LIVE BLOG: Super Signing Sunday – All five signings confirmed

19:25

That’ll do us for today. Thank you for your interaction, your comments, your humour and your general enjoyment of this excellent day. We are well and truly back! I’m pretty sure I’ve hash tagged Super Singing Sunday a few times today too. No matter.

Thanks to Gerry McLaughlin, Craig McKittrick, Gareth Chalmers and Gordon Currie for their assistance, hard work and support.

Catch you soon for the next one. Signing that is, not another Super Signing Sunday.

Signing off is me, Craig Anderson. Enjoy your evening.

And goodnight

19:22

STAT ATTACK:

Nolan LaPorte played 57 times for the Clan in 2019/20, scoring 18 goals, assisting in 24 for a total of 42 points. He also picked 60 penalty minutes as well

19:19

The last poll for today is now up on the Twitter page

19:12

We need to temper the good news with the disappointing one that, due to work commitments, we couldn’t get Nolan LaPorte for an interview. He says he’ll send something over when he can and we’ll get his interview done soon too.

19:09

We think that one has gone down really well. Great to have Nolan back for another season

19:05

WELCOME BACK, NOLAN LAPORTE!!

19:00

Once more with feeling, folks. Here’s Gerry!

18:55

Just five minutes to go now and you can enjoy the rest of your Sunday evening. Do you remember life before we decided to tease and torment you all?

18:51

Incidentally, if you want to watch any of the interviews again from today, I’ll post them right here

SIGNING ONE: MATT HAYWOOD

SIGNING TWO: JORDAN McLAUGHLIN

SIGNING THREE: MATHIEU ROY

SIGNING FOUR: MEDRIC MERCIER

18:46

For those of you who like to hear the interviews on our audio podcast, we’ll get those out in one bumper episode in the next day or two. Once we’ve laid down in a dark room for a bit, of course

18:44

Plenty of people saying nice things about what we’ve done today. Thank you so much for that. It’s been a lot of fun certainly

18:41

You still have around a quarter of an hour left on the poll, by the way

18:40

Before we got the microwave going, we set up this poll to try and find out what you were thinking by way of the final signing today. Here’s where it’s at.

18:38

Right! Dinner over and now we’re pushing for the final shift of our Super Signing Sunday. How are you all doing? Still with us?

17:33

17:22

Do you know what? It’s dinnertime. Let’s take a break for a bit and return at 6.45pm. It’s been a long day and the catering at Clan Towers isn’t what it used to be. See you in a bit.

16:58

https://twitter.com/JordanMcL_99/status/1421861642770468865?s=20

16:48

It’s also important to remember, it isn’t only Super Signing Sunday, but it’s also Matt Keith Day – seven years to the day since one of our finest players agreed to sign for us. We think he’s a bit special

16:45

Some solid GIF work going on here to sum up today’s festivities (is that the right word?) You’re all enjoying what we’re doing today and that’s the main thing. Here’s the best of what you’ve got so far

https://twitter.com/callum_leith99/status/1421857736174755847?s=20

https://twitter.com/Themarkchristie/status/1421859516937801732?s=20

16:35

Finlay’s absolutely right

16:32

Some reaction from you to the news of Medric’s signing

16:30

STAT ATTACK

Medric Mercier spent three seasons with the Ottawa Gee-Gees in USports between 2017 and 2020, making 93 appearances, scoring 20 goals and assisting in 23.

He was the OHL’s highest scoring defenceman in 2017 with Oshawa Generals, scoring 22 times that season. We’d certainly love to see that kind of number in Glasgow

16:28

Mercier on his second chance with the Clan:

“I’m hoping there won’t be too much rust, after not playing for so long, but I’ve got lots in me to let go and I’m determined to come out bigger and stronger.

“With the team starting to come together, it’s starting to feel more real now and after chatting with Malcolm, everything is all go and he’s excited to get me on board.

“It’s my first year, so I want to learn as much as I can and be a sponge. I don’t have any goals at this time. It’s all about taking on board as much as I can from more experienced players.

“I got a big warm welcome from the fans last year when I signed so I’m just really excited to get to see you for real. Hopefully we’ll see each other really soon.”

16:26

Mercier on not being able to come over last year:

“Last year, everything was so uncertain and the season didn’t go ahead, but it’s more hopeful this time and there are players coming in, a new coach and it’s looking good.

“I was meant to become a pro last year, but I’ve definitely taken the time to work on the little things and focus on myself. It certainly helped me as a person and I feel like I’m a better version of myself coming into the new season.

“It was devastating to not get the chance to come over last year, but it was uncertain times so I’m glad I got to spent the time with my family.”

16:24

Hello folks! How are you bearing up today? What a lot of fun it’s been. We’ll get some reaction to Medric’s signing, but here are some quickquotes from his interview

15:30

Here we are! Medric Mercier talks to Clan TV about coming to the club and what might have been

15:26

Medric’s interview will be with you real soon so..

15:23

Medric Mercier is on board so here is a snippet of his career so far.

