The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Scan as Schaber injury ‘does not look great’
ICE HOCKEY: Blow for Fife Flyers as influential Canadian had been in form
The fitness of Chase Schaber is giving real cause for concern for Fife Flyers who are in a dogfight for an end-of-season play-off place.
The influential Canadian looked to be getting back to near his best before he pulled up with a leg injury last weekend.
Flyers head coach Todd Dutiaume has revealed that the 28-year-old winger is having a scan to find out exactly what is wrong.
Schaber is in his fourth season at Fife Ice Arena and has played more than 180 games for the kingdom combine.
This season, the man from Red Deer has slotted 10 goals and assisted with seven other strikes.
Dutiaume said of the former ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) wing or centre ice: “It does not look great right now.
“I thought the last two games were the best we have seen him skate but he had to pull up with a leg injury on Saturday and we need to get a scan to figure out exactly what it is.
“It is certainly an area of concern for us.”
The blow comes at a critical time as flagging Flyers visit fellow strugglers Manchester Storm on Saturday.
Fife occupy the eighth and final playoff slot with 22 points from 25 fixtures while Storm have 20 points but from one game less.
Dundee Stars prop up the rest with 15 points from 25 games.
Dutiaume said: “We have to go to this Manchester building for the first time this year.
“It is a small tight building and they seem to be well-suited for it again this year.
“We currently find ourselves in a dogfight with them for league position.”
Meanwhile, Freesports have changed their January live game after originally planning to air the Dundee Stars v Belfast Giants clash on January 2.
Network bosses have confirmed that this will no longer be broadcast and instead Freesports will show Dundee against Scottish rivals Glasgow Clan on Friday January 24 (7.30pm).