A 3-0 middle session sag saw Fife Flyers skid to a 5-2 home defeat to Glasgow Clan at Kirkcaldy in the Elite League, but head coach Jamie Russell praised his injury-hit squad for sticking to the task.
It was 1-1 at the end of the first session before the rot set in and the sides drew the third 1-1.
Injury-hit Fife, minus their two midweek signings, former National Hockey League player, David Booth, who has not yet arrived from North America, and Swedish forward, Anton Karlsson, who is awaiting international clearance, were outshot 31-28 and Ethan Somoza and Johan Porsberger netted for the home side.
Jason Fram, Darien Kielb, Tristin Langan, Brett Neumann and Richard Jarusek scored for Clan and Russell, praised his men for sticking to the task minus the newcomers four injured players, Mason Alderson and Vlastimil Dostalek, both upper body injuries, and Jeremy Masella (lower body) with Justin Ducharme also sidelined until December.
He was pleased that Porsberger had netted which will boost his confidence and that the squad continue to dig deep despite the adversity they are facing.
Elsewhere, Dundee Stars edged Coventry Blaze 5-4 in the Midlands, while Nottingham, the league leaders, beat arch rivals and second-placed Sheffield 4-3 after a shootout and fourth-placed Manchester Storm beat Cardiff Devils, who are third, 5-4 after overtime.
Sunday’s matches see ninth-placed Dundee hosting Nottingham (17.00) while bottom club Fife make the long trip to Cardiff (17.00), both in the Elite League.
PICTURE: Action from Kirkcaldy against Clan courtesy of the Elite League and taken by Derek Young
FOCUS: Porsberger fights for the puck v Clan. Courtesy of Elite League and taken by Derek Young
PRESSING: Fife home in on Clan goaltender Lucas Brine at The Fife Ice Arena. Picture courtesy of Elite League and taken by Derek Young
