Head coach Todd Dutiaume has held talks with the bulk of last season's squad and the wraps should come off his first confirmed signings in the next few weeks.

Flyers will ice in an expanded eight-team cross-Border Northern League from September which will bring new teams such as Flintshire Freeze, Sheffield Spartans and Bradford Bulldogs to Fife Ice Arena for the very first time.

Dutiaume has spoken to most of his skaters and will complete his calls as soon as possible — and, although no names have been been announced, the feedback has been positive.

He is also keen to add to his squad following the loss of key defenceman Willie Nicholson to Edinburgh Capitals.

Dutiaume said: ''The initial feedback has been positive so we can now sit down and start to put the team together.''

The coach is aiming to start pre-season training early next month to ensure all the players have ice time under their belts before heading south to Newcastle's impressive Metro Arena for the eight-team ''Face Off'' pre-season competition on August 28 and 29.

He said: ''Last season we didn't start training until the ice was down and we made a slower start than in previous years.

''I'm looking to have the guys on ice once a week from August so they can get back into the routine and we can prepare for the pre-season tournament — I really want to go there with some ice time behind us.

''It's going to be a great opportunity for us to see the other teams, some for the very first time, and get an idea of what to expect from the league.

''There are rumours of some teams going for imports so that will add a little excitement, and the fact that the English and Scottish associations have worked together shows they are keen to put in place a solid structure.

"We still don't know about the calibre of all the teams, but the fact they are working together is a huge step forward for the sport.''

Dutiaume is also hopeful he will have some new faces in his line-up in time for the pre-season competition.

He has spoken to several players, including some former Flyers.

''It's important to freshen up the squad every season — we don't want it to go stale,'' he added.

'I'm keen to add a few new faces.''