Fife Flyers play waiting game to sign new players

The club has yet to find out when the 2020-21 EIHL season will commence as the ban on mass gatherings remains in place.

Last year they faced-off on August 24 in their first pre-season friendly – but no-one anticipates a similar start after the coronavirus lockdown saw all sport halted.

Todd Dutiaume, head coach, admitted the uncertainty was a huge challenge for all clubs.

Across the league little more than a dozen signings have been confirmed with Fife one of several teams yet to make any announcements.

The coach said he had spoken to his British skaters and the imports he wants back, but names won’t be released until contracts have bene signed and the league can offer clarity.

“As soon as they ease lockdown and we get a projected start date it is important we get news out to fans,” he said in an update with Flyers TV.

“There are guys we are interested in bringing back. It is important to bring fresh blood into the line up and get the hunger factor back in.

“As far as British guys go, I have spoken to them all and know exactly where they stand and they know where I stand.

“Our British players are key parts of this line up, and it is important that they are announced.

“The guys I want back know also where I stand.”

Dutiaume said team building and then bringing players across from North America was a huge challenge this summer as the virus impacts on every country – and the club may also have to adapt to accommodate social distancing in the stands.

“Getting people safely into Fife Ice Arena is going to be challenging,” he said.

“People want their sport back after being cooped up and hearing all the bad news. It would great for the community but it has to be done safely.

“It’d be a disaster to rush through and bring everyone over and then see the season cancelled by a second wave (of the virus).”

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