BLOG: Wall of Fame, testimonial & new arrival
NEXT HOME GAME: Get ready to Rave the Rink THIS SATURDAY when the Manchester Storm come to Braehead Arena (7:00pm face-off). Tickets are available NOW online HERE, by calling 0844 499 1700 or direct at the Braehead Arena box office (Thursday 12 noon to 9pm, Friday 12 noon to 5pm and Saturday 10am to face-off).
We are delighted to welcome Lochlie Construction Group as our Official Match Sponsor on Saturday.
Hi Purple Army!
What a week it has been, starting with Ash Goldie being inducted onto the Warrior Wall of Fame on Saturday night, a superb Matt Haywood testimonial dinner at The Normandy Hotel on Sunday and then one of the best night’s I’ve ever experienced at Braehead Arena on Tuesday – in my own words, ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!
It was great to welcome Ash and his family back to Glasgow and he mentioned he was very honoured to be selected by the Purple Army to be added onto the Wall of Fame. Ash was at the club when I joined back in 2013 and was one of our marque players that season. Ash and his family will always be welcome here, I was delighted his kids got to see his banner and see him play at Braehead.
The past couple of days have been an extremely exciting, proud, emotional and reflective time for Matt, his family the club and Purple Army. I recall three years ago when myself and Matt were discussing an extended contract, the idea of a testimonial was floated and something I was very keen to do for Matt. That only seemed like five minutes ago, time certainly flies by.
Ten years at one club is a superb achievement, I knew of Matt before he joined the Clan for our inaugural season back in 2010/11. He’d just come off a very good season in the EPL with the Sheffield Steelers. So when professional hockey returned to the West of Scotland, it came as no surprise to me that Matt ended up with the EIHL’s new franchise and first permanent step to the top level.
Looking back at those ten years, there have been many ups and down which is relevant to any sporting organisation. There are very fond memories such as making our first playoff finals weekend in 2014, finishing 2nd in the EIHL during 2015, making the Champions Hockey League in 2015 – all which Matt played a pivotal part in.
Obviously things have changed for Matt, he came here young and single, and he now has a beautiful family in wife Jen and daughter Charley. Matt has made a home here in Glasgow, he gets the city, he gets the people, he gets the Clan.
Since the very first Matt Haywood testimonial event I have been highly impressed by the all the events, ideas, marketing – it’s certainly raised the bar on how to plan and carry out a testimonial. A huge well done and congratulations to Matt, Jen and everyone who made it happen. It’s hard work, it’s late nights, lots of sacrifice, but I am delighted for you all as it has been a fantastic and enjoyable to be around.
It has been superb to see all the faces from season’s past, players and families. It was a pivotal couple of days for the club also, 10 years for an organisation that a lot of people said wouldn’t work in Glasgow. We should all be very proud of what we have created here and look forward to the next exciting 10 years.
Matt, you very much deserved Tuesday night and the fantastic events that have been put on around it. I’ve now been at the club seven years, I class you as a friend, someone I respect immensely, you care about the club and I know you want nothing more than to bring major silverware here.
Thank you for all your hard work, blood, tears, sacrifice, leadership, passion, understanding and support – I am not sure Jen will like my saying this, but here is to the next ten years!
Back to the regular season, we have a huge game coming up this Saturday against the Manchester Storm at Braehead Arena. We’re very much in the battle for a playoff spot, Manchester are coming here looking for a win and are currently only two points behind us in the standings. It’s been a fantastic and positive week at the club, lets take the momentum forward and put some distance between ourselves, Manchester, Dundee and Fife.
As I mentioned in my last blog, following the season ending injury to Jordan Heywood, we have been in the market for a new defenceman. I am pleased to confirm a contract has been signed, work permit issued and we have a defenceman flying into Glasgow. The deal was agreed over a week ago, but we’ve had some negotiation to do with his current club and I also didn’t want to take any limelight away from Matt’s testimonial. Pending clearance from the IIHF, he should be in the line-up for Saturday’s game.
We need you loud and proud, as ever, THIS SATURDAY against the Manchester Storm (7:00pm face-off). Tickets are available online HERE, by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 499 1700 or direct at the Braehead Arena box office.
Thanks for your continued support!
Gareth
