Blaze are left frustrated at home defeat

DESPITE heavily out-shooting their opponents for the second night running, Blaze were left frustrated following a 4-3 home defeat to the Fife Flyers.

The game started in the right way for the Danny Stewart’s men against his former club, as man of the match Ben Lake scored the first of two at 9.22.

Before the opening period was out though, Liam Heelis registered to tie things up (18.15).

Into the second period and the excellent Andy Iles in the Fife net came charging out of his net to poke-check a puck away from former Flyers captain Ryan Dingle. The Blaze forward being bundled over before winning the next puck battle to poke home past the distracted keeper.

Next came a fight as Blaze’s Danick Paquette took exception to Tommy Muir, the pair each receiving five minutes in the penalty box.

Going 2/3 on the powerplay, Fife first took advantage through Shayne Stockton at 33.12. Lake from the returning Brett Robinson following suspension made it 3-2 at 34.34, but Fife hit back again through Chase Schaber on 39.06. Despite sustained offensive zone time and 46 shots, Blaze weren’t able to find a fourth way past Iles.

The eventual game-winninggoal came from Fife’s Evan Bloodoff (47.54).

Blaze have confirmed the departure of American forward Garrett Ladd with immediate effect.

The 28-year-old has signalled his intention to return to North America for personal reasons.

Head coach Danny Stewart said: “We thank him for his efforts whilst he’s been with us.”