They start the 2007-08 ice hockey season on the road on Saturday as work continues to complete repairs to the fire-damaged rink.

But their first scheduled home game against Dundee Stars at Fife Ice Arena on Saturday September 15 is OFF.

The championship boxing scheduled for Friday September 14 will go-ahead with rink staff hoping to start laying the ice 24 hours later.

That would put Flyers'first home game back to the weekend of September 22, but while workmen continue at the rink, hockey officials are still pouring over a definitive fixture list for the new SPIHL which will run in tandem to the existing NPL.

Flyers have shifted training sessions to Murrayfield Ice Rink in Edinburgh and while player-coach Todd Dutiaume admits the situation is frustrating, he's looking ahead to a more competitive, challenging season of hockey.

The SPIHL features the big five of Fife, Dundee, Solway, Paisley and Edinburgh – and the removal of whipping boys such as Elgin and North Ayr should eliminate the one-sided action which blighted last season.

Dutiaume has made changes to his bench with skipper John Haig departing for Dundee, Steven Lynch, Lewis Glasgow and Dan McIntyre arriving from Edinburgh and Ian Bell from Dundee Tigers, and he says his team is ready to defend its position as champions.

''We want to stay number one.'' he said. ''We're relishing the fact that we'll be coming to game nights not knowing what the outcome will be.

''With a tighter league there's no scope to take a night off or not show up – and that can only be good for the game. Paul Heavey will run a tight ship at Paisley, and we know what the others are capable of, so I'm looking forward to doing more coaching and we'll have to be on our game all the time.''

Dutiaume is hoping his side will be back home by the middle of the month – ''I'm using the 22nd as a benchmark to get in there – and properly settled after months on the road.

''Training has gone well,'' he said, ''but you're not fully settled until you are in your room with a full schedule and can start planning ahead.

''I appreciate the rink is a work in progress. They have to make it safe and clean before we can step on to the ice. I also understand the frustrations over a lack of fixtures, but I have every sympathy for the guys trying to put the schedule together. They are doing their best – it's a very difficult job.''

Without fixtures Flyers have been unable to confirm season tickets, and the fans have been left to piece together unconfirmed schedules from various websites.

The confusion will only clear once the first drafts are agreed and finally made public, hopefully in the coming days.

In the dressing-room, Flyers have added to their Edinburgh contingent with the arrival of Ian Beattie, while Lewis Christie could be poised for a move across the Irish Sea.

The impressive young defenceman has had a try-out with Belfast Giants – where Todd's brother Mark is a player – and it may lead to a two-way contract, but the player will remain registered as a Flyer.

Flyers also head into the season keeping their options open regarding a second import.

Plans to allow teams to expand their foreign quota appear to have hit some issues and the club won't make a move until they are resolved.

Explained Dutiaume: ''We have guys lined up and ready to come if needed, but I won't bring someone over if they can't play or if teams won't play against us. We'll support the majority on this issue and do what is best for the league, but if we do bring someone in he'll have to be head and shoulders above what we already have. I do want someone with experience who can handle ice time and teach our young players.''