The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Flyers’ hosts will seek redemption
Coventry Blaze head coach Danny Stewart – a former Fife Flyers favourite – hopes his men do not have a recurrence of what he called “early season blues” when the Kirkcaldy club visit tomorrow in their Elite Ice Hockey League opener.
Home fans suffered as Blaze endured a second successive Challenge Cup defeat at the hands of the Guildford Flames, losing 5-1 in the first competitive game of the season at the Skydome Arena after a 7-4 defeat at Guildford 24 hours earlier.
It hurt and Stewart, whose squad also lost 5-4 at Altrincham against Manchester Storm in an exhibition game on Wednesday, admitted that his short-benched men “ran out of gas” against Flames.
The Canadian has named defenceman Justin Hamonic as the club’s new captain and the 27-year-old will be supported by associate skippers Luke Ferrara, Ross Venus and David Broll.
Stewart added: “Hammer (Hamonic) has an amazing approach to the game.
“He’s in immaculate condition, leads by example in everything he does and has a 100% buy-in to this club, his team-mates and coaching staff.
“He is well respected by everyone, never takes a shift off and that is exactly who we want leading our charge this season.”
So, Fife can expect a bruising clash from a side anxious to deliver to their loyal followers but who may still be minus important duo Ryan Penny and Joey Raats.
Flyers’ head coach Todd Dutiaume admits he is still honing his squad after a short pre-season and he considers Blaze to be one of the top teams in the league.
Dutiaume also believes what happens tomorrow will provide him with an idea of where his men are in terms of preparation for the season.
Flyers arrive home in the
early hours of Sunday for the visit of Belfast Giants in the Challenge Cup and Dutiaume expects Adam Keefe’s men to be another side challenging for honours this term.
It is a tough opening followed by the visit of rivals Dundee Stars next Saturday in the Challenge Cup, a game which is followed by a road trip to much-fancied Cardiff Devils the following night.
The coach said: “Fitness levels are surprisingly good despite the fact that the guys have not played in 18 months but these are good professionals who recognise that they have to be ready if they want to compete in this league.”
Players have been working behind the scenes on their fitness and have been in touch with the club’s strength and fitness coach.”
The Canadian, who has been at the helm for two decades, said it was uplifting to hear the noise from the fans when the squad were in the dressing-room before the game against Dundee at Kirkcaldy last weekend.
Fife edged the Kirkcaldy clash and he added: “Nerves crept in but it was fantastically encouraging to hear the support.”