Ice Hockey: Fuyarchuk turns down Bees

JIM FUYARCHUK has informed Bracknell Bees he will not be returning to the Superleague club as coach next season - by fax.

Fuyarchuk was handed an ultimatum by Bracknell of agreeing to a new one- year contract by yesterday morning, or the offer would be withdrawn and his services no longer required.

Fuyarchuk, who took the club to the first final in their history last season when he guided them to the Express Cup against the Grand Slam winners Ayr Scottish Eagles, has chosen to turn down the move.

Fuyarchuk, who had spent three seasons with Bracknell, told the club of his decision via fax from his home in Canada. He said: "I am saddened that it has come to this decision, but I strongly feel that I must look after my personal and working needs and must move on."

He becomes the second coach in a matter of days to part company with a Superleague club, following Alex Dampier's departure from Sheffield Steelers on Friday. Fuyarchuk is now among the favourites to take over at Sheffield.

Bracknell are set to make an appointment within a week, having drawn up a shortlist of three. Two candidates are believed to be from Germany's elite league and one an internal application.