15:02

WELCOME TO THE CLAN, MEDRIC MERCIER!! (The only player to have signed twice and never played)

15:00

HERE WE GO!

14:58

Is signing number four of the day imminent? Or is Gerry teasing us again?

We’ll have to wait and see

14:48

We almost forgot! With all the excitement today, you could also win a cash prize with our 50/50 Prize draw.

Details can be found right here

14:45

Some guesses from you in anticipation of the signing news at 3pm

14:43

Excitement starting to build for 3pm on our social media channels

14:32

We’re finding our rhythm with this now. Shall we hang around until 3pm?

14:25

STAT ATTACK

Mathieu Roy played 42 games for the Clan in 2019/20, chipping in 19 goals and made 15 assists for 34 points. He picked up 49 minutes in penalties too

14:24

This very well could be our favourite tweet of the day so far

14:22

Roy on still having that fire within burning and working with head coach Malcolm Cameron:

“I always want to play games and win so I’ve always had that fire within me, so coming back to play and coming to the Clan was more about that than just playing hockey. Zack knew this and I was glad he brought me over.

“It’s still there now, looking ahead to a new season and seeing the guys we’re signing. I’m talking to Malcolm a lot as well and we have a good relationships.

“He coached me back in Florida and knows what I can bring to a team. I appreciated his call to ask me to be assistant coach and I’m excited to be doing that role too.

“He tried to get me to be assistant to him in Wichita, but I was already at Sheffield so the timing wasn’t right. I’m so happy to be doing and I want to help him find a good team.

14:20

Roy and his reflections on 2019-20:

“My year was great before and we had such a great start, but it didn’t go so well and it ended the way it did sadly.

“We knew we weren’t going to win the league, but were focussed on the play-offs. We had a great team in there, everyone loved each other and it was disappointing for it to end the way it did.

“I definitely felt like we were getting momentum as those games were coming up for us. We’d been through a tough time and we knew it was the time to turn the ship around.

“There was no better time to do it than before the play-offs and I know we all wanted to be there.”

14:18

Mathieu Roy’s comments from his interview on Clan TV:

Firstly, on his return to the club

“It didn’t take me long to decide to sign back in Glasgow. It was somewhere my family and I wanted to go to, that’s for sure.

“I love everything around the league and Glasgow is a great city to live in and I feel like it’s a lot of fun to want to help build something there.”

14:18

Some reaction to Roy’s return

https://twitter.com/nukiejack/status/1421809538370523138?s=20

13:30

Super Signing Sunday in a nutshell

13:25

Give us a few minutes and we’ll bring you some reaction to the latest news soon. We’re nearly four hours into this now

13:22

How about that then? Mathieu Roy is back as player-assistant coach for the Clan.

On a scale of 1-10, how pleased are you with that?

13:15

INTERVIEW: Mathieu Roy joins us for a chat on Clan TV

13:13

Interview with Mathieu Roy is imminent, so look forward to that very soon

13:03

WELCOME BACK #15 MATHIEU ROY!

13:00

Here we go again! No more mischievous behaviour now, Gerry

12:55

So who’s next?

Shane Starrett, Colin Campbell, Rodney Southam, Matt Haywood and Jordan McLaughlin are already on board. Who will the sixth name on the Clan roster be?

12:50

We’re hearing from our Clan Sports studio colleagues that something is coming at 1pm. That’s only 10 MINUTES AWAY!!!

12:35

Some of the names you’d like to see in our next announcement, in reply to our tweet earlier:

Rasmus Bjerrum

Travis Ehrhardt

Mathieu Roy

Brett Perlini

Tomas Tatar

and lots of shouts for a large eared animal, which many people have as pets. Strange.

12:33

You’ve even annoyed the President, Gerry. THE PRESIDENT!

12:30

This had better be good. Back to Gerry again

12:25

We like this one though

12:23

Some interesting responses to the tweet we put out below. One of you has actually got it right. Well done, you!

12:18

Still waiting for signing number three so let’s find out who you would like it to be. Have your say on the Clan Twitter page now (@ClanIHC is where you’ll find us. But you knew that anyway)

12:05

Really sorry about that, everyone.

In fairness, we did tell you there would be a surprise or two involved today

12:02

For goodness sake, Gerry. You had us going there! Don’t worry, folks. False alarm *silently fumes*

12:00

Wait up! What’s this?

11:54

Welcome back. So, if you’re just joining us, we’ve two signings into our Super Signing Sunday as Matt Haywood and Jordan McLaughlin are confirmed, joining Shane Starrett, Colin Campbell and Rodney Southam on Malcolm Cameron’s roster

11:25

Taking a short break for now, so stay with us as this day starts to get even more interesting. I think we’ve earned it

11:20

*strokes chin*

11:18

We have it on good authority Jim wouldn’t take the gig when he heard Gerry was involved

11:17

https://twitter.com/AlBlakeley/status/1421776109755043840?s=20

11:16

Let’s pick out some reaction from you, Purple Army. You’ve had quite a bit to react to

11:14

STAT ATTACK

Jordan dressed for 58 games for the Clan throughout 2019/20. He actually played 10 games, 394 minutes and conceded 25 goals with an 86.1% save average

11:12

And Jordan has missed the fans too:

“Being back in front of fans would be great and any sport without them isn’t the same. It’ll also be great to be playing meaningful games again too.

