➡️ Monday Review: Fife back to life in the Elite League
Takeover finally complete in Kirkcaldy
It was a lengthy process, but they finally got it over the line.
Fife Flyers have confirmed their takeover has been completed with former Cardiff Devils player Max Birbraer spearheading the new era.
It ends a period of uncertainty for the Kirkcaldy club after a season that saw multiple player departures and finishing rock bottom of the Elite League standings, winning just five games all season.
Birbraer, backed by North American investors, had been in negotiations with previous owners Tom Muir for months and aims to continue the club’s valued traditions, he said on the club’s website.
“It is an honour to lead the UK’s oldest and most iconic hockey team,” he said. “Our mission is clear: to restore the pride, energy, and identity of Fife Flyers hockey — both on and off the ice.
“Fife is the beating heart of Scottish hockey and its supporters are the soul of this organisation.
“We are here to build something special — a first-class hockey experience that reflects the grit and character of this town. Under this leadership, we will lead with transparency, we will compete with pride, and we will always listen.”
Birbraer, who was born in Kazakhstan, carved a lengthy career playing in the UK, icing for Cardiff Devils, Swindon Wildcats and Telford Tigers since first arriving in 2009.
He will be the club’s first ever president and general manager of the club and has already appointed former Glasgow Clan managing director Gareth Chalmers as Chief Commercial & Operation officer.
Birbraer also announced the search for a new head coach is at an “advanced stage” and recruitment for players is already well underway.
News of the new ownership was welcomed by the Elite League, as Flyers look the future competing in the UK’s top league.
“As the oldest ice hockey team in the country, we’re pleased that the Flyers ownership has concluded their way forward and are excited to see them on the ice when the season begins in September,” said EIHL Chairman Tony Smith.
"The Flyers have been a valued member of the EIHL since joining the league in 2011, and we look forward to their fans continuing to enjoy Elite League ice hockey in the new season."
🤝 ON THE MOVE
Here are some of the moves or re-signings we’ve seen from around the Elite League in the last few days
✍️ Since we last spoke, Cardiff Devils have added to their roster with two re-signings, the first was which was to confirm the return of Evan Mosey - Cardiff Devils website
✌️ Then they made it a double on Sunday when another player confirmed their return to the Vindico Arena. Sam Duggan is a Devil once again - Cardiff Devils website
⛈️ Manchester Storm acknowledged they had been quiet on the news front, so they rectified that with the news Chase Harrison would be back for a fourth season - Manchester Storm website
⭐️ Dundee Stars introduced a new face to their line-up with the news that defenceman Griffin Luce would be lacing them up in Tayside after joining from Worcester Railers - Dundee Stars website
🏟️ AROUND THE RINKS
Here are some of the other news and posts that might have passed you by in recent days as we scale the length and breadth of the country in a matter of minutes.
👏 In Belfast on Sunday, it was all about Adam Keefe, the Giants coach and the occasion of his testimonial as familiar faces, past and present turned out for the occasion, including his #47 jersey being retired to the rafters - Belfast Giants website
📺 WATCH NOW - Adam Keefe’s #47 jersey is hung up on the rafters of the SSE Arena (Video courtesy of A View from the Bridge on X)
🧑🧒🧒 Prior to the game - and we really like this photo - Adam Keefe is flanked by father, Brian and brother, Sheldon before the action got underway
Photo courtesy of Belfast Giants on X
😁 Further to our lead story about the takeover at Fife Flyers, Gareth Chalmers, their new Chief Commercial & Operation officer, made his first post on social media to say hello - Gareth Chalmers on X
📝 Sheffield Steelers welcomed new title sponsors as TriggerHub signed on to partner with them until 2028 - Sheffield Steelers website
👏 The Hospice Hockey event, held in Belfast’s SSE Arena on Saturday, raised a fantastic amount of money for the Northern Ireland Hospice - Belfast Giants website
🎟️ Testimonial love turns to Cardiff Devils’ Joey Martin, with his game coming up this Saturday and the tickets are running out - Cardiff Devils on X
🍴 Speaking of which, the testimonial dinner menu was posted over the weekend and now we’re hungry - Cardiff Devils on X
🎥 Staying in Cardiff, Brett Perlini, with some help from brother Brendan, filmed behind the scenes at the Vindico Arena
🎟️ Due to popular demand, Glasgow Clan have extended their season ticket limited, making another 200 available for the Purple Army - Glasgow Clan website
🦘 In Australia, two Nottingham Panthers legends met up at the weekend as Robert Lachowicz, currently playing for Perth Thunder, went up against Adelaide Adrenaline, coached by Jade Galbraith and they had a photo op before the action began
👕 Manchester Storm are continuing to run their jersey design competition for their fan appreciation night as part of their 30th anniversary celebrations - Manchester Storm website
😔 Sheffield Steelers paid tribute to former player Scott Metcalfe, who sadly passed away last week - Sheffield Steelers website
🎥 It’s another behind the scenes video and it’s Ben Bowns, the Cardiff and GB netminder behind the camera to bring us some great insight in the GB during the recent World Championships
✍️ And the very best of luck to Elite League legend Ashley Tait, who has taken over as head coach of Peterborough Phantoms in the NIHL National League - Peterborough Phantoms website
🎙️ INTERVIEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
🗣️ Defenceman Evan Mosey spoke with Cardiff Devils TV after signing on the dotted line for another campaign
🎙️ Sam Duggan, Mosey’s team-mate, also followed suit with his interview on Sunday
🤝 Sheffield Steelers welcomed their new title sponsor Triggerhub and we heard from Adam and Jess from TriggerHub as well as Steelers chairman, Tony Smith
🗣️ Dundee Stars were introduced to their new signing, Griffin Luce, via Stars TV where Stephen Swann was asking the questions
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Please note this is an unofficial newsletter and not in any way affiliated to the Elite Ice Hockey League or any club.
Thank you for reading, enjoy your week and we’ll return on Thursday with more from the Elite League.
See you soon!