Fife Flyers set for 20-hour round trip in pursuit of next win

Jamie Russell takes his team south to face Guildford Flames on Saturday before turning round to make the return journey to host Nottingham Panthers at Fife Ice Arena on Sunday at (5:00pm).

The weekend wins were seen very much as a turning point in a season hampered by playing short benched with up to five players out the line-up at times.

The coach still has Jeremy Masella out - he is on the Injury Reserve (IR)n which means an automatic 42-day absence, but will be sidelined longer, but forwards Mason Alderson and Vlastimila Dostalek are now day to day, and a decision on their possible return to the ice will be taken after this week’s training.

Justin Ducharme is also making positive strides post surgery, and the coach is looking to his return to ice, albeit for non contact training ahead of a return in the coming weeks.

Ducharme’s session was out on hold just two games into the season after sustaining a knee injury, which ultimately saw him go under the knife.

“He is progressing well,”said the coach. “Every day he is feeling stronger znd more comfortable.”

No date has been pencilled in yet for Ducharme to lace up, but it could happen as former NHLer David Booth finally lands in Kirkcaldy.

Announced as a major signing two weeks ago, he has announced he will be here on December 19 after finalising all visa issues.

His experience will be a huge asset to the team, and hitting the ice just ahead of the key Christmas campaign could be the launchpad into a much stronger second half of the campaign.

In his absence, it will be on the current players to keep the momentum going as pucks drop at last, and the wins column starts to get populated.

“We have played really well in games without getting results, so to get the two wins did so much for everyone’s confidence,” said Russell. “It is fun coming to the rink - the guys feel good about their game.”

One key change at the weekend saw British forward Ben Brown step back to the blue line, and he will now operate as a defenceman.

He was paired with former NHLer Simon Despres, and turned in a composed performance, effectively taking the slot vacated by the departure to Canada of Brodie Kay.

“He did really well in practice, and put in two good games,” said Russell. “It is a different game playing back in defence, but he looked more comfortable - and it is a role he has played more of in the past. Simon was also an excellent mentor for Ben, talking to him on the ice, on the bench and in he room.”

> Ian ‘Horse’ Kelly has joined the backroom team with Flyers as one of the club’s new equipment managers.

He will work alongside Charles Humphreys, head equipment manager, strengthening the support system behind the players for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. Jamie Laing, assistant equipment manager, has departed the club.

> Fife Flyers stage their annual toy appeal for the Cottage Centre immediately after Sunday’s game – fans can hand their donations direct to the players after the final buzzer. Full story here