Fife Flyers: coach hails work ethic and players who have exceeded expectations
Fife Flyers will get their first test against EIHL opposition this weekend as they wrap their pre-season preparations.
They take on Dundee Stars in an exhibition game at Fife Ice Arena on Sunday (5:00pm), 24 hours after a scrimmage against SNL side, Kirkcaldy Kestrels (7:00pm).
Tim Wallace’s new look team has impressed fans with back to back wins over Kyiv Capitals and Hull Seahawks - and the coach is looking to maintain the progress.
He goes into the weekend games with GB forward Mason Alderson likely to miss out with a lower body injury, and that could see a rejig of his lines as he casts an eye over how his new signings are settling in. So far, he has been pleased with how they have shaped up.
“I’ve watched the guys every day and expect their game to be at a certain level, and some have exceeded expectations. Now they have to keep that up. There is some chemistry developing and the work ethic is certainly there.” He singled out American defence Joey Pierce for praise, stating: “He sets the tone.”
The 23-year old joined in summer after a four-year collegiate career with the University of Minnesota Duluth in the NCAA, and was one of the players who impressed over the weekend.
Canadian winger Mike Petizian also stood out as one of the workhorses of the team across both games, while a number of skaters bagged their first goals and points in two solid victories.
“During testing Joey was at the top of the team,” said Wallace. “He put in the work during summer and has had a great start. He has pushed everyone forward.”
The coach liked what he saw in the wins over Capitals and Seahawks, but stressed it is still early days.
“Everyone has got in and settled into their flats,” he said. “That was the goal when we started recruiting two months ago - come here with nothing to think about other than hockey, and be professional.
“We’ll take the opening wins, We created a lot of chances and although we lost the first period against Hull, the message was stay calm, keep going - the goals will come.”
Saturday’s scrimmage game against Kestrels is a repeat of last year’s event which was a big hit with fans and players alike.
Stars will provide a tougher test on the Sunday. They come to the rink in the middle of a five game pre-season schedule which has already delivered solid wins over Kyiv Caps – a 6-3 result – and a 7-1 dismissal of HK Liepāja.
The game also marks a return to Kirkcaldy for Keaton Jameson, one of Flyers’ stand out skaters and team leaders last season.
Wallace said: “I want us to use the games to keep improving. As long as we keep going in the right direction, I’ll be happy.”