Fife Flyers faces backlash over signing of controversial NHL player Milan Lucic

The UK’s oldest ice hockey club is facing criticism over the signing of a former NHL star who faced domestic violence charges.

Kirkcaldy-based Fife Flyers announced the arrival of ex-Boston Bruins star Milan Lucic, a member of their 2011 Stanley Cup championship team and arguably the highest-profile player to sign for a British side, on Wednesday.

But the signing has proved controversial, with Fife Flyers’ chief operating officer Gareth Chalmers and media consultant Craig Anderson both resigning in recent weeks over the direction being pursued by the club.

Canadian international Lucic is a high-profile sportsman in the United States, partly because he stood trial for allegedly assaulting his wife, Brittany Carnegie.

Prosecutors dropped the case in February 2024, saying the decision by Lucic’s wife to invoke marital privilege to not testify made it impossible for them to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Domestic abuse charity Scottish Women’s Aid said the club was sending out the wrong message by signing Lucic.

A spokesperson told STV News: “Sport has a significant influence on the lives of many people, and clubs employing players who have been accused of violence against women send out the wrong message.

“We applaud the people in the club who have put integrity and values above sporting success, it is a welcome sign.”

“Experience has taught me that I cannot sacrifice personal and professional integrity for decisions I am opposed to”
Fife Flyers’ chief operating officer Gareth Chalmers

Mr Chalmers announced he was departing his role last week, citing a disagreement with a “certain plan” being pursued by the club.

He said: “Following recent developments relating to the team, there have been multiple occasions where I felt strongly compelled to advise against a certain plan.

“Despite my concerns, the club has chosen to proceed, and while differences of opinion are very much part of any sporting environment, these plans placed me at odds with the club’s direction.

“Experience has taught me that I cannot sacrifice personal and professional integrity for decisions I am opposed to.

“I am genuinely gutted to be taking this step. The Flyers is a fantastic club with an incredible storied history, supported by exceptionally loyal fans and outstanding volunteers whose dedication has sustained the organisation for many previous years.”

Just days later, Craig Anderson announced he was quitting as the club’s media consultant after less than three months in the role.

He said: “I’ve always prided myself in the media work I’ve done for the organisations I’ve worked with in the past and in the present, but when something puts you at odds with your own moral compass, you need to question that and the motivation behind it.

“With the benefit of previous experience, it’s a move I can in no way support and I have made my feelings known to the parties involved.

“Plus with a young daughter to consider, she needs to know I’m doing the right thing by her too.”

A North American-based group completed a takeover of the Fife Flyers earlier this year.

Former Cardiff Devils and Israel forward Max Birbraer led the takeover process and is currently Flyers’ president and general manager.

Chalmers was appointed COO in June, having previously served as the head of league rivals Glasgow Clan, but his tenure as chief operating officer has proven to be short-lived.

Fife Flyers are currently bottom of the EIHL after recently ending a record 18-game losing streak under the new owners.

The UK Elite Ice Hockey League and Fife Flyers have both been contacted for comment.