Fife Flyers: Coach Tom Coolen and players speak on start of the season

After four pre-season games, this weekend marks the start of the season for ice hockey team the Fife Flyers.

Over the past two weeks, Tom Coolen's squad has faced Dundee Stars, Tilburg Trappers and CSM Brasov in four pre-season games.

The Flyers lost to Dundee 3-2 at home but pulled it back the next day in the away match to win 4-0.

Last weekend saw them play both games at home.

They beat Tilburg Trappers 3-1 but lost to CSM Brasov 5-3.

This weekend sees them play two Challenge Cup matches against Glasgow Clan. They are away on Saturday but at home on Sunday.

Six of their first seven matches are all in the challenge cup.

Our reporter Emma Duncan spoke to new coach Tom Coolen, Lucas Chiodo, Casey Gilling and Colin Shirley ahead of their first games of the season.

The trio said they were happy with how the pre-season has gone so far but are looking forward and excited to get both their cup and league campaigns underway.

For many, including coach Tom Coolen, it's the first time they've played in the elite league.

Speaking to Kingdom FM he said the league "gets better every year" and is satisfied with the team's performance so far. 

He said: "We see the good, we see the bad, we see where we have to go. Everyone's happy when the pre-seasons over and the real games tart, they usually bring out the best in your players.

"I'm excited about the weekend.

"I'm 100% confident in my players."

Colin says the atmosphere at the home games is nothing like he's ever experienced and he wants to do both his teammates and the fans proud in every match they play.