Russ Moyer, an Elite League champion with Sheffield Steelers three years ago, is standing in the way of Cardiff Devils and their quest for play-offs glory.
The 35-year-old, from North Bay, Ontario, is a key player for Fife Flyers, the Scottish team Devils face in the PredictorBet play-off semi-finals in Nottingham on Saturday (1pm).
Defenceman Moyer was named Elite League’s Player of the Week following Fife’s dramatic recovery from 4-1 down to beat Manchester Storm 6-5 in their quarter-final.
Flyers assistant coach Jeff Hutchins hailed the contribution of Moyer, saying: “Russ has been a mainstay of our team in the last couple of seasons and led by example against Manchester.
Click above to listen to Russ Moyer interview
“We have a younger team than in previous seasons, while Russ gives us the experience in the defensive zones to help balance that.
“He played a key role in turning a losing position into a winning one and his positivity was huge for us in a big weekend.”
First year pro Liam Heelis is another danger to Devils hopes, having scored 22 goals including six powerplay strikes for Gardiner Conference champions Fife.
“We can’t wait to take a shot at another trophy,” says Heels. “We have put in the work week in and week out all season, so for us to be rewarded for that tireless work ethic brings me pure joy.
“The pride I feel just being able to wear a Flyers sweater is immense and we believe in ourselves as a group.”
Heelis, 27, is Fife’s second top point scorer with 22 goals and 46 assists, one point behind Peter LeBlanc.
“I am excited to be in Nottingham this weekend,” said Heels. “These short events are high stakes and remaining focused is crucial.”
Flyers face the Elite League champions Cardiff Devils in the first semi-final at a sold out Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on Saturday afternoon, while the second semi features Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers.
http://https://youtu.be/nDGPt4pPdV0
Devils coach Andrew Lord is ready for another ‘dogfight’ after his team earned a 8-5 aggregate win against Coventry Blaze in their quarter-final, powering to victory after the teams were level over the two games going into the final period at Ice Arena Wales.
“We have a great league, there is real depth in Elite League,” says Lord. “We battled out a desperately close match against Blaze. It was a dog fight and that’s what play-off hockey is all about.
“It’s intense and comes down to a couple of plays here and there.”
The winning semi-final teams clash in the play-offs final on Sunday.