Fife Flyers: Swedish defenceman and Kirkcaldy born skater added to roster

The club has unveiled six-foot six, Swedish six blueliner Simon Fernholm - a sixth round 2012 NHL draft - and 19-year old Fynn Page who was born in the Lang Toun but cut his teeth in the Ontario Hockey Academy.

Fynn is also the nephew of Blair Page who iced with Flyers in the late 1980s.

The signings come as the club prepares to welcome players into the dressing room over this weekend and into early next week ahead of the first pre-season game against Glasgow Clan on Friday, September 2.

Fernholm is the sixth Scandinavian to be added to a roster which has undergone a complete overhaul from the line-up which toiled so badly last season.

It’s his first step into UK ice hockey, but he brings huge experience to the dressing-room.

The 28-year-old from Stockholm was drafted in the sixth round of the 2012 NHL Draft by the Nashville Predators. He then went on to enjoy a career in Swedish ice hockey’s second division.

Fernholm said: “I feel like I was stuck a bit in Allsvenskan after being close to advancing to SHL for a few years.

“Last season was ruined by injuries so I felt it was time to try something new in my career to develop further.

“This will be my first season abroad and also my first time visiting Great Britain - I am looking forward to experiencing the country and the culture.”Fernholm has already got the lowdown on Fife courtesy of Swedish blueliner Jonas Emmerdahl who is just one of three imports to return from last season’s roster.

“I have talked to Jonas and only heard good things about the town, the team organisations, fans and the league so I am excited to be a part of the team,” he added.

“I will do my best for next season to help the team have a successful season.”

The signing of Page was one kept under the radar by the club.

But, Todd Dutiaume, head coach and general manager, revealed: “We have had our eyes on him for a number of years and it is now time for him to join the team as a student athlete.

“Fynn is a promising young prospect who has skated with us in the past when his travels brought him back home.”

Page will combine hockey with studying at Abertay University in Dundee.

Dutiaume added: “There are exciting times ahead for this young man.”

Page is looking forward to playing in his home town rink.

He said: “I am super excited to kick off my pro career. Growing up here and starting my hockey journey in Fife, has made this a unique opportunity.

“When I first spoke to Todd and heard his plans for this team and the new season this just seemed like the perfect move for me.

“Studying at Abertay University, training and playing at Fife is going to be great, and I’m grateful to Flyers in helping me achieve all this.

“I already know some of the guys and I can’t wait to get going, looking forward to getting back on the ice, playing in front of the fans and helping the team in any way I can.”

The duo will get their first taste of action against Clan at the beginning of September.

Jeff Hutchins, associate coach, is looking forward to working with them.

“Simon comes to us with a ton of experience from Sweden’s Allsvenskan League. He is a big body that skates really well and is sound positionally,” he said,

“I think he rounds off our import defensive core nicely. We have five guys who can skate really well and have the ability to jump up into the rush at the right moment.

“And to add to that we have Reece and Fynn who are bright prospects, who will gain valuable knowledge playing alongside this talented group.”