GLASGOW CLAN APPOINT JACK SKILLE AS NEW HEAD COACH
Glasgow Clan are delighted to announce the appointment of American Jack Skille as the club’s new Head Coach.
The former NHL forward joins the Clan from German DEL side Schwenninger Wild Wings, where he served as Assistant Coach, bringing a wealth of experience from an extensive playing career across North America and Europe, alongside a developing coaching career.
Selected seventh overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Skille enjoyed an impressive playing career, making over 350 NHL appearances across five teams, including the Florida Panthers, Colorado Avalanche and Vancouver Canucks.
The American forward also gained extensive experience in the AHL and across Europe’s top leagues, including the KHL, DEL and Swiss National League. He also represented the United States internationally at the 2011 IIHF World Championship.
Following his playing career, Skille made the transition into coaching, beginning with Park City High School in Utah during the 2020/21 season before taking on the Head Coach position with the Park City Ice Miners 16U AA programme.
He subsequently joined the Utah Grizzlies in the ECHL, working as Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development during the 2025/26 season.
Most recently, Skille returned to European hockey as Assistant Coach with the Schwenninger Wild Wings in Germany’s top professional league, the DEL, before making the move to Glasgow.
His appointment marks a new chapter for the Clan, with Skille looking to establish a competitive, energetic team built on strong relationships, collaboration and a shared commitment to representing the club.
Speaking about his appointment, Jack Skille said:
“I am honoured to be a part of the Glasgow Clan family. My wife and I are excited for this new chapter together. Throughout the interview process, it was clear to me that the culture and overall vision of the Glasgow Clan align entirely with mine.”
Looking ahead to his vision for the team, Skille emphasised the importance of bringing the group together and establishing a strong foundation for the future.
To start, this is about hitting the reset button for the group. Relationships are my top priority when it comes to working together as a team and an organisation. Collaborating with the current staff and having an open mind to their experiences and perspectives will form the basis of our growth.
Our team will be competitive, bring energy and wear the Glasgow Clan crest with honour.”
Glasgow Clan CEO Russ Smith welcomed the appointment:
Following a comprehensive global search led by our Director of Hockey Operations and supported by a panel of leaders within the sports industry, we are delighted to welcome Jack Skille to the Glasgow Clan as our new Head Coach.
Jack’s appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the club. We have a clear strategy to build a team that competes, plays with intensity and purpose, and delivers a brand of hockey that excites the Purple Army.
Jack is the right person to lead that vision, and I look forward to welcoming him to Glasgow as we work together to take the club forward and deliver success for our supporters.
Director of Hockey Operations Zach Vinnell added:
What really impressed me about Jack was his passion for coaching and helping players reach their potential. Having played at the highest level and gained valuable coaching experience, he brings a great understanding of today’s game.
Jack shares our ambition to build a competitive, hard-working team that brings energy and intensity to the ice every night. I believe he will bring a refreshing approach to the Clan, get the best out of our roster and play a big part in moving this club forward.
We are excited to welcome him and his family to Glasgow.
Everyone at Glasgow Clan would like to welcome Jack and his wife to Glasgow as we look forward to this exciting new chapter for the club.
