David Booth came to Scotland with a massive reputation and he’s proved to be a marked man as rival teams give the former National Hockey League (NHL) forward special attention.
Fife Flyers are battling to squeeze into the end-of-season play-offs, and the 41-year-old forward is at key man for the Kingdom club.
Despite the attention, Booth is enjoying playing for Fife and the former Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings left-wing is making his mark on the individual standings.
Booth, who has also iced for Admiral Vladivostok, HC Dinamo Minsk, Avangard Omsk and Toronto Marlies, has, according to the latest Elite League stats, accumulated 11 goals and four assists for 15 points. Not bad considering he has only played ten games.
Jamie Russell, Fife’s head coach, acknowledged that the experienced American has to put up with a lot during games, but he said: “He has been really impressed with the level of play here in the UK, and he is enjoying it.”
And he will be looking to Booth, who arrived around Christmas, to help steer his men to a home victory over Guildford Flames at Kirkcaldy on Saturday (19.00).
Fife lost 6-2 at Guildford on Sunday, January 17, and Russell acknowledged that Flames were “a good team”. To counter them Fife will have to make a better job of puck possession and not get drawn into Guildford’s style of play.
On Sunday, Fife visit Sheffield Steelers (16.00), a side they beat 7-4 at Kirkcaldy on Saturday, January 10, thanks to a strong first period which Flyers won 3-1, taking the points with a shot count of 38-24 in the home side’s favour.
Russell said: “We’ve had good games against them and are looking for another.”
CENTRE OF ATTENTION: David Booth (white shirt) at Coventry. Picture by Scott Wiggins courtesy of the Elite League
