Fife-born international joins Flyers rebuild

Great Britain and Scotland youth international Ethan Hadden has signed his first professional contract with Elite Ice Hockey League team Fife Flyers.

The 18-year-old defenceman will be a familiar face at the Kingdom after coming through the ranks at the Kirkcaldy-based club’s junior ice hockey system before spending the final year of his development with the U-16 squad at Dundee Stars, where he recorded an impressive 43 points in 13 games.

“Ethan is a talented young man who has natural ability and is ready to take the next step of becoming a solid player at senior level,” said Flyers President and General Manager Max Birbraer.

Hadden, who won silver with Great Britain at the 2025 U18 IIHF Division 2 Group A Championships in Italy, is the sixth player to join the Flyers during the off-season as the club seeks to build a squad capable of once again competing in the top tier of British ice hockey.

His homecoming follows three years spent developing his game in Canada’s ultra-competitive junior hockey leagues, including both the Canadian Sport School Hockey League and Atlantic Coast Academy 18U AAA Prep.

The young Scot’s arrival at the Fife Ice Arena follows the return of Canadian netminder Shane Owen and Swedish defenceman Jonas Emmerdahl, as well as new signings Mason Alderson, Ben Brown and Ryan Nicholson.

Described as ‘a fantastic skater who moves well with the puck’, Head Coach Jamie Russell said: “Hadden has the potential to be a top British defenceman in this league [and] will be a great addition to the lineup.”

Meanwhile, on signing with the Flyers, Hadden said: “I am thrilled to be playing in my hometown in front of the Fife fans in the Auld Barn [and] I can’t wait to get started.”

Hadden will wear the number 6 jersey.