NEWS: Skalde backs Dixon to take Clan forward

Former Cardiff Devils coach Jarrod Skalde reckons Glasgow Clan’s signing of Stephen Dixon will take them to the next level.

The Canadian forward has moved to Scotland after three seasons with the Devils, where he picked up two play-off winners medals.

And Skalde couldn’t have praised his former highly enough as he revealed just what kind of player the Clan are getting.

“I’m excited for him to join Glasgow Clan as I think he’s a huge step in where they want to achieve,” Skalde said.

“With his age, he’ll be a pivotal party and I think it’s a great move for both parties.

“He’s played in so many leagues all over the world and understands the game well and I believe it will be a seamless transition for him, especially already knowing the league.

“It’s a great opportunity for the Clan to add a player of his maturity and his experience.

“Malcolm knows him and I understand where he’s coming from in signing such a quality person and player.  He’ll really bring that team together and Stephen Dixon will be at the centre of that.”

Skalde was Dixon’s coach at Cardiff Devils last season until his departure in April, but knows all about what he’ll bring to Malcolm Cameron’s team.

And he reckons Glasgow’s gain is definitely Cardiff’s loss.

“The best way to describe ‘Dicko’ is he’s a high character and low maintenance,” Skalde added. “Off the ice, he’s so respected by his team-mates in fact, one of the best team-mates you could ask for.

“Guys respond to him and they love him in the room and as a coach, he’s a dream to work with.  He comes to the rink every day, does his job well and helps people along the way.

“On the ice, he’s a Swiss army knife and he makes players around him better.

“Stephen plays in the powerplay, he’s good at killing penalties, he’s probably the best face off guy in the league and the reason he keeps playing at his age is because of his hockey IQ.

“Him leaving Cardiff is definitely a blow, knowing what he brings to the locker room and the coaching staff. He brings so much to the table at a high level and Clan will definitely benefit from that.”

Photos by James Assinder and Dave Williams