NEWS: Finnerty set for new season
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.
intu Braehead Clan head coach Ryan Finnerty says putting this year’s team together has been a lot of fun.
Lee Baldwin’s signing completed the line-up for 2016/17 and all the attention now turns to on the ice matters as the competition begins in earnest very soon.
But Finnerty revealed it was competitive for him off the ice as he tried to get the better of his rivals to sign the players that make up this year’s roster.
“Not having the Champions Hockey League this year allowed us to take more time and do a little more research on players,” Finnerty said.
“It was a lot of fun putting this team together because of the attraction of the league and that players want to come here.
“The competition was tough as well with the top teams all looking at a lot of the same players and it was challenging and fun to be involved in that.”
Most of the team have arrived in Glasgow and have spent the week being put through their paces as fitness levels are constantly tested in the build up to the new campaign.
With other events going on at Braehead Arena, the team have had to travel to Auchenharvie in Ayrshire or Edinburgh.
But Finnerty is happy at only having one game to bed his team when they travel to Nottingham Panthers in the Aladdin Cup on Saturday.
He added: “We had our first get-together on Monday and that was about fitness checks and sorting out equipment as well as getting the guys together.
“At the moment we don’t have the luxury of practising in the arena just now, so we have to travel to Auchenharvie and Edinburgh, but the guys are happy to be back and it’s been all good so far.
“But I like the fact we’re just playing the one game this weekend. Usually it’s a scramble to try and get systems in place because you don’t get a ton of time before the season begins.
“It’s a great opportunity for the young guys to get some ice time like Jordan Buesa and Callum Boyd and we’ll be short a couple of players because of the visa process.
“It gives those guys a chance to get some ice time in a great building against quality opposition.”
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