Tim Wallace summed up Joey Pierce’s impact on Fife Flyers in just four words. “He sets the tone.”

The American defenceman made an assured debut against Kyiv Capitals, and stood out in pre-season training.

In the dressing-room, the first year pro from Ely, Minnesota, sits next to the experienced figure of Garet Hunt - and is revelling in the spirit among a new look squad.

“I’m doing what I love with good people,” he said. “I love being at the rink and in the gym. This is a great group to be part of - even before training camp got going, everyone was going out for lunch, a coffee, making plans and making sure everyone was part of them. It has been a lot of fun.”

Joey Pierce on his debut for Fife Flyers against Kyiv Capitals | Pixc Jillian McFarlane

placeholder image — Joey Pierce on his debut for Fife Flyers against Kyiv Capitals | Pixc Jillian McFarlane

Pierce came to Kirkcaldy after four seasons with University of Duluth where he combined playing for his home town team with studying for his business management degree.

Born in Ely, he started skating on outdoor rinks as a toddler, and grew up in Duluth on the shores of Lake Superior.

“It’s a hockey town - a big hockey town,” he said. “I played several sports but it was hockey for me, My older brother played and I wanted to be like him. We were on skates outdoors every day in winter.”

Pierre played forward and defence as a young teenager before a coach moved him to the blue line. It became his home on the ice. His four seasons at Duluth saw him appointed an alternate captain in 2024/25, and captain last season.

Joey Pierce joined Flyers after four seasons at the University of Duluth | Pic Jillian McFarlane

“I grew up watching the team as a kid, going to games - it was a dream to play for them. I was studying and playing at uni and it was really special to be able to do that, and be part of a great group of guys.”

Swapping Minnesota for Kirkcaldy was a big step forward, and a chance to start his own pro hockey career.

He described the move as a mix of nerves and excitement.

“I didn’t know anyone on the team, and I’d only spoken on the phone to Tim. Before I got here the club made it so easy for us. All the paperwork was sorted, flats were set up and everything was in place. I got picked up at the airport and shown to my flat - and we have made connections very quickly. We have been treated superbly well.

“I wanted to play pro hockey - I didn’t know exactly where, and my agent talked about the EIHL and I am excited about it. It seemed a good opportunity for me. We have a really good locker room, and that goes a long way. Tim has done a great job finding these guys.

“The big difference for me is I don’t finish at the rink and then go to school! My schedule at Duluth would be training from 8:00am until 1:00pm and then school, and be playing weekends. It felt like we were always busy. It’s nice to have some more time to explore, go to the gym and take care of your body.”

Pierce admitted he was thrilled by the reception from fans at the opening games and is looking forward to helping light up the rink.

“The atmosphere was awesome,” he said. “Right from the anthems through the game they were loud and that is fun to play in front of.

“As a first year pro this group is great to be part of. It’s a lot of fun.

“Right now, I want to make myself better in practice. I want to be the best I possibly can and be hard to play against. I take a lot of pride in our end of the rink - do that and then offence starts to come.”

> Flyers take on Kirkcaldy Kestrels in a scrimmage game at Fife Ice Arena on Saturday at 7:00pm, and then host Dundee Stars in their final challenge game on Sunday (5:00pm).