Fife Flyers head coach Todd Dutiaume believes new netminder Andy Iles can become the latest in a line of top performing goalies.
The 25-year-old will be the club’s new starting netminder, taking over from Shane Owen, who earned a move to Sweden after some stellar performances.
And Dutiaume revealed one of those top performing netminders put him on the path to Iles.
“Andy was originally highlighted to us by Kevin Regan,” the Flyers coach said. “Although smaller in stature, he possesses great reflexes and can make the required secondary saves.
“He has the type of character we are drawn to and the confidence in his game that a first pick requires.
“And I believe Andy will successfully follow the long line of fan favourite goaltenders we have enjoyed over the years.”
Since coming into the Elite League in 2011, the Flyers have been blessed with a string of goalies who have proven themselves with heroic performances.
Garrett Zemlak, Bryan Pitton, Regan, David Brown and Owen have all impressed between the pipes and fans will be hoping from the same with Iles.
He joins from ECHL side Elmira Jackals where he made 40 appearances, having played at a few other teams in that league as well as being on the periphery of the AHL.
And he’s excited by the opportunity to come to the UK and try his hand in the Elite League with the Flyers.
Iles said: “I‘ve heard great things about the support, the organisation, and the area of Fife which I look forward to experiencing first hand as we enter a new season.
“I was fortunate to have a few relationships with past Flyers including . I spoke with Kevin Regan and he had great things to say about both his and his family’s experiences in Fife.
“This is certainly a different chapter in my career but one that we truly look forward to.”
Photo: Adriano Manocchia