NEWS: Morgan braced for positive cup impact

Aspray Glasgow West sponsored Glasgow Clan head coach Jason Morgan says the ramifications could be huge if his team were to overcome Guildford Flames in the Challenge Cup.

Clan host the Surrey men in a semi-final first leg at Braehead Arena this Saturday (face off 7:00pm) as they aim for their first ever final in their Elite League history.

And he hopes a positive result can have an impact on their regular season campaign going into the second half of the season.

“We’re facing a team that’s very skilled and deep, who play a fast, high placed game so our puck management, defensive zone coverage and discipline has to be on point,” he said.

“I know the guys are excited and a shot at advancing to a final to compete for the first trophy out of the three would not only be good for the organisation, but a huge confidence boost for our club.

“It all carries over into the regular season and in this instance, going to Manchester on Sunday.  Every game is very important to get us up the standings.”

Clan have played only once in the last two weeks – the 4-3 overtime loss in Dundee last Saturday – after a hectic run of nine games over 16 days over the festive period.

After more rest and time to work at practice, Morgan says his players are prepared as Clan get ready for a fourth Challenge Cup semi-final in their history.

Morgan added: “Everyone’s really looking forward to the game on Saturday.  We did a great job to earn it going to Cardiff, turning the quarter final around from a home leg loss to winning by two goals on the road.

“Like the league, it’s a really tight competition and on any given night, you have to be on your toes and not give the opposition any momentum where one mistake could be costly.

“I think the break in the schedule has helped, so there’s been so some good energetic practices in the last few days.

“I’m ready, the guys are ready, the Purple Army are very excited and I’m looking forward to hearing them in full voice, and hearing their support to give the guys a boost, that will hopefully carry them into the second leg.”