Winning debut for new netminder as Fife Flyers tighten grip on second spot

Fife Flyers’ 4-1 victory at Glasgow Clan strengthened their grip on second spot in their Challenge Cup qualifying table.

The game also marked a winning debut for import netminder Blake Pietila who got his first start after his paperwork came through.

He iced with Dominik Groh out injured, and earned the team’s Jofa yellow helmet which goes to the top player on the night. The win also saw defenceman Reece Kelly open the scoring against his former team.

There were around 3000 fans in the arena - down 500 from the corresponding game 12 month ago, underlining the unhappiness among Clan supporters after the team’s troubled start to the campaign which has already cost Mike Sirant his job as head coach.

It took Flyers just six minutes to find the net when Mike Petizian found Kelly in front of goal on the rush, and the blue line finished on the backhand.

Glasgow levelled at 13:48 when Cole Kodsi forced the puck over the line from close range, with the goal upheld following a video review.

The sides went into the first break on level terms, but Flyers regained the lead just before the midway point of the second period.

Zach Power set up Mika Partanen to score as Rasmus Tirronen dislodged the net. Following a video review, the goal was awarded as the officials determined there had been an immediate scoring opportunity.

Flyers maintained their narrow advantage until the closing stages, when a turnover by Ross Armour allowed the visitors to break two-on-one. Evan Dougherty found Lucas Chard, who finished to make it 3-1 with three minutes remaining.

Clan pulled their netminder only to see Power hit the empty net with 1:55 left to play.