Cazzola says Flyers must keep the faith ahead of double-header

Mike Cazzola has told his Fife Flyers team-mates: “Don’t get frustrated.”

The Canadian forward believes pucks will eventually drop and he assured fans that he will be fit for this weekend’s Elite League double-header.

The 28-year-old suffered two sticks to the head in Sunday’s disappointing Challenge Cup home defeat by arch-rivals Dundee Stars.

But the former Edinburgh Capitals hitman is determined to be in the line-up as Sheffield Steelers visit tomorrow and Nottingham Panthers come to Rosslyn Street on Sunday.

The Ontario-born player, now in his second season with the club, believes that Fife played well in the narrow 4-3 reverse to Stars butdidnotgetafewbounceswhich could have made a big difference.

He said: “We started a little flat (against Dundee) and you have to give them credit. The guys were pretty excited and it seemed that we were all up for it, but we came out flat.

“It is unfortunate that we let that slip away. The chances are there and they are not dropping.”

Reflecting on the Dundee defeat, in which Fife were always behind and were 4-2 down at one stage, he added: “They came out hard and we responded well in the second and third periods. We found a way to play the way we wanted, but it is hard to claw back.

“Now, we have to clean the page and focus on the season.”

Cazzola added: “We can’t get frustrated. Eventually, pucks will drop and saves by the goaltenders in Dundee and Glasgow made a difference. We have to stay positive and stick to our systems and things will happen.”

The popular player agreed that Sheffield and Nottingham are two big tests. But he added: “We’ll have a week of practice and we’ll start fresh. We are looking for a new opportunity for us to get some wins on the board.”

Mike Cazzola has called on team-mates to remain patient.