Fife Flyers coach Todd Dutiaume reckons latest returnee Jordan Buesa is on the right path after securing him for a third season.
The 20-year-old has put pen to paper to become the latest addition to the 2020/21 season, should it go ahead.
And Dutiaume has been pleased at his progress after initially bringing him on board from Braehead Clan in 2018.
“Jordan is a great kid who still has a long way to go in his career and we are happy to be a part of that again,” Dutiaume said.
“He has great energy and enthusiasm for the game and the fans recognise that, we were keen to tap into that when the opportunity came about and we have benefitted from that.
Flyers coach Todd Dutiaume is pleased to have Buesa at his disposal again (PHOTO: Panthers Images)
“We’ve watched him develop over the years and is a young guy who has a bright future ahead of him, so we are going to continue to work hard with him.
“With him and Bari [McKenzie] we have discussed the importance of conditioning levels because the game has got so quick now you do not need to be carrying heavy muscle weight.
“You need to be speedy, fast and not be afraid to skate into the corners, which Jordan certainly is not.
“Last year was a unique situation where him and Bari were competing for almost the same ice. When both of them are on top of their game and in the condition they need to be in they should really be on separate lines eating up as much ice as they can handle.
“When you are a player of Jordan’s age there are a lot of distractions that can cause you to fall away, but the ones that are going to be successful in the game are almost single-minded in their approach to it and Jordan has brought that.”
Since making his debut with the Clan in 2016, Buesa has made over 150 appearances in all Elite League competitions, scoring five goals and seven assists.
Buesa has played over 150 games in all Elite League competitions (PHOTO: Flyers Images)
He’s represented GB at U18 and U20 level and his return will be warmly welcomed by the Fife faithful.
As for Buesa himself, he insists he’s getting better and better with every year and insists it was an easy decision for him to return.
He said: “It was a no-brainer for me to return, I have loved my two years here. Everyone at the club has been so helpful to me and have taken to me so well, so it was an easy decision to come back.
“I feel like I have come on in a hockey sense. Getting more ice time every year is helping with my overall game and the league is getting better and better, so you have to keep up to compete. I have come on a lot, but I still have a lot to learn.
“I have always played for the badge on my shirt and give it my all every shift and the fans recognise when you are doing good things and cheer you on. Even when you do something bad, they do give you a wee boost, so it’s great to play in front of the fans in Fife.”
