Milan Lucic Signs with Fife Flyers After Unsuccessful NHL Comeback

Former NHL player Milan Lucic has officially joined the Fife Flyers in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) in the UK. The announcement was made on Thursday, marking a new chapter for the 37-year-old forward.

Career Overview of Milan Lucic

Lucic, a native of Vancouver, had an extensive career in the NHL, participating in 1,177 regular-season games. He is best known for winning the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011. Throughout his NHL career, he also played for the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, and Calgary Flames.

Recent Developments Prior to Signing

Before joining the Flyers, Lucic had a brief stint with the Springfield Thunderbirds, the American Hockey League affiliate of the St. Louis Blues. He recorded one assist over five games during his professional tryout.

Llegal Troubles and Controversy

In 2023, Lucic faced legal issues related to an alleged domestic incident with his wife, Brittany Carnegie. However, prosecutors dropped the charges after Carnegie declined to testify. This legal situation led to public backlash following his signing with the Flyers.

Response from the Community

The signing of Lucic has sparked criticism from domestic abuse advocates. Scottish Women’s Aid expressed concerns, stating that signing players accused of violence sends a harmful message. A spokesperson emphasized the impact of sport on societal values and urged clubs to reconsider their player recruitment practices.

Internal Reactions at Fife Flyers

• Gareth Chalmers, the Chief Operating Officer of Fife Flyers, resigned last week, citing disagreements with the club’s recent decisions.
• Media consultant Craig Anderson also left his position after less than three months, stating he could not support the club’s direction.

Lucic’s Role and the Flyers’ Situation

Lucic will wear the number 8 for the Flyers, pending the completion of his contractual paperwork. The Flyers, founded in 1938, are the oldest operational ice hockey team in the UK. They are currently struggling at the bottom of the EIHL standings.

Increased Scrutiny of Off-Ice Conduct

The Lucic signing coincides with increasing scrutiny regarding player conduct in British ice hockey. Recently, the Sheffield Steelers released forward Cliff Pu after he pleaded guilty to two counts of assault.

As Lucic embarks on his journey with the Fife Flyers, the ice hockey community watches closely, considering both his on-ice contributions and off-ice implications.