Milan Lucic Signs with Fife Flyers in British Elite League Following Unsuccessful NHL Comeback
Former NHL forward Milan Lucic has officially signed with the Fife Flyers in the British Elite Ice Hockey League. This announcement was made by the club on Thursday. Lucic, who is 37 and hails from Vancouver, has an extensive NHL career, playing 1,177 regular-season games and winning a Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011.
Milan Lucic’s Career Overview
Throughout his career, Lucic has played for several teams: the Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, and Calgary Flames. Most recently, he was with the St. Louis Blues’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, on a professional tryout. In five games with Springfield, he managed to record one assist.
Recent Controversies
Lucic’s signing has sparked criticism due to past allegations related to a domestic incident. In 2023, he faced charges involving his wife, Brittany Carnegie. However, the case was dropped after she chose not to testify, making prosecution impossible.
This development has raised concerns among domestic abuse advocates. Scottish Women’s Aid has criticized the Fife Flyers for signing a player with such allegations. They stated that “clubs employing players who have been accused of violence against women send out the wrong message.”
Resignations and Team Dynamics
The controversy surrounding Lucic’s signing has led to significant organizational changes within the Flyers. Gareth Chalmers, the club’s chief operating officer, resigned, voicing concerns about the team’s direction in light of recent events. He emphasized his unwillingness to compromise his personal and professional integrity.
Additionally, media consultant Craig Anderson also stepped down after a short tenure of less than three months. His departure was similarly rooted in disagreements over the club’s direction, though he refrained from directly referencing Lucic.
Current Season Outlook
Lucic last played in the NHL in 2023 and was recently reinstated after completing the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. He will don the number 8 jersey for the Fife Flyers, contingent upon the completion of necessary paperwork.
The Fife Flyers, established in 1938, hold the title of the oldest operational ice hockey team in the United Kingdom. They are looking to improve their performance in the British Elite League, where they sat at the bottom of the 10-team standings prior to Thursday’s games.
Broader Context in British Ice Hockey
This signing comes at a time when off-ice conduct in British ice hockey is under closer scrutiny. Recently, Sheffield Steelers’ forward Cliff Pu was released from his team after pleading guilty to assault charges involving a woman, highlighting ongoing concerns about player behavior.
As Milan Lucic joins the Fife Flyers, both the team and the broader ice hockey community will be looking closely at the implications of this decision.
