Fynn Page was announced as the latest returnee for the Fife Flyers three days ago. This time, he won't be on a one-way contract with the Flyers; instead, he will play on a two-way contract with the Bristol Pitbulls. Flyers' coach Tom Coolen secured this deal with Bristol Pitbulls head coach Bari McKenzie, a former Fife Flyers player. This arrangement will help Page develop further as a player and cement his role as an offensive defenceman. At only 21 years old, Page has a long career ahead, and this two-way contract is the best way to foster his growth.
Fynn Page played his youth career in Kirkcaldy before heading to Canada to join the Ontario Hockey Academy U18 AA at the age of 13 years old, he stick with this academy for six seasons playing for the U18 AA team, U15 AAA team (which he wore the “A” for), U18 team, Gold team (which he wore the “C” for), and the White U18 AAA team. He would debut for the under 18s team in the 18/19 season which he would compete in the PSHF U18 and U18 AAA leagues where he would skate for 79 games putting up 9 points. He would stay on this team but compete in the CSSHLE U18 league for the next three seasons playing 37 games putting up 12 points and two of them being goals, he also was named captain in the 21/22 season. He also competed on the Gold team which he was captain of in the HEO U18 league where he played 43 games and scored two goals and assisted 11 other goals totalling 13 points the highest in his career non professional.
In 2022 the Fife Flyers welcomed the youngster back home to play for his hometown team. He would play 38 games in the EIHL that season however he put up no points and played very little minutes each night. Todd Dutiaume would secure a deal with Martin Grubb (the head coach of Solway Sharks) to send Fynn Page down to Solway on a two way contract to help grow his game. Unlike in Fife, Page would play regular minutes in Solway, with him being a 3rd liner for them. He played twelve games with the Sharks putting up three points, but he was a key member on the ice especially in the playoffs, putting up two assists one being when he took a slap shot from the point hitting the pad of the opposing netminder and his teammate picked the puck up and slotted it top left of the net.
Page would return the following season under new head coach Tom Coolen and Coolen had plans for him. Coolen acknowledged in the past that Fynn Page was a forward before switching to defence at the Academy, so Coolen decided to use Page as a forward for the season. In the second preseason game against their Tayside rivals, the Dundee Stars Fynn Page got into a bout with forward Johnny Walker where he put up a fight and landed two big punches to Walker and wrestled him to the ground winning the fight. He would later go on to score the game winning goal in the last minute. Although Shane Owen was named man of the match that game, Coolen named Page his man of the match saying that he had a bout, a goal all he was missing was an assist (if he got an assist he would of had a Gordie Howe hat trick; which is a goal, a fight and an assist). Page was going to be a big part in Coolen’s plans and he did get ice time now and then but sadly Coolen felt like the conditions weren’t suited for Page to play often, with games being very tight. At the end of the 23/24 season Page finished with 31 games played 0 points and 37 penalty minutes (PIMs), he also had a +/- score of -3 but this was because when he got ice time it was usually when Flyers were losing. He played in both games in the quarter finals against the Sheffield Steelers putting up 0 points and a +/- minus score of -1. Overall in league games Page played an average of 33 seconds a game and in the playoffs he played 50 seconds over both legs..
Fynn Page is a strong skater on the ice and brings a physical, aggressive prescenes to the game, oftenly throwing the body or blocking shots in front of the net. He has a wonderful back skating ability allowing him to skate back to the defensive zone while keeping his eye on the attacker and puck so he is fully aware of where he needs to be. When Page is on the ice you can see how he traces the puck very well, rarely taking his eyes off it this not only allows him to know where to be, it is also beneficial in helping him intercept passes and track down his man. His passing ability is something also to take note of as he is often seen hitting powerful precise passes to his teammates but also taking his time before passing the puck making sure the correct pass is made at the correct time, this was crucial in his run with the Solway Sharks. Alongside all this Page can also be a gritty player as he throws the body a lot (he also bounces back quickly after being hit) but he is also a fighter now and then. He is always sticking up for his teammates, the most notable case of this was his fight against Manchester Storm player Loren Ulett when he dropped the gloves with him after Ulett threw a cross check against Page’s teammate. He can also skate up and down the ice in no time as he is quite a fast player on the ice this is what allows him to be able to be a defender and forward which is helpful for the Fife Flyers as they often find themselves injury ridden.
Fynn Page's return to the Fife Flyers on a two-way contract with the Bristol Pitbulls marks a crucial step in his development as a professional hockey player. His journey from the Ontario Hockey Academy to his homecoming in Fife demonstrates his commitment and growth in the sport. Page's versatility, having played both forward and defence, along with his physicality and strong skating abilities, make him a valuable asset to both teams. His time with the Solway Sharks proved his capability to perform under pressure and contribute significantly on the ice. As he continues to refine his skills and gain more experience, Page is poised to become a key player for the Flyers. At just 21 years old, the future is bright for this young talent, and his development under this new contract will be closely watched by fans and coaches alike.
Author of Article: Calan Yule
Editor: Will Harris
Proofread By: Will Harris
© EIHL News Central
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