Former NHL player Milan Lucic has officially joined the Fife Flyers of the Elite Ice Hockey League in Britain, as confirmed by the team on Thursday. The 37-year-old, originally from Vancouver, boasts an impressive career in the NHL, having competed in 1,177 regular-season games and clinched a Stanley Cup victory with the Boston Bruins in 2011. Lucic also made appearances for the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, and Calgary Flames.
Lucic’s most recent hockey endeavor involved a professional tryout with the St. Louis Blues’ AHL affiliate team in Springfield, where he contributed one assist across five games with the Springfield Thunderbirds. Notably, in 2023, Lucic faced legal charges related to an alleged domestic incident involving his wife, Brittany Carnegie. However, the case was later dismissed by prosecutors due to Carnegie’s decision not to testify, leading to an inability to proceed with the legal matter.
The recent announcement of Lucic’s signing with the Fife Flyers has sparked controversy, particularly among advocates against domestic abuse. Scottish media has reported criticism of the move, coinciding with the resignations of two high-ranking officials within the Fife Flyers organization. Scottish Women’s Aid expressed disapproval, stating that by employing players with a history of violence against women, sports clubs send out the wrong message to the public, given the significant influence of sports on society.
Gareth Chalmers, the chief operating officer of Fife Flyers, recently stepped down from his position, citing disagreements with the club’s direction following recent events. Similarly, media consultant Craig Anderson also parted ways with the team after a brief tenure, expressing dissatisfaction with the club’s trajectory without directly addressing the Lucic signing.
After a hiatus from the NHL in 2023, Lucic returned earlier this year following completion of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. He is set to don jersey number 8 with the Flyers pending finalization of paperwork. The Fife Flyers, established in 1938 and recognized as the oldest active ice hockey team in the UK, currently rank at the bottom of the ten-team British Elite League standings.
Amid ongoing scrutiny of off-ice behavior in British ice hockey, recent reports have highlighted the release of Sheffield Steelers forward Cliff Pu, who pleaded guilty to two counts of assault against a woman. The club swiftly distanced itself from Pu, a native of Richmond Hill, Ontario, confirming that he is no longer associated with the team.