High-flying Fife hope to repeat victory in Cardiff

ICE HOCKEY: Flyers face tough Devils test

Fife Flyers emerged from Cardiff earlier this month with two points after a memorable overtime win.

Now the high-flying Fifers return there tonight hoping to repeat that performance.

It will take a huge effort to emulate the 5-4 victory achieved on November 7 against a side bolstered by a new recruit.

Former National Hockey League draft pick Drew Schiestel jetted in on Monday and is expected to ice against the Kirkcaldy outfit.

He has not played this season but has been regularly on the ice and keeping fit and Devils bosses are convinced the Canadian will do a job.

Cardiff, play-off and league champions, have recorded two wins in a row and are fourth in the Elite League with 25 points from 17 games.

Fife are second with 27 points from 19 starts and are three points behind early pace-setters Belfast Giants, who have played the same number of games.

Todd Dutiaume’s men have, however, lost their last two games and can’t allow that slide to continue if they want to challenge for league silverware.

Points on the road are vital, particularly against the top clubs, and Dutiaume is determined to create a championshipwinning combine at Fife Ice Arena.

The Canadian was highly critical of his men after Saturday’s 6-2 humbling at home to Sheffield Steelers.

However, they were edged 3-2 at thirdplaced Nottingham Panthers on Sunday after penalty shots.

Devils’ danger men include forwards Charles Linglet, Joey Martin and Matt Pope, who all have more than 16 points this term.

However, Fife have firepower of their own and former Devils star Paul Crowder is way ahead of all three Cardiff men in points collected so far.

Brett Bulmer and Carlo Finucci also carry a real threat and it would be a welcome tonic for Fife’s fans if their favourites emerged from tonight’s game with two points to keep them in the top three and erase the memory of Saturday’s capitulation to Sheffield.

Meanwhile Dundee Stars’ general manager has put out a rallying call to the fans ahead of this weekend’s doubleheader derby against Fife.

Omar Pacha has asked Stars fans to come together and support their side despite the team’s recent form.

The club have launched the #StandStrong campaign that encourages the team’s fanbase to back them in their tough slump.

Pacha said: “The last few weeks have been extremely difficult to say the least. As a club, we are not satisfied at all at where we are in the standings.”

“Everyone from the players to management are disappointed.

“We are working tirelessly to fix this so we can get back to winning ways. It is a waste of time finding excuses because none of that can change our recent losing streak.”