Fife Flyers coach Todd Dutiaume is not resting on his laurels after the Kirkcaldy club reached the Elite League play-off semi-finals for the first time.
They may have lost 1-0 to eventual runners-up, Belfast Giants, in Saturday’s semi-final and 7-6 after overtime to Braehead Clan in the third and fourth placed play-off, but Dutiaume is staying positive and already thinking ahead.
And the experienced Canadian playcaller, who plans talks with key players this week, would love to go a stage further next season by making the play-off final.
Dutiaume said: “The group know they missed out on a great opportunity. They will be looking to take us to the next level.
“They obviously enjoyed the experience of playing in the final four at Nottingham. And it was great to give some of our young Great Britain guys a chance to play at this level.
“I believe they will gain confidence from it and will not now be intimidated at playing against the big boys. They have now savoured the atmosphere during last weekend and they played well.”
Dutiaume praised goaltender Kevin Regan for his performance in the semi-final against Belfast and pin-pointed squad members including home-bred defenceman Tom Muir for their contributions.
He added: “Hopefully, we’ll be able to take this experience into the league next season.
“We only lost by one goal in the semi-final with 13 minutes left to Belfast, the team crowned league champions and who won it by a mile. I am proud of the guys.”