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FEATURE: Crossing the divide

August 8, 2021

Jordan Buesa isn’t a new addition to the list of players who have played for both Braehead/Glasgow Clan and Fife Flyers – but he’s in the rare group to have made the move twice.

The 21-year-old has returned to the Clan after leaving for the Flyers in 2018 and for him, it’s a homecoming after working under previous coaches Ryan Finnerty and John Tripp.

But the road between Braehead Arena and Fife Ice Arena has become a well worn path with 14 players donning the colours for both sides.

So here’s a pick of some of the players who have been loved and dare we say, loathed by both sets of fans in equal measure:

Brendan Brooks (Clan 2015-16; Flyers 2016-17 & Clan 2017-18)

The experienced Brooks first joined Ryan Finnerty’s Clan side in 2015 ahead of the Champions Hockey League and immediately became a fans favourite in his first season.

He moved on to Fife a season later and was seen as something of a signing coup for Todd Dutiaume, picking up a decent 51 points from 63 games in Kirkcaldy.

Brooks was the first player to make the move twice when he returned to assist John Tripp in season 2017-18, but with Clan failing to reach the play-offs, it was a disappointing end to his time in Glasgow.

Bari McKenzie (Clan 2015-18; Flyers 2018-Present)

The only man to have played for all four Scottish teams in the Elite League and has the rare distinction of being popular among all sets of fans for his hard work and effort, which is largely admired.

Bari joined the Clan from Dundee Stars in 2015 and became a hit with the Purple Army – not just for his on-ice exploits, but his personality off it and left with 186 appearances to his name and 26 points (11+16).

He’s back with Fife for a third season (fourth if you count the season that wasn’t) and the reaction to his re-signing is proof that Bari is well appreciated by the Flyers fans as much as he was the Clan fans.

Bobby Chaumont (Clan 2010-11 & 2012; Flyers 2012-15)

Chaumont had cemented himself as a favourite with the Clan fans for his 55 points in 56 games during the club’s first season in 2010-11 so his return under Jordan Krestanovich in 2012 was a popular one.

However, poor form in that season signalled the need for change and Bobby left after only 18 games, with the Flyers waiting in the wings to snap him up.

He stayed for just over 170 appearances, helping them to their first ever play-off weekend in 2014 before heading to Dundee Stars for a year in 2015 – his last appearances in the UK.

Ric Jackman (Clan 2015-16; Flyers 2016-17)

Not many men can say they’ve been team-mates with Sidney Crosby and Matt Haywood, but Ric Jackman definitely can having played with the NHL legend in his breakout year in 2005 then the Clan legend a decade later.

Jackman arrived in Scotland as a Stanley Cup winner, having lifted the coveted trophy in 2007 and his experience and eye for the game were there for all to see as Clan finished third in the Elite League.

Flyers took him to Kirkcaldy a season later and he proved to be a decent player for him in what turned out to be his final foray in a long and distinguished career.

Scott Aarssen (Clan 2013-2017; Flyers 2018-20)

Scott Aarssen’s path from Clan to Fife may not be a direct one, having taken in a season with Sheffield Steelers in between, but there’s no doubt his quality shone through for both.

One of only two players to work with Ryan Finnerty during his four-year reign in charge of the Clan, Aarssen’s cool head and wicked blue line shots made him a great signing for the club in his four years in Glasgow.

After that year in Sheffield, he was back in Scotland and served out his last two years with the Flyers where the Fife faithful got to enjoy his calming presence at the back.

The pandemic didn’t give him the retirement he would have liked, but at least we got to see him in purple once more in Matt Haywood’s Testimonial.

Glasgow Clan defeat Manchester Storm 5-2 at Braehead Arena on 27 October , Picture: Al Goold (www.algooldphoto.com)

Craig Peacock (Clan 2016-21; Flyers 2021-Present)

His time at the Clan has only just ended, but there are plenty of memories in which we can enjoy what Craig Peacock did in his five years with the club.

He’ll be the 14th player to make the move between Kirkcaldy and the Clan and his signing news was greeted with great positivity from the Fifers when it was announced.

Peacock will always be fondly remembered in Glasgow and we wish him well with Flyers next season. (apart from when he plays against us, naturally)