WEEK 6 of the 2025/26 Elite Ice Hockey League season and the Flyers make an early start with the visit of Nottingham Panthers for the first meeting between the teams this term.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 15th FIFE FLYERS v NOTTINGHAM PANTHERS @ FIFE ICE ARENA – FACE OFF 7.30pm

Introducing the opposition – One to Watch!

Heading into the game the Panthers leading scorer with 14 points in all competitions is Mitchell Fossier who looks to carry on where he left off last term with the Panthers. The 28-year-old arrived at the Motorpoint Arena last season in mid-November and had a standout year, leading the team in scoring with 52 points (16+36) in 40 regular-season matches while also adding two goals and added two assists in four Challenge Cup games. He had an outstanding post-season campaign, helping Panthers win the Playoff Championship with 10 points (6+4) in four matches. Fossier had two assists in the first leg of the quarter-finals on the road at Guildford Flames, before scoring a hat-trick and adding another assist in the second leg at the Motorpoint Arena in an 8-6 aggregate victory. In the dramatic semi-final against Sheffield Steelers, he assisted on Hugo Roy’s goal and scored Panthers’ third as Danny Stewart’s side won 4-3 in overtime. Fossier also scored twice in the final, including the game-winner in second overtime, as Panthers beat Cardiff Devils 4-3 to bring success to the Lace City. Head Coach, Danny Stewart, said: “Foss was a huge signing for us and an even bigger re-signing. When he came in last season, he provided us with that next-level dynamic. His ability to score and distribute makes him a threat every shift. He played a huge role in our turn around last season and an even bigger impact in our playoff success. It’s a big statement from the club to retain him next season.”

Before joining the Panthers he had extensive ECHL experience where he has scored at over a point per game. Fossier, who can play in all three forward positions, tallied 128 points (38+90) in four seasons at college in the NCAA at the University of Maine. His performances in the NCAA attracted the attention of AHL side Rockford and he signed his first professional contract with the IceHogs ahead of the 2020-21 campaign. After a free-scoring season in Slovakia with HC Banska Bystrica, Fossier returned to North America with Maine Mariners in 2022-23 where he netted 57 points (21+36) in 47 regular-season matches. He finished second in scoring for Maine and played on the same team as current Panthers teammate Tim Doherty. In the early part of last season, he scored 33 points for Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL and in the past two years had AHL call-ups to Providence Bruins and San Jose Barracuda.

Last Elite League Visit from Panthers

GALLERY

Pic Credits – Jillian McFarlane and Derek Young

Overall Home Elite League Record Against Panthers

P 33 W 13  L 20  F 103 A 121

Number Crunching

The Flyers are winless in their last 7 games against the Panthers with their last win against Nottingham being in March 2024 when they prevailed 3-1 in Nottingham.

During that stretch the Panthers have won on their last 4 visits to Kirkcaldy outscoring the Flyers 13-6 in the process.

The Panthers were one of six teams to sweep the season series in the league against the Flyers last term and outscored them 32-10, although the Flyers did secure a single point in a shootout loss.

The Panthers are 4 and 1 on the road to start the season.

On home ice the Panthers have been outshot 136-164 and outscored 15-23 whilst on their travels they have outscored the opposition 23-9 as well as having a plus shots differential of 16.

 The Panthers before their last outing against Cardiff were the only team who had not played a game this season beyond the regulation 60 minutes.

Mitch Fossier and Brendan Harris both have active team leading seven game points streaks coming into the game. Tristin Langan of Clan holds the overall best steak with points in 9 games.

Click the image below for your downloadable gamesheet for Wednesday’s game against Nottingham Panthers.