Iles confirmed as Flyers’ starting netminder

American is looking forward to a ‘different chapter’

American-born netminder Andy Iles was yesterday confirmed as Fife Flyers’ starting netminder.

The 25-year-old is entering his fourth year as a professional and is a product of the United States National Team Development Program.

Iles played for his native country in the 2010 U18 World Junior Championships, helping them win the gold medal, and again in the 2011 U20 World Junior Championships where they won bronze.

The New York native enjoyed a glittering collegiate career at Cornell University before turning professional and, since then, has iced in 40 games in Elmira alongside another Flyers newcomer, Ian Young.

He has also been with Florida Everblades and Cincinnati Cyclones as well as having stints with Alaska, Atlanta, Brampton and Tulsa.

The netminder did his homework before signing and said: “I was fortunate to have a few relationships with past Flyers. I spoke with Kevin Regan and he had great things to say about both his playing and family’s experiences in Fife.

“This is certainly a different chapter in my career but one that we look forward to.”

Todd Dutiaume, Fife’s head coach, said: “Although small in stature he possesses great reflexes and has the ability to make the required secondary saves.”

Fife fans don’t have long to wait to see their new heroes on the ice as the club face-off their pre-season by playing Kassel Huskies on Saturday August 26 (7.15pm).

Meanwhile, Dundee Stars’ new coach Omar Pacha comes face-to-face with the club’s success-hungry fans tonight for a question and answer session.

He jetted in from Canada at the weekend and wants to build a rapport with the faithful as soon as possible.

Pacha, who joins the club after guiding Manchester Storm last season, said: “We will aim to entertain.”

He will appear at the launch of the club’s official supporters’ club tonight.

Three branches will be formed and led by Stars fans Gail Mallarkey, Liz Davidson and Lawrie Hill.

Membership will give supporters benefits including travel discounts and member-only events.

American-born netminder Andy Iles has been confirmed as Fife Flyers’ starting netminder.