Braehead Clan

Craig Anderson from Slapshot Scotland previews the Clans second Elite season

AS first seasons go, it’s probably fair to say Braehead Clan more than surpassed expectations. This season will present a much sterner test.

Drew Bannister won’t be under any pressure when he takes on his player-coach role in the wake of Bruce Richardson’s surprise departure, but is focussed enough, not to mention experienced enough, to know to expectations that lie ahead.

The fans are counting the days till their first match on September 24th when they host Dundee Stars and although Clan’s season begins as late as three weeks after everyone else, it perhaps gives more time to Bannister to build his squad.

The re-signings of Kyle Bruce, Jordan Krestanovich and Tim Wedderburn are huge in the context of continuity, but the additions of Bannister, defenceman James Jorgensen and last season’s top points scorer in the Elite League, Jade Galbraith, certainly give the Clan more steel in particular positions.

However the concern seems to be no goaltender has been brought in since the departure of JF Perras, an experienced EIHL campaigner following spells at Coventry Blaze and Edinburgh Capitals. Only Englishman Michael Will has been signed for between the pipes so far.

That’s not to say Bannister hasn’t been working feverishly in the background and no doubt something will be in place, but it’s the one position the fans are keen to see filled.

Off the ice the interest has grown as well and if Braehead can tap further into a curious market in the West of Scotland, this season also has the potential to be a big one commercially.

As for expectations, a repeat of last season’s comfortable fifth place would be welcomed, but with Dundee Stars and Edinburgh Capitals looking stronger, not to mention the addition of Fife Flyers to the Elite League, the battle in Scotland alone could be a fascinating one.

My predictions:

1. Coventry Blaze
2. Sheffield Steelers
3. Nottingham Panthers
4. Belfast Giants
5. Braehead Clan
6. Cardiff Devils
7. Dundee Stars
8. Fife Flyers
9. Hull Stingrays
10. Edinburgh Capitals