DURHAM, UK – The squad of Elite League newcomers Fife Flyers is now beginning to come together. Fife coach Todd Dutiaume has been able to add both experience and youth into his roster in recent times. Former GB international defender Kyle Horne and former Newcastle Vipers Player/Coach Danny Stewart will both add a great deal of know how to the Flyers squad while the re-signings of promising youngsters Jamie Wilson and Steven McAlpine who both iced for Fife last campaign should ensure a great deal of enthusiasm and drive.
Fife’s most impressive capture of the close season for me is that of former Edinburgh Capital Kyle Horne as the blue liner’s game has improved significantly in the last few campaigns. Despite the Capitals struggling in the past few seasons Horne has always maintained his own personal form and during Doug Christiansen’s time in the Scottish capital Kyle was the mainstay of one of the tightest d units in the entire Elite League.
Horne has a wealth of experience to offer as the 31 year old Kircaldy born d man has spent time with the Slough Jets in the English Premier League as well as icing for both Edinburgh and Fife in the Elite League and the now defunct British National League. Horne is naturally a stay at home defenceman though his points production had improved as 21 points last season demonstrates especially when it is considered that Edinburgh were marooned at the foot of the table for the majority of the term.
While Horne brings a great deal of Elite League experience to the Flyers defence, Danny Stewart will bring just as much top flight knowledge to the Fife offence. Stewart has iced for both the Newcastle Vipers and the Coventry Blaze in the Elite League during his 5 year stint in the British game.
Stewart also coached Vipers last term so the Miami University graduate should be of great help both on and off the ice to Fife Coach Dutiaume as the season progresses. Danny won many honours during his time in the Midlands with Coventry and both the player and his new club will no doubt be hoping Stewart can taste more success in the upcoming season.
Despite these encouraging signings Fife will need to up their recruitment drive during the remainder of the close season if the Elite Leagues newest side are to start the season with a competitive roster of players.
Contact the author at – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
