The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Play-off mistake can prove costly – Birzins
Ice hockey: cife mefenceman up for aevils challenge
Fife Flyers’ defenceman Ricards Birzins may not have won Flyers fans’ unsung hero award this season but he has gone about his job in the Kirkcaldy side’s defensive zone perfectly.
Birzins, 28, is in his second season in the Elite League, having iced with the Manchester Storm in their debut season back in 2015-16.
This season sees Birzins return to the play-offs for the first time since 2015, when he was icing in the ECHL with Tulsa Oilers.
“Winning is always fun, especially when you have a great group of guys like we do this year,” he said.
“I’m just happy to be in the play-offs because I haven’t been there for the last two seasons. It is a lot different than the regular season. I think it’s fun for the players and the fans as well because everybody knows that it may be the last game and every guy has to bring their best to the table.
“The play-off finals weekend is a lot different to other play-off hockey as it’s a one-game series. Anything can happen and one mistake can prove costly.”
Flyers go head to head with Cardiff Devils – back-to-back Elite League champions – in the first semi-final game of the weekend.
Birzins knows it will be a tough task but will go into the game as fully prepared as possible.
“Everybody knows their role in the team, and when a couple of guys got hurt different guys stepped up for them which is great,” he said.
“Todd and Jeff have had us mentally prepared for every game each time, so it makes it a bit easier for the players as well.”
If Fife win then they advance to the Grand Final at 4pm on Sunday which will be shown live on BBC Online.
If they lose, they play in the bronze medal play-off at noon on Sunday.