Dutiaume on the new season
Player/coach Todd Dutiaume has been discussing his thoughts regarding the new EIHL season ahead and has given a insight as to how training has changed in preparation for the new season and how fan concerns will not derail the teams preparations ahead of the approaching season.
Flyers are close to finalising their bench coach, with a few details just needing ironed out, before any announcement will be made.
“Training is progressing nicely; the guys are getting into better shape but there is still some way to go.” Dutiaume confirmed “Training this pre-season has been much more high-tempo and the guys have responded well but they have a huge motivation, and that is to be as prepared as possible for the upcoming Elite Ice Hockey season.
“The guys know they have face a steep learning curve and I think feelings are a mix of nerves, excitement and anxiousness to get the season under way. We face a mountainous task but the players are going to do their best and as a coach that’s all I can ask of them.”
When asked about what he would regard as a successful season. “Realistically a play-off spot is an attainable target and by the middle of the season I would like to be vying for best team in Scotland”.
Some fans had raised concerns that Flyers may run with a short bench for away games due to some of the squad not being able to commit to away games however this has been denied, Dutiaume confirmed “All of our squad will have to travel to away games, injuries permitting , there will be no part-timers putting on the Flyers shirt this season.” And Dutiaume is expecting his British based players to have an impact on games just as much as the imports.
“Obviously our imports have to be impact players, that goes without saying; but I also expect Kyle (Horne); Steven McAlpine; Tommy Muir; Torch (captain Jamie Wilson), in fact all our home grown talent to be impact player in their own right. I need all our guys to step up and prove themselves on a nightly basis.”
“Before Coventry (opening league fixture on 10th September), I would hope to have 6/7 imports in town and ready to kick off our season. The second that visas are issued and contracts in our hands, players will be announced.” Dutiaume revealed when asked about whether a full roster should be expected on opening night. He also confirmed the difficulties in negotiating with players and some of their impression of hockey in the UK and Europe. “Players in North America hear horror stories of clubs in financial difficulties all the time in Europe; fortunately we have a stable club with a good reputation. Fife however is not the hardest place to sell to guys, good rink and good golf, what more could a guy ask for?”
When asked about bringing in more players should the season not be going to plan. “We have to be smart about what we do this season; do we want to be successful? Absolutely! Will we get ourselves into a position where we lose money like other teams have done in the past? Absolutely not!”
After a successful programme of free tickets to schools and playing in front of large crowds during last seasons Northern League campaign, Todd recognises that things are still going to be tough to get fans back in to Fife Ice Arena with many fans having been gone for 5 years. “Hockey is a funny sport, we will always have our hard core fans … I would have hoped that the advancement into the Elite League would entice some fans back and the numbers through the door will increase, and even as we fight our way through this transitional period, people will support us. ” And those negative comments on internet forums “The beauty of an anonymous forum is that you do not have to stand up and be accountable for what you claim to be your opinion. The players recognise no matter what we accomplish, negativity will always be present. The guys, and myself, are accountable to our fans and the hockey club and our efforts are judged nightly. I encourage anyone with any questions or concerns to approach us directly; we are a friendly bunch.”
Fife Flyers hit the ice this Saturday 3rd September when they face rivals Dundee Stars in a pre-season challenge match with the return visit to Dundee on Sunday 4th. Flyers then begin their EIHL campaign on Saturday 10th September when old BNL rivals Coventry Blaze visit Fife Ice Arena for the first time in 6 years. Face-off time for both games 7:15pm with ticket pricing and information available on their website under the fixtures tab.
