Stockton ready to ride out the Storm for success

Shayne Stockton has been around the block several times in his ice hockey career.

And the 28-year-old American, now into his third season at Fife Flyers, knows the importance of staying focused.

Tonight that resolve will be tested by Ryan Finnerty’s feisty Manchester Storm.

The former Elite League pace-setters visit Rosslyn Street in seventh position in the 12-strong table after the matches on New Year’s Day.

Fife have not played since Hogmanay when they beat bottom-markers Edinburgh Capitals 5-3 at Murrayfield, scoring three unanswered goals after letting a 2-0 lead slide away to go 3-2 behind after a four-minute hiccup in the second period caused by penalty problems.

The Fifers have slipped back to fifth position behind Nottingham Panthers who edged Coventry Blaze 2-1 at the SkyDome on Monday.

Flyers, however, could climb back above the muchdecorated Nottingham side with a midweek win which would take them to 38 points after 26 matches.

They would then be back in the top four and head coach Todd Dutiaume and his assistant Jeff Hutchins are determined to push for honours.

That’s why winning on home ice is so crucial and Stockton and his team-mates know they must not take their foot off the gas.

The American forward, who has scored some key goals in recent games, indicated that easing up for a split second in games can prove costly.

He also emphasised the necessity to keep bad habits out of Fife’s play.

Flyers have won in regulation time on 15 occasions so far and have also triumphed three times in overtime.

Stockton said: “Things happen but you must get to the rink ready to play. We’ll try to play the hockey we have been playing and there will be no let-up.”

Those words will be sweet music to the ears of Fife fans who dream of a title win.