FIFE Flyers will aim to start a new unbeaten record on Saturday after losing at home for the first time in almost three years — albeit on penalty shots.
The Kirkcaldy side lost to Dundee Stars at the weekend in a Northern League match that had the biggest crowd at Fife Ice Arena this season on the edge of their seats.
Not since Guildford Flames claimed a 6-2 BNL Play-off win in Mark Morrison's las
t match as coach in April 2005 had Flyers experienced defeat in Kirkcaldy.
Current player-coach Todd Dutiaume felt his side missed too many chances in a game they ought to have won before the end of overtime.
"I thought we were unlucky to lose because we played extremely well," he told SportsPress.
"I was happy with the performance but if you let it go to a shoot-out anything can happen. That's why we have to take our chances.
"Their goalie played well, but we made him look even better by hitting the puck into his chest about 10 times. There are five to six guys on the team who need to be putting the puck more consistently. They can't go hot one weekend and cold the next."
The defeat puts extra pressure on Fife to claim two from their last four NIHL matches — all on the road — to clinch the title.
"I'm still confident we'll do it," Dutiaume said. "The goal is to win trophies this year so we have our sights set on winning the Northern League."
Flyers will have to wait until February 17 before their next slice of NIHL action in Whitley Bay.
- To read the full story pick up your copy of the Fife Free Press- now on sale first thing every Thursday morning.
