Kirkcaldy Kestrels have made a swift start to their preparations for the 2025/26 Scottish National League (SNL) season.
The Kestrels endured a frustrating end to the recently ended campaign, narrowly losing in the finals of the SNL play-offs and Scottish Cup.
Steven Wishart is eager to build on the foundations laid this term and has agreed to return for another year as head coach.
Aaron Greger is also back for another year as assistant coach, while Kyle Horne will continue as player/assistant coach.
The coaching team has already started to formulate plans for next season and moved swiftly to secure two key returnees.
Netminder Andrew Little and forward Scott Jamieson were standout performers for the Kestrels this season and will be part of the squad next term.
Little spent several seasons as a back-up netminder with Fife Flyers in the Elite League, before signing for the Kestrels last summer.
The 27-year-old produced a series of stellar displays to help the Kestrels reach two finals and will hope to continue in the same vein in 2025/26.
Jamieson also iced for the Flyers before joining the Kestrels in 2022/23. He has subsequently been one of the team’s most prolific point scorers.
He missed part of last season through injury, but returned towards the end of the campaign to help the Kestrels’ bid for silverware.
While the team narrowly missed out on lifting a trophy, they will be keen to set the record straight next season.
Wishart believes Little and Jamieson are crucial to their hopes of success.
“While we were gutted to come up short in two finals, we couldn’t fault the effort put in by the players,” he said.
“We introduced numerous players to senior hockey last term, and the experience they gained will benefit them in the long run.
“Andy and Scott are both senior figures in the squad now, and having them back on board is a great way to kick off our plans for next season.
“Having Aaron and Kyle back in the fold on the coaching side is also a massive boost. We learned a lot this season and feel there is much more to come.”
“Although the season has only just ended, we’re keen to start laying the foundations for what we hope will be a successful 2025/26 campaign.”