NEWS: Hartmann looking forward to important Panthers tie

NEXT HOME GAME: Can the Braehead Clan get their first foot in the Challenge Cup semi-final THIS THURSDAY (7:30pm face-off). The Nottingham Panthers come to Braehead Arena in the Challenge Cup Quarter Final 1st Leg, tickets are available NOW via TICKETMASTER, by calling 0844 499 1700 or direct at the Braehead Arena box office.

Braehead Clan assistant coach Richard Hartmann is hoping to build further confidence when the Clan face the Nottingham Panthers in tonight’s Challenge Cup quarter final.

Both sides come into the game with indifferent and inconsistent league form, but the focus is firmly on tonight’s game with a semi final place at stake.

Hartmann highlighted the importance of the tie with Corey Neilson’s men as they look to grab the season by the scruff of the neck and go on a run of form.

“It’s a very important game for us because the season is not going the way we want it,” he said.

“It’s a great challenge for us and we want to change the good results from the bad results right now.

“We know Nottingham are a very good team and the cup game will give us more confidence for the league games to come.

“In fact, it’s like a play-off game because you’ve only got the two games to prove we are better than our league placing suggests.

“We know they’ve had some bad results, but they’re still a good hockey club so we have to be 100% prepared for the game and we’re looking forward to it.”

Hartmann briefly reflected on Sunday’s 6-3 win at Dundee Stars, and he’s hopeful home advantage can be a factor in helping the Clan to possible victory tonight.

He added: “One the biggest things we took from the game in Dundee on Sunday was the fact we scored three powerplay goals. It was a big boost for us to see the powerplay clicking.

“It didn’t do that for us in the first game on Saturday so it gave us a positive. Plus we played as a team and we recovered well from the home defeat.

“We hadn’t played at home for a long time and the fans are fantastic, as they always are.

“It’s like they give us an extra boost and I hope this home advantage will do the best for us and help us to victory.”