Defenceman Kevin Wehrs could make his debut for Fife Flyers in Saturday’s Elite League clash at Belfast Giants.
The 35-year-old dual national from Plymouth, Minnesota, is described as an offensive defenceman with great passing ability, and is said to bring with him a wealth of experience across some of Europe’s top leagues.
Wehrs, who has American and Hungarian nationality, has represented Hungary at the highest international level.
The 5ft10in blue-liner, who shoots left, iced in 30 games last season for Hungarian Erste Liga combine DVTK Jegesmedvék and he is a direct replacement for Reece Harsh who left the club last month.
The player, who has also iced in Slovakia, Austria, Romania and Germany, has arrived in Kirkcaldy and a Flyers’ spokesman said he will be available for selection at Belfast, sponsored by Stena Line, (face-off 19.00) at home to Nottingham Panthers on Sunday (17.15).
New netminder Kevin Lindskoug has been cleared to play and the 31-year-old, who iced for coach Tom Coolen during his time in Poland, fiits into the roster due to Stephen Desrocher being added to the injured reserve list.
The listing followed a hand injury suffered in December. Scots-born netminder Andy Little, who was Man of the Match in the 7-4 win over Glasgow Clan on Hogmanay, built on a 4-2 first period scoreline, could return to the bench despite his performance.
The statement added: “A decision was made to not officially place Shane Owen (pictured courtesy of Flyers Images) onto the injured reserve list as he is responding well to treatment.
“Owen will continue with his treatment and return to the ice and line-up as soon as he is cleared to do so by our medical team.”
Coach Tom Coolen and the squad leave Kirkcaldy at 6.45am today (SAT) for the trip across the Irish Sea and will arrive back around 6am on Sunday to prepare for the visit of Nottingham.
Coolen said it was a tough schedule but the squad has been boosted by the victory over Clan on New Year’s Eve.
That was with a short-handed squad and Coolen said: “It’s a long trip on Saturday and we’re just finalising the squad and the paperwork involved.”
Looking back, the Canadian said it was important to get that win over Glasgow and this is another tough weekend. Coolen added: “However, we look to win every game and we go to Belfast to compete.
“Nottingham will also be tough and Belfast and Nottingham are two very good teams. Glasgow are a good team but we were fortunate to win that one but they are all tough games in this league.
“All we need are two or three good results and we can climb the table and get back in the pack challenging for a play-off place.”
Coolen said: “We have come through a lot in the last 30 days and we know we are in for two tough battles this weekend. Four points is our ultimate goal but we will see what happens.”
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