Sisca aims to blow up a Storm with Fife Flyers

And if the name is familiar that’s because he was a stand-out playing against them last season.

Sisca caught the eye while stacking the points with EIHL newcomers, and Gardiner Conference rivals, Manchester Storm.

Todd Dutiaume is delighted to bring him north to Kirkcaldy.

Sisca enjoyed a 77-point season in 61 games with Storm who earned plaudits for the way they competed in their debut season in the top flight.

A native of Woodbridge, Ontario, the 25-year-old will now be expected to deliver similar returns for Flyers.

Dutiaume said: ‘‘Added offensive punch up front was something I was keen to shore up right away and Matt definitely brings that.

“Our big ice suits his game and I’m sure he will become a fans’ favourite very quickly.”

He revealed the deal was done after extensive talks on plans for the 2016-17 campaign.

“Matt and I had extensive discussions regarding the direction and goals of the club and he gets what we are getting to accomplish,” said Dutiaume.

“I look forward to getting him in town and working with him.”

The signing news will be welcomed by fans who had started to comment and air concerns over a lack of updates from the club during the summer break.

But the Press understands more players ARE lined up, with announcements to follow.

Dutiaume said: “I have some more offers on the table to other players at the moment, and I’m confident we’ll be making some key additions to the roster.

‘‘I’m really pleased to add Matt to the Flyers line up and look forward to welcoming him to Kirkcaldy.”

For Sisca, the new season means swapping the newest club for the oldest - and he’s looking forward to the challenge.

Sisca said: “I’m delighted to be returning to the EIHL for a second season, and to join Flyers.

‘‘I enjoyed playing against Flyers last season. Fife Ice Arena is a tough rink to play in, so it’ll be nice to play there as part of the home team rather than the away team this season.

‘‘I’m excited for the season ahead and look forward to putting on the Flyers jersey and hopefully winning some silverware.’’

Dutiaume also filmed a video update this week with the club which gave an overview of his work behind the scenes – and he is happy with the progress to date, and the support he has from his directors.

In it he spoke of bringing new players in and losing some from last year’s team - confirming for the first time that Nico Sacchetti and Kyle Haines wouldn’t be back in the autumn.

Sachetti was a late addition to the roster last season, but one that ignited Fife’s season after a tough series of losses, and, ultimately, put them on the road to the play-off finals.

Haines was a defensive rock and a key figure in the dressing-room - his winning goal against Braehead in the play-off quarter finals electrifying a full house at Fife Ice Arena.

Both will be hard acts to follow, but Dutiaume has pledged to replace them with even better players.

‘‘For every player we lose, we want to make an upgrade.

‘‘When you start going after more high profile guys you end up competing not only with clubs in this league, but in Europe and North America and things can get prolonged.

‘‘But it’s nice to be able to say that I’ve got the backing from the directors to be involved in these negotiations to bring top quality players to Fife.”