NEWS: Esders ready for Clan return

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Glasgow’s Braehead Clan’s Lee Esders says he’s looking forward to turning out for the team again – but his body has felt it this week.

The 28-year-old will come out of retirement this weekend to take on Edinburgh Capitals on Saturday, with injuries still afflicting the team.

Although he’s excited to be coming back, Esders admits getting back into the mindset of preparing for games has been hard.

“It’s been fun, but it certainly was a shock to the body after not doing anything like that for a while,” he said.

“That said, it was good to be back with the boys and into the swing of things. It was like old times, having a laugh and a joke. It’s certainly not like a real job.

“Retirement suited me, but it was tough getting up early in the morning and sometimes working late at night. But it’s part of everyday life and I soon adapted to it.

“I missed it, but I didn’t. Being back on the ice, I’ve realised I’ve missed it that little bit more, but as I got my teeth into my job, it was busy so I didn’t get think about it too much.

“The mindset side of it is taking a bit of getting used to again and I suppose it will be like riding a bike. I won’t be no Wayne Gretzky out there, but I’ll certainly do my best for the guys out there.

“I wouldn’t say I’m nervous looking ahead to Saturday’s game. Probably more excited when it comes to the crunch.

“The adrenaline will get you through and I’m sure the guys will be on hand to help me through it as well.”