NEWS: Keith – Two Fife games are different but equally important

NEXT HOME GAME: Braehead Clan return to home ice THIS SATURDAY (face off 7pm) when Fife Flyers come to Glasgow in the first league clash of the season. Tickets are available NOW via TICKETMASTER, by calling 0844 499 1700 or direct at the Braehead Arena box office.

Braehead Clan captain Matt Keith wants to see the team build on Sunday’s win at Edinburgh Capitals – by taking points from Fife Flyers.

 

Todd Dutiaume’s side roll into town tomorrow looking to gain an edge over their Glasgow hosts in Saturday’s league game before they do battle against in Sunday’s win or bust Challenge Cup tie.

 

And Keith reckons both games are as important as each other – but in different ways.

 

“The Flyers games are big and are always a good test,” the Clan skipper said. “They are always good atmospheres and any time you get the teams together, they are going to be good.

 

“For us, it’s important for us to build up what we started last Sunday, although it was only one win. But I think the way we played and won, it was big and something we can go on from.

 

“So there’s no better time than for us to get a run going than doing it against Fife. For us, as far as the league goes, it’s important we start winning games.

 

“We play them again on Sunday and I think it’s two totally different things. We’ve played quite a few league games now compared to most other teams and haven’t had the success we would like.

 

“Saturday is important in that respect while Sunday is also a huge one in itself because the Challenge Cup hasn’t gone our way either.

 

“Knowing one win will get us through, it’s probably the most important Challenge Cup game I’ve ever been involved in during my time here.

 

“It’s two totally different ends to the spectrum, but two equally important games.

 

With both games taking place over a 24 hour period, it can be argued that Saturday’s winner could have the edge going into Sunday’s rematch.

 

Keith believes in this case, it’s a different scenario due to the differing venues and the qualities they have that help either team.

 

He added: “Whenever you play a team back to back, momentum is huge, but it’s a completely different for us going on the road. They have a good fanbase and really get behind their team.

 

“It’s a difficult place to play in, but it’s fun to play in and our fans make themselves heard. But it’s a different feel when we play at home.

 

“I don’t know how much momentum can play a part in two different venues, but both teams will be going hard both games. Fans can expect 120 minutes of hard, competitive, hard fought hockey.”