Ice hockey – Stockton takes heavy hit

Shayne Stockton could be a concern after the Fife Flyers forward received a heavy hit near the end of Sunday’s challenge clash at the Fife Ice Arena.

The American went to the dressing-room holding his shoulder following the incident inside the final three minutes of the Kirkcaldy club’s pre-season challenge with German tourists Kassel Huskies.

Earlier, Canadian forward Liam Heelis fired Flyers ahead in the first session against their German opponents.

They levelled eight minutes before the end of the second period through a Alex Lambacher wrist shot.

The game went into sudden death overtime for the second night running and Michael Christ broke down the ice to score short-handed. Saturday’s scoreline was 4-3 for Fife.

Observers said the double-header proved a decent work out for Flyers who host Danish club Herlev Eagles in a second pre-season double-header next weekend.

Elsewhere, Paul Gardner was not given the chance to return to Braehead Clan four years ago despite winning the Gardiner Conference title and making the play-offs.

The Canadian coach returned for the first time this weekend and went back to Germany with the intu Cup.

Frankfurt overturned a 5-4 defeat on Saturday in the first-leg with a 4-1 victory in the second-leg thanks to a solid defence.

That set up a penalty shootout to decide the silverware and the tourists did the business.

Finally, a reminder that Edinburgh Capitals host Montreal Bison on Tuesday night with a 7.30 face-off at Murrayfield. They beat Belfast Giants 6-4 at the weekend in Northern Ireland.