The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Flyers’ injury concerns for duo
ICE HOCKEY: Fife coach weighing up options ahead of double with Flames
Fife Flyers have two injuries ahead of this weekend’s double-header with English combine Guildford Flames.
Jordan Buesa is counted out “mid- to long-term” and the medical staff will monitor Brett Bulmer this week.
Canadian-born Bulmer’s injury, which was picked up early in the game at Braehead on Friday, is not as serious as was initially thought and that, said Todd Dutiaume, was a positive sign.
And the experienced coach said that the former Florida Everblades forward hopes to be ready for action against Flames who visit Kirkcaldy on Saturday (face-off 7.15pm) and who entertain the Scots on Sunday.
He is encouraged by the 4-1 victory over misfiring Sheffield Steelers who parted company with their longstanding coach, Paul Thompson, last week in the hope of boosting their fortunes.
The gamble has not paid off so far.
Dutiaume said the win was “nice” but what pleased him more was the level of engagement shown by his men early in the game.
The experienced Canadian said that the first period performance was the best he had witnessed all season.
And he revealed that he told the players just that between the first and second sessions.
Dutiaume added: “That (first period) was the most engaged we have reached.
“We need to find that engagement in every game and, if we do, then we give ourselves every chance of getting results.”
Sunday’s win sees sad Sheffield slipping to second-bottom spot with three straight defeats giving them only six points from nine games.
It keeps Fife in the top three thanks to four straight league wins and the in-form Kirkcaldy combine have nine points from five games.
They are a point behind secondplaced Cardiff Devils who have won their last three league outings but have played six fixtures.
Nottingham Panthers lead the 11-strong table with 14 points from 10 outings.
Guildford are fourth with eight points from six fixtures and have won their last two, home and away against bottom club Dundee Stars.
The Tayside team have lost their last four games and have six points from eight games.
The 4-2 home defeat by Flames comes ahead of a tough weekend doubleheader at play-off champions Cardiff Devils on Saturday followed by a visit of Glasgow Clan on Sunday (face-off 5pm).