Todd Dutiaume says he wants to build a team that Fife Flyers’ fans will be proud to watch week in, week out.

With the loss of netminder Shane Owen to BIK Karlskoga in the Swedish Allsvenskan, and forward Ryan Dingle, who has joined Coventry Blaze, Dutiaume knows he faces an important close season.

“I’m definitely looking for more grit for this team – it’s something that will be a necessity,” he said. “We need a core of guys that will play more physical and will stand up to guys on other teams.

“Whether we go for an out and out enforcer, that is still to be determined.”

“This community of fans appreciates hard work. That is something we want to instil into the team this season.”

“In terms of returning players, we are in advanced contract talks with a couple of guys about coming back to Fife, and I would hope to be in a position to get this news out very soon for our fans.

“We are also in talks with new players and again, we hope to tie up some loose ends soon, and get the signings announced as soon as we can.”