Quick take: the signing of David Brown

Today, the Fife Flyers announced the signing of netminder David Brown. It would be fair to say that this signing came with mixed reviews. The mixed response is entirely understandable, Brown posted a 3.49 GAA and a save percentage of 0.902* which saw him ranked 10th of 12 netminders who played a minimum of 1260 minutes in the Elite League last season. At the same time though, for all their recruitment is heavily scrutinised, the Flyers don't sign bad goaltenders.

How does Brown compare to our previous backstop? The much loved Kevin Regan posted a 3.07 GAA and a save percentage of 0.901 and 3.14 GAA and 0.900 S% in 2014/15 and 2013/14 respectively. So the save percentage is effectively the same, what about the goals against average? Well pure and simple, Brown faced more shots than Regan. In fact, Brown faced more shots than any goalie last season, with the exception of Brian Stewart.

Alas, the fairy tale return of Bryan Pitton never materialised but the addition of Brown is a solid addition. While on the face of it, Brown may not fill you with confidence, do you know what should? Our defence. Brown is used to facing a lot of rubber and with our well organised d-corps this should drop considerably (Brown faced almost 400 more shots than Regan). Something to consider is the relative performance of Ben Bowns when he moved to Cardiff from Hull. In his final season on Humberside, Bowns posted 3.53 GAA and 0.907 S% while putting up 0.909 S% and 2.56 GAA in his year in Cardiff. Brown could also benefit from playing in a system that limits the shots that he faces.

Brown's major issue is, through no fault of his own, he has played in the Elite League for another team. Fans have formed an opinion on him based on him playing for a rival. That's always going to happen, but if the Flyers recruit a further defenceman they will have as strong a group as they've ever had. The potential return of fan favourite, Scott Fleming bodes for a strong core of centers and defensively responsible forward lines. Don't look at this signing as just a solitary addition but look at the whole roster make up.

*while Elite Prospects lists his save percentage as 0.899, the accompanying link to the EIHL website quotes a save percentage of 0.902.

Update: As pointed out by Bill Brisbane on Twitter:

@murdochhockey * Eliteprospects lists his 4 PO games, where he had a .935 save%, separately. Add those to the regular season to get .902%.

— Bill Brisbane (@Billbrisb) July 27, 2015