The Fife Flyers will start next season with a new tandem behind the bench, with the resignation of head coach Todd Dutiaume and assistant coach Jeff Hutchins.
Dutiaume enjoyed a 25-year career with the Flyers, who he initially joined as a player in the British National League-era.
The Canadian later became full-time head coach, leading Fife to the 2017-18 Gardiner Conference title and the final of the 2022-23 Challenge Cup.
‘’After much consideration and with the support of my family, I have come to the decision to move on from my role as head coach of the Fife Flyers,” said Dutiaume. “This has been one of the most difficult decisions in my hockey career to make.
“It has been an honour and privilege to have been involved with the oldest ice hockey club in the United Kingdom. Over the past 25 years, I have worked and played alongside terrific players and even better people.
‘’Flyers fans are incredible, and I would like to thank them for their support over the years as a player and a coach. I want to thank the directors for all their unwavering support over the years… the old barn is a special place to me and I hope to be able to continue to support the Fife Flyers as they grow, both on and off the ice.’’
Todd Dutiaume departs Fife Flyers after 25-year run:
Todd Dutiaume and Jeff Hutchins, formerly of the Fife Flyers (Image: Scott Wiggins)
Hutchins joined the Flyers as an assistant coach and the director of player development in 2016, playing a crucial role in player recruitment.
‘’Although there have been some ups and downs over the past seven years, I’d like to think there have been more up moments than downs,” said Hutchins. “I have given 40 years of my life as a player and coach, and I think now is the right time to leave the game. My family and business need to be the priority going forward.”
Added Flyers director Tom Muir: “‘Todd and Jeff are great guys who have served the team well during their time with the Flyers. Together, they have provided the team with great leadership, and we cannot thank them enough for their dedication to the club.
“We have two crucial roles to appoint and very big shoes to fill. We want to ensure we bring in the right staff to lead the team to success in 2023-24. The Flyers expect to have an announcement regarding a new coaching staff in the coming weeks and look forward to sharing confirmed player announcements in due course.”
