All-Academic team and the WIAC Scholastic Honour Roll.
He then made his professional debut with the Rockford Ice Hogs in the Central Hockey League before spending time playing for Fayetteville FireAntz, Charlotte Checkers, Louisiana Ice Gators and Oklahoma City Blazers.
Dustin said: "Coach Christiansen and I have had several phone conversations and I liked what the team and city has to offer."
The full article contains 436 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
