NEWS: Sirant links up with Neilson on the bench

The Glasgow Clan are delighted to announce the appointment of Mike Sirant as assistant coach for the 2024/25 season.

The experienced coach, from Winnipeg, will team up with head coach Corey Neilson in the new season, as they look to take the club higher in the Elite League standings.

And Sirant, who coached the GB Under 20’s and former British Division One side Milton Keynes Kings in the early 90’s, is looking forward to his new opportunity in Glasgow.

“Firstly, I am honoured and excited to be joining the Glasgow Clan,” he said. “The signing of a highly successful coach in Corey Neilson, shows the Clan’s commitment to being a premier team in the Elite Ice Hockey League.

“I’m excited to be back coaching in the UK and I’m looking forward to working with Corey, and the leadership team off the ice to build an exciting and winning team for the loyal and passionate Purple Army fans.”

Sirant had been head coach of the University of Manitoba Bisons in Canada’s USports League for over 30 years, leaving the role last year after serving since 1992.

In fact, it won’t be the first time he will experience Braehead Arena after taking charge of Bisons when they faced the Clan in a pre-season game back in August 2017, a game his team won 7-1.

Sirant also coached the Danish national team in two editions of the World Championships, in 2006 and 2007, where he led them through the opening group stage, but they were eliminated in the qualifying phase.

He was also associate coach and assistant coach for Canada’s Universiade team in 2015 and 2019 respectively and is currently working with Brisbane Lightning in the Australian Hockey League this summer.

Head coach Corey Neilson welcomed his new number two and believes he and Sirant will work well together on the Clan bench.

“Mike is coming to us with a wealth of experience from a top-level Canadian University program,” he said.

“He was highly recommended from my close friend, Rick Strachan, who played with him in college and for him many years ago in Milton Keynes.

“During our conversations it became clear to me early on that we share values and belief systems in life and hockey, and I believe he will be a perfect complement.

“He also brings a huge network in North America to pull from in terms of recruitment, so I’m thrilled to have him on board with us.”