Dutiaume confident of calming Storm

Todd Dutiaume has twice fallen at the semi-final hurdle in the Elite League play-offs.

And the experienced Fife Flyers head coach would love to lead his current squad into the Grand Final on Sunday April 8 at Nottingham.

The first stage in that quest is to see off formidable quarterfinal opponents Manchester Storm, who finished second in the highly-competitive league this season.

Ryan Finnerty’s men accumulated seven more points than Fife who finished seventh. But Dutiaume argued Flyers were only three points out of third spot and believes his squad can achieve all they want to achieve.

He is, however, waiting to assess injuries to several of his squad and will give the unnamed players as much time as he can to be fit for the key double-header.

Fife entertain Storm at Kirkcaldy in the first-leg on Saturday (face-off 7.15pm) and travel to the Storm Shelter on Sunday (5.15pm).

Dutiaume said: “We’ve played four games against Storm this season and all have been close.

“Injuries have made things difficult recently but we’ll wait to see how the guys are.

“We have had a light schedule in the last week which has allowed time for them to heal.”

Dutiaume believes his men are capable of going all the way to the showpiece final which will be screened live on national television.

He added: “It’s play-off time and it is down to the team who wants it more.

“The guys enjoyed winning the Gardiner Conference title, which is our first silverware in the Elite League.

“And they would love to add to that.”

Todd Dutiaume: believes his squad has what it takes to make Grand Final.