Kirkcaldy Kestrels lost 4-0 at Aberdeen Lynx in their opening game of the 2024/25 Scottish National League (SNL) season on Saturday.
With several players unavailable for the trip, the Kestrels’ roster featured a sizeable contingent from the club’s junior ranks.
They acquitted themselves well in front of a sell-out crowd, but the reigning champions were in no mood to take things lightly.
Lynx opened up a four-goal lead inside the first 28 minutes, sparking a change in goal for the Kestrels as Andy Little replaced Craig Holland.
The latter had faced a barrage of shots during the early part of the game, and things continued in the same vein after Little took over.
The Kestrels also showed plenty of attacking intent but were unable to find a way past Lynx netminder Dominick Jaglar.
The game was played in a decent spirit, with the officials dishing out just eight minutes of penalties.
Steven Wishart’s side return to action on Sunday when Edinburgh Capitals visit Fife Ice Arena (6.00 pm).