SIGNED: Esders makes a return to the Clan

NEXT HOME GAME: The Braehead Clan face the Belfast Giants in an exciting start to the season on Sunday 28th August (6:00pm face-off). Tickets are available NOW via TICKETMASTER, by calling 0844 499 1700 or direct at the Braehead Arena box office.

The intu Braehead Clan are delighted to announce the return of Lee Esders to the team ahead of the 2016/17 season.

The 27-year-old is the 20th signing of the summer and returns following a stint in the EPL with Guildford Flames last season, where he won the play-offs.

Clan head coach Ryan Finnerty said he never lost contact with Esders after he left the Clan back in November and was pleased to have him back.

“We were basically in a position to offer him a deal where he’ll stay with us and fill in as injury cover,” explained Finnerty. “He’s going to be called upon when we need him.

“I’ve known Lee for a long time and he’s always been contemplating ‘what’s next’ and life after hockey and he got the opportunity to go to Guildford.

“It worked out as he won some trophies with Matt Towe and it worked out really well for him. It was a tough spot for him, but we never lost contact in the time he was away.

“He and I have a long history and I congratulated him on winning the play-offs. Guys like that you build a relationship over time that’s more than hockey at some points.

“It’s a really nice security blanket and he’s right on the doorstep too, having moved to Glasgow so it’s good.

“He’s a veteran of the league and plays his role very well. He went away, won a championship and now he’s back for a new season with a new team. It’s great to have him part of the group again.”

Esders made 120 appearances in purple after joining Finnerty from Sheffield Steelers in 2013, scoring 17 times and assisting in 23 goals too.

He joined former team-mate Towe in Guildford and went all the way to the play-offs, where he ended the season with the trophy to show for his efforts.

Esders will return to Clan wearing the #57 jersey and joins Michal Zajkowski, Kyle Wharton, Jay Rosehill, Matt Beca, Jeff Ulmer, Trevor Hendrikx, Gary Russell, Scott Aarssen, Cody Carlson, Zach Sullivan, Matt Keith, Bari McKenzie, Matt Haywood, Alex Leavitt, Daniel Ahsberg, Corey Cowick, Scott Pitt, Craig Peacock and Callum Boyd on the roster.