Flyers edge closer to key signings
Fife Flyers v Cardiff Devils at Fife Ice Arena; MATT SIDDALL Photo ; WALTER NEILSON
FIFE Flyers are still chasing key signings - both at home and abroad - with the ice hockey season looming large on the horizon.
The Kirkcaldy side are behind most of their Elite League rivals in terms of assembling a squad for the impending campaign.
But player-coach Todd Dutiaume has urged fans not to panic, stressing that the club has offers out to a number of North American targets.
And he also revealed that he is prepared to fight his Northern Conference rivals for the best Scottish talent available.
“We’re in talks with a number of players right now - and they are all on-going,” Dutiaume told the Press.
“We’ve had to take our time because we’re being selective in the type of player we want.
“We’re definitely excited about the guys we’re speaking to - guys who will bring excitement to the rink and be good in the dressing room.
“So far it’s been a waiting game, but pretty soon players are all going to have to make a quick decision.
“There are guys thinking over two or three options, but at the same time they don’t want to leave it too late and be left high and dry.
Dutiaume confirmed an interest in Dundee Stars forward John Dolan, who scored 17 goals and 29 assists last season.
“If he’s not signing in his home town, Dolan would absolutely be a target for us,” he said.
“He scored 46 points last season - and he’s a guys that all of our Brits know well.”
The coach also revealed that he has held talks with a number of Fife exiles including the Mitchell brothers, Craig and Lee, and Euan Forsyth.
“I’ve talked to a number of them, and that’s going to pick up again in the next week,” he said.
“Any Fife guy that’s been playing away from home, but who would be an effective player for us, will be welcomed back into the fold.
“These guys aren’t kids any more, they’ve cut their teeth in the game, and if they want to come back, that is something we will pursue.”
However, Dutiaume is facing competition for their signature.
“British guys who can perform consisntently at Elite League level are at a premium and teams do compete for them,” he said.
“They will be an asset to any team they go to, but at the same time, we’re happy with the Brits we’ve got.
“We were loyal to them in giving them a shot last year, and they’ve been loyal back.
“We want these guys to progress because we can’t carry any dead weight this year.
“They’ll be given their chance again but it’s not going to be an another year-long process where we struggle and don’t compete.
“They were asked to work hard over the summer and by all accounts that’s what they’ve done.
“And with a year’s experience behind them they won’t be caught flat-footed. That’s a big positive.”
Flyers are due to start their campaign with a Challenge Cup match on Saturday, September 8, at home to Edinburgh Capitals.
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Weather for Kirkcaldy
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South east