“It’ll be great to see and hear the Purple Army again. I’ve missed them all and they’re definitely the best fans in the league, without a shadow of a doubt.”

11:11

Jordan on being back in the Elite League again:

“I enjoyed being involved in a professional setting again when I joined the Clan. Last time, we had a good team, but injuries and certain things didn’t go our way and I felt we should have done better than we did.

“That’s how hockey is, but after getting the taste of the Elite League with Edinburgh a few years ago, I was desperate to be back and I was pleased to get it.”

11:09

Jordan on his impressions of new coach Malcolm Cameron and the prospect of working with new netminder Shane Starrett:

“The coach is really experienced and his record speaks for itself. You don’t get there by accident and it’ll be exciting to see what he has to offer over here. I think he’ll be good when he gets here.

“I’ll look really small next to Shane, but from what I’ve seen, he looks really mobile for a big guy.

“It’s exciting to get the chance to work with him, learn from him and pick up a few things from him.”

11:07

Jordan McLaughlin also had a chat with us on Clan TV about his return to the club. Here’s the pick of what he had to say:

“We’ve been waiting for it for a long time. It’s good to say we’re finally getting to some back to a bit of normality.

“I’ve been trying to keep fit as much as I can, although it’s been tricky with gyms and ice rinks being shut. It’s about doing as much as you can.

“It’s certainly been tough not being able to play any meaningful games and I’ve been running, using weights and I’ve even been playing rugby too with one of my local teams.”

Rugby?! What is this sorcery?

11:04

Matt Haywood’s stats with Clan so far:

581 games, 82 goals and 142 assists for 224 points all in. Matt also has 235 minutes in the penalty box too

11:00

Matt Haywood on new beginnings at the Clan:

“As a franchise, we want to be pushing towards something. Ten years is too long to be not winning trophies so that’s our next step.

“Get behind us and you’ll see a new Clan, a good Clan and hopefully we can start building something special in the near future.” (We loved this quote)

10:57

Matt Haywood on seeing the fans again:

“Playing in the Elite Series and the empty arena, it made me realise how much I missed the fans and just how great our fans are.

“They’re not just normal fans. They’re on the next level and definitely appreciated and I definitely can’t wait to be back.

“All that’s happened with Covid and the arena, it’s a good time to start afresh with the new coach, who has some really good ideas.”

10:56

Matt Haywood:

“It feels like a long time coming, doesn’t it? It’s been great to see the announcements are coming out again and the fans are starting to get the buzz about it again.

“I’m pleased and excited to get going again. Not having it has made me realise how much I love and I definitely missed it.

“When some of the NIHL teams played in a series, I started to get quite jealousies I knew a few guys involved and that’s when I realised how much I missed playing.

“In many ways, it’s given me a new lease of life and I’ve got the bit between my teeth again and keen to get going.”

10:55

Phew! Time to catch our breath after all that. Two signings announced for today already as Matt Haywood and Jordan McLaughlin are back for 2021/22. We’ll get one or two reactions from you in a minute. But let’s recap some of what Matt said from his interview first

10:47

And here’s the second of our five signings today, talking to Craig at Clan TV about his return to the club, it’s Jordan McLaughlin (for legal reasons, we have to point out he’s in no way related to Gerry, but for insurance purposes, Clan have to have two McLaughlins on the books)

10:33

Interview with Jordan coming soon, but it’s an ideal time to remind you to buy your Creation IP Shirt Off The Back tickets for tonight’s draw, where you could win a new Clan Vesty. In fact I’m wearing one now…

Click the link in the graphic to take you to it

10:26

Rod understands the brief…

10:20

Here he is. Matt Haywood chats to Clan TV about his return to the club

 

10:12

First interview to come very shortly as we’ll hear from Mr Clan himself, Matt Haywood

10:05

WHAT A START!!

Welcome back, Matt and Jordan

10.00

Here’s Gerry with a special report

09:55

Seems to be a long half hour for some of you

09:53

Our next signing will be our fourth so far, following on from the announcements of , and earlier this week.

Who’s coming next?

09:50

10 minutes to go, people. This is not a drill!!

09:42

We’re enjoying a lot of the GIF work going on this morning with you about today.

09:39

We saw quite a few of you taking some guesses last night on who’s been announced today. Some good names thrown around in there. Haywood and Stenton appeared quite a lot, we noticed. Let’s see if you’re right

09:36

Look at that, 24 minutes to go already. Earlier, we set a poll asking who you think the first signing will be. You can still join in on Twitter

09:30

Good morning, and welcome to our Super Signing Sunday coverage from Glasgow Clan.

We know you’ve been excited for this so don’t go anywhere as we’ll reveal the first of the FIVE signings today at 10am. There may be one or two surprises along the way so don’t miss out.

Get involved with our social channels by using the hashtag #SuperSigningSunday as well.