Clan qualify for playoffs as Flames shut out Flyers

Photo: John Uwins

Guildford Flames ended Fife flyers' hopes of making the 2023 Viaplay Elite League playoffs with a five-goal, shutout win over the Scottish side - meaning rivals Glasgow Clan claimed the final playoff place.

The Flames opened the scoring in the middle of the first period with a shorthanded goal from Ryan Tait, who capitalised on the Flyers' turnover at 08:07. Ian McNulty continued the Flames' offensive push with a powerplay goal at 11:20 letting a quick wristshot fly from the faceoff dot.

The Flames added one more goal to their lead in the second period with Ryan Tait deflecting Alex Yuill's pass into the net from the slot at 22:27. 

An awkward bouncing puck went into qShane Owen's net early in period three, however, the goalwas washed out as the net had been displaced. The Flames, however, did not let up and scored their fourth goal at 49:46, as Ian McNulty's cross ice pass hit the stick of Flyers defenceman Reece Harsch and deflected past Owen. A minute and half later, the Flames went on an odd-man-rush and Peter Crinella scored their fifth goal 51:15, one-timing Ryan Tait's pass behind Shane Owen while falling down.

Finishing second overall is the Flames' highest ever position in the top flight of UK ice hockey.