Andrew "Andy" Little departs from the Fife Flyers after six dedicated years as the club's backup goalie. Rumours began circulating in early May and were reported by us on May 15th. At that time, Andy responded with "News to me," casting doubt on the rumours. However, they have now been confirmed true. Fife Flyers fans will undoubtedly find it strange not seeing Andy Little on the bench, as he has become a familiar and reliable presence over the years.
Andy Little the paisley born netminder, grew up playing for the Kilmarnock Storm organisation, before making the jump to the Solway Sharks in the NIHL 1 league where he would become their backup netminder, however, he would only play one game with them where he would let two goals in and end the game with a save percentage of .875 which isn’t the best but when teams lose games it is common for a goalie to have a save percentage under .900. He would also skate with the Kilmarnock Storm and Avalanche where he put up 11 games played, 3.19 GAA and a SVS% of 0.871.
During the 2014/2015 season, Andy Little's commitment to various clubs remained unwavering. He played for teams like the Solway Sharks (NIHL), Solway Sharks (SNL), Kilmarnock Storm (SNL), Solway Sharks (U20), and the Kilmarnock Avalanche (U20). Despite his limited appearances with some teams, Little made notable contributions, especially with the Solway Sharks' under-20 team. In just one game, he achieved an impressive .929 SVS% and a GAA of 1.33, showcasing his skill and reliability between the pipes. While his stats with other teams varied, Little's dedication and versatility were evident throughout the season.
Andy Little would make his way up to the seaside town of Kirkcaldy where he would become the starting netminder for the Kirkcaldy Kestrels in the SNL. He would have a remarkable first season with the club where he would start for 17 games and only allowing in an average of 2.15 goals a game which gave him a save percentage of .909 which was really good for Little as he would finish as the best netminder in the SNL that season. He would be the Kestrels starting netminder for another two seasons where he would play a total of 28 games and put up a GAA of 3.09 and a SVS% of .879. He would also play for the Fife Falcons in his first two seasons with the Kestrels which allowed him to develop his game more and get better on the ice as he looked for a push through to the Fife Flyers squad. He would demonstrate a good ability with the Falcons as his SVS% wouldn’t drop below .900 during these two seasons. FInally at the age of 20 he would be called upon to go on the ice for the Fife Flyers to replace Andy Iles in the second half of the 3rd period as they were beating the Edinburgh Capitals 6-1; Little would finish his game with a perfect SVS% of 1.000. Little did we know this would be the start of a six year run with the club.
Over the span of six years, Andy Little's role with the Fife Flyers varied from playing various games to being subbed on during others. Last season, he was called upon to start in five games after Shane Owens injury. Among these games, one notable performance was against the Glasgow Clan on New Year's Eve, where Little played a crucial role in the Flyers' 7-4 victory at home. Facing a staggering 51 shots, Little made an impressive 47 saves, earning him a remarkable SVS% of .922. However, there were also challenging games, such as the one against the Dundee Stars on December 27th, where the Flyers suffered a 10-1 loss. Despite facing 47 shots and making 37 saves, Little's SVS% was .787 in that game. These performances underscore Little's resilience and ability to step up when called upon, regardless of the outcome.
In his comment on his departure, Andy Little hinted at the possibility of continuing his hockey journey, stating, "I’m sure I’ll see you in an ice rink somewhere at some point!" While his exact plans remain uncertain, speculation suggests he might remain in the league but potentially join another team or consider playing in a lower league. One intriguing possibility is Little joining the Dundee Stars, who are still in search of both a starter and backup netminder. Given Little's experience and versatility, he could be an excellent fit for the backup position with the Stars. Playing under the guidance of Marc LeFebvre, a seasoned coach with a wealth of knowledge, would offer Little valuable learning opportunities and further development in his career. Only time will tell where Andy Little's journey in hockey will take him next.
Andy Little's departure from the Fife Flyers marks the end of a significant chapter in his hockey career. Over the span of six years, Little's contributions as a backup goaltender were invaluable to the team, and his presence will be missed by fans and teammates alike. As he moves on to new opportunities, whether within the league or elsewhere, his dedication, resilience, and talent serve as a testament to his character both on and off the ice. The uncertainty surrounding his next steps only adds to the intrigue of his journey, and hockey enthusiasts eagerly await news of his future endeavours. Wherever Andy Little may go, his impact on the sport and the memories he created with the Flyers will endure, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of fans.
Author of Article: Calan Yule
Editor: Will Harris
Proofread By: Will Harris
© EIHL News Central
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