Birbraer heads new ownership at Fife Flyers
Fife Flyers have new owners. A North American-based group has been installed as the new management team to run Britain's oldest professional ice hockey club.
Former Israeli international, 44-year-old, former Cardiff Devils winger, Max Birbraer, is the new president and general manager, and a spokesman said: 'We are here to build something special.'
Kazakhstan-born Birbraer, drafted in Round 3 and 67th overall by National Hockey League side, New Jersey Devils, in 2000, has started work with the club which was formed in 1938, and bosses confirm they are in 'advanced discussions' to appoint a new head coach.
Several core players from last season have been contacted and the new owners plan to build what they described as 'a competitive and committed roster'.
Hockey agent, Gareth Chalmers, who parted company as managing director of Glasgow Clan and the Braehead Arena in February this year after more than a decade with the club, has joined the Kirkcaldy-based combine as chief commercial and operations officer.
Season ticket details will be revealed soon and the spokesman said: 'We're excited to grow our partnerships and business operations with his leadership.'
Flyers new bosses say the hard work starts now and they welcome all commercial inquiries.
Plans are being made to connect directly to fans. They could include meet and greet, question and answer or a town hall-style event, and the new regime said: 'We want to hear what matters most to you (the fans), what needs to improve, and how we can earn your trust moving forward.'
Bosses plan to be more transparent and to provide detailed communication regarding club's architecture, vision and intention.
And the statement declared: 'To every supporter: this is your team. We're honoured to be at the helm, and we're ready to give it everything we've got.'
The group moved in after former directors, Tom Muir and Jack Wishart, confirmed in early February that they were stepping down after nearly three years at the helm and the newcomers expressed their thanks to those 'who carried the torch before us'.
They added: 'From this moment forward, our group is fully responsible for the direction, development, and future of the club, and we take that responsibility seriously.
'It is an honour to lead the UK's oldest and most iconic hockey team.'
They claim their mission is clear, to restore the pride, energy, and identity of Fife Flyers hockey — both on and off the ice.
The statement added: 'This is a people's club. Fife is the beating heart of Scottish hockey, and its supporters are the soul of this organization. Your loyalty, your voice, and your passion will shape everything we do.
'We are here to build something special, a first-class hockey experience that reflects the grit and character of this town. Under this leadership, we will lead with transparency, we will compete with pride, and we will always listen.'
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