WITH just a fortnight to go until the start of the ice hockey season, Fife Flyers are playing a waiting game on three fronts.
The Kirkcaldy club is still waiting on the confirmation of an official fixture list, the completion of repairs to Fife Ice Arena and the rules regarding the number of imports permitted to ice in the new Scottish Premier Hockey League.
Flyers have ho
wever received confirmation that their first match will be a trip to Blackburn Hawks in the Northern League on September 8, and not against Edinburgh Capitals as the club was provisionally told.
An opening away fixture will allow an extra week for repair work at the Kirkcaldy rink which is expected to be completed in time for the home curtain raiser.
Player-coach Todd Dutiaume has been taking his squad to Murrayfield for preseason training and is pleased with the condition of his players.
"Everybody has responded well to training and the sessions have been very upbeat," he said.
"Chris Wands and Steven King have settled into their new captaincy roles very comfortably and there is a great effort being put in on the ice.
"The guys are anxious to get the season going."
Rink repairs were stepped up a gear this week with a new ceiling being fitted and ice is expected to be laid soon.
Dutiaume is eager to return to the rink, adding: "It's progressing slowly but surely and it will be good to get back to where we're most comfortable.
Full story in this week's FFP.
