NEWS: Morgan keen to build on weekend success
Aspray Glasgow West sponsored Glasgow Clan head coach Jason Morgan says Saturday’s win at Belfast Giants is the foundation to build from as they head into the competitive season.
Two goals from Jake Bolton helped the Clan to a 3-1 win at The SSE Arena against the Giants on Saturday to set them up nicely for this Saturday’s Challenge Cup opener against Fife Flyers (face off 7:00pm).
And Morgan could only dwell on the positives overall as he got his first taste of action at home at Braehead Arena on Friday too.
“It was our first time skating on our home ice (on Friday) so the first couple of periods was about getting used to the rink and the ice angles,” he said.
“But it was a chance for us to gel as a group and while we’re a close knit team off the ice, we’re still finding our way with our chemistry on the ice.
“The second period involved a lot of special teams and the third period, I felt we were stronger, which was a real positive for us.
“I showed the guys a lot of video on the road to Belfast and they really responded to that, where they battled and competed for the full 60 minutes.
“We killed six out of seven penalties and the special teams helped us to win the game, plus both goalies performed well for us.
“It gives us the foundation heading into the new week ahead of our home opener in the Challenge Cup against Fife.
“We’ll get back at it and it’ll be good to practice at home instead of having to travel so the guys can properly settle in now.”
The weekend also gave Morgan and the team the chance to meet with new Clan owner Michael O’Rourke and the Clan coach got a real sense of everyone pulling together for the same goal.
He added: “It was a really, nice treat having Mickey and his family in Belfast and getting the chance to meet them all.
“He’s a very, kind generous man and what he’s doing for the club is first class and very professional, plus he wants what’s best for the guys.
“He’s also helping to give us the resources to help set us up for success and he had the team all together on Sunday so it was another chance for some team bonding too.
“All in all, it’s been a great weekend and it’s time to get back to work for the next one.”